SEA to SFO on-time performance
Flights from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO) arrive on time an estimated 73% of the time — that is, within 15 minutes of schedule. The estimated average arrival delay is 14 minutes and about 1.2% of flights are cancelled. Scheduled flight time is around 120 minutes, with roughly 19 departures a day. On-time performance is usually best in September and worst in January. These route figures are estimates derived from the endpoint airports' US DOT BTS on-time data (full-year 2024); verify against the BTS source — see methodology.
Source: US DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics — Airline On-Time Performance. Data as of full-year 2024 (latest complete BTS year).
SEA–SFO performance metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| On-time arrival rate | 73% |
| Average departure delay | 16 min |
| Average arrival delay | 14 min |
| Cancellation rate | 1.2% |
| Scheduled flight time | 120 min |
| Flights per day (approx.) | 19 |
| Best month for on-time | September |
| Worst month for on-time | January |
Source: US DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics — Airline On-Time Performance. Data as of full-year 2024 (latest complete BTS year).
Airlines on this route
The main carriers operating SEA–SFO are: Alaska, United, Delta. Schedules change seasonally.
How to read these numbers
The on-time rate counts the share of flights arriving within 15 minutes of the scheduled gate time, excluding cancellations and diversions — the US DOT standard. A higher rate and lower average delay mean a more reliable schedule. Delays cluster in winter (weather) and peak summer travel; building in a connection buffer of at least 60–90 minutes is sensible on routes below 75% on-time.
Frequently asked questions
What is the on-time rate from SEA to SFO?
An estimated 73% of SEA–SFO flights arrive within 15 minutes of schedule (the US DOT on-time definition). This is derived from the endpoint airports' US DOT BTS on-time performance for full-year 2024 — verify against the live BTS data before relying on it.
Which months have the most delays on SEA–SFO?
On-time performance is typically weakest in January and best in September for this route.
Which airlines fly SEA to SFO?
The main carriers operating this route are: Alaska, United, Delta. Schedules change seasonally.
How is "on-time" defined here?
A flight is on-time if it arrives less than 15 minutes after its scheduled gate arrival and is not cancelled or diverted — the US DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics standard.
Related routes
Last updated: 2026-06-13