Best Time to Fly ORD to DSM: On-Time Stats by Hour & Airline
Chicago O'Hare International → Des Moines International
Data through July 2026 · Last updated October 18, 2026
3,413 flights were scheduled from Chicago (ORD) to Des Moines (DSM) in the last 12 months, and 71.3% of those that flew arrived on time, 6.3 points below the US average of 77.6%.
Republic Airways was the most punctual of the 5 airlines on the route at 76.1%, while American Airlines trailed at 62.9%.
September has been the best month (83% on time) and Friday the weakest day of the week (70%).
3.8% of flights were cancelled, versus 1.8% nationally.
ORD to DSM 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Airways | 76.1% | 69 min | 4.1% | 582 |
| Envoy Air | 74.7% | 62 min | 3.2% | 496 |
| United Airlines | 74.1% | 70 min | 1.8% | 990 |
| SkyWest Airlines | 66.4% | 75 min | 5.4% | 1,113 |
| American Airlines | 62.9% | 120 min | 4.3% | 231 |
| PSA Airlines | Limited data | 1 | ||
80%+ good 70–79.9% fair <70% poor
Best time of day to fly ORD to DSM
On-time arrival % by scheduled departure hour (local time), 5,872 flights over 24 months.
Show the numbers
| Departure hour | On time | Cancelled | Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12am–1am | Limited data | 2 | |
| 6am–7am | 81.6% | 3.4% | 146 |
| 7am–8am | 78.4% | 2.3% | 172 |
| 8am–9am | 83.6% | 1.6% | 186 |
| 9am–10am | 84.0% | 1.8% | 720 |
| 10am–11am | 82.8% | 1.9% | 207 |
| 11am–12pm | 79.0% | 3.1% | 261 |
| 12pm–1pm | 81.0% | 1.6% | 430 |
| 1pm–2pm | 83.9% | 0.8% | 503 |
| 2pm–3pm | 75.2% | 1.7% | 173 |
| 3pm–4pm | 69.7% | 1.1% | 90 |
| 4pm–5pm | 69.3% | 3.5% | 952 |
| 5pm–6pm | 66.5% | 5.1% | 196 |
| 6pm–7pm | 69.3% | 3.8% | 213 |
| 7pm–8pm | 65.2% | 4.3% | 187 |
| 8pm–9pm | 64.8% | 1.9% | 807 |
| 9pm–10pm | 61.1% | 4.2% | 240 |
| 10pm–11pm | 54.1% | 5.3% | 358 |
| 11pm–12am | Limited data | 29 | |
Best day of the week
24 months, by day of departure.
Best month to fly
24 months, by calendar month.
Holiday travel on ORD to DSM
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) | 64.2% | -11.5 pts | 14.7% | 95 |
| Christmas & New Year (Dec 20 - Jan 3) | 73.3% | -2.4 pts | 4.5% | 154 |
| Summer peak (Jun 15 - Aug 15) | 64.7% | -11.0 pts | 3.8% | 1,126 |
| All other days | 75.7% | — | 2.2% | 4,497 |
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).