Which airline is most reliable for JFK (New York) to LAX (Los Angeles)?

The most reliable airline on the JFK to LAX route is American Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 85%.

How often are flights delayed from JFK to LAX?

About 18% of flights from JFK to LAX experience delays. 82% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on JFK to LAX flights?

When flights from JFK to LAX are delayed, the average delay is approximately 77 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a JFK to LAX flight?

With 82% of JFK to LAX flights arriving on time and an average delay of 77 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at LAX is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

JFK → LAX

JFK (New York) to LAX (Los Angeles)

JFK (New York) to LAX (Los Angeles) flights arrive on time 82% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is American Airlines at 85%. The average delay is 77 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated April 2026.

JFK → LAX on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 82% of flights arrive on schedule.

Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Accurate?

American Airlines edges out Frontier Airlines on this route — 85% vs 73% on time.

Airline Comparison

American Airlines leads at 85% on time; Frontier Airlines trails at 73%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from JFK

78% on time

Expect ~22 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. JFK has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~32 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

JFK cancels 2.3% of flights — higher than average. Have a backup plan.

More about JFK →

Arriving at LAX

82% on time

When flights into LAX are late, the average delay is 68 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at LAX: TSA is ~20 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about LAX →Connection times at LAX →

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Data last updated April 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.