Chicago ORD Flight Delays and Cancellations: What You Need to Know

Don't despair if Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD) delays or cancellations keep you grounded. There are air passenger protections in place, to make sure you're treated fairly and make it to your destination. And we're here to help by ensuring that you receive any compensation you're entitled to following your delay.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

• Your rights under the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations for domestic travel.

• How EU 261 protections may apply to flights to and from Europe.

• What to do if you experience travel disruptions or baggage issues at ORD.

Click below to find out exactly what you're owed, and have our expert team help you get it.

• Chicago O'Hare Airport: Flight Delays Over the Past Week

• DOT Rules for Delayed Domestic Flights

• EU 261 Protections for Delayed International Flights

• How Much Compensation Can You Get for ORD Flight Delays?

• What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed at ORD

Chicago O'Hare Airport: Flight Delays Over the Past Week

Recent flight performance at Chicago O'Hare Airport can help you plan better and know your rights. In the last seven days, here’s how flights at ORD performed:

Key insights:

• Domestic Flights: 5909 total flights, with 25 (0.42%) experiencing delays over three hours.

• International Flights: 715 total flights, with 2 (0.28%) delayed by more than three hours.

If your flight was delayed by more than three hours, you might be entitled to compensation or assistance, depending on the circumstances and applicable regulations.

DOT Rules for Delayed Domestic Flights

The DOT does not require airlines to compensate passengers for delayed flights. However, it does mandate refunds and assistance from the airline if the delay is caused by factors within their control (crew scheduling, maintenance, fueling, etc.).

• Refunds: If your flight is delayed significantly and you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a refund.

• Assistance: Airlines may offer meal vouchers or accommodations for long delays, though it’s not legally required for all cases.

In the past, the term “significantly delayed” was determined on a case-by-case basis. Now, clearer rules have been established:

• A delay of three hours or more for domestic flights

• A delay of six hours or more for international flights

In these cases, passengers are entitled to an automatic ticket refund.

Additionally, for “controllable delays,” airlines must rebook passengers on an alternative flight and provide assistance, such as meals and beverages. Some airlines also offer extra support, like hotel accommodations if necessary, travel vouchers, and more.

Read more about flight delay compensation.

EU 261 Protections for Delayed International Flights

Flights to and from Europe may be covered under European Regulation 261 (EC 261). In addition to requiring airlines to provide various forms of assistance to passengers, it also allows for monetary compensation of up to €600 (~$650).

For flights covered under EU 261, compensation is available if:

• Your flight arrives 3+ hours late at the final destination.

• The airline is responsible for the delay (e.g., operational or technical issues).

To work out if your delay is eligible you need to work out how late your flight was when it arrived at your final destination. That's because EC 261 is based on how delayed you were reaching your destination, compared to the scheduled time. It's not necessarily about the hours waiting because of delays in O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

How Much Compensation Can You Get for ORD Flight Delays?

What to Do If Your Flight Is Delayed at ORD

• Collect proof of the delay (e.g. emails from the airline, photos of the departure board, written confirmation of the delay from your airline, etc.).

• Pay attention to what the airline offers you — accepting certain benefits could compromise your right to compensation

• Keep receipts for any necessary purchases (e.g., food, accommodation).

• Use AirHelp’s free eligibility checker to see if you can claim compensation.

• Chicago O'Hare Airport: Canceled Flights Over the Past Week

• DOT Rules for Domestic Cancellations

• EU 261 Protections for International Cancellations

• How Much Compensation Can You Get for ORD Flight Cancellations?

• What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)

Chicago O'Hare Airport: A Look at Canceled Flights This Past Week

Understanding recent trends at Chicago O'Hare Airport helps you stay informed and prepared. Here’s an overview of flight cancellations over the past week:

Key Insights:

• Domestic Flights: 5909 total flights, with 4 cancellations, representing 0.07% of domestic flights.

• International Flights: 715 total flights, with 5 cancellations, representing 0.70% of international flights.

If your flight was canceled, you may be entitled to a refund or compensation, depending on the circumstances and applicable regulations.

