Which airline is most reliable for SMF (Sacramento) to BUR (Burbank)?

The most reliable airline on the SMF to BUR route is Southwest Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 86%.

How often are flights delayed from SMF to BUR?

About 14% of flights from SMF to BUR experience delays. 86% arrive on time.

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

When flights from SMF to BUR are delayed, the average delay is approximately 52 minutes.

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

With 86% of SMF to BUR flights arriving on time and an average delay of 52 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at BUR is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

Is SMF (Sacramento) to BUR (Burbank) usually delayed?

No, SMF to BUR flights are generally reliable. 86% arrive on time, which is above average. When delays do occur, they average 52 minutes.

What airline is most reliable on SMF (Sacramento) to BUR (Burbank)?

Southwest Airlines is the most reliable airline flying SMF to BUR, with 86% of flights arriving on time. The least reliable is Spirit Airlines at 78%.

What's the best month to fly SMF (Sacramento) to BUR (Burbank)?

The best month to fly SMF to BUR is February, when 89% of flights arrive on time. The worst month is December at 82% on time. If your schedule is flexible, flying in February gives you the best odds of an on-time arrival.

SMF → BUR

SMF (Sacramento) to BUR (Burbank)

SMF (Sacramento) to BUR (Burbank) flights arrive on time 86% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Southwest Airlines at 86%. The average delay is 52 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by late incoming aircraft.

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated November 2026.

SMF → BUR on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is usually on time. About 86% of flights arrive on schedule.

Delays on this route are most often caused by late incoming aircraft.

Accurate?

Southwest Airlines edges out Spirit Airlines on this route — 86% vs 78% on time.

Airline Comparison

Southwest Airlines leads at 86% on time; Spirit Airlines trails at 78%.

Accurate?

Best & worst months to fly SMF → BUR

Best month

February

89% on time

Worst month

December

82% on time

Feb

89%

Jan

87%

Mar

87%

Aug

86%

Nov

86%

Jul

86%

Apr

86%

Jun

85%

May

85%

Sep

85%

Oct

84%

Dec

82%

Good to know

Departing from SMF

82% on time

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

More about SMF →

Arriving at BUR

82% on time

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

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

More about BUR →Connection times at BUR →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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

Claim your free flight report

Delay risk, connection odds, TSA wait, gate info — personalized for your flight.

Free. One email. No spam.

Flying out of SMF? We'll brief you.

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

SMF Airport BUR Airport

Check the return: BUR → SMF

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 November 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.