SFO (San Francisco) to DTW (Detroit) flights arrive on time 83% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Delta Air Lines at 84%. The average delay is 63 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.SFO → DTW
SFO (San Francisco) to DTW (Detroit)
SFO → DTW on-time performance by month
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This route is on time most of the time. About 83% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).
Accurate?
Airlines are roughly equal on this route — Delta Air Lines leads slightly at 84% vs United Airlines at 82%.
Airline Comparison
Delta Air Lines leads at 84% on time; United Airlines trails at 82%.
Accurate?
Good to know
Departing from SFO
80% on timeExpect ~20 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. SFO has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~5 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at DTW
84% on timeWhen flights into DTW are late, the average delay is 75 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at DTW: 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.