Heading out of Atlanta for Chicago? Whether you’re flying for business, visiting family, taking a weekend getaway or flying for a special occasion, finding the right flight is more than just about the ticket price. Departure times and points of arrival, baggage fees and the cost of getting from the airport to your final destination can all affect the travel budget. You can fly non-stop from Atlanta to Chicago or connect through on selected itineraries. Travelers also can compare flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to find the best fit for their schedule and budget. This guide will cover how to find cheap flights from Atlanta to Chicago, how long the flight takes, which airlines fly the route and what you need to know before booking. It covers return flights, Delta Airlines, baggage, cancelations, and other typical booking questions.
Best Ways to Fly from Atlanta to Chicago
| Travel detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure city | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Departure airport | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
| Destination airports | Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Chicago Midway (MDW) |
| Approximate flight distance | 594–606 miles, depending on the airport |
| Typical nonstop flight time | Around 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes |
| Flight options | Nonstop and connecting itineraries |
| Main airlines to compare | Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines, depending on the airport and travel date |
| Time difference | Chicago is generally one hour behind Atlanta |
Airline schedules and flight times change by date, airport, weather, and operating schedule. Always check the details for your specific departure.
How to Find Cheap Flights From Atlanta to Chicago
The best way to find a lower fare is to compare multiple travel dates, both Chicago airports, and the total cost of each ticket. What looks like a cheap flight at first can end up costing more once you add in baggage fees, seat selection and ground transportation.
1. Compare prices on different dates
If your travel dates are flexible, look a few days before and after your selected departure date. Prices are demand driven, but sometimes midweek flights can be cheaper than flights on busy Fridays, Sundays and holiday weekends.
If you’re planning to leave Atlanta on a Friday, for example, check Thursday, Saturday and Sunday departures before you book. Even the cost of a change of one day may provide a better cost/convenience ratio.
2. Look at Both Chicago Airports
“Don’t restrict your search to flights that land at O’Hare. Also consider Chicago Midway, especially if you’re staying on the city’s South Side or in a neighborhood with easy access to Midway.
But consider where you will be staying. Once you add up the cost of transportation, a cheaper flight to an airport farther from your hotel or meeting location may not be a money saver.
3. Compare Basic and Standard Economy Fares
Airlines may offer several fare types for the same route. Before choosing the lowest displayed price, check whether the ticket includes a carry-on bag, checked baggage, advance seat selection, and the flexibility to change your travel plans.
A slightly higher fare can be better value if it includes services you would otherwise pay for separately.
4. Consider Nonstop and Connecting Flights
Nonstop flights are usually the most convenient choice for this relatively short route. Connecting flights may occasionally have lower fares, but they add travel time and the possibility of missed connections.
Compare the complete itinerary rather than judging a flight only by its advertised ticket price.
5. One-Way vs. Round-Trip Tickets Compared
If you know when you will be returning, compare the cost of a round trip ticket to two individual one way tickets. Round-trip may be convenient but sometimes separate tickets have a better schedule or price.
Different bookings may come with different change policies and may need to be treated separately.
Which Airports Should You Use?
Booking flights from Atlanta to Chicago starts with choosing the best airports.
Getting to Atlanta: Hartsfield-Jackson Intl Airport (ATL)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is Atlanta’s primary commercial airport and a major hub for Delta Air Lines.
Most flights ATL to Chicago. Check your airline, departure terminal or concourse, boarding time and any airport updates before you leave home. Check your airline’s latest flight information as terminal and gate assignments are subject to change.
Allow plenty of time for airport security, luggage check, parking or getting a ride to the terminal.
Arriving at Chicago O’Hare Intl Airport (ORD)
Chicago O’Hare Intl Airport is a large airport for international and domestic travelers. It’s one option for travelers to downtown Chicago, the city’s northern neighborhoods or surrounding suburbs.
Or, if your hotel, workplace or connecting flight is close to the airport, or its schedule fits your plans better, O’Hare might be convenient.
Arriving in Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway is another major airport in the Chicago area. “It could be good for people traveling to the South Side and places with good airport access.
You could look for flights from Atlanta to Chicago Midway and O’Hare .Check arrival time, airline, baggage rules, and ground transportation before you decide.
