Best Time to Fly DAL to ATL: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Dallas Love Field → Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
3,350 flights were scheduled from Dallas (DAL) to Atlanta (ATL) in the last 12 months, and 78.4% of those that flew arrived on time, 0.8 points above the US average of 77.6%.
Delta Air Lines was the most punctual of the 2 airlines on the route at 81.4%, while Southwest Airlines trailed at 74.9%.
September has been the best month (85% on time) and Sunday the weakest day of the week (75%).
2.0% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
DAL to ATL 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 | 81.4% | 92 min | 2.2% | 1,828 |
| Southwest Airlines | 74.9% | 58 min | 1.7% | 1,522 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DAL to ATL
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 6,882 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | 81.6% | 2.9% | 140 |
| 6am–7am | 90.4% | 1.5% | 892 |
| 7am–8am | 88.0% | 1.6% | 449 |
| 8am–9am | 91.0% | 1.2% | 328 |
| 9am–10am | 90.3% | 1.5% | 262 |
| 10am–11am | 83.7% | 1.8% | 668 |
| 11am–12pm | 85.0% | 2.6% | 430 |
| 12pm–1pm | 80.4% | 1.9% | 675 |
| 1pm–2pm | 71.0% | 3.6% | 111 |
| 2pm–3pm | 81.2% | 1.2% | 325 |
| 3pm–4pm | 71.0% | 0.8% | 631 |
| 4pm–5pm | 66.8% | 2.3% | 436 |
| 5pm–6pm | 60.5% | 0.3% | 307 |
| 6pm–7pm | 73.4% | 2.2% | 804 |
| 7pm–8pm | 55.5% | 1.4% | 223 |
| 8pm–9pm | 57.9% | 2.2% | 136 |
| 9pm–10pm | 66.7% | 0.0% | 36 |
| 10pm–11pm | 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 DAL to ATL
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) | 83.5% | +3.7 pts | 0.0% | 127 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 75.0% | -4.7 pts | 0.4% | 261 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 74.6% | -5.1 pts | 1.8% | 1,197 |
| All other days | 79.7% | — | 1.8% | 5,297 |
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).