Which airline is most reliable for SFO (San Francisco) to SMF (Sacramento)?

The most reliable airline on the SFO to SMF route is SkyWest Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 82%.

How often are flights delayed from SFO to SMF?

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

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

When flights from SFO to SMF are delayed, the average delay is approximately 70 minutes.

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

With 82% of SFO to SMF flights arriving on time and an average delay of 70 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at SMF is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

SFO → SMF

SFO (San Francisco) to SMF (Sacramento)

SFO (San Francisco) to SMF (Sacramento) flights arrive on time 82% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is SkyWest Airlines at 82%. The average delay is 70 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated October 2026.

SFO → SMF 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?

SkyWest Airlines is significantly more reliable on this route at 82% on time vs United Airlines at 64%.

Airline Comparison

SkyWest Airlines leads at 82% on time; United Airlines trails at 64%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from SFO

76% on time

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

TSA is currently ~27 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about SFO →

Arriving at SMF

82% on time

When flights into SMF are late, the average delay is 58 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at SMF: TSA is ~20 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about SMF →Connection times at SMF →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

Check what SkyWest Airlines owes you — refund rights, action plan, complaint email. Free.

Flying out of SFO? We'll brief you.

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

SFO Airport SMF Airport

Check the return: SMF → SFO

Flying this route?

Enter your flight number for a personalized delay briefing.

Check your flight

Know someone flying soon?

Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.

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