Best Time to Fly DSM to MDW: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Des Moines International → Chicago Midway International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
Over the last 12 months, 80.9% of Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago (MDW) flights arrived on time (290 scheduled flights). That is 3.3 points above the national average of 77.6%.
Southwest Airlines was the only reporting airline with regular flights on this route.
April has been the best month (89% on time) and Thursday the weakest day of the week (72%).
1.7% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
DSM to MDW on-time performance by airline
Last 12 months. Airlines with fewer than 30 completed flights are marked “limited data”.
| Airline | On time | Avg delay when late | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | 80.9% | 73 min | 1.7% | 290 |
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DSM to MDW
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 290 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5am–6am | 89.6% | 2.0% | 148 |
| 6am–7am | Limited data | 1 | |
| 1pm–2pm | Limited data | 1 | |
| 3pm–4pm | 82.0% | 0.0% | 50 |
| 4pm–5pm | 66.7% | 2.2% | 90 |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on DSM to MDW
On-time arrivals during holiday periods compared with all other days, last 24 months.
| Period | On time | vs other days | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 79.6% | -2.0 pts | 1.1% | 94 |
| All other days | 81.6% | — | 2.0% | 196 |
Monthly on-time trend
On-time arrival % each month, with the 12-month US average for reference.
What causes delays on this route
Share of reported delay minutes, last 12 months (BTS cause categories).