Best Time to Fly DSM to ATL: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Des Moines International → Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
1,252 flights were scheduled from Des Moines (DSM) to Atlanta (ATL) in the last 12 months, and 89.3% of those that flew arrived on time, 11.7 points above the US average of 77.6%.
Delta Air Lines was the only reporting airline with regular flights on this route.
August has been the best month (95% on time) and Sunday the weakest day of the week (86%).
2.4% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
DSM 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 | 89.3% | 102 min | 2.4% | 1,252 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DSM to ATL
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 2,483 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | 91.3% | 2.1% | 715 |
| 10am–11am | 88.9% | 0.0% | 36 |
| 11am–12pm | 89.3% | 0.9% | 644 |
| 12pm–1pm | Limited data | 7 | |
| 1pm–2pm | Limited data | 27 | |
| 2pm–3pm | 89.2% | 0.0% | 374 |
| 3pm–4pm | Limited data | 3 | |
| 4pm–5pm | 89.3% | 0.0% | 56 |
| 5pm–6pm | 88.0% | 1.7% | 120 |
| 6pm–7pm | 80.9% | 2.6% | 501 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on DSM 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) | 83.0% | -5.8 pts | 2.0% | 49 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 87.5% | -1.3 pts | 1.8% | 57 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 86.0% | -2.8 pts | 1.8% | 457 |
| All other days | 88.8% | — | 1.5% | 1,920 |
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).