Best Time to Fly IAH to DSM: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
George Bush Intercontinental/Houston → Des Moines International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
346 flights were scheduled from Houston (IAH) to Des Moines (DSM) in the last 12 months, and 76.6% of those that flew arrived on time, 1.0 points below the US average of 77.6%.
United Airlines was the only reporting airline with regular flights on this route.
Over 24 months, Tuesday was the most reliable day (78% on time) and August the worst month (54%).
The cancellation rate was 0.9% (US average 1.8%).
IAH to DSM 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | 76.8% | 62 min | 0.9% | 345 |
| SkyWest Airlines | Limited data | 1 | ||
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly IAH to DSM
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 634 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11am–12pm | Limited data | 13 | |
| 12pm–1pm | Limited data | 1 | |
| 4pm–5pm | Limited data | 1 | |
| 5pm–6pm | Limited data | 1 | |
| 7pm–8pm | 66.1% | 2.6% | 113 |
| 8pm–9pm | 76.2% | 0.6% | 505 |
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 DSM
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 | 12 | ||
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | Limited data | 1 | ||
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 67.2% | -10.0 pts | 1.6% | 125 |
| All other days | 77.2% | — | 0.8% | 496 |
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).