$59 Cheap Flights to Lake Forest, IL

Flights to Lake Forest at a glance

Traveling to Lake Forest is a breeze; simply explore your options for flights to Lake Forest, whether you're looking for cheap Lake Forest flights or full-service carriers. Compare travel times and choose the best fit for your budget and itinerary as you plan your visit to the city's renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airport near Lake Forest: O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Flights per week: 8,150+ flights arriving at Lake Forest airport
• Number of airlines that fly to Lake Forest: around 75+ carriers

Popular airport near Lake Forest

Lake Forest is a charming city perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and romantic getaways. Visitors are drawn to its stunning scenery and vibrant atmosphere. Conveniently, Lake Forest is served by major airports, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport, making travel to this delightful destination accessible.

• O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Situated in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 20 miles from Lake Forest, this airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. It connects travelers to over 285 domestic cities and more than 315 international locations. For those seeking enhanced comfort, options to upgrade to first class, premium economy, or business class seating are available, depending on the airline and route. Major airlines operating here include American Airlines, United, and Frontier Airlines.

Top routes to Lake Forest

• New York (JFK/LGA) to Lake Forest (ORD), with one-way airfare from around $45
• Los Angeles (LAX) to Lake Forest (ORD), with one-way flight options from around $80
• Boston (BOS) to Lake Forest (ORD), with one-way airfare from around $60
• Orlando (MCO) to Lake Forest (ORD), with one-way airfare from around $50
• Las Vegas (LAS) to Lake Forest (ORD), with one-way flights starting at around $60

Cheapest routes to Lake Forest

• Burlington (BRL/BTV) to Lake Forest (ORD), with budget one-way fares from around $40
• New York (JFK/LGA) to Lake Forest (ORD), with cheap one-way fares from around $45
• Atlanta (ATL) to Lake Forest (ORD), with low-cost one-way tickets from around $45
• Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Lake Forest (ORD), with low one-way fares from around $45
• Nashville (BNA) to Lake Forest (ORD), with low one-way fares from around $45

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Lake Forest

• American Airlines: Operating flights to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), American Airlines represents about 36% of Lake Forest arrivals. The typical one-way fare hovers around $390, with premium cabins potentially including premium economy, business, and first class based on the specific route.
• United: With services to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), United accounts for roughly 35% of arrivals in Lake Forest. Passengers can expect an average one-way fare of approximately $380, with premium options such as premium economy, business, and first class varying by route.
• Delta: Also flying into O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Delta makes up about 8% of Lake Forest arrivals. The average one-way fare is around $360, with premium cabin selections including premium economy, business, and first class based on route specifics.
• Frontier Airlines: Operating to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Frontier Airlines contributes approximately 3% of arrivals to Lake Forest. Travelers can look forward to an average one-way fare of about $160.
• Southwest Airlines: Flying into O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Southwest Airlines comprises around 2% of arrivals in Lake Forest. The average one-way fare is roughly $230.

Best time to fly to Lake Forest

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Lake Forest are January, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Lake Forest can reach up to 44.8°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 66.2°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $205), roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? October, November, and May offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $206 to $218, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Lake Forest

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Lake Forest is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Lake Forest hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Lake Forest flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Lake Forest

Lake Forest welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Lake Forest efficiently:

• Public transportation: From O'Hare International Airport, O'Hare Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Rosemont Station, a train station, is situated approximately 2.2 miles away by car, providing convenient options for travelers.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Lake Forest, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Lake Forest is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Lake Forest on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay in and around Lake Forest

• Chicago: As a bustling metropolis, Chicago is a vibrant hub for travelers seeking family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and an exciting city atmosphere. Accessible from Lake Forest, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including the renowned Griffin Museum of Science and Industry and the iconic 875 North Michigan Avenue skyscraper. Don’t miss strolling along Michigan Avenue for shopping and dining. Chicago's urban parks and sports facilities also make it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Beach Park: Located 13 miles drive away from Lake Forest, Beach Park is a charming village ideal for those looking to enjoy outdoor scenery and family activities. With its picturesque beaches and the expansive Illinois Beach State Park, it's a great destination for a relaxing day in the sun. For thrill-seekers, Six Flags Great America offers an exciting theme park experience, while Waukegan SportsPark provides ample opportunities for family entertainment and outdoor fun.
• Grayslake: Grayslake is located 12 miles drive away from Lake Forest and offers a delightful mix of family-friendly fun and outdoor activities. This city features a thriving fairground and shopping center, making it a perfect spot for a day out. Visitors can enjoy the nearby Six Flags Great America for thrilling rides or explore the Lake County Fairgrounds for seasonal events. With its lakes and parks, Grayslake is an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy nature and entertainment.

Tips for short-haul flights to Lake Forest

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—when flying with budget airlines, it’s often more economical to travel with just a carry-on. Maximize space by choosing mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits ahead of time. This strategy also allows you to bypass the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may lack in-flight entertainment options. To keep yourself engaged, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and consider bringing a book. Remember to charge your devices fully before boarding.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours prior to departure, taking into account potential traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack some snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Lake Forest

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is crucial for comfort. Full-service airlines may allow seat selection at no charge once online check-in opens, typically 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines provide the option to select seats even earlier.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—aim to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure for international flights to accommodate check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to explore the shops, grab a coffee, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is generally free and available.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin to align your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to reflect your destination's time zone. Try to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time of your arrival to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Lake Forest

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Lake Forest on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

September is the cheapest month to fly to Lake Forest. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Lake Forest. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Lake Forest, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Lake Forest

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Lake Forest in 2026 starts from $118, while one-way tickets start from from $59. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Lake Forest. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Lake Forest

Frontier Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, Delta are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Lake Forest. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Lake Forest and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Lake Forest, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Lake Forest. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Lake Forest plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Lake Forest

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Lake Forest.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Lake Forest are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Lake Forest. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Lake Forest for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Lake Forest. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Lake Forest flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Lake Forest. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.