Which airline is most reliable for DTW (Detroit) to ORD (Chicago)?

The most reliable airline on the DTW to ORD route is Republic Airways, with an on-time arrival rate of 88%.

How often are flights delayed from DTW to ORD?

About 21% of flights from DTW to ORD experience delays. 79% arrive on time.

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

When flights from DTW to ORD are delayed, the average delay is approximately 81 minutes.

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

With 79% of DTW to ORD flights arriving on time and an average delay of 81 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.

DTW → ORD

DTW (Detroit) to ORD (Chicago)

DTW (Detroit) to ORD (Chicago) flights arrive on time 79% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is Republic Airways at 88%. The average delay is 81 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the airline (crew, maintenance, or boarding).

Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated April 2026.

DTW → ORD on-time performance by month

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Worse

Better

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).

Accurate?

Republic Airways is significantly more reliable on this route at 88% on time vs United Airlines at 65%.

Airline Comparison

Republic Airways leads at 88% on time; United Airlines trails at 65%.

Accurate?

Good to know

Departing from DTW

84% on time

Expect ~17 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. DTW has long runway queues.

TSA is currently ~11 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).

More about DTW →

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 ~33 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.

More about ORD →Connection times at ORD →

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