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 Birmingham Airport (BHX) at 7.2/10.

Score comparison

Metric Chicago O'Hare International Airport Birmingham Airport
FlightLogic Score 7.4 7.2
On-Time Performance 7.0 7.0
Passenger Experience 7.2 7.1
Facilities & Comfort 7.8 7.5
Lounge Score 8.0 7.0
City Chicago Birmingham
Country United States United Kingdom
Terminals 4 terminals (T1–T3 domestic, T5 international) 1 terminal (single building)
Annual passengers 73M+ 12M+

Operational comparison

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

Policy ORD — Chicago BHX — Birmingham
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.

Birmingham, United Kingdom · BHX · #2 in this comparison

Birmingham Airport

1 terminal (single building) · 12M+ passengers/year

7.2 / 10

How good is Birmingham Airport?

Birmingham Airport (BHX) scores 7.2/10 (Very Good) on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (7.0), passenger experience (7.1), and facilities (7.5). Lounge quality rates 7.0/10. See full airport guide →

In short

Birmingham BHX scores 7.2/10 on FlightLogic — Midlands gateway with on-site rail to Birmingham New Street (~10 min). Emirates daily to Dubai. UK261 covers all departures. See /guides/birmingham-airport-lounge-guide-2026.

FlightLogic Score 7.2 Very Good
On-time 7.0 Departure reliability
Experience 7.1 Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities 7.5 Food, shops, seating
Lounges 7.0 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
7.1
Facilities & Comfort
7.5
Lounge score 7.0/10

Highlights

  • Birmingham International station — 10–15 min train to Birmingham New Street; CrossCountry and West Midlands Railway
  • Emirates daily B777 to Dubai — Midlands' primary long-haul link for Gulf connections
  • Jet2, TUI, and easyJet leisure base; Clubrooms lounge for premium passengers
  • UK261 applies — useful for Jet2 and TUI package holiday delays

Overview

Midlands gateway with single-terminal design, Birmingham International rail station on-site, and Emirates daily Dubai service.

Midlands connectivity

Birmingham serves the West Midlands and surrounding counties with a single-terminal design and direct rail link via Birmingham International station — Air-Rail Link people mover connects terminal to platforms in ~2 minutes.

Emirates operates daily Dubai service — the primary long-haul option for Midlands travellers avoiding Manchester or Heathrow positioning.

FAQ

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

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus Birmingham Airport (BHX) at 7.2/10.

Which has better lounges, ORD or BHX?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher for lounges at 8.0/10, versus Birmingham Airport at 7.0/10.

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

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has stronger on-time performance at 7.0/10 versus Birmingham Airport (BHX) at 7.0/10.