$118 Cheap Flights from Birmingham (BHM) to Chicago (MDW)
Popular airlines from Birmingham International Airport (BHM) to Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
DeltaDelta
Southwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines
Be in the knowGet alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
Book smarterSave up to 30% on select hotels after you book a flight*
Cheap Flights from Birmingham to Chicago (BHM-MDW)
Alternative airports near Chicago
Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Book with confidence
Birmingham (BHM) to Chicago (MDW) at a glance
Travelers can choose from a range of airlines offering flights from Birmingham (BHM) to Chicago (MDW) on this domestic short-haul route. You can explore options from both full-service and low-cost carriers to identify the best itinerary that suits your budget and schedule while discovering the iconic sights and diverse neighborhoods of Chicago. Here, you'll find essential details for flights from Birmingham International Airport to Midway International Airport.
- Fastest flight duration: around 1h 45m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 600 miles (970 km)
- Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $75–$430, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from Birmingham International Airport (BHM) to Midway International Airport (MDW)
According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Birmingham to Chicago, particularly for non-stop and one-stop options. Many passengers opt for layovers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with a typical layover of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Nashville International Airport (BNA) with around 2 hours and 15 minutes, and Love Field Airport (DAL) also at about 1 hour and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to create the ideal itinerary.
- Southwest Airlines: Known for its budget-friendly fares, this low-cost airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options. One-way prices generally fall between $75 and $430, making up about 88% of departures on this route, with a typical direct flight lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes.
- Delta: As a full-service airline, Delta offers one-stop flights with one-way fares usually ranging from $90 to $445. They account for roughly 12% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 3 hours and a total travel time of around 4 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.
Best time to fly from Birmingham (BHM) to Chicago (MDW)
The most popular months for travelers flying from Birmingham to Chicago are April, August, and October, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 73°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider July, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 73.4°F. For better deals, October usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $183. Flight availability peaks in July and November, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January, February, March, April, May, and December have the fewest flights, with approximately 8 flights per week.
- Cheapest time to fly: October usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $183, roughly 27% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Another budget-friendly time to fly: August typically offers an average one-way fare of around $200.
- Most flight options: July and November have the highest number of flights from Birmingham to Chicago, with approximately 11 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 | 8 | $305 |
| February | 27.0°F (-2.8°C) | Moderately Low | 8 | $316 |
| March | 37.0°F (2.8°C) | Average | 8 | $282 |
| April | 46.0°F (7.8°C) | Moderately High | 8 | $262 |
| May | 57.0°F (13.9°C) | Average | 8 | $221 |
| June | 67.3°F (19.6°C) | Average | 9 | $229 |
| July | 73.4°F (23.0°C) | Moderately Low | 11 | $292 |
| August | 73.0°F (22.8°C) | Moderately High | 10 | $200 |
| September | 67.1°F (19.5°C) | Average | 9 | $205 |
| October | 54.9°F (12.7°C) | Moderately High | 9 | $183 |
| November | 42.3°F (5.7°C) | Average | 11 | $268 |
| December | 33.1°F (0.6°C) | Average | 8 | $258 |
*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 Birmingham (BHM) to Chicago (MDW)
- Birmingham to Chicago (BHM-ORD): O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located approximately 16 miles from Midway International Airport (MDW). On this route, one-way economy prices generally fall between $90 and $420, influenced by the season and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include American Airlines and United. Additionally, first-class service is offered for those seeking a premium experience.
How to find the best prices for flights from Birmingham (BHM) to Chicago (MDW)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Birmingham 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 often available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book between two to eight weeks ahead. Departures in the morning, from 5 AM to 12 PM, usually offer lower prices and are the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Saturday generally results in cheaper prices, while Friday remains the busiest 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 Birmingham International Airport
Chicago welcomes travelers from Birmingham 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, Midway Station, a metro station, is just a short 0.2 miles away on foot, providing easy access to public transport. For those traveling by car, Chicago Ashburn Station, a train station, is located about 4.1 miles from the airport, while Lyons Seaport, a seaport, is approximately 7.2 miles away.
Birmingham to Chicago Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Chicago are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Birmingham to Chicago with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Birmingham to Chicago
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $118 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $118 and cheap return flights $235 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $203 and $648, and return flights often range between $311 and $926. 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
October is the cheapest month to fly from Birmingham, AL (BHM) to Chicago, IL (MDW), with average round-trip fares around $255. This fare is about 33% lower than the average price throughout the year, as October often has less travel demand. Other economical months to consider are February and September.
*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Enter BHM to MDW and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Southwest Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from Birmingham, AL (BHM) to Chicago, IL (MDW), with round-trip tickets starting from around $162. 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Birmingham, AL (BHM) 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, WN typically offers the lowest fares. WN also offers the most daily flights from BHM 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The ideal times to fly from Birmingham, AL (BHM) to Chicago, IL (MDW) are September and October. Both months have average return flight prices around $255, making them budget-friendly. October is particularly popular due to pleasant fall weather, while September offers a quieter travel experience.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
On average, there are around 1 nonstop flights per day from Birmingham Intl. (BHM) to Midway Intl. (MDW). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Birmingham International Airport (BHM) to Midway International Airport (MDW) typically departs at around 5:00 AM. This flight is operated by Southwest Airlines. An early start can help you make the most of your day 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
For flights from Birmingham to Chicago, the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 25% of passengers choose this time window. Many major carriers, including Southwest Airlines and Delta, offer flights during this period. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Chicago with a full day ahead of you.
How long does it take to fly from Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from BHM to MDW takes around 1 hour 50 minutes, with the route covering approximately 571 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 4 hours 30 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
First class seats are offered on the BHM to MDW route with Delta Air Lines.
How do I earn miles on a Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Birmingham Intl. (BHM)?
From Birmingham Intl. (BHM), you can fly into O'Hare Intl. (ORD) and Midway Intl. (MDW) in Chicago. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Charlotte-Douglas Intl. (CLT), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Intl. (ATL), Dallas-Fort Worth Intl. (DFW) 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham Intl.) to Chicago, IL (MDW-Midway Intl.)?
If you booked your Birmingham, AL (BHM-Birmingham 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 | Birmingham International Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Chicago Midway Airport |
Distance | 570 miles away |
Airlines serving | Delta, Southwest Airlines |
Popular airline | Delta |
Roundtrip price | $235 |
Average flight time | 1 hour 48 mins |