SFO (San Francisco) to PHL (Philadelphia) flights arrive on time 84% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is United Airlines at 88%. The average delay is 68 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.SFO → PHL
SFO (San Francisco) to PHL (Philadelphia)
SFO → PHL on-time performance by month
This route is on time most of the time. About 84% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
United Airlines edges out American Airlines on this route — 88% vs 81% on time.
Airline Comparison
United Airlines leads at 88% on time; American Airlines trails at 81%.
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 PHL
79% on timeWhen flights into PHL are late, the average delay is 79 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at PHL: TSA is ~5 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
Know before you go
Flying SFO → PHL? We'll brief you before takeoff.
Know someone flying soon?
Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.
Data last updated March 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.