Best Time to Fly ATL to DSM: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International → Des Moines International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
Over the last 12 months, 84.7% of Atlanta (ATL) to Des Moines (DSM) flights arrived on time (1,251 scheduled flights). That is 7.1 points above the national average of 77.6%.
Delta Air Lines was the only reporting airline with regular flights on this route.
Over 24 months, Wednesday was the most reliable day (89% on time) and June the worst month (77%).
The cancellation rate was 2.4% (US average 1.8%).
ATL to DSM on-time performance by airline
Last 12 months. Airlines with fewer than 30 completed flights are marked “limited data”.
| Airline | On time | Avg delay when late | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 84.7% | 59 min | 2.4% | 1,251 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly ATL to DSM
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 2,482 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8am–9am | 88.9% | 0.0% | 37 |
| 9am–10am | 88.4% | 1.1% | 637 |
| 10am–11am | Limited data | 13 | |
| 11am–12pm | 84.2% | 5.0% | 40 |
| 12pm–1pm | 90.6% | 0.0% | 361 |
| 1pm–2pm | Limited data | 10 | |
| 2pm–3pm | 87.0% | 0.0% | 55 |
| 3pm–4pm | 86.6% | 1.8% | 114 |
| 4pm–5pm | 77.8% | 2.6% | 501 |
| 6pm–7pm | Limited data | 1 | |
| 7pm–8pm | Limited data | 12 | |
| 9pm–10pm | 79.0% | 2.0% | 701 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on ATL to DSM
On-time arrivals during holiday periods compared with all other days, last 24 months.
| Period | On time | vs other days | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving week (Tue before to Mon after) | 79.2% | -5.9 pts | 2.0% | 49 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 83.3% | -1.8 pts | 1.8% | 56 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 79.5% | -5.7 pts | 1.8% | 457 |
| All other days | 85.1% | — | 1.5% | 1,920 |
Monthly on-time trend
On-time arrival % each month, with the 12-month US average for reference.
What causes delays on this route
Share of reported delay minutes, last 12 months (BTS cause categories).