$127 Cheap Flights from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (MDW)
Popular airlines from Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport (PHX) to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
DeltaDelta
Frontier AirlinesFrontier Airlines
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Cheap Flights from Phoenix to Chicago (PHX-MDW)
Alternative airports near Chicago
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (MDW) at a glance
Explore a range of airlines operating flights from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (MDW) on this domestic short-haul route. You can compare offerings from both full-service and budget carriers to discover the best itinerary that aligns with your travel plans and budget. Whether you're seeking cheap Phoenix to Chicago flights or looking for the perfect schedule, gather all the essential details for your journey from Sky Harbor International Airport to Midway International Airport as you prepare to experience the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Chicago.
- Fastest flight duration: around 3h 15m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
- Flights per week: around 30+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$405, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Midway International Airport (MDW)
According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Phoenix to Chicago, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Common layover spots include Denver International Airport (DEN), with an average layover of about 1 hour and 30 minutes; Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), which typically has a 2-hour layover; and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), also around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This variety allows you to customize your journey based on pricing, total travel time, and cabin class for the ideal itinerary.
- Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly approach, Southwest provides both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way prices ranging from $90 to $445. It dominates this route with about 82% of departures and offers a standard non-stop flight duration of 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- Frontier Airlines: This low-cost airline presents non-stop and one-stop options, featuring one-way fares that generally fall between $50 and $260. Frontier accounts for around 16% of departures on this route, with an average non-stop travel time of 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $115 to $345. It represents about 2% of the departures along this route, with an in-flight duration of 4 hours and 45 minutes and an overall journey time of approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes, including layover.
Best time to fly from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (MDW)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Phoenix to Chicago are February, March, and April, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 46°F in April. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 67.1°F. For better deals, February usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $150. Flight availability peaks in October, with approximately 42 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 19 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: February usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $150, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Another budget-friendly time to fly: September typically offers an average one-way fare of around $157.
- Most flight options: October has the highest number of flights from Phoenix to Chicago, with approximately 42 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
| Month | Temperature | Demand | Weekly Flights | Average one-way Fare |
| January | 25.7°F (-3.5°C) | Moderately Low | 19 | $181 |
| February | 27.0°F (-2.8°C) | Moderately High | 23 | $150 |
| March | 37.0°F (2.8°C) | Moderately High | 28 | $188 |
| April | 46.0°F (7.8°C) | Moderately High | 33 | $190 |
| May | 57.0°F (13.9°C) | Average | 35 | $172 |
| June | 67.3°F (19.6°C) | Moderately Low | 30 | $195 |
| July | 73.4°F (23.0°C) | Average | 33 | $188 |
| August | 73.0°F (22.8°C) | Average | 30 | $173 |
| September | 67.1°F (19.5°C) | Moderately Low | 29 | $157 |
| October | 54.9°F (12.7°C) | Average | 42 | $168 |
| November | 42.3°F (5.7°C) | Average | 34 | $201 |
| December | 33.1°F (0.6°C) | Average | 31 | $179 |
*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.
Alternative route from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (MDW)
- Phoenix to Chicago (PHX-ORD): O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located roughly 16 miles from Midway International Airport (MDW). One-way economy ticket prices for this journey usually fall between $65 and $385, influenced by the season and the timing of your booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights on this route. Leading airlines servicing this path include American Airlines and United. Additionally, first-class service is offered for those seeking a more premium experience.
How to find the best prices for flights from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (MDW)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Phoenix to Chicago is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures from 6 PM to 12 AM often provide lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most sought after. Additionally, flying on Friday tends to be cheaper, although Sunday is the most popular travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- 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.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- 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 allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Midway International Airport from Sky Harbor International Airport
Chicago welcomes travelers from Phoenix with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Chicago efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chicago, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Midway International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Midway International Airport on Expedia.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
- Public transportation: From Midway International Airport, travelers will find Midway Station, a metro station, located about 0.2 miles away on foot, while Chicago Ashburn Station, a train station, is about 4.1 miles away by car. Additionally, Lyons Seaport, a seaport, can be reached by car, situated approximately 7.2 miles from the airport.
Phoenix to Chicago Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Phoenix to Chicago
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Phoenix to Chicago are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Phoenix to Chicago with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Phoenix to Chicago
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Phoenix to Chicago: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Phoenix to Chicago
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Phoenix to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $127 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Phoenix to Chicago flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Phoenix to Chicago airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $127 and cheap return flights $234 Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $159 and $535, and roundtrip flights usually range from $296 to $785. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from PHX to MDW is October when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines operates around 11 direct flights from PHX to MDW every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Frontier Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Chicago, IL (MDW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $58. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Chicago, IL (MDW) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, WN offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. WN offers the most daily flights from PHX to MDW, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
There are approximately 8 nonstop flights per day from Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) to Midway Intl. (MDW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Phoenix (Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago (Midway Intl.) typically departs at around 12:05 AM. This seasonal service is operated by Frontier Airlines. An early flight can help you make the most of your time in Chicago. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
When flying from Phoenix, AZ (PHX) to Chicago, IL (MDW), the most popular departure times are from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for around 26% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines, operate flights during this busy morning period. Many travelers prefer this timing to arrive in Chicago with a full day ahead of them.
How long does it take to fly from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
A nonstop flight from PHX to MDW typically takes around 3 hours 20 minutes, covering approximately 1,442 miles. Connecting flights on this route usually add 4 hours 40 minutes to your travel time. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Select the "Business class" and "First class" filters when looking for PHX to MDW flights on Expedia. This is the easiest way to compare prices, routes and flight times for your trip.
How do I earn miles on a Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Chicago from Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX)?
When traveling from Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) to Chicago, you can fly into O'Hare Intl. (ORD) and Midway Intl. (MDW). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Portland Intl. (PDX), San Diego Intl. (SAN), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA) before reaching Chicago. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) Chicago Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
If you booked your Phoenix, AZ (PHX-Sky Harbor Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport | Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Chicago Midway Airport |
Distance | 1,441 miles away |
Airlines serving | Southwest Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines |
Popular airline | Southwest Airlines |
Roundtrip price | $234 |
Average flight time | 3 hours 55 mins |