Which airline is most reliable for SEA (Seattle) to SAN (San Diego)?

The most reliable airline on the SEA to SAN route is Delta Air Lines, with an on-time arrival rate of 84%.

How often are flights delayed from SEA to SAN?

About 20% of flights from SEA to SAN experience delays. 80% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on SEA to SAN flights?

When flights from SEA to SAN are delayed, the average delay is approximately 48 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a SEA to SAN flight?

With 80% of SEA to SAN flights arriving on time and an average delay of 48 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at SAN is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

SEA → SAN

SEA (Seattle) to SAN (San Diego)

SEA (Seattle) to SAN (San Diego) flights arrive on time 80% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Delta Air Lines at 84%. The average delay is 48 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated October 2026.

SEA → SAN on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 80% of flights arrive on schedule.

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

Accurate?

Delta Air Lines is significantly more reliable on this route at 84% on time vs Southwest Airlines at 54%.

Airline Comparison

Delta Air Lines leads at 84% on time; Southwest Airlines trails at 54%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from SEA

81% on time

Expect ~20 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. SEA has long runway queues.

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

More about SEA →

Arriving at SAN

78% on time

When flights into SAN are late, the average delay is 60 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at SAN: TSA is ~5 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about SAN →Connection times at SAN →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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Flying out of SEA? We'll brief you.

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

SEA Airport SAN Airport

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