Driving Chicago to Atlanta? Whether you’re flying to Georgia for work, to visit friends and family, for an event or just for a weekend getaway, the right flight can make your trip easier and more affordable. Compare non stop flights and see different departure times and book your flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Your best bet will depend on your travel dates, your budget, how much luggage you have and how quickly you can get to Atlanta. In this guide you will find out how to find cheap flights from Chicago to Atlanta, how long it takes, which airlines to compare and what to check before you book. It also offers return flights, airport choices and FAQs for travelers planning this route.
Quick Facts: Chicago to Atlanta Flights
| Flight detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Departure city | Chicago, Illinois |
| Destination | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Chicago departure airports | O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) |
| Atlanta arrival airport | Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) |
| Approximate flight distance | About 590–610 miles, depending on the airports |
| Nonstop flight duration | Generally around two hours, depending on the scheduled flight |
| Available itineraries | Nonstop and connecting flights |
| Airlines to compare | Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines, depending on the route and date |
Schedules, fares and airlines are subject to change without notice. Please check details for your specific departure date before purchasing.
How long does it take to fly from Chicago to Atlanta, GA?
A direct flight from Chicago to Atlanta usually takes about two hours in the air. The precise scheduled duration depends on the departure airport, the airline, the weather, the air traffic and the flight route.
So, how long is a flight from Chicago to Atlanta, Georgia? For a first orientation, here are the estimates:
| Route | Approximate nonstop flight time |
|---|---|
| Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Atlanta (ATL) | Around two hours; check the scheduled duration |
| Chicago Midway (MDW) to Atlanta (ATL) | Around two hours; check the scheduled duration |
| Connecting flight | Depends on the connection and layover |
These are estimates only and not guaranties. It will state when your itinerary is due to leave and arrive.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Atlanta with a layover?
A connecting itinerary may add several hours to the nonstop flight. The whole trip will depend on how long your layover is, and if you need to change terminals/airlines.
For example, a connecting itinerary with a long layover might have a lower advertised fare, but take much longer to get to Atlanta. If you are traveling for a meeting or have plans soon after arrival, compare total travel time before you choose.
Remember that the length of your flight is not the same as the time required for your whole trip. You need to consider the journey to the airport, check-in, security, boarding and then travel after landing.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
O’Hare is a large airport on the northwest side of Chicago. It offers nonstop flights to Atlanta on Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Frontier Airlines depending on the operating schedule.
If you live near the airport, are connecting through from another flight, or can find a departure time that works for your plans, O’Hare may be a better choice.
Think about your transportation costs, parking needs and how long it will take to get to the terminal before making your booking. If it means getting to the airport, a slightly cheaper ticket may not be worth it.
Chicago Midway International (MDW)
Another option for travelers flying into Atlanta is Midway, located on the Southwest Side of Chicago. Depending on date and schedule, nonstop flights on this route are offered by airlines including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Frontier Airlines.
Midway may be convenient if you live on the south or southwest side of Chicago or find a departure that better suits your schedule.
Which airport is better for cheap flights from Chicago to Atlanta GA?
Neither airport is always cheaper. Compare the ticket price, flight time, transportation cost and baggage rules of both the airports before deciding.
Cheap Flights From Chicago to Atlanta: 7 Ways to Save
Don’t just book the first flight you see. And a few practical comparisons will help you find a fare that fits your budget without sacrificing convenience.
1. Compare different travel dates
If you are flexible, search for multiple departure dates. The least expensive option may be an alternate day than you originally planned. Airfare can vary based on passenger demand, holidays, school breaks, business travel and big events in Atlanta.
Think about nearby dates before you decide. There isn’t one specific day of the week that will always get you the lowest price on any given route.
2. Search Both Chicago Airports
Look at flights from MDW and ORD. One airport may have a better departure time or a cheaper fare for your selected date.
But don’t just compare the cost of the flight, but the full cost of the trip. The final price may be influenced by charges for transportation, parking, baggage and seat selection.
