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Chicago’s a major travel hub, and you’ve got some solid budget airline choices if you’re looking to save cash. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines are two of the top low-cost carriers flying out of Chicago’s airports.
They offer cheap fares to tons of popular cities across the U.S., so you can get out of town without emptying your wallet.
Flying from O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW), you’ve got options for different budgets and travel styles. If you book with budget airlines, you’ll want to plan ahead and keep an eye out for flash deals.
With a little effort, you can squeeze in more trips by finding a balance between price and convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier fly from Chicago airports.
- Booking early usually means better deals.
- These airlines connect you to a bunch of top U.S. cities for less.
Overview of Budget Airlines Operating in Chicago
You’ll find several budget airlines flying out of Chicago, offering cheap flights to plenty of destinations. Whether you use O’Hare International or Midway, these carriers help you save on airfare.
Knowing which ones serve each airport and how they stack up can save you hassle and money.
Major Budget Airlines Servicing O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International (ORD) is a huge hub, with budget airlines sharing space with big names like United and American. Spirit Airlines is the main low-cost player at O’Hare, famous for super low base fares and a pretty big network.
Spirit mostly sells cheap domestic tickets, with a few international options. Just a heads up, they’ll charge you for things like checked bags or picking your seat.
United Airlines isn’t a budget airline, but they do run a lot of competitive fares at O’Hare. Sometimes it’s worth checking their deals if you want a bit more comfort without a massive price jump.
Low-Cost Carriers at Chicago Midway
Midway (MDW) is kind of the go-to for budget airlines in Chicago. Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines are the main ones here.
Southwest is known for free checked bags and flexible ticket changes, which makes them a favorite for folks who hate extra fees. They fly all over the U.S. from Midway.
Frontier has even lower base fares, but they’ll tack on charges for almost everything else—checked luggage, choosing your seat, you name it. Both stick mostly to U.S. routes, with a few international flights thrown in.
Comparison of Budget Airline Offerings
When you’re picking a budget airline from Chicago, look at ticket price, fees, and how often they fly.
| Airline | Airport | Base Fare | Baggage Fees | Free Changes | Popular Routes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Airlines | O’Hare (ORD) | Low | Yes | No | Domestic + limited intl. |
| Southwest Airlines | Midway (MDW) | Moderate | No | Yes | Domestic US |
| Frontier Airlines | Midway (MDW) | Lowest | Yes | No | Domestic US + some intl. |
Southwest’s free bags and ticket changes can really add up if you travel with luggage or need flexibility.
Spirit and Frontier have the lowest sticker prices, but you’ll pay extra for most things. Always check the full cost before you buy—sometimes the “cheapest” isn’t actually the cheapest.
How to Find and Book Cheap Flights from Chicago
Scoring the best flight deals from Chicago takes a bit of work. You’ll want to track prices, check different sites, and pay attention to timing.
Using Flight Calendars and Price Alerts
Flight calendars let you see prices for each day, so you can spot the cheapest dates easily. If you’re flexible, it’s a game-changer—sometimes June’s cheaper than August, sometimes not.
Setting up price alerts is smart. You’ll get an email or ping when fares drop for your route, so you can jump on deals fast.
These alerts work for both round-trip and one-way flights, giving you more flexibility if your plans aren’t set in stone.
Comparing Online Travel Agents and Airline Websites
Always check both the airline’s own website and online travel agents (OTAs) like Kayak or Skyscanner. OTAs let you compare a bunch of airlines at once and filter by price, time, or stops.
But sometimes, airlines have exclusive deals on their own sites. After you find a good price on an OTA, pop over to the airline’s site to see if it’s even better there.
Mixing both methods gives you the best shot at the lowest fare.
Booking Direct Vs. Through Third Parties
Booking direct with an airline usually means better customer service and sometimes fewer hidden fees. United, for example, sometimes offers payment plans or special pricing if you book from their site.
Third-party sites might look cheaper up front, but they can add sneaky fees later on. Read the fine print before you book.
If you care about earning frequent flyer miles or perks, booking direct is usually the way to go.
Avoiding Hidden Fees and Extra Costs
Don’t just look at the base ticket price—budget airlines love their add-on fees. Baggage, seat selection, even snacks can cost you.
Check the airline’s luggage rules before you buy. Some flights look cheap at first but get pricey once you add a bag or two.
Always review the final price breakdown so you don’t get surprised at checkout.
Popular Destinations and Travel Tips for Budget Flyers
Chicago’s airports offer loads of direct, one-way, and round-trip flights to popular cities at low prices. Timing your travel and packing smart can make your trip way less stressful.
Direct and One-Way Flight Options
O’Hare (ORD) has a ton of direct flights, which is great if you hate layovers. Cities like Dublin, Lisbon, and Copenhagen sometimes have budget-friendly nonstop deals.
One-way tickets can be a bargain too, especially if you’re flexible. Spirit and others run these deals often.
Oddly enough, round-trip tickets can sometimes be cheaper than one-way, even if you don’t use the return. Always compare both before you book.
If you’re after a little luxury, some airlines will drop business or first-class fares from Chicago if you book early or catch a promo.
Tips for Choosing the Cheapest Month to Fly
Airfare changes a lot by season. Late fall and winter (excluding holidays) are usually the cheapest months to fly from Chicago.
Avoid summer and major holidays if you can—they’re always pricey. Flight comparison tools help you spot deals months out.
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheaper than weekends. Booking early is usually best, but sometimes last-minute deals pop up if a flight isn’t full.
Set up fare alerts so you don’t miss out.
Navigating Luggage, Security, and Flight Departure
Budget airlines almost always charge for checked bags. If you can, stick to a carry-on to save money.
Get to the airport early—O’Hare’s security lines can get brutal, especially during rush hours.
Double-check your airline’s carry-on size and weight rules. Extra bags or oversized items can mean last-minute fees.
Knowing your flight’s average flight time helps you plan pickups or connections without scrambling.
Maximizing Your Travel Experience in Chicago
Once you land, finding the right hotel, getting around, and seeing the best sights can make your trip.
Budget Hotels Near Chicago Airports
If you’re looking for cheap hotels near the airport, focus on O’Hare or Midway. Around O’Hare, Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago O’Hare Airport has affordable rooms and a free shuttle.
Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport and DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport-Rosemont are a bit nicer but still reasonable.
Staying close to the airport saves you time and money on transport. For Midway, budget hotels are a little farther away, but you’ll still find motels at decent prices.
Car Rentals and Transportation Options
Renting a car in Chicago gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Major companies like Hertz, Enterprise, and Avis have desks at both airports.
Booking ahead can save you a few bucks.
If driving’s not your thing, Chicago’s public transit is actually pretty good. The “L” train connects both airports to downtown, and rideshares or shuttles are always an option—though they can get pricey during peak times.
Driving lets you reach neighborhoods and suburbs easily, but honestly, parking downtown is a pain and costs a lot. Just something to keep in mind.
Must-See Attractions in Central Chicago
When you’re in central Chicago, zero in on spots that really show off the city’s culture and skyline. Millennium Park is a classic—great for a stroll, or just to snap a photo with Cloud Gate (most folks call it “The Bean”).
Right nearby, you’ll find the Art Institute of Chicago. It’s packed with art from all over the world.
Navy Pier is another must, especially if you’re into food, people-watching, or just want those Lake Michigan views. The Landshark Beer Garden at Navy Pier is a solid choice if you want to wind down after a day of exploring.
Most of these places sit pretty close together, so you won’t spend all day commuting. You can get around by public transit or car, whichever suits your mood.