Which airline is most reliable for JFK (New York) to SFO (San Francisco)?

The most reliable airline on the JFK to SFO route is American Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 81%.

How often are flights delayed from JFK to SFO?

About 22% of flights from JFK to SFO experience delays. 78% arrive on time.

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

When flights from JFK to SFO are delayed, the average delay is approximately 74 minutes.

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

With 78% of JFK to SFO flights arriving on time and an average delay of 74 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at SFO is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

JFK → SFO

JFK (New York) to SFO (San Francisco)

JFK (New York) to SFO (San Francisco) flights arrive on time 78% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is American Airlines at 81%. The average delay is 74 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated July 2026.

JFK → SFO on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 78% of flights arrive on schedule.

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

Accurate?

Airlines are roughly equal on this route — American Airlines leads slightly at 81% vs Alaska Airlines at 77%.

Airline Comparison

American Airlines leads at 81% on time; Alaska Airlines trails at 77%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from JFK

78% on time

Expect ~23 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. JFK has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~25 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

JFK cancels 2.4% of flights — higher than average. Have a backup plan.

More about JFK →

Arriving at SFO

78% on time

When flights into SFO are late, the average delay is 69 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

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

More about SFO →Connection times at SFO →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

Check what American Airlines owes you — refund rights, action plan, complaint email. Free.

Flying out of JFK? We'll brief you.

Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.

JFK Airport SFO Airport

Check the return: SFO → JFK

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