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 81%.

How often are flights delayed from BNA to ORD?

About 22% of flights from BNA to ORD experience delays. 78% 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 84 minutes.

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

With 78% of BNA to ORD flights arriving on time and an average delay of 84 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 78% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Southwest Airlines at 81%. The average delay is 84 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated April 2026.

BNA → ORD on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

This route is on time most of the time. About 78% 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 81% on time vs Frontier Airlines at 61%.

Airline Comparison

Southwest Airlines leads at 81% on time; Frontier Airlines trails at 61%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from BNA

80% on time

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

TSA is currently ~19 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about BNA →

Arriving at ORD

80% on time

When flights into ORD are late, the average delay is 76 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.

If connecting at ORD: TSA is ~21 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about ORD →Connection times at ORD →

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BNA Airport ORD Airport

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