Route guide

Cheap Flights from New York to Chicago | EazAir

Travellers

New York to Chicago flight insights

Average flight time

~2h 12m (estimated)

LGA → ORD

Cheapest month

October

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$143

Checking live fares…

Last checked Sep 11, 2026

Planning a trip from New York to Chicago? The average flight time on this route is ~2h 12m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $143 (last checked Sep 11, 2026). October is the cheapest month recorded for this route in our cached fare data.

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from New York to Chicago on Eazair
OriginNew York (LGA)
DestinationChicago (ORD)
Average Flight Time2h 30m
Cheapest Month to FlyOctober
Current Lowest Fare$143
Fares Last CheckedSep 11, 2026

Flight deals from New York to Chicago

Direct flights from New York to Chicago take approximately two hours and thirty minutes to cover the 714-mile aerial distance. Travelers flying from New York can depart from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and arrive at either Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). LaGuardia to O'Hare remains the most heavily trafficked airport pairing for this specific corridor. Multiple major carriers operate daily nonstop service connecting New York and Chicago. United Airlines and American Airlines maintain large hubs at O'Hare, offering dozens of daily departures from all three major New York area airports. Delta Air Lines primarily services the New York to Chicago route via flights from JFK and LGA into O'Hare, while Southwest Airlines focuses its operations on routes connecting LaGuardia and Newark directly into Chicago Midway. Passenger volume for the New York to Chicago route peaks during the summer months of June, July, and August, driving up average ticket costs. Business travel between New York and Chicago creates high demand on Monday mornings and Thursday evenings year-round. Budget-conscious flyers traveling from New York to Chicago often find lower fares by booking flights in January or February, avoiding the massive Thanksgiving and December holiday surges that heavily impact this specific Midwest-to-East-Coast corridor.

View of Chicago, a popular flight destination from New York

About Chicago

Popular areas to know in Chicago include Wicker Park, The Loop, and Lincoln Park.

Summers are warm and humid, winters are cold with lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan — spring and fall bring the mildest sightseeing weather.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a direct flight from New York to Chicago take?
A nonstop flight from New York to Chicago typically lasts between two hours and fifteen minutes to two hours and forty-five minutes, depending on wind speeds and the specific airports used.
Which airports handle flights from New York to Chicago?
Departures from New York happen at JFK, LaGuardia, or Newark, while arrivals in Chicago land at either O'Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport.
Which airlines offer nonstop flights from New York to Chicago?
United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and Southwest Airlines all provide daily nonstop flights from New York to Chicago.
What is the best day of the week to fly from New York to Chicago for cheap tickets?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally offer the lowest fares for flights from New York to Chicago, as these days avoid the heavy Monday and Thursday corporate travel crowds.
When should I book my flight from New York to Chicago to get the best price?
For the lowest prices on the New York to Chicago route, purchase your tickets at least three to four weeks before your intended departure date.
What is the baggage allowance for economy flights from New York to Chicago?
Standard economy tickets from New York to Chicago on legacy carriers like United and Delta usually include one free personal item and one carry-on, while checked bags require an additional fee of around 30 to 35 dollars.
Are there early morning red-eye flights from New York to Chicago?
True red-eye flights do not exist on the New York to Chicago route due to the short duration, but the earliest morning departures typically leave New York around 5:30 AM to reach Chicago by 7:00 AM local time.
Is it cheaper to fly into Midway or O'Hare when traveling from New York to Chicago?
Fares fluctuate based on the airline, but Southwest Airlines flights from New York into Chicago Midway often price competitively against United or American flights landing at O'Hare.
How does weather affect flights from New York to Chicago in the winter?
Heavy snowfall and freezing rain in January and February can cause delays or cancellations for flights originating in New York and landing in Chicago, so travelers should monitor winter storm warnings.
Do any budget airlines operate flights from New York to Chicago?
Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines frequently operate low-cost flights from the New York area (primarily Newark or LaGuardia) into Chicago O'Hare.
Can I upgrade to first class on a flight from New York to Chicago?
Yes, carriers like Delta, American, and United offer first-class cabins on their New York to Chicago routes, providing wider seats and complimentary beverages during the two-hour journey.

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.