DOT Rules for Domestic Cancellations

Even for canceled flights, the DOT does not require compensation for passengers. However, under its regulations, airlines must:

• Offer a refund if your flight is canceled and you choose not to rebook.

• Provide assistance if the cancellation is within the airline’s control.

Examples:

If your flight from ORD to New York is canceled due to crew shortages, the airline must rebook you on another flight or refund your ticket.

EU 261 Protections for International Cancellations

Firstly, the airline must offer you an alternative flight to your destination, or a refund, if that's what you'd prefer.

If your flight was canceled at late notice you may also be entitled to up to €600 (~$650) per person for the inconvenience.

When Can You Claim Compensation for Flight Cancellations?

You may qualify for compensation under EU 261 if:

• You were notified of the cancellation less than 14 days before departure.

• The airline is at fault (e.g., operational issues, staff shortages).

The airline can avoid paying compensation if they were able to offer you an alternative flight which would get you to your destination at a very similar time to your original arrival time.

Read more about flight cancellation compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Get for ORD Flight Cancellations?

As outlined above in the case of delays, the exact amount depends also on the flight distance. Use our compensation checker below to see if you're eligible and determine the amount.

What to Do If Your Flight Is Canceled at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)

• Collect proof of the cancellation (e.g. emails from the airline, photos of the departure board, written confirmation from your airline, etc.).

• Confirm your rebooking or refund options.

• Pay attention to what the airline offers you — accepting certain benefits could compromise your right to compensation.

• Keep receipts for any necessary purchases (e.g., food, accommodation).

• Contact AirHelp to check your eligibility for compensation and file your claim.

EC 261 applies not only to European citizens but to all passengers on certain flights. For instance, if your flight departed from an EU airport or you were traveling to Europe on an EU airline, you are also covered under EC 261.

The table below clarifies which flights at Chicago O'Hare Airport ORD fall under EU 261 coverage:

Overbooking is where airlines sell more tickets than there are seats, anticipating some no-shows. This is a common practice among airlines, but it can lead to passengers being denied boarding.

Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage can be another source of frustration at O'Hare International Airport. For baggage issues, passenger rights on domestic flights within the United States are governed by Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. International flights, on the other hand, fall under the Montreal Convention. In both cases, airlines are responsible for compensating passengers for baggage-related problems:

• Delayed Baggage: You can claim reimbursement for essential items purchased while waiting for your baggage.

• Lost Baggage: Compensation is available for the total value of lost items, up to a certain limit.

• Damaged Baggage: Airlines are liable for repair or replacement costs.

If you’d like to learn more, we recommend visiting our page dedicated to compensation for lost, delayed, or damaged baggage.

To stay prepared for unexpected travel issues, AirHelp created AirLuggage—luggage insurance made simple. Receive a fast payout in case of luggage disruption, and we’ll also assist you in claiming up to $1,950 from the airline for lost, delayed, or damaged bags.

AirHelp…

• Is the world’s largest flight compensation company.

• Works with lawyers in 35+ countries.

• Uses state-of-the-art technology to pursue each claim.

• Takes the stress out of the claim process.

• Fights for passenger rights.

Plus, we operate on a no win, no fee basis, eliminating the risk for you completely. So if you need help to get your flight compensation due to a strike, fill out our form today.

We’re always here to help.

O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States, connecting passengers to destinations across the globe. It is renowned for its extensive domestic and international flight network.

Key Features of ORD

• Location: 10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666

• Terminals: 4 passenger terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5)

• Airlines: Hosts over 80 domestic and international airlines, a hub for United Airlines and American Airlines

• Passenger Traffic: nearly 74 million passengers (based on 2023 data)

• Destinations: Over 230 domestic and international destinations

• Facilities: Dining, shopping, lounges, a yoga room, and airport hotels

• Transportation: Accessible by car, CTA Blue Line, Metra, shuttles, taxis, and ride-share options.

Quick facts about O'Hare International Airport

• Airport Code: ORD

• Opened: 1944

• Runways: 8 (longest runway: 13,000 ft)

• Wi-Fi: Complimentary and available throughout the airport

• Baggage Services: Multiple baggage claim areas, luggage storage, and assistance services

• Nearby Attractions: Millennium Park, Willis Tower, and Lake Michigan.