Best Time to Fly LAX to DTW: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Los Angeles International → Detroit Metro Wayne County
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
2,451 flights were scheduled from Los Angeles (LAX) to Detroit (DTW) in the last 12 months, and 82.5% of those that flew arrived on time, 4.9 points above the US average of 77.6%.
Delta Air Lines was the most punctual of the 2 airlines on the route at 83.6%, while Spirit Airlines trailed at 78.3%.
September has been the best month (92% on time) and Monday the weakest day of the week (81%).
1.1% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
LAX to DTW 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 | 83.6% | 62 min | 0.8% | 1,963 |
| Spirit Airlines | 78.3% | 87 min | 2.3% | 486 |
| American Airlines | Limited data | 2 | ||
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly LAX to DTW
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 5,218 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12am–1am | 58.1% | 4.6% | 65 |
| 5am–6am | 91.6% | 0.4% | 492 |
| 6am–7am | 89.9% | 0.9% | 319 |
| 7am–8am | 89.1% | 1.3% | 233 |
| 8am–9am | 85.4% | 0.0% | 214 |
| 9am–10am | 89.8% | 0.0% | 552 |
| 10am–11am | 90.8% | 0.0% | 120 |
| 11am–12pm | 84.0% | 0.2% | 453 |
| 12pm–1pm | 82.7% | 0.8% | 478 |
| 1pm–2pm | 72.6% | 1.9% | 108 |
| 2pm–3pm | 82.5% | 0.0% | 172 |
| 3pm–4pm | 78.0% | 0.6% | 530 |
| 4pm–5pm | 89.3% | 0.0% | 84 |
| 5pm–6pm | 76.3% | 0.0% | 38 |
| 8pm–9pm | Limited data | 2 | |
| 9pm–10pm | 81.0% | 2.5% | 404 |
| 10pm–11pm | 79.3% | 0.4% | 786 |
| 11pm–12am | 81.8% | 1.2% | 168 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on LAX to DTW
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) | 87.1% | +2.2 pts | 0.0% | 93 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 74.4% | -10.5 pts | 2.2% | 224 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 81.1% | -3.8 pts | 0.7% | 930 |
| All other days | 84.9% | — | 0.6% | 3,971 |
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).