SAN (San Diego) to DCA (Washington) flights arrive on time 66% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Alaska Airlines at 66%. The average delay is 57 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by air traffic and busy airspace.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated August 2026.SAN → DCA
SAN (San Diego) to DCA (Washington)
SAN → DCA on-time performance by month
25
26
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Worse
Better
This route is delayed fairly often. About 66% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by air traffic and busy airspace.
Accurate?
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from SAN
77% on timeExpect ~20 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. SAN has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~5 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at DCA
75% on timeWhen flights into DCA are late, the average delay is 79 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at DCA: TSA is ~5 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.
Flight cancelled or delayed?
Check what Alaska Airlines owes you — refund rights, action plan, complaint email. Free.
Flying out of SAN? We'll brief you.
Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.
Know someone flying soon?
Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.
Data last updated August 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.