Des Moines (DSM) to Atlanta (ATL): On-Time Performance
Data through May 2026
Des Moines (DSM) to Atlanta (ATL) effectively runs on two schedules. In August 2024, 98% of arrivals were on time; in July 2024 that fell to 73% — a 25-point seasonal swing. Across the full period the route averages 88% on-time against a national 78%.
- On-time
- 88%
- arrived <15 min late
- Avg delay
- 14 min
- completed flights
- Cancelled
- 1.7%
- Flights/day
- 3.4
- last 12 months
- Duration
- 2h 11m
- scheduled
- Distance
- 743 mi
Monthly on-time trend
Best time to fly from DSM to ATL
Aim for departures around 4 p.m. (92% on-time); avoid 6 p.m. departures (81%).
By day of week
| Day | On-time | Avg delay |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 89% | 11 min |
| Tuesday | 87% | 12 min |
| Wednesday | 89% | 15 min |
| Thursdaybest | 90% | 9 min |
| Friday | 86% | 16 min |
| Saturday | 88% | 13 min |
| Sunday | 86% | 24 min |
What causes delays on this route
Share of total delay minutes by cause, as reported by carriers to the US DOT.
- Late-arriving aircraft32%
- Airline operations51%
- National airspace system12%
- Weather6%
Frequently asked questions
- How often are flights from DSM to ATL delayed?
- 12% of DSM–ATL flights arrived 15 or more minutes late (the US DOT definition of a delay) between 2024-06 and 2026-05. The average arrival delay across completed flights was 14 minutes.
- What is the best time of day to fly from DSM to ATL?
- Departures around 4 p.m. have the best record (92% on-time), while departures around 6 p.m. have the worst (81%). As on most US routes, delays accumulate through the day, so earlier flights are generally safer.
- How long is the flight from DSM to ATL?
- The scheduled DSM–ATL flight time averages 2h 11m over 743 miles. Actual arrival times vary — flights on this route land 15+ minutes late 12% of the time.
- How often are DSM to ATL flights cancelled?
- 1.7% of scheduled flights on this route were cancelled between 2024-06 and 2026-05, slightly above the national rate of 1.6%.
- What is the worst month to fly from DSM to ATL?
- July 2024 was the roughest month in this dataset, with only 73% of arrivals on time. The best was August 2024 at 98%. If your dates are flexible, that 25-point gap is worth planning around.
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Based on 2,455 flights, 2024-06–2026-05. Source: US DOT Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated 2026-07-01.