Why flights get delayed at ORD
Winter weather
Snow, ice and low cloud slow arrivals and add de-icing time through the winter months.
Summer thunderstorms
Lines of storms crossing the Midwest regularly trigger FAA ground delay programs and ground stops.
Two big hubs in one airport
Both United and American run connecting hubs here, so the schedule has little slack and delays compound through the day.
Flying through ORD soon? How to prepare
- Time it well.
- Know your airline's commitments. Check what your airline has promised for delays and cancellations in our airline policy guides, or see how to check it yourself.
- Line up a backup. Note the next couple of flights on your route and the alternate airports below before you leave home.
- Connecting here? Keep both flights on one ticket and choose a layover with room to spare above the minimum connection time.
The full list is in our pre-trip checklist.
Airlines most affected
Chicago O'Hare is a hub or major base for United Airlines and American Airlines. When the airport slows down, these airlines have the most flights to re-plan, but they also have the most later departures to rebook you onto. What you are offered during a delay depends on the carrier.
Check the live status
- The FAA shows current ground stops and delay programs for ORD at nasstatus.faa.gov.
- Departure boards, terminal and security information are on the official Chicago O'Hare website.
If your flight is delayed or cancelled at ORD
- Find the real cause. Ask the gate agent, then compare it with the FAA status above. The cause decides what the airline owes you: see is it really a weather delay?
- Know your refund right. If the flight is cancelled, or delayed three hours or more (six for international), you can decline to travel and get your money back.
- Line up alternatives first. Look at later flights, other airlines and the alternate airports below before you reach the desk.
- Ask for what the airline has committed to. For delays within its control, that usually means a meal after three hours and a hotel overnight. Here is what to say.
The full walkthrough is in what to do when your flight is delayed.
Alternate airports near ORD
If flights out of Chicago O'Hare are sold out or cancelled, these airports are within a realistic drive. Distances are approximate road miles. See how to switch airports without losing your booking.
| Airport | Code | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Midway | MDW | about 25 miles |
| Milwaukee Mitchell | MKE | about 75 miles |