PHL (Philadelphia) to SFO (San Francisco) flights arrive on time 76% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 79%. The average delay is 68 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by air traffic and busy airspace.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.PHL → SFO
PHL (Philadelphia) to SFO (San Francisco)
PHL → SFO on-time performance by month
This route is on time most of the time. About 76% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by air traffic and busy airspace.
Airlines are roughly equal on this route — United Airlines leads slightly at 79% vs American Airlines at 75%.
Airline Comparison
United Airlines leads at 79% on time; American Airlines trails at 75%.
Good to know
Departing from PHL
79% on timeExpect ~19 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. PHL has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~5 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at SFO
80% on timeWhen flights into SFO are late, the average delay is 67 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at SFO: TSA is ~5 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
Know before you go
Flying PHL → SFO? We'll brief you before takeoff.
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Data last updated March 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.