ORD (Chicago) to SMF (Sacramento) flights arrive on time 77% of the time. The most reliable airline on this route is American Airlines at 79%. The average delay is 62 minutes. Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Updated May 2026.ORD → SMF
ORD (Chicago) to SMF (Sacramento)
ORD → SMF on-time performance by month
This route is on time most of the time. About 77% of flights arrive on schedule.
Delays on this route are most often caused by the incoming plane arriving late.
Airlines are roughly equal on this route — American Airlines leads slightly at 79% vs United Airlines at 77%.
Airline Comparison
American Airlines leads at 79% on time; United Airlines trails at 77%.
Good to know
Departing from ORD
80% on timeExpect ~20 min sitting on the taxiway after your gate pushes back. ORD has long runway queues.
TSA is currently ~34 min. Best time: 4 AM (about 5 min).
Arriving at SMF
82% on timeWhen flights into SMF are late, the average delay is 58 minutes. Build buffer if you have ground plans.
If connecting at SMF: TSA is ~15 min right now. Allow at least 60 minutes for a domestic connection.
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Data last updated May 2026. Source: Bureau of Transportation Statistics.