Route guide

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Seattle | EazAir

Travellers

Chicago to Seattle flight insights

Average flight time

~4h 14m (estimated)

ORD → SEA

Cheapest month

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$145

Checking live fares…

Prices shown may not be current. Last checked: Sep 5, 2026.

Planning a trip from Chicago to Seattle? The average flight time on this route is ~4h 14m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $145 (last checked Sep 5, 2026).

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from Chicago to Seattle on Eazair
OriginChicago (ORD)
DestinationSeattle (SEA)
Average Flight Time
Cheapest Month to Fly
Current Lowest Fare$145
Fares Last CheckedSep 5, 2026

Flight deals from Chicago to Seattle

Departing from either O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW), travelers head directly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Direct flights from Chicago to Seattle are readily available through carriers like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines. Passengers preferring to fly out of Midway can often find Southwest Airlines routes connecting through other regional hubs before landing in Washington state. The typical nonstop flight duration from Chicago to Seattle is approximately four hours and thirty minutes, covering an aerial distance of roughly 1,730 miles. Because this route crosses multiple time zones, passengers leave the Central Time Zone and arrive in the Pacific Time Zone, gaining two hours upon landing at Sea-Tac. Early morning departures from Illinois often allow travelers to arrive in King County with the entire afternoon ahead of them. Summer represents the peak travel season for this corridor, with July and August seeing the highest passenger volumes as tourists leave the Midwest for mild Pacific Northwest weather. Fares typically spike during these high-demand summer months, as well as around late-year holidays. To secure cheaper tickets from Chicago to Seattle, budget-conscious travelers should consider flying in late January or February, avoiding the peak demand periods and maximizing savings on partner OTA platforms.

View of Seattle, a popular flight destination from Chicago

About Seattle

Popular areas to know in Seattle include Capitol Hill, Ballard, and Fremont.

Mild, wet winters and dry, mild summers — the Pacific Northwest's rainy reputation is strongest from October through April.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the direct flight from Chicago to Seattle?
A direct flight from Chicago to Seattle typically takes about four hours and thirty minutes. Connecting itineraries will increase your total travel time depending on the layover city.
Which airlines operate nonstop flights from Chicago to Seattle?
United Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines frequently operate nonstop service between O'Hare International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Which airports will I use when flying from Chicago to Seattle?
You will depart from either O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
When is the best time to book cheap flights from Chicago to Seattle?
For the lowest fares, aim to book your tickets from Chicago to Seattle at least four to six weeks in advance of your desired departure date, particularly if traveling during the peak summer season.
What are the standard baggage allowances for a flight from Chicago to Seattle?
Most carriers flying between Chicago and Seattle include one personal item for free in basic economy. Standard economy tickets usually permit a carry-on bag, while checked luggage typically requires an additional fee starting around 35 USD.
Are morning or evening flights from Chicago to Seattle cheaper?
Early morning departures before 7:00 AM or late-night red-eye flights from Chicago to Seattle often price lower than mid-day flights, though this varies based on daily demand and the operating carrier.
What is the total flight distance from Chicago to Seattle?
The direct flight distance between Chicago and Seattle is approximately 1,730 miles, crossing the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains before descending into the Pacific Northwest.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Seattle?
January and February are generally the cheapest months to travel from Chicago to Seattle, as passenger demand drops significantly following the busy winter holiday season.
Where are common layovers on connecting flights from Chicago to Seattle?
If you do not book a direct route from Chicago to Seattle, you will likely encounter layovers in cities such as Denver, Minneapolis, or Salt Lake City.
How does the time zone change affect a flight from Chicago to Seattle?
Chicago observes Central Time while Seattle observes Pacific Time. You will gain two hours on your journey from Chicago to Seattle, making your local arrival time earlier than your actual flight duration would suggest.
How do I get to downtown upon arriving from Chicago to Seattle?
After flying from Chicago to Seattle, you can take the Link Light Rail from Sea-Tac Airport directly into downtown, which takes about 40 minutes and avoids Interstate 5 traffic.

Airline baggage policies

Baggage allowances differ significantly between fare classes (Basic/Light vs. Standard/Flex) and can change over time. Always verify the exact allowance for your specific fare with the airline before you fly.

General airline baggage policy reference
AirlineCabin bagChecked bag
Delta Air Lines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
American Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
United Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Economy and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
Southwest Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item2 checked bags included on every fare — a long-standing, well-known Southwest policy
JetBlue Airways1 personal item on the cheapest (Blue Basic) fare; a carry-on is added on higher faresNot included on Blue Basic; typically included from Blue Plus and above
Alaska Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main and above; Saver fares usually exclude it
Spirit Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier
Frontier Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier

Travel tips

Arrive early for domestic flights

TSA generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure, more at larger hub airports during peak travel periods.

Pack a mixed carry-on

Keep a change of clothes, chargers, and any essentials in your carry-on rather than only your checked bag, in case of a delay or a bag that doesn't arrive with you.

Ease jet lag on longer routes

On longer cross-country flights, adjusting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure and staying hydrated in flight can reduce jet lag on arrival.

Screenshot your confirmation

Save a screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation and boarding pass before you travel, in case you lose signal or battery at the airport.

Check in online when it opens

Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — checking in early can help with seat selection and, on some airlines, boarding group assignment.