Flights from Atlanta to Chicago

Looking for flights from Atlanta to Chicago? CompareWings brings you the latest offers, travel tips, non-stop airline options, and essential information to help you plan a smooth journey from the Southern hub to the Windy City.

Route Overview

The flight from Atlanta to Chicago connects two of the nation’s most critical aviation hubs. It is a short and efficient trip, averaging around 2 hours, with many daily departures.

  • Flights depart from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
  • Arrivals are at either:
    • O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
    • Midway International Airport (MDW)

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When’s a good time to book a flight from Atlanta to Chicago

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Atlanta to Chicago?

If you’re looking for a flight deals from Atlanta to Chicago, it’s recommended to look for departures on Monday. Sunday tends to have higher prices.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Atlanta to Chicago?

Historically, December has been the cheapest month for flights from Atlanta to Chicago. On the other hand, the most expensive months tend to be May.

Airlines & Flight Options

Travelers benefit from multiple daily services and competitive fares from both major and budget airlines.

  • Delta Air Lines – highest frequency of non-stop flights to ORD and MDW
  • Southwest Airlines – preferred airline for MDW, includes free checked bags
  • American & United Airlines – regular non-stop flights into O'Hare
  • Frontier & Spirit – budget-friendly non-stop flight options

Offers, Deals & Best Ways to Save

Due to strong competition, the ATL → CHI route often features great fare deals.

  • Midweek flights (Tuesday & Wednesday) are usually the cheapest
  • January and February often offer the lowest fares
  • Booking 3–4 weeks in advance offers the best pricing
  • Check both ORD and MDW for savings on tickets and ground transport

Tips to Get the Best Deals

  • Use fare alert tools to monitor price drops
  • Travel with only a personal item on Frontier or Spirit to avoid baggage fees
  • Choose early morning departures (6 AM – 8 AM) to save money and avoid delays

Travel Tips for ATL → CHI Flyers

  • Time Zone: Atlanta is ET, Chicago is CT – you gain an hour flying west and lose one returning
  • Weather: Chicago can be colder year-round – pack layers, especially in winter
  • Airport Arrival: ATL has long security lines – arrive 2 hours early, TSA PreCheck can speed up security
  • Transport: CTA Blue Line serves ORD, CTA Orange Line serves MDW – affordable and reliable options

Frequently Asked Questions

The average non-stop flight time is approximately 2 hours, though actual time in the air is often around 1 hour and 40 minutes.


Delta, Southwest, United, American, Spirit, and Frontier all operate non-stop flights on this route.


Midway (MDW) is generally closer to downtown and easier to navigate. O'Hare (ORD) has more flight options and better international connections.


February is typically the cheapest month to fly to Chicago, offering significant savings for those willing to brave the cold.

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