O’Hare vs. Midway: Which Is Better?
| Factor | O’Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Travelers whose plans suit O’Hare’s location and schedule | Travelers whose plans suit Midway’s location and schedule |
| Flight choices | Compare airlines and departure times for your date | Compare airlines and departure times for your date |
| Ground transportation | Check the route to your hotel or destination | Check the route to your hotel or destination |
| Best way to choose | Compare total trip cost and convenience | Compare total trip cost and convenience |
There is no one airport that is best for all travelers. The better option is the one that fits your destination, arrival time, budget, and transportation needs.
How Long Is a Flight From Atlanta to Chicago?
Usually a flight from Atlanta to Chicago will be around 2 hours.However, the actual flight time can differ depending on the airline, airport, weather and air traffic.
Curious how long is the flight from Atlanta to Chicago?These approximate ranges may be helpful:
- Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is about 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 25 minutes.
- Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago Midway (MDW): about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes.
These are approximate scheduled-flight ranges, not guaranteed times for every departure.
How Long Is the Flight From Atlanta to Chicago With a Connection?
A connecting itinerary can take hours longer than a nonstop flight. Your total trip will depend on the connecting airport, the time between flights, and any schedule changes.
Compare connecting flights – Compare the layover closely. A very short connection might not allow for much delay. A long layover can make a cheap ticket less attractive.
Is Chicago One Hour Behind Atlanta?
Yes. Chicago is generally one hour behind Atlanta.
For example, if it is 3:00 p.m. in Chicago, it is 2:00 p.m. in Atlanta. Both cities observe daylight savings time so the one hour difference is usually the same all year round.
This is important when you are arranging airport pickups, business meetings, hotel check-in and transportation back.
What Airlines Fly Atlanta to Chicago?
From Atlanta to Chicago, there are several airlines that fly depending on the date and airport.Seasonal schedules and airline changes can impact what’s available.
Cheap flights from Atlanta to Chicago (ATL-ORD)
Delta Air Lines flies from its Atlanta hub to Chicago. Travelers who think about Delta should check the departure times, arrival airports, fare types, and baggage allowances.
Before booking, check whether your preferred flight arrives at O’Hare or Midway. Do not assume that every Delta flight between the two cities uses the same Chicago airport.
Travelers who like its schedules, loyalty benefits or cabin options might find Delta attractive. But the best option is based on the price and conditions of the specific ticket.
Compare Other Carriers
- American Airlines: See flights to Chicago O’Hare and verify that the timing fits your plans.
- United Airlines: For nonstop and connecting flights, see the schedules for Chicago O’Hare.
- Southwest Airlines: Find flights to Chicago Midway and see fare rules and baggage policy for your ticket.
- Frontier Airlines: Compare the fare advertized with the final fare once you have added any baggage, seat selection or other services you need.
Airline schedules and routes may change. Check that your flight is available on the day you want to fly before you plan your trip around it.
How to Book Delta Flights From Atlanta to Chicago
If you are keen on Delta, here’s how to find a good flight:
- Enter Atlanta (ATL) as your airport of departure.
- Book Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Chicago Midway (MDW) based on your destination and available flights.
- Enter your departure date and, if applicable, your return date.
- Enter number of passengers and see available fares.
- Compare departure times, flight duration, cabin options, baggage policies.
- Check the cancelation and change conditions before you pay.
- Check passenger details and save your booking confirmation.
You can also call Terminal-Hub on this number +1 (833) 411-0647 listed on the website for assistance with comparing available flights or understanding fare conditions. We are independent travel information and assistance website, not a Delta Air Lines or official airline booking office. Check availability, final prices and booking conditions before purchase.
How to Get Cheap Flights to Atlanta From Chicago
The return journey is also popular with travelers going home, visiting relatives or traveling for business.
Compare flights to Atlanta from Chicago by taking off from O’Hare and Midway. Search for flights arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL). Compare non-stop routes with connecting flights.
You can use these steps to find a good return flight:
- Shop prices for different departure dates.
- Search both of the Chicago airports, not just one.
- Review Delta, Southwest, American, United and Frontier options where available.
- Compare one-way fares to round-trip prices.
- Compare baggage and seat-selection fees before selecting a fare.
- Be aware of departure and arrival times, so you can avoid costly and inconvenient ground transportation.
If you are a traveler looking for cheap flights from Chicago IL to Atlanta GA, you should also compare the total cost of the trip including the transportation to the airport and any other additional fees of the airline.
After all the required services are included, the lowest advertized fare is not always the cheapest fare.
