Best Time to Fly IAH to DCA: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
George Bush Intercontinental/Houston → Ronald Reagan Washington National
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
3,279 flights were scheduled from Houston (IAH) to Washington (DCA) in the last 12 months, and 75.0% of those that flew arrived on time, 2.6 points below the US average of 77.6%.
Among 3 airlines, Republic Airways led with 75.9% on time and PSA Airlines was last with 68.5%.
Over 24 months, Tuesday was the most reliable day (79% on time) and July the worst month (63%).
The cancellation rate was 2.0% (US average 1.8%).
IAH 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 | 75.9% | 64 min | 4.9% | 513 |
| United Airlines | 75.8% | 67 min | 0.7% | 2,406 |
| PSA Airlines | 68.5% | 107 min | 6.7% | 360 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly IAH to DCA
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 5,534 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | Limited data | 15 | |
| 6am–7am | 86.8% | 3.2% | 250 |
| 7am–8am | 92.7% | 1.4% | 761 |
| 8am–9am | Limited data | 24 | |
| 9am–10am | 81.9% | 2.0% | 750 |
| 10am–11am | 75.0% | 5.5% | 91 |
| 11am–12pm | 73.0% | 1.5% | 393 |
| 12pm–1pm | 80.7% | 0.3% | 345 |
| 2pm–3pm | 71.9% | 0.7% | 573 |
| 3pm–4pm | Limited data | 2 | |
| 4pm–5pm | 66.9% | 2.0% | 764 |
| 5pm–6pm | 57.1% | 6.0% | 234 |
| 6pm–7pm | 65.6% | 1.1% | 714 |
| 7pm–8pm | 66.8% | 1.4% | 555 |
| 8pm–9pm | 73.8% | 3.2% | 63 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on IAH 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) | 80.2% | +3.5 pts | 0.0% | 101 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 84.2% | +7.5 pts | 0.0% | 171 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 64.2% | -12.5 pts | 3.0% | 928 |
| All other days | 76.7% | — | 1.7% | 4,334 |
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).