DSM (Des Moines) to ORD (Chicago) flights arrive on time 79% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is American Airlines at 85%. The average delay is 77 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated March 2026.DSM → ORD
DSM (Des Moines) to ORD (Chicago)
DSM → ORD on-time performance by month
This route is on time most of the time. About 79% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).
American Airlines edges out SkyWest Airlines on this route — 85% vs 74% on time.
Airline Comparison
American Airlines leads at 85% on time; SkyWest Airlines trails at 74%.
Good to know
Departing from DSM
81% on timeExpect ~17 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. DSM has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~5 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at ORD
80% on timeWhen flights into ORD are late, the average delay is 76 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at ORD: TSA is ~5 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
Know before you go
Flying DSM → ORD? We'll brief you before takeoff.
Know someone flying soon?
Send them the link — delay data, TSA waits, weather, all free.
Data last updated March 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.