Best Time to Fly MSP to DCA: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Minneapolis-St Paul International → Ronald Reagan Washington National
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
2,600 flights were scheduled from Minneapolis (MSP) to Washington (DCA) in the last 12 months, and 74.4% of those that flew arrived on time, 3.2 points below the US average of 77.6%.
Republic Airways was the most punctual of the 5 airlines on the route at 76.9%, while American Airlines trailed at 61.5%.
September has been the best month (86% on time) and Thursday the weakest day of the week (69%).
3.0% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
MSP to DCA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Airways | 76.9% | 51 min | 4.1% | 196 |
| Delta Air Lines | 76.0% | 61 min | 1.9% | 1,698 |
| PSA Airlines | 71.4% | 158 min | 5.8% | 504 |
| Envoy Air | 67.1% | 65 min | 4.3% | 161 |
| American Airlines | 61.5% | 73 min | 4.9% | 41 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly MSP to DCA
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 4,988 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | 70.8% | 7.1% | 182 |
| 6am–7am | 84.1% | 2.8% | 177 |
| 7am–8am | 85.2% | 2.0% | 804 |
| 8am–9am | Limited data | 1 | |
| 9am–10am | Limited data | 5 | |
| 10am–11am | 84.9% | 1.2% | 746 |
| 11am–12pm | 76.2% | 1.9% | 107 |
| 12pm–1pm | 77.3% | 3.9% | 335 |
| 1pm–2pm | Limited data | 8 | |
| 2pm–3pm | 75.7% | 1.1% | 699 |
| 3pm–4pm | 63.6% | 5.3% | 209 |
| 4pm–5pm | Limited data | 6 | |
| 5pm–6pm | 59.5% | 7.4% | 435 |
| 6pm–7pm | 62.0% | 1.9% | 563 |
| 7pm–8pm | 87.9% | 2.9% | 34 |
| 8pm–9pm | 70.6% | 2.2% | 677 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on MSP to DCA
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) | 63.6% | -13.5 pts | 1.1% | 89 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 74.4% | -2.8 pts | 1.1% | 183 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 65.8% | -11.3 pts | 4.8% | 860 |
| All other days | 77.2% | — | 2.4% | 3,856 |
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).