Best Time to Fly DCA to LGA: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Ronald Reagan Washington National → LaGuardia
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
4,832 flights were scheduled from Washington (DCA) to New York (LGA) in the last 12 months, and 66.8% of those that flew arrived on time, 10.8 points below the US average of 77.6%.
Delta Air Lines was the most punctual of the 2 airlines on the route at 89.0%, while Republic Airways trailed at 66.5%.
September has been the best month (84% on time) and Thursday the weakest day of the week (66%).
5.9% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
DCA to LGA 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 | 89.0% | 70 min | 3.5% | 85 |
| Republic Airways | 66.5% | 76 min | 5.9% | 4,723 |
| American Airlines | Limited data | 24 | ||
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DCA to LGA
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 9,318 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | Limited data | 6 | |
| 6am–7am | 88.0% | 3.5% | 888 |
| 7am–8am | 85.2% | 1.3% | 302 |
| 8am–9am | 78.5% | 2.3% | 1,044 |
| 9am–10am | 83.0% | 2.9% | 139 |
| 10am–11am | 83.6% | 2.9% | 584 |
| 11am–12pm | 82.5% | 2.3% | 975 |
| 12pm–1pm | 65.9% | 3.5% | 319 |
| 1pm–2pm | 58.5% | 5.8% | 617 |
| 2pm–3pm | 69.4% | 5.0% | 793 |
| 3pm–4pm | 72.8% | 4.0% | 222 |
| 4pm–5pm | Limited data | 14 | |
| 5pm–6pm | 56.9% | 7.5% | 1,141 |
| 6pm–7pm | 51.6% | 10.2% | 313 |
| 7pm–8pm | 54.5% | 11.3% | 736 |
| 8pm–9pm | 59.2% | 7.2% | 544 |
| 9pm–10pm | 63.5% | 7.5% | 80 |
| 10pm–11pm | 73.5% | 8.8% | 601 |
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 LGA
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) | 77.3% | +5.9 pts | 0.0% | 163 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 71.0% | -0.4 pts | 1.0% | 195 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 69.0% | -2.4 pts | 11.9% | 1,653 |
| All other days | 71.4% | — | 4.1% | 7,307 |
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).