Route guide

Cheap Flights from Phoenix to Chicago | EazAir

Travellers

Phoenix to Chicago flight insights

Average flight time

~3h 40m (estimated)

PHX → ORD

Cheapest month

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$207

Checking live fares…

Last checked Aug 31, 2026

Planning a trip from Phoenix to Chicago? The average flight time on this route is ~3h 40m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $207 (last checked Aug 31, 2026).

Phoenix to Chicago covers a straight-line distance of about 1,437 miles. Based on that distance, a nonstop flight would take approximately ~3h 40m (estimated). Actual flight time varies by airline, aircraft and routing.

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from Phoenix to Chicago on Eazair
OriginPhoenix (PHX)
DestinationChicago (ORD)
Average Flight Time
Cheapest Month to Fly
Current Lowest Fare$207
Fares Last CheckedAug 31, 2026

Flight deals from Phoenix to Chicago

Nonstop flights traversing the 1,440 miles separating Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport take approximately three hours and twenty minutes. Passengers traveling eastward from the Sonoran Desert to the Great Lakes region typically cross two time zones, moving from Mountain Standard Time to Central Time. Depending on wind currents over the Midwest, return flights flying westward from Illinois to Arizona tend to run slightly longer, averaging around three hours and forty-five minutes. Multiple major carriers maintain direct daily routes connecting Phoenix with both major Chicago airports. American Airlines and United Airlines operate extensive schedules routing traffic directly into Chicago O'Hare, utilizing their respective midwestern hubs. Southwest Airlines dominates the route into Chicago Midway International Airport, providing high-frequency departures out of their major Phoenix base. Low-cost carriers like Frontier Airlines also schedule seasonal nonstops linking Phoenix and Chicago. Travel demand between Phoenix and Chicago peaks heavily during the winter months, specifically from December through March. Midwesterners frequently purchase tickets southward to escape freezing temperatures, driving up airfares for flights departing Illinois and returning from Arizona during this peak snowbird season. Conversely, ticket prices drop considerably between June and August when passenger volumes decrease due to extreme desert heat, making late summer the most cost-effective time to secure flights for Phoenix to Chicago trips.

View of Chicago, a popular flight destination from Phoenix

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 do nonstop flights from Phoenix to Chicago take?
Direct flights departing from Phoenix and landing in Chicago require roughly three hours and twenty minutes of airborne time.
Which airlines fly directly between Phoenix and Chicago?
American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines offer nonstop service connecting Phoenix to Chicago.
What is the flight distance from Phoenix to Chicago?
The aerial distance between Phoenix Sky Harbor and the major airports in Chicago spans approximately 1,440 miles.
Which Chicago airport is best to fly into from Phoenix?
Chicago O'Hare is ideal for travelers flying from Phoenix on American or United, while Chicago Midway is the primary destination for passengers choosing Southwest Airlines out of Arizona.
When is the cheapest time of year to book flights from Phoenix to Chicago?
July and August typically offer the lowest airfares for routes from Phoenix to Chicago, as travel demand drops significantly during the hot Arizona summer.
What are the busiest travel months for flights from Phoenix to Chicago?
The period from December through March sees the highest volume of passengers flying between Phoenix and Chicago, as winter weather drives midwesterners toward the desert.
How many time zones do I cross when traveling from Phoenix to Chicago?
Travelers lose one or two hours when flying from Phoenix to Chicago, as Arizona remains on Mountain Standard Time year-round while Illinois observes Central Time and Daylight Saving Time.
How do baggage fees vary on flights between Phoenix and Chicago?
Checked bag fees for trips from Phoenix to Chicago depend on the carrier, with Southwest including two free bags, while United, American, and Frontier charge additional fees for standard checked luggage.
Are there early morning flights available from Phoenix to Chicago?
Yes, major carriers schedule daily departures leaving Phoenix as early as 5:00 AM to arrive in Chicago before noon local time.
Should I book a direct or connecting flight from Phoenix to Chicago?
Because multiple airlines offer dozens of daily nonstop options between Phoenix and Chicago, booking a direct route is generally the most efficient choice without a significant price premium over connecting flights.
Which terminals handle flights departing Phoenix for Chicago?
Southwest flies to Chicago Midway from Terminal 4 at Phoenix Sky Harbor, while American also uses Terminal 4 for Chicago O'Hare, and United departs from Terminal 3.
How far is it from Phoenix to Chicago?
The straight-line distance from Phoenix to Chicago is about 1,437 miles.
What ID do I need to fly from Phoenix to Chicago?
Since Phoenix to Chicago is a domestic US flight, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted form of ID, such as a valid US passport. A standard, non-compliant driver's license alone is no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.
Which airlines operate flights from Phoenix to Chicago?
Based on a recent live fare search, United Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines had bookable flights on the Phoenix to Chicago route.
What's the weather usually like in Chicago?
Summers are warm and humid, winters are cold with lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan — spring and fall bring the mildest sightseeing weather.

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.