3. Browse Nonstop and Connecting Flights
Direct flights are typically the fastest and have no plane change. Connecting itineraries can sometimes be cheaper, but they can also be longer in time and more risky if your first flight is delayed.
If you are looking at separate tickets be careful about the connection time and what happens if you miss the second flight.
4. Check the Full Ticket Price
An advertised fare may not include every service you need.
Before paying, check:
- Carry-on and checked baggage allowances.
- Seat-selection charges.
- Conditions of change and cancelation.
- Refunds.
- Time of Departure and Arrival.
- Any additional charges that apply to your chosen fare.
The cheapest ticket doesn’t always mean the cheapest trip when it comes down to it.
5. Think About One-Way and Round-Trip Options
If your return is fixed, check round-trip fares. And if your itinerary is still up in the air, see if a one-way ticket can provide the flexibility you need.
You can also think of a round-trip ticket as two one-way tickets. Pick the one you want and see the rules and the total price for both reservations.
6. Book ASAP When You Know Your Plans
The Cheap Flights From Chicago To Atlanta has no one-size-fits-all booking window. When you get a sense for your travel dates, begin shopping around. We advise you to book sooner, rather than waiting for holidays or major events, when availability may be limited.
Before you buy, check the fare conditions particularly if your plans may change.
7. Compare the Final Price Before Paying
When you’ve got it down to a few flights, check the final checkout price of each. Ensure you are comparing similar travel dates, baggage allowances and fare terms.
It could be better value to spend a bit more on a ticket that includes the services you need, rather than buying a bargain ticket with add-ons.
Which Airlines Offer Flights From Chicago to Atlanta?
Several airlines fly on the Chicago-Atlanta route. Your options depend on whether you’re leaving from O’Hare or Midway and what flights are available for your travel date.
Delta Flights From Chicago to Atlanta
The Delta Air Lines has non-stop service from Chicago to Atlanta, out of O’Hare and Midway depending on the schedule. Delta has a major hub in Atlanta.
Compare Delta Cheap Flights From Chicago To Atlanta by scheduled departure, arrival time, baggage allowance, fare conditions and available seats
You can check current schedules and fares through the official Delta website.
Southwest Flights From Chicago to Atlanta
Southwest Airlines operates nonstop service between Chicago Midway and Atlanta on applicable schedules.
If you are looking up Cheap Flights From Chicago To Atlanta on Southwest, make sure that the departure airport is MDW. Also check the fare rules, baggage policy and times of departure that are available.
Use the official Southwest website to check current options for your dates.
American Airlines
American Airlines operates nonstop flights between Chicago O’Hare and Atlanta on its published schedules. It may be worth comparing American if you prefer ORD, want to compare departure times, or need a particular fare type.
Please check American Airlines official website for up-to-date pricing and availability.
United Airlines
United Airlines: Flights from Chicago O’Hare to Atlanta. Nonstop flights on applicable schedules. Compare the fare, scheduled arrival time, baggage allowance and change conditions with other flights available.
Check current itineraries on the official United Airlines website.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines also offers flights from Chicago to Atlanta, depending on the airport and date. If you’re looking at Frontier, be sure to check the total fare after you add any baggage, seat selection or other optional services you need.
Visit the official Frontier Airlines website to check current booking options.
Which airline should you choose? Compare the actual itineraries available on your dates. The best flight is one that strikes the right balance of price, time, baggage and flexibility.
When Is the Best Time to Fly From Chicago to Atlanta?
The best time to leave really depends on what you’ll be doing in Atlanta, how you’ll get to the airport and what flights are available on your chosen date.
Flights in the Morning
Morning departures are good if you want to be in Atlanta early and have most of the day free. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport, check in, and get through security.
Afternoon Flights
An afternoon flight could be a good choice if you have work to finish, an appointment to get to or an airport to reach later in the day. After you land, coordinate your plans with your intended time of arrival.
Evening Flights
Evening departures can be good for travelers who want to spend most of the day in Chicago before leaving. But consider when you arrive and what ground transportation is available in Atlanta.
