Best Time to Fly DSM to ORD: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Des Moines International → Chicago O'Hare International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
3,411 flights were scheduled from Des Moines (DSM) to Chicago (ORD) in the last 12 months, and 73.9% of those that flew arrived on time, 3.7 points below the US average of 77.6%.
Among 5 airlines, American Airlines led with 85.5% on time and SkyWest Airlines was last with 67.1%.
Over 24 months, Tuesday was the most reliable day (81% on time) and December the worst month (66%).
The cancellation rate was 4.1% (US average 1.8%).
DSM to ORD 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | 85.5% | 148 min | 5.2% | 232 |
| Republic Airways | 79.5% | 98 min | 4.5% | 581 |
| Envoy Air | 76.1% | 73 min | 3.2% | 495 |
| United Airlines | 74.6% | 78 min | 1.9% | 989 |
| SkyWest Airlines | 67.1% | 113 min | 6.1% | 1,113 |
| PSA Airlines | Limited data | 1 | ||
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly DSM to ORD
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 5,867 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12am–1am | Limited data | 1 | |
| 5am–6am | 86.1% | 3.0% | 541 |
| 6am–7am | 87.5% | 2.9% | 420 |
| 7am–8am | 77.9% | 2.7% | 219 |
| 8am–9am | 84.3% | 1.8% | 849 |
| 9am–10am | 82.8% | 4.7% | 128 |
| 10am–11am | 73.4% | 2.7% | 112 |
| 11am–12pm | 77.8% | 1.6% | 814 |
| 12pm–1pm | 71.9% | 2.4% | 125 |
| 1pm–2pm | 77.9% | 3.5% | 376 |
| 2pm–3pm | 71.1% | 3.4% | 208 |
| 3pm–4pm | 74.4% | 1.7% | 703 |
| 4pm–5pm | 70.6% | 1.0% | 103 |
| 5pm–6pm | 59.7% | 4.4% | 136 |
| 6pm–7pm | 63.9% | 4.2% | 853 |
| 7pm–8pm | 52.5% | 8.9% | 157 |
| 8pm–9pm | 68.8% | 6.8% | 117 |
| 9pm–10pm | Limited data | 5 | |
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 ORD
On-time arrivals during holiday periods compared with all other days, last 24 months.
| Period | On time | vs other days | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving week (Tue before to Mon after) | 57.5% | -20.8 pts | 15.8% | 95 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 75.5% | -2.8 pts | 4.5% | 154 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 68.7% | -9.6 pts | 3.8% | 1,126 |
| All other days | 78.3% | — | 2.4% | 4,492 |
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).