Cheapest Flights from Memphis to Chicago: Complete Expert Guide
Finding affordable flights from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Chicago’s O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) doesn’t require luck—it requires strategy. This 290-mile route is one of the most traveled corridors in the Midwest, with multiple airlines competing for your business. Whether you’re heading to Chicago for business, visiting family, or exploring the Windy City’s attractions, this comprehensive guide reveals insider tactics to secure the lowest possible fares.
The Memphis-to-Chicago route offers exceptional value compared to many other major city pairs. With competition from carriers like Southwest Airlines, United, American, and budget airlines, you’ll find frequent flights and numerous opportunities to save. The key is understanding when to book, which airlines offer the best deals, and what strategies professional travelers use to minimize costs without sacrificing convenience.
Best Airlines for Memphis-Chicago Flights
When searching for flights from Memphis to Chicago, you’ll encounter several major carriers. Southwest Airlines consistently offers competitive pricing on this route, often featuring their famous bags-fly-free policy—a significant advantage when calculating total travel costs. Unlike legacy carriers, Southwest doesn’t charge separately for checked baggage, which can save families $60-$120 per round trip.
United Airlines operates frequent daily service between MEM and ORD, particularly beneficial for business travelers with tight schedules. Their connecting flights through hub cities sometimes offer lower fares than direct routes, though they require more time. American Airlines provides comparable service with their frequent flyer program benefits, especially valuable if you’re working toward elite status.
Budget-conscious travelers should investigate Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines, which occasionally serve this route through connections. While these carriers charge for everything from carry-ons to seat selection, their base fares can be 30-40% cheaper than traditional airlines—if you can pack light and avoid ancillary fees. Calculate your total cost including baggage charges before booking budget airlines.
For the best times to book airline tickets, monitor each carrier’s website directly. Southwest often releases sales on Tuesday or Wednesday, while United frequently matches competitor pricing within hours. Set up price alerts on Google Flights, Kayak, and directly with airlines to catch deals immediately.
Optimal Booking Timing Strategy
Research from aviation data analysts reveals that booking 1-3 months in advance yields optimal pricing for the Memphis-Chicago route. Prices typically rise sharply within 14 days of departure as inventory tightens and airlines reduce discount seat availability. However, this rule has exceptions—flash sales occur unpredictably, sometimes offering superior deals on short notice.
The best day of the week to book remains Tuesday through Thursday, when airlines adjust pricing after weekend leisure travel demand. Morning bookings (between 6-9 AM) often reveal lower fares than afternoon searches, as overnight price adjustments haven’t yet reflected competing airlines’ moves. Use incognito browsing mode to prevent cookie tracking, which some users report influences displayed prices.
For this specific route, Tuesday departures and Wednesday returns typically cost 10-15% less than weekend flights. Business travelers’ Friday departures and Sunday returns command premium pricing. If flexibility exists in your schedule, shifting your travel dates by even one day can reduce costs by $50-$150 per person.
Avoid booking during peak travel periods: spring break (mid-March through early April), summer vacation season (June-August), Thanksgiving week, and December holidays. These periods see price increases of 50-100% above baseline fares. Instead, target shoulder seasons like early September, late January, or early February when demand drops significantly.
Money-Saving Tactics and Tricks
Master the art of price tracking by setting up alerts across multiple platforms. Google Flights, Hopper, and Kayak provide email notifications when fares drop below your target price. This passive approach requires no effort beyond initial setup, yet consistently identifies the cheapest available flights before prices climb again.
Consider the hidden value of airline carry-on baggage restrictions when comparing total costs. Southwest’s free checked bags eliminate hidden fees that inflate other airlines’ base prices. For business trips requiring only a carry-on, budget carriers become more competitive. For family vacations with luggage, Southwest’s all-inclusive model often beats competitors despite higher base fares.
Explore connecting flights through major airline hubs. While direct flights from MEM to ORD take approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, connections through Dallas, Houston, or Denver might cost $75-$200 less, despite adding 3-5 hours to travel time. The savings justify the inconvenience for budget-conscious travelers without time constraints.
Leverage airline loyalty programs aggressively. Even without elite status, signing up for free programs earns miles toward future flights. United MileagePlus, American AAdvantage, and Southwest Rapid Rewards members accumulate points faster than casual travelers. A single Memphis-Chicago round trip earns 500-800 miles, contributing toward free tickets on future routes.
Bundle flights with hotel accommodations through package deals on Expedia, Costco Travel, or directly with hotel chains. These packages sometimes offer savings of 15-25% compared to booking components separately. The Memphis-Chicago route’s popularity means abundant package inventory, particularly for Chicago’s downtown hotels near major attractions.
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Flight Duration and Airport Options
Direct flights from Memphis to Chicago typically take 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours, depending on wind patterns and air traffic. The actual flight time remains consistent, but departure delays and ground operations vary. Morning departures (6-8 AM) often launch more punctually than afternoon flights, which accumulate delays from earlier operations.
Memphis International Airport (MEM) serves as your primary departure point, though it’s worth noting that this airport lacks the complexity of mega-hubs. Security lines move relatively quickly, particularly at off-peak hours. Arriving 90 minutes before domestic flights provides comfortable margins for check-in and security without excessive wait times.
Your Chicago destination offers two major options: O’Hare International (ORD) and Midway International (MDW). O’Hare, located 17 miles northwest of downtown, handles most major airline service and connects to the Blue Line CTA train for $5 rapid downtown access. Midway, situated 10 miles southwest of downtown, often features lower landing fees allowing slightly cheaper fares, plus convenient Orange Line CTA access.
Consider total journey time when comparing O’Hare and Midway flights. A cheaper Midway ticket might add 20-30 minutes to your overall travel time due to ground transportation differences, potentially negating savings. Calculate door-to-door travel time using Google Maps to make informed decisions beyond just airfare cost.
Seasonal Price Patterns
The Memphis-Chicago route follows predictable seasonal pricing patterns that inform strategