Have you planned a trip and are now looking for flights to Orlando from Chicago? If yes, then great choice. This is one of the most traveled routes in the country, whether you’re traveling to Walt Disney World with the family, escaping the Midwest winter for some Florida sunshine, or flying down for a conference. Additionally, numerous airlines operate their flights on this route, and thus, the odds of getting a cheap flight increase.
This guide tells you everything, from the airports to the duration of the flight, which airlines offer direct flights, the optimal time to visit, and the actual tips that can save you money. Don’t book anything until you read on.
How Long Is the Flight from Chicago to Orlando?
The duration of the flight on this route is quite acceptable, long enough to watch a film but not too long to feel like a slog. To find the time on flights to Orlando, FL, from Chicago, IL, go through the points below:
- Direct flights: These are flights that do not stop in another city on the way and go from Chicago to Orlando in about 2 to 3 hours. This is the same window for most nonstop flights but is subject to variation depending on wind direction and routing.
- Connecting flights: Total travel time is usually 4-7 hours or longer, depending on the connecting flight, which might include cities such as Atlanta, Charlotte, or Dallas. If there are lots of direct flights, then a connection often won’t make a lot of sense unless the time difference is large enough to compensate for the additional leg.
What Are The Main Airports In Chicago And Orlando?
Many passengers struggle at the airport because they do not have enough information about the airport they will encounter during their travel. Knowing about the airports in both the cities in advance reduces this hassle, and also passengers can compare flights from Chicago to Orlando to various airport combinations and get the best deal.
Airports in Chicago
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD): O’Hare is one of the most active airports in the United States and is home to United Airlines and American Airlines. About 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, ORD provides a massive amount of daily flights to Orlando, establishing it as the number one departure origin for flights to Orlando from Chicago. There are four terminals at the airport, and the CTA Blue Line provides access from most of Chicago; no need to rent a car.
- MDW Airport, Chicago, IL: Midway, Chicago’s second airport, is approximately 10 miles southwest of the Loop and is mostly the province of Southwest Airlines. When flying from Chicago to Orlando via Southwest, there’s a strong chance you’ll be taking off from MDW. It’s a smaller, less intimidating airport than O’Hare, and for people who live on the South Side or in suburbia, it may be more convenient.
Airports in Orlando
- Orlando International Airport (MCO): MCO is the primary point of entry to Central Florida and one of the nation’s busiest airports. Situated approximately 6 miles southeast of downtown Orlando, it has direct access to the Orlando International Airport Terminal, and ground transportation to Disney, Universal, and International Drive are easily accessible. This is where most flights to Orlando, FL will land, and the airport is well suited for families with a ton of suitcases and bustling youngsters.
- Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB): Sanford is a smaller alternative airport about 30 miles north of Orlando. It is not as busy as MCO, but sometimes budget airlines fly there. If you find a fare to SFB that is much cheaper, consider the time it will take you to get to your final destination before making the decision.
How to Fly Directly to Orlando from Chicago?
If you are looking for direct flights to Orlando from Chicago, then you have nothing to worry about, as you will easily discover plenty of flight options, as this is one of the US’s major routes. Here are the airlines providing direct flights:
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest is one of the most sought-after options for those looking for flights to Orlando from Chicago. Southwest’s no-change fee and two free checked bags policies are popular among travelers heading to Orlando. From Midway (MDW), it runs multiple flights per day to MCO.
- United Airlines: Nonstop service is provided at O’Hare Airport and has multiple departures per day. It is one of the great choices for frequent flyers using miles to save or earn some on every booking.
- Delta Air Lines: Delta offers reliable service with its flights to ORD and is a good choice for those who want a major airline with a good reputation for customer service and a diverse range of fares.
- American Airlines: American provides direct service from ORD to MCO and should be considered if you are an AAdvantage member or if you can get a better rate than they can. When searching for American Airlines to Orlando, you’ll find that Chicago is a popular destination.
- Frontier Airlines: If you are all about the low price, Frontier Airlines provides a budget option on this flight. Don’t book without reading the fine print on the cost of bags.
Is there a Best Time to Consider for Booking?
