Which airline is most reliable for BNA (Nashville) to ORD (Chicago)?

The most reliable airline on the BNA to ORD route is Southwest Airlines, with an on-time arrival rate of 80%.

How often are flights delayed from BNA to ORD?

About 25% of flights from BNA to ORD experience delays. 75% arrive on time.

What's the average delay on BNA to ORD flights?

When flights from BNA to ORD are delayed, the average delay is approximately 87 minutes.

Is a short connection safe after a BNA to ORD flight?

With 75% of BNA to ORD flights arriving on time and an average delay of 87 minutes when late, a connection under 60 minutes at ORD is risky. We recommend at least 75-90 minutes for domestic connections after this route.

BNA → ORD

BNA (Nashville) to ORD (Chicago)

BNA (Nashville) to ORD (Chicago) flights arrive on time 75% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Southwest Airlines at 80%. The average delay is 87 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated July 2026.

BNA → ORD on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 75% of flights arrive on schedule.

Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Accurate?

Southwest Airlines is significantly more reliable on this route at 80% on time vs Frontier Airlines at 61%.

Airline Comparison

Southwest Airlines leads at 80% on time; Frontier Airlines trails at 61%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from BNA

79% on time

Expect ~16 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. BNA has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~10 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about BNA →

Arriving at ORD

75% on time

When flights into ORD are late, the average delay is 79 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at ORD: TSA is ~18 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about ORD →Connection times at ORD →

Flight cancelled or delayed?

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Flying out of BNA? We'll brief you.

Delays, TSA, weather, gates — we'll let you know if something matters.

BNA Airport ORD Airport

Check the return: ORD → BNA

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Data last updated July 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.