A system and method can control a transmission during a flying engine start. The method includes receiving a request for an internal combustion engine to be started while a vehicle is solely driven by an electric motor-generator. Further, the method determining a time lapse between a moment when a first clutch starts to be filled and a moment when a second clutch starts to be filled such that the first clutch and the second clutch reach first and second clutch pressure thresholds, respectively, at substantially the same time. The method includes transferring transmission fluid to the first clutch and transferring transmission fluid to the second clutch after the determined time lapse has passed since the first clutch started to be filled.