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Verdict

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.4/10.

Score comparison

Metric Melbourne Tullamarine Airport Chicago O'Hare International Airport
FlightLogic Score 8.1 7.4
On-Time Performance 8.0 7.0
Passenger Experience 8.1 7.2
Facilities & Comfort 8.3 7.8
Lounge Score 8.6 8.0
City Melbourne Chicago
Country Australia United States
Terminals 4 terminals (T1 international, T2–T4 domestic) 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, T5 international)
Annual passengers 37M+ 73M+

Operational comparison

Transport links, lounge access, connection times, and UK261 eligibility — verify locally before travel.

Policy MEL — Melbourne ORD — Chicago
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Melbourne, Australia · MEL · #1 in this comparison

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport

4 terminals (T1 international, T2–T4 domestic) · 37M+ passengers/year

8.1 / 10

How good is Melbourne Tullamarine Airport?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores 8.1/10 (Excellent) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (8.0), passenger experience (8.1), and facilities (8.3). Lounge quality rates 8.6/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Melbourne MEL scores 8.1/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.6/10. Qantas Business Lounge in Terminal 2 international is the premium benchmark. Allow 60+ minutes for arrival biosecurity. See /guides/melbourne-airport-lounge-guide and /reviews/qantas-first-lounge-sydney-review for Qantas ground product.

FlightLogic Score 8.1 Excellent
On-time 8.0 Departure reliability
Experience 8.1 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 8.3 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.6 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
8.0
Passenger Experience
8.1
Facilities & Comfort
8.3
Lounge score 8.6/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 2 international serves Qantas, Emirates, and oneworld partners
  • Qantas Business Lounge with Neil Perry-influenced dining — companion to Sydney First Lounge review
  • UK–Melbourne direct on Qantas and BA; common one-stop via Singapore or Doha
  • SkyBus to Melbourne CBD in 30–45 minutes

Overview

Australia's second international gateway — Qantas Business and First lounges in Terminal 2 international, strong oneworld hub for UK–Australia routings.

Terminal 2 international and Qantas lounges

Terminal 2 handles international departures for Qantas, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and oneworld partners. Qantas Business Lounge offers buffet and à la carte dining with Australian produce.

Domestic connections require terminal transfer (T2→T1/T3/T4) with re-security — plan 90+ minutes for domestic connections after international arrival.

Chicago, United States · ORD · #2 in this comparison

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, T5 international) · 73M+ passengers/year

7.4 / 10

How good is Chicago O'Hare International Airport?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores 7.4/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0), passenger experience (7.2), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 8.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Chicago O'Hare (ORD) scores 7.4/10 on FlightLogic with lounge score 8.0/10. All international flights depart Terminal 5 — alliance lounges serve Star Alliance and oneworld partners. United Polaris is in Terminal 1 only. See /guides/ord-airport-lounge-guide.

FlightLogic Score 7.4 Very Good
On-time 7.0 Departure reliability
Experience 7.2 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 8.0 Lounge quality
Rating basis Editorial FlightLogic methodology

Score breakdown

Modelled on industry airport indices — on-time data, facilities ratings, and editorial experience signals combined into a single FlightLogic score.

On-Time Performance
7.0
Passenger Experience
7.2
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 8.0/10

Highlights

  • Terminal 5 handles all international departures — Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam alliance lounges
  • United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 for United long-haul business class — not reachable airside from T5
  • Common connection point for UK–US domestic and UK–Asia routings via United and American
  • ORD people mover links terminals landside — plan 60+ minutes for terminal changes

Overview

United Airlines and American Airlines mega-hub — Terminal 5 international departures with Star Alliance and oneworld lounges for transatlantic connections.

Terminal 5 international hub

Terminal 5 consolidates international departures with Swissport-operated alliance lounges for Star Alliance, oneworld, and SkyTeam. United and American domestic connections require landside terminal transfer and re-security.

UK travellers connecting to US domestic flights should allow 2+ hours minimum for immigration, baggage reclaim if not interlined, and re-check.

More comparisons

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Compare Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) against 59 other airports

FAQ

Which is better, Melbourne Tullamarine Airport or Chicago O'Hare International Airport?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher overall at 8.1/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.4/10.

Which has better lounges, MEL or ORD?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) scores higher for lounges at 8.6/10, versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport at 8.0/10.

Which airport is more on-time, MEL or ORD?

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) has stronger on-time performance at 8.0/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.0/10.