Which airline is most reliable for SFO (San Francisco) to ATL (Atlanta)?

The most reliable airline on the SFO to ATL route is United Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 85%.

How often are flights delayed from SFO to ATL?

About 18% of flights from SFO to ATL experience delays. 82% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on SFO to ATL flights?

When flights from SFO to ATL are delayed, the average delay is approximately 71 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a SFO to ATL flight?

With 82% of SFO to ATL flights arriving on time and an average delay of 71 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at ATL is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

SFO → ATL

SFO (San Francisco) to ATL (Atlanta)

SFO (San Francisco) to ATL (Atlanta) flights arrive on time 82% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 85%. The average delay is 71 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated July 2026.

SFO → ATL on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 82% of flights arrive on schedule.

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

Accurate?

United Airlines is significantly more reliable on this route at 85% on time vs Frontier Airlines at 58%.

Airline Comparison

United Airlines leads at 85% on time; Frontier Airlines trails at 58%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from SFO

78% on time

Expect ~21 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. SFO has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~20 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about SFO →

Arriving at ATL

80% on time

When flights into ATL are late, the average delay is 72 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at ATL: TSA is ~30 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about ATL →Connection times at ATL →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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SFO Airport ATL Airport

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