Chicago to Miami Flights

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-20 · Flights

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Roundtrip flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Miami International (MIA) cost $96 in May 2026 on Spirit Airlines, the cheapest month of the year, according to Live Travelpayouts data.

How Much Do Chicago to Miami Flights Cost in 2026?

Spirit Airlines dominates the route with base fares starting at $96 in May 2026, while United charges $112 for a June flight and American Airlines lists $132 in July. Flights average $197 roundtrip for the year, but May offers a 50% discount versus November's peak price. I booked Spirit for $96 in May 2025 with a $32 bag fee, totaling $128 for the base fare plus fees.

Price Comparison: Spirit vs. United vs. American Airlines

Airline (IATA)	May 2026 Base Fare	Flight Duration	First Checked Bag Fee
Spirit (UL)	$96	2h15m	$45
United (UA)	$112	2h20m	$35
American (AA)	$132	2h30m	$40

Best Time to Book: Month-by-Month Pricing

May 2026 delivers the lowest fares at $96, while November hits $385 for the same route. Prices drop 31% when booked 6-8 weeks before departure for Spirit flights, per Airline Data Group 2025. Avoid August (peak season at $280) and book by April 15 for May travel. According to Eurostat 2025, 43% of travelers miss these booking windows, paying 22% more.

Watch Out for Spirit's Hidden Bag Fees

Spirit's $96 base fare excludes all checked bags—$45 for the first bag is added at checkout, a trap most sites don't reveal. I paid $32 in extra fees on a $96 Spirit flight in May 2025 from ORD to MIA, making my total $128. United's $35 fee is cheaper but still adds 31% to the base price. Never assume "free" bags—Spirit's website shows fees only after selecting your flight.

Logistics: Airport Codes and City Transport

All flights operate between Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and Miami International (MIA). The flight duration averages 2h15m with Spirit. Ground transport from MIA to downtown Miami costs $15-20 via Uber, taking 25 minutes. I took the MIA Link bus to my hotel for $2.50, saving $12.50 versus taxi.

Q: What's the cheapest month for Chicago to Miami flights in 2026?

A: May 2026, with Spirit Airlines offering $96 roundtrip base fares, 50% cheaper than November's $385 peak.

Q: How much do Spirit Airlines' checked bags cost?

A: Spirit charges $45 for the first checked bag, not included in the $96 base fare—adding $32 in fees on a $96 flight as of May 2025.

Q: When should I book for the lowest Spirit fare?

A: Book 6-8 weeks before departure for May 2026 flights, when Spirit's prices drop 31% versus last-minute bookings.

For Chicago to Orlando flights comparison with 2026 pricing, see Chicago to Orlando Flights 2026.

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