Which airline is most reliable for MKE (Milwaukee) to DCA (Washington)?

The most reliable airline on the MKE to DCA route is Southwest Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 81%.

How often are flights delayed from MKE to DCA?

About 21% of flights from MKE to DCA experience delays. 79% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on MKE to DCA flights?

When flights from MKE to DCA are delayed, the average delay is approximately 95 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a MKE to DCA flight?

With 79% of MKE to DCA flights arriving on time and an average delay of 95 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at DCA is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

MKE → DCA

MKE (Milwaukee) to DCA (Washington)

MKE (Milwaukee) to DCA (Washington) flights arrive on time 79% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Southwest Airlines at 81%. The average delay is 95 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated August 2026.

MKE → DCA on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 79% 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 — Southwest Airlines leads slightly at 81% vs PSA Airlines at 77%.

Airline Comparison

Southwest Airlines leads at 81% on time; PSA Airlines trails at 77%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from MKE

79% on time

Expect ~18 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. MKE has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~18 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about MKE →

Arriving at DCA

75% on time

When flights into DCA are late, the average delay is 79 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at DCA: TSA is ~7 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

DCA has a 3.2% cancellation rate — keep the airline app handy for rebooking.

More about DCA →Connection times at DCA →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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

Flying out of MKE? We'll brief you.

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

MKE Airport DCA Airport

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