$91 Cheap Flights from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (ORD)

Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (ORD) at a glance

Embark on your journey from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (ORD) with a range of airlines available for this domestic short-haul route. Explore your options among both full-service and budget carriers to discover the flights from Phoenix that align with your budget and travel schedule. As you prepare to experience the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, find essential information about flights to Chicago from Sky Harbor International Airport to O'Hare International Airport.

• Fastest flight duration: around 3h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 1,400 miles (2,250 km)
• Flights per week: around 95+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $65–$385, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Recent traveler bookings reveal the top airlines favored for journeys from Phoenix to Chicago, particularly for non-stop and one-stop flights. Many travelers opt for layovers at Denver International Airport (DEN, approximately 1h 15m layover), San Diego International Airport (SAN, about 1h 15m layover), and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS, around 1h 45m layover). This variety provides the flexibility to choose based on price, total travel time, and cabin class, helping you to craft the ideal itinerary for your trip.

• American Airlines: This full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way prices generally falling between $90 and $425. It represents about 50% of the flights on this route, and non-stop journeys typically last around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• United: Another full-service option, United offers non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $90 to $445. It accounts for roughly 31% of departures on this route, with a standard non-stop travel time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Frontier Airlines: As a low-cost carrier, Frontier provides non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way tickets priced between $65 and $280. This airline makes up about 8% of the departures for this route, with a typical non-stop flight duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Southwest Airlines: This budget-friendly airline offers both non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares ranging from $90 to $400. Southwest constitutes approximately 8% of the total departures on this route, with a typical non-stop flight time of 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Alaska Airlines: Offering one-stop flights, Alaska Airlines is a full-service carrier with one-way fares typically between $115 and $335. It represents about 2% of the departures on this route, and travelers can expect a total travel time of roughly 6 hours and 45 minutes, including 5 hours in the air.

Travelers flying from Phoenix to Chicago have the option to upgrade their flights. Major airlines like United and Delta provide first class and premium economy service, while American Airlines features first class. Enjoy enhanced comfort and amenities on your journey with these top carriers.

Best time to fly from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (ORD)

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 time to visit with temperatures around 67.1°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $159). Flight availability peaks in March, with approximately 112 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 82 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: September usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $159, roughly 12% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $162.
• Most flight options: March has the highest number of flights from Phoenix to Chicago, with approximately 112 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*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 (ORD)

• Phoenix to Chicago (PHX-MDW): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). On this route, one-way economy fares generally fluctuate between $50 to $405, influenced by the season and the timing of your booking. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flight options. Leading airlines operating on this route include low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines. Additionally, first-class service is offered on this route.

How to find the best prices for flights from Phoenix (PHX) to Chicago (ORD)

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:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures (12 PM-6 PM) often offer better prices, while morning flights (5 AM-12 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Saturday typically results in lower prices, even though Sunday is the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. 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.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. 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 O'Hare 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 O'Hare International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at O'Hare 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 O'Hare International Airport, O'Hare Station, a metro station, is just 0.1 miles away on foot, while Rosemont Station, a train station, is located about 2.2 miles from the airport and is typically reached by car.

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 $91 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.