Weekday and Weekend Flights
Compare weekday and weekend fares rather than assuming one is always cheaper. Demand varies by business travel, holidays, events and individual travel dates.
If you have flexibility, searching several dates is often more useful than relying on a general rule about the cheapest day to fly.
What Should You Know Before Arriving at Atlanta Airport?
Most flights from Chicago land at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the biggest airport serving Atlanta and the metro area. So before you fly, think about how you’re going to get to your final destination once you land.
Ground Transportation: Consider your lodging and learn about public transportation, taxis, ridesharing, and rental cars. Checked BaggagePlease ensure that you are able to collect your checked baggage before arranging onward travel. Connecting flights If Atlanta is not your final destination, please check your departure time, gate and terminal information for your next flight.
Airport transfers: If you have separate tickets or a different airport in your itinerary, be sure you have allowed plenty of time for any necessary transfer and check-in. Atlanta is a major hub and some travelers will use it as a stopover en route to another U.S. city or an international destination.
Flights to Chicago From Atlanta: Planning Your Return Journey
If you’re planning a round-trip, compare flights to Chicago from Atlanta before you book. The return leg is usually ATL to either Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Chicago Midway (MDW). The scheduled time for a nonstop flight varies from flight to flight, but it is usually about two hours in the air.
Before you book your return:
- If one of the Chicago airports is convenient for you, compare fares to both airports.
- Check back time and estimated time of arrival.
- See baggage policy & fees for changes.
- Add the time it will take to get from the airport to your home or next destination.
- Verify that your outbound and return flights utilize the same Chicago airport.
If you’re not sure of your return plans, compare a round-trip ticket with separate one-way bookings. Don’t just assume one is always cheaper – check the total cost and conditions
Are Flights From Chicago to Atlantic City the Same as Flights to Atlanta?
No. Atlanta Georgia and Atlantic City New Jersey are two separate cities. Selecting the wrong destination when booking can be an expensive mistake.
If you want flights from Chicago to Atlantic City NJ, you should look up Atlantic City, not Atlanta. The airports are different, the routes are different, the ground transport is different.
Similarly, Cheap Flights From Chicago To Atlanta City may have different routing depending on the date and available service. See if an alternative airport with ground transportation would be more practical and check the flights available.
If you are flying into Atlanta, Georgia, your arrival airport code is ATL. If you are referring to Atlantic City, please check the destination airport before payment.
This distinction is especially important when searching for similar place names or making online bookings.
Reserve The Right Flight Chicago to Atlanta
Use this checklist to help you steer clear of the most common booking mistakes before you buy your ticket.
- Verify Your Destination: Make sure you’re booking Atlanta, Georgia (ATL).
- Choose your departure airport: Compare Midway (MDW) to O’Hare (ORD)
- View dates: If you’re flexible, check out nearby dates.
- Compare Airlines: Compare direct and connecting flights on the same dates.
- Check baggage policies: Know what’s included in your fare.
- Passenger details: Make sure the names and details of travel are correct.
- Read the fare conditions: Understand cancellation, refund, and change restrictions.
- Check the total price: Include any additional services you need.
- Save your confirmation: Keep your booking reference and e-ticket accessible.
Use a trusted booking channel to learn about available flight options, or to prepare to book, and confirm critical details with the airline operating your flight.
Terminal-Hub is an independent airport and travel information site that assists travelers in researching their trips. This is not an official airline web site. Always check with the airline concerned for current fares, schedules and ticket conditions before you buy.
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Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Chicago to Atlanta Flight
If you want a good flight from Chicago to Atlanta, compare the two Chicago airports, check nonstop flights, and know the total cost of the ticket. On a nonstop flight, the average traveler will be in the air about two hours. Check Delta, American, United, Frontier and Southwest to see where they fly on your desired route and date.
Traveling for business, to see family or planning a weekend in Georgia? Check the schedule, baggage allowance and ticket conditions before you pay. Looking at the options available can help you find a flight that fits your budget and travel plans.
