Best Time to Fly DSM to DCA: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Des Moines International → Ronald Reagan Washington National
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
702 flights were scheduled from Des Moines (DSM) to Washington (DCA) in the last 12 months, and 77.9% of those that flew arrived on time, in line with the US average of 77.6%.
Envoy Air was the most punctual of the 3 airlines on the route at 83.1%, while PSA Airlines trailed at 76.4%.
April has been the best month (88% on time) and Friday the weakest day of the week (74%).
5.3% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
DSM 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Envoy Air | 83.1% | 74 min | 3.8% | 80 |
| Republic Airways | 78.4% | 65 min | 3.1% | 228 |
| PSA Airlines | 76.4% | 123 min | 6.8% | 394 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DSM to DCA
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 1,396 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | 67.2% | 9.2% | 65 |
| 6am–7am | 86.7% | 5.9% | 593 |
| 7am–8am | Limited data | 22 | |
| 8am–9am | Limited data | 5 | |
| 10am–11am | Limited data | 4 | |
| 12pm–1pm | 76.1% | 3.3% | 210 |
| 1pm–2pm | 67.7% | 6.7% | 179 |
| 2pm–3pm | 58.8% | 10.5% | 38 |
| 3pm–4pm | 68.8% | 5.2% | 271 |
| 4pm–5pm | Limited data | 9 | |
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 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) | Limited data | 23 | ||
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | Limited data | 30 | ||
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 73.2% | -5.7 pts | 9.3% | 246 |
| All other days | 78.9% | — | 4.8% | 1,097 |
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).