Are you a traveler seeking the cheapest time to fly to Chicago 2024? Known for its stunning skyline, vibrant arts scene, and deep-dish pizza, Chicago offers something for everyone. Several factors influence the best budget times to book your flights when planning your trip, including seasonal demand, local events, and weather conditions.
Understanding these elements can help you secure the best deals on airfare. Keep reading this article to explore the cheapest time to fly to Chicago, ensuring your next adventure is affordable and unforgettable!
Cheapest Time to Book Flights to Chicago in 2024
There are two main factors to consider when finding the cheapest time to fly to Chicago. The time of year plays a significant role, with January and February generally being the most affordable months to fly to Chicago. Although winter temperatures can be pretty low, there are fewer tourists, leading to more ticket availability for events. Conversely, summer is the most expensive time to visit, with July being the peak month for flights to Chicago.
In addition to the time of year, the timing of your booking can significantly impact flight prices. It is typically best to book your flight 1 to 2 months in advance, ideally between 55 and 109 days before departure. Last-minute bookings and weekend reservations should be avoided, as they tend to be more expensive.
Cheapest Day of the Week to Fly to Chicago
To secure the best deals on flights, it’s essential to consider the cheapest day of the week to book and the time to purchase your tickets. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are generally the most economical days to book flights. Airlines often release their deals on Monday evenings, prompting other airlines to match those prices on Tuesday, resulting in lower fares.
As for the time of day to book, the best practice is to aim for early morning or late at night. Many travelers are more active during the day, leading to higher demand and potentially higher prices. You may increase your chances of finding better deals by booking flights during off-peak hours, such as before 7 a.m. or after 10 p.m.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Chicago in 2024 with Average Prices
Here are 8 of the cheapest airlines that fly to Chicago, along with average round-trip prices you can expect (based on searches conducted in 2024, and subject to change):
- Spirit Airlines (average price: $40): Spirit Airlines is a popular budget airline known for its cheap fares, but be aware that they often charge extra fees for things like seat selection, checked bags, and carry-on
- Frontier Airlines (average price: $70): Frontier Airlines is another budget airline offering competitive fares on Chicago flights. Like Spirit, Frontier also charges extra fees for many amenities.
- Allegiant Air (average price: $90): Allegiant Air is a low-cost carrier that flies to smaller airports, so keep that in mind when considering this option.
- Southwest Airlines (average price: $120): Southwest Airlines is a popular airline known for its two free checked bags, comfortable seating, and friendly customer service. However, its fares tend to be a bit higher than those of some of the other budget airlines.
- JetBlue (average price: $130): JetBlue is another airline that offers a good balance of price and amenities. They include one free checked bag on most fares and are known for their comfortable seating and inflight entertainment options.
- United Airlines (average price: $150): United Airlines is a major airline that offers a variety of routes and amenities to Chicago. While their fares are a bit higher than those of some of the budget airlines, you can often find good deals if you are flexible with your travel dates and times.
- American Airlines (average price: $160): American Airlines is another major airline that offers a variety of routes and amenities to Chicago. Similar to United Airlines, you can find deals if you are flexible with your travel.
- Delta Airlines (average price: $170): Delta Airlines is a major airline that is known for its reliability and customer service. They offer a variety of routes and amenities to Chicago, but their fares are typically the highest on this list.
Keep in mind that these are just average prices, and the actual cost of your flight will vary depending on a number of factors, including the time of year you travel, the specific route you take, and how far in advance you book your flight.
Pros & Cons of Flying the Cheapest Time to Fly to Chicago
Pros:
- Significantly cheaper flights and potentially lower accommodation rates: Flights and hotels can be substantially cheaper during winter compared to peak season (summer). This allows you to stretch your travel budget further and potentially enjoy other experiences in Chicago.
- Fewer crowds: Popular tourist attractions and city streets will be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed sightseeing experience.
- Unique winter experiences: Chicago transforms into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for ice skating, attending festive holiday markets, and enjoying cozy winter activities.
Cons:
- Cold and potentially harsh weather: Chicago winters are known for being cold, with freezing temperatures, snow, and strong winds. Be prepared to bundle up and ensure you pack appropriate clothing. This weather may not be ideal for everyone, especially those not accustomed to the cold.
- Limited outdoor activities: Some outdoor attractions may have limited hours or be closed during winter. Activities like boat tours or cruises on Lake Michigan may not be available.
- Shorter daylight hours: Daylight hours are significantly shorter in the winter, so you’ll have less natural light to explore the city. This can impact sightseeing plans.
Additional Tips to Book the Cheapest Flights to Chicago
- Be flexible with your travel dates and times: If you aren’t tied to specific dates, consider flying on weekdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheapest) and during off-peak hours (early mornings or red-eye flights).
- Consider alternative airports: Chicago has two main airports: O’Hare International (ORD) and Midway International (MDW). Check prices for both airports, as sometimes flying into the smaller Midway can be significantly cheaper, especially for budget airlines.
- Sign up for email alerts and fare tracking: Many airlines and travel websites offer email alerts that notify you when prices drop for your desired route. You can also use fare tracking tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor price fluctuations and be notified of potential savings.
- Explore alternative travel options: Consider nearby airports to Chicago or even flying into a different city and taking a bus or train to Chicago. This can sometimes be cheaper, especially if you find a good deal on a connecting flight.
- Clear your browsing history and cookies: Airlines and travel websites sometimes use cookies to track your searches and inflate prices after you’ve shown interest in a particular route. Consider using a private browsing window or clearing your cookies before searching for flights.
- Be open to layovers: Direct flights are often more expensive. Consider flights with one or even two layovers, especially if the layovers are short and the overall travel time isn’t drastically longer.
- Hack your credit card rewards: Some travel credit cards offer rewards points or miles that can be redeemed for free or discounted flights. Consider using a travel rewards card to accumulate points towards your Chicago trip.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding the cheapest time to fly to Chicago and save money on your Windy City adventure!
Share this BlogFrequently Asked Questions
The cheapest time to fly to Chicago from the UK is during the off-peak months of January, February, and early March, with additional savings available in late spring (April to early June) and early fall (September to early October), especially when booking 3 to 6 months in advance and choosing to travel on weekdays, particularly Tuesday and Wednesday, to avoid the higher fares associated with weekend flights.
Yes, flying on Tuesdays and Wednesdays often results in cheaper fares compared to weekends, as midweek flights tend to have lower demand.
Booking your flight about 1-3 months in advance is usually recommended to secure the best deals. For peak travel seasons, booking even earlier can be beneficial.
Yes, prices typically increase during holidays and major events like the Chicago Marathon or Lollapalooza, so it’s best to avoid these dates if you’re looking for cheaper flights.
