SAN (San Diego) to SMF (Sacramento) flights arrive on time 78% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Spirit Airlines at 81%. The average delay is 52 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.SAN → SMF
SAN (San Diego) to SMF (Sacramento)
SAN → SMF on-time performance by month
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25
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
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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 incoming plane arriving late.
Accurate?
Spirit Airlines edges out Alaska Airlines on this route — 81% vs 72% on time.
Airline Comparison
Spirit Airlines leads at 81% on time; Alaska Airlines trails at 72%.
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from SAN
80% on timeExpect ~18 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 SMF
82% on timeWhen flights into SMF are late, the average delay is 58 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at SMF: TSA is ~5 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
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Data last updated March 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.