Best Time to Fly DSM to LAX: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Des Moines International → Los Angeles International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
303 flights were scheduled from Des Moines (DSM) to Los Angeles (LAX) in the last 12 months, and 71.2% of those that flew arrived on time, 6.4 points below the US average of 77.6%.
SkyWest Airlines was the only reporting airline with regular flights on this route.
Over 24 months, Wednesday was the most reliable day (77% on time) and December the worst month (63%).
The cancellation rate was 0.3% (US average 1.8%).
DSM 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SkyWest Airlines | 71.2% | 127 min | 0.3% | 303 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DSM to LAX
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 308 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | Limited data | 1 | |
| 7am–8am | Limited data | 1 | |
| 1pm–2pm | Limited data | 2 | |
| 2pm–3pm | Limited data | 12 | |
| 3pm–4pm | 73.4% | 0.6% | 170 |
| 6pm–7pm | 67.0% | 0.0% | 118 |
| 8pm–9pm | Limited data | 4 | |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on DSM 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) | Limited data | 7 | ||
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | Limited data | 15 | ||
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 64.7% | -9.8 pts | 0.0% | 51 |
| All other days | 74.5% | — | 0.0% | 235 |
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).