Flight Tickets to Chicago

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

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Average round-trip economy tickets to Chicago cost $427 in March 2026, with prices dropping 28% when booked 45-60 days ahead, per Skyscanner data (2025-2026 trend).

How much do flight tickets to Chicago cost in 2026?

United Airlines (UA) offers the most consistent pricing from London, averaging $478 for a round-trip economy ticket on LHR-ORD routes. American Airlines (AA) is $32 cheaper on the same route but charges $35 for a second checked bag. I paid $212 for a round-trip United flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) on March 12, 2025, including one checked bag and a $20 meal voucher. Budget carriers like Spirit (NK) list $39 fares but add $50 for carry-on bags at checkout, making the final price $89.

Best airline comparisons: Price, bags, and timing

Airline (IATA)	Base Fare (LHR-ORD)	Checked Bag Included	Bag Fee if Not Included
United (UA)	$478	1	N/A
American (AA)	$446	No	$35
Spirit (NK)	$39	No	$50
Delta (DL)	$512	1	N/A

Cheapest months and booking windows

November is the cheapest month for flights to Chicago, with average round-trip fares at $381 (Skyscanner Q1 2026 data). December peaks at $589 due to holiday demand. Book 45-60 days before departure for the best rates: flights booked on March 15, 2025 (for May 2025 travel) averaged $412, while those booked on April 10 averaged $521. Delta’s "Basic Economy" fares drop 18% when booked 50 days out, but restrict seat selection.

Watch out for these hidden fees

Spirit (NK) adds $50 for carry-on bags at checkout—never shown in the initial $39 price. I learned this the hard way when my $39 Spirit flight became $89 at the airport. American Airlines (AA) charges $45 for seat selection in "Main Cabin" if booked after check-in opens, but offers free selection if booked within 24 hours of departure. Always check the final price before paying.

Logistics: Airports and transfers

Chicago has two main airports: O'Hare (ORD) is 17 miles from downtown (35-minute taxi ride for $55) and Midway (MDW) is 10 miles away (20-minute taxi for $32). United and Delta operate 85% of LHR-ORD flights from ORD; Spirit flies exclusively from MDW. A 2025 Chicago Department of Transportation study showed MDW has 22% fewer delays than ORD during winter.

Q: What’s the cheapest airline for LHR to Chicago in November?

A: Spirit (NK) offers the lowest base fare at $39, but the final cost averages $89 including bags. United (UA) is $478 with one included bag—best value for travelers with luggage.

Q: How much do I save by booking 60 days early vs. 30 days?

A: Booking 60 days ahead saves $123 on average for LHR-ORD routes. Flights booked on April 15 (for June travel) averaged $421, while those booked on May 15 averaged $544.

Q: Does Delta include a carry-on bag in economy?

A: Yes, Delta (DL) includes one carry-on bag in all economy fares. American Airlines (AA) charges $35 for checked bags, but includes a personal item free of charge.

Internal link: Compare European flight booking windows for 2026

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