FlightLogic

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FlightLogic is an independent, advertising-supported information service that lets you compare airlines, airports, hotels, and travel products. We do not provide financial advice and we do not recommend specific products or providers. Links marked * are advertising links and may earn us commission at no extra cost to you — always read the terms of any product before booking or applying. Learn more about how we make money.

Verdict

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at 7.3/10. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is more reliable for on-time departures (7.1/10).

Score comparison

Metric Chicago O'Hare International Airport Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.4 7.3
On-Time Performance 7.0 7.1
Passenger Experience 7.2 7.0
Facilities & Comfort 7.8 7.8
Lounge Score 8.0 7.9
City Chicago Atlanta
Country United States United States
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, T5 international) Domestic + International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson)
Annual passengers 73M+ 104M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy ORD — Chicago ATL — Hartsfield-Jackson
Rail / public transport
To city centre
Lounge day pass
Min. connection time
Primary hub carriers

Detailed profiles

Chicago, United States · ORD · #1 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-2026.

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.

Atlanta, United States · ATL · #2 in this comparison

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Domestic + International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson) · 104M+ passengers/year

7.3 / 10

How good is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) scores 7.3/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.1), passenger experience (7.0), and facilities (7.8). Lounge quality rates 7.9/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Atlanta ATL is rated 7.3/10 on FlightLogic — the world's busiest airport. Delta Sky Club network serves premium passengers; International Terminal F for foreign carriers. Allow 75+ minutes for domestic connections. See /guides/atlanta-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.3 Very Good
On-time 7.1 Departure reliability
Experience 7.0 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.8 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.9 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
7.1
Passenger Experience
7.0
Facilities & Comfort
7.8
Lounge score 7.9/10

Highlights

  • Delta operates 75%+ of ATL traffic — Sky Club locations throughout domestic concourses
  • International Terminal (Terminal F) handles all foreign carriers and Delta long-haul
  • Domestic connections typically stay airside within 45–75 minutes on Delta
  • UK travellers connect via Delta partners from LHR and MAN

Overview

World's busiest airport by passenger volume — Delta Air Lines fortress hub with Sky Club network and efficient domestic connections.

Delta hub and International Terminal

Delta's ATL hub uses Concourses A–E for domestic and short-haul international. The separate International Terminal (Concourse F) handles all foreign-flag carriers and Delta long-haul to Europe and Asia.

Sky Club locations span multiple concourses — access is terminal-specific. Amex Centurion is in Concourse E for domestic Delta departures.

FAQ

Which is better, Chicago O'Hare International Airport or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at 7.3/10. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is more reliable for on-time departures (7.1/10).

Which has better lounges, ORD or ATL?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher for lounges at 8.0/10, versus Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport at 7.9/10.

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

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) has stronger on-time performance at 7.1/10 versus Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) at 7.0/10.