How to Find a Flight to Atlanta From Chicago
If you know your travel dates and preferred airport then finding the right flight is simple.
First, enter your departure airport as Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Chicago Midway (MDW) and your destination as Atlanta (ATL). Choose your dates, number of travelers and preferred cabin and compare available flights.
Check the arrival time, baggage allowance, change conditions and whether or not the ticket is refundable before you pay. When you book a return trip, look at the departure and arrival airports on both legs.
If you are a traveler and you need someone to help you compare flights, understand ticket conditions or make a new reservation, you can contact us.
What Affects Flight Prices Between Atlanta and Chicago?
Several factors affect the price of flights. If you learn about them it can help you be more wise when you book.
Travel Dates and Seasonal Demand
Prices may increase around Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, summer vacations, major events, and busy business-travel periods. Flexible dates can give you more choices.
Time of Departure
A flight may be priced differently in the early morning, daytime or evening. Don’t just compare price, compare the schedule to your needs.
When to Book
If you book early you will have more choice of flights but not necessarily the lowest price. Airlines adjust fares up and down as demand and capacity change.
Seat Booking & Luggage
A low base fare may not include services you need. Compare tickets but read the rules for carry ons, checked bag fees and seat selection.
Non-stop/connecting flights
Sometimes a stopover flight is cheaper but the extra time can come with added costs or hassle. Think about the total cost of the trip.
Baggage rules and what to check before you fly
Baggage allowances vary by airline, fare class, route and loyalty benefits.
When booking flights from Atlanta to Chicago, be sure to check:
- If it has a carry-on bag and a personal item.
- Carry-on baggage size/weight restrictions
- Your first bag checked fee. (All other bag fees)
- Fees for overweight or oversized bags
- Rules for sports equipment, musical instruments, or other special items.
Delta’s baggage rules, for example, distinguish between standard checked baggage charges and exceptions for eligible passengers or cardholders. Other airlines have their own policies.
If you are comparing two fares, include the baggage you actually plan to bring. That makes the price comparison more meaningful.
Can You Change or Cancel Your Atlanta–Chicago Flight?
Flight changes and cancellations depend on the airline, ticket type, booking conditions, and reason for the disruption.
Before you purchase, check whether it is possible to change your fare, whether there is a cancelation fee, and whether any balance will be refunded or credited toward future travel. When you change your booking you may also have to pay the difference between the original fare and the new fare.
If your plans change after you’ve booked:
- Get your airline confirmation number and ticket details.
- Please consult the fare rules for your particular booking.
- Check available replacement flights before making a change.
- Check for any other fare, fee or refund conditions.
- Complete the change through the airline or the authorized booking vendor.
If the change was voluntary, the options available will be different than if the airline cancels a flight or makes a significant schedule change. See the airline’s notice and the relevant Ticket Conditions.
For tickets booked through a third party, first confirm who issued the ticket and which provider is responsible for servicing it. Do not assume that every website can change or refund every airline reservation.
What to Know Before Your Departure
A little preparation can make the trip between Atlanta and Chicago easier.
Before leaving home:
- Check your flight status and departure gate .
- Check your departure terminal and airport transportation.
- Know your baggage allowance and prohibited-item rules.
- Please bring your booking confirmation and ID.
- Additional time for check-in, security & boarding.
On arriving in Chicago:
- Please confirm if you are arriving at ORD or MDW.
- Look at the route to your hotel, meeting or destination.
- Please be aware of the time difference when scheduling pickups.
- Verify ground transportation, especially if arriving late at nite.
For your return:
- Confirm departure airport from Chicago.
- Check the baggage and check-in rules for the return flight.
- Think airport traffic. Security.
- Please check the new itinerary before going to the airport.
Reserve the Right Flight From Atlanta to Chicago
Finding the right flight is about balancing price, schedule, baggage and airport convenience. First, check out nonstop service from Atlanta (ATL) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Chicago Midway (MDW). Then check the airlines, fare rules and the price to your final destination.
If you’re planning a return trip, use the same method to find cheap flights to Atlanta from Chicago. Checking both directions can help you choose a practical itinerary without overlooking extra costs.
Before you make your travel plans, please check with your airline or ticket provider for the latest information.
For travelers comparing routes in our Flights From Atlanta to Chicago guide, see our Flights to New York From Houston guide for airport comparisons, flight booking tips, and advice on finding suitable fares.
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