Orlando is very busy throughout the year, but most of all during school vacations (late June through August, Thanksgiving week, Christmas, and March and April during spring break). These times are when flights to Orlando from Chicago are much more costly and quickly fill up. So don’t be afraid to make a reservation 6 to 8 weeks in advance if you are traveling during one of these times to see your family.
January to early March (after the holidays and before spring break) and September to early November (after summer and before Thanksgiving) are the best times to buy the best value windows. Mid-week travel (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) is generally cheaper than Friday afternoon or Sunday evening travel, as these are the busiest days and times to fly.
Cheapest Flight Prices from Chicago to Orlando
The cost of a flight from Chicago to Orlando is influenced by several factors, including your departure date, the airline you choose, and the time of year. Typically, flights are more affordable during the off-peak season, whereas peak travel times often come with higher prices. Below is a detailed overview of flight prices:
- Budget Airlines: The flights to Orlando from Chicago round trip might cost you $80-$160.
- Full-service carriers: The cost to book a flight might range between $280 and $330.
Booking a round trip than two one-way flights tends to be more cost-effective. Additionally, to get the best price, make sure to book in advance.
Tips to Find Affordable Flight from Chicago to Orlando
- Book 4-6 weeks ahead of time for optimum price and availability. This is a route that is very busy during school holidays.
- Explore all airlines for the best pricing before you lock in. When you use Booking Trolley, it quickly searches the thousands of live flight options, compares the most competitive prices from budget airlines and big brands, and presents both options to you so you always have the best deal and never miss an offer by assuming it’s from one airline’s site alone.
- Make sure to check both O’Hare and Midway. Fares from MDW on Southwest can sometimes be a significant discount from ORD.
- Be flexible with your travel dates. The fare may be lower by a day or two, particularly around popular travel times. Additionally, you can use the low-fare calendar to find the cheap flights from Chicago to Orlando; it will get you the best price of the month.
- If the ticket rates are cheaper to Sanford (SFB) than MCO, think about the possibility of flying into Sanford.
- Don’t visit the same site on the same device again and again—some sites monitor the visits and raise prices. When making comparisons, use incognito mode.
- Round-trip tickets from Chicago to Orlando are typically cheaper when booked as a package rather than two one-way tickets.
Facts and Key Information Related to Route
Chicago and Orlando are two of America’s most popular cities, and traffic between them is huge. With a population of almost 2.7 million, Chicago’s families, solo visitors, and business travelers flock to Orlando every week. For Orlando, it’s the theme park capital of the world, with more than 70 million people visiting every year at Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, and a myriad of hotels and motels that cater to keeping guests happy.
The distance between two cities is approximately 1,090 miles, which is too far for comfortable driving but too short to be long flights in both winter and summer and affordable to fly from Chicago to Orlando. This route is known to be popular and therefore has a high availability of nonstop flights and comparatively affordable fares even during peak travel seasons.
Conclusion
There are plenty of options for the Chicago to Orlando route. Nonstop service is available; there are several airports to choose from in Chicago and Orlando, the airlines are competitive, and fares are flexible. From roaming light on a budget to a full-service experience for the entire family, there’s a deal for you. Follow the advice in this guide, set a fare alert, remain flexible when possible, and book in advance to beat the crowds.
FAQs
What is the cheapest time to go to Orlando?
The flights to Orlando are cheapest from mid-January to early February. Additionally, you can also consider September to save costs on flight booking. During these post-holidays, the prices of flights and hotels tend to drop.
What’s the cheapest month to fly Chicago to Orlando?
To find the best deal on a flight from Chicago to Orlando, book a ticket in September. January and October are the next most affordable months. For a round-trip, the costs can drop to $190–$230.
How to save money on flights to Orlando?
To save your expenses on flights to Orlando, consider planning your travel on Tuesdays or making a reservation up to 1-3 months prior to departure to get the lowest ticket prices.
What is the cheapest day of the week to fly to Orlando?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days of the week to book a flight to Orlando as it can save you up to 15% on your ticket fare than weekend flights.
Is it better to fly into MCO or Sanford?
Flights to MCO are convenient and located close to the theme parks with a variety of major airlines. However, if you’re concerned about high ticket prices, Sanford might be a better choice, as it offers options from low-cost airlines.