Best Time to Fly PHL to DCA: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Philadelphia International → Ronald Reagan Washington National
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
Over the last 12 months, 58.2% of Philadelphia (PHL) to Washington (DCA) flights arrived on time (789 scheduled flights). That is 19.5 points below the national average of 77.6%.
Republic Airways was the most punctual of the 2 airlines on the route at 68.8%, while PSA Airlines trailed at 54.7%.
September has been the best month (86% on time) and Sunday the weakest day of the week (66%).
4.3% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
PHL 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 | 68.8% | 69 min | 2.1% | 188 |
| PSA Airlines | 54.7% | 83 min | 5.0% | 601 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly PHL to DCA
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 2,095 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | 88.0% | 1.6% | 246 |
| 6am–7am | 74.7% | 2.1% | 93 |
| 8am–9am | Limited data | 24 | |
| 9am–10am | 95.1% | 0.0% | 41 |
| 10am–11am | 87.2% | 0.8% | 394 |
| 11am–12pm | Limited data | 2 | |
| 12pm–1pm | Limited data | 14 | |
| 1pm–2pm | Limited data | 14 | |
| 2pm–3pm | 60.3% | 0.0% | 63 |
| 3pm–4pm | 57.1% | 2.3% | 345 |
| 4pm–5pm | 88.5% | 0.8% | 131 |
| 5pm–6pm | Limited data | 11 | |
| 6pm–7pm | 63.8% | 4.5% | 426 |
| 7pm–8pm | 50.5% | 10.0% | 241 |
| 8pm–9pm | 44.2% | 14.0% | 50 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on PHL 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) | 65.8% | -6.8 pts | 0.0% | 38 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 70.4% | -2.3 pts | 1.2% | 82 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 65.7% | -7.0 pts | 7.9% | 329 |
| All other days | 72.6% | — | 2.5% | 1,646 |
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).