Best Time to Fly DCA to LAX: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Ronald Reagan Washington National → Los Angeles International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
1,454 flights were scheduled from Washington (DCA) to Los Angeles (LAX) in the last 12 months, and 75.9% of those that flew arrived on time, 1.8 points below the US average of 77.6%.
American Airlines was the most punctual of the 3 airlines on the route at 78.2%, while Alaska Airlines trailed at 69.4%.
October has been the best month (85% on time) and Wednesday the weakest day of the week (74%).
1.7% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
DCA to LAX 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 78.2% | 68 min | 1.4% | 728 |
| Delta Air Lines | 77.9% | 108 min | 2.5% | 362 |
| Alaska Airlines | 69.4% | 62 min | 1.6% | 364 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DCA to LAX
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 2,910 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8am–9am | 81.7% | 0.7% | 860 |
| 9am–10am | 73.2% | 1.9% | 596 |
| 4pm–5pm | 77.0% | 2.0% | 496 |
| 5pm–6pm | 75.1% | 1.2% | 929 |
| 6pm–7pm | Limited data | 29 | |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on DCA to LAX
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) | 82.7% | +3.3 pts | 0.0% | 52 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 75.9% | -3.5 pts | 0.8% | 118 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 65.5% | -13.9 pts | 2.0% | 493 |
| All other days | 79.4% | — | 1.3% | 2,247 |
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).