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Chicago O'Hare International Airport vs East Midlands Airport
Detailed comparison of ORD and EMA on FlightLogic scores and passenger experience.
Verdict
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
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 Score7.4Very Good
On-time7.0Departure reliability
Experience7.2Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities7.8Food, shops, seating
Lounges8.0Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic 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 score8.0/10
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.
Derby, United Kingdom · EMA · #2 in this comparison
East Midlands Airport (EMA) scores 6.7/10 (Good)
on FlightLogic's airport index — combining on-time performance (6.5),
passenger experience (6.6), and facilities (6.9).
Lounge quality rates 6.4/10. See full airport guide →
In short
East Midlands EMA scores 6.7/10 — Nottingham/Derby/Leicester gateway. Ryanair and Jet2 hub. Aspire Lounge for Priority Pass. Bus and rail via East Midlands Parkway. UK261 applies.
FlightLogic Score6.7Good
On-time6.5Departure reliability
Experience6.6Staff, queues, cleanliness
Facilities6.9Food, shops, seating
Lounges6.4Lounge quality
Rating basisEditorialFlightLogic 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
6.5
Passenger Experience
6.6
Facilities & Comfort
6.9
Lounge score6.4/10
Highlights
Serves Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Lincolnshire without Birmingham or East Coast rail positioning
Ryanair and Jet2 base — dense Europe and Mediterranean leisure network
UK261 on all UK departures; compare /airports/birmingham for Emirates long-haul
Overview
Midlands cargo and leisure airport between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester — Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI with strong DHL freight operations.
Midlands positioning
EMA sits between the M1 and A50 with bus links to Nottingham and Derby. East Midlands Parkway rail station is a short bus ride — useful for London St Pancras connections via LNER.
For long-haul, Birmingham (7.2/10) offers daily Emirates to Dubai; EMA is short-haul focused.
FAQ
Which is better, Chicago O'Hare International Airport or East Midlands Airport?
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher overall at 7.4/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.7/10.
Which has better lounges, ORD or EMA?
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) scores higher for lounges at 8.0/10, versus East Midlands Airport at 6.4/10.
Which airport is more on-time, ORD or EMA?
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has stronger on-time performance at 7.0/10 versus East Midlands Airport (EMA) at 6.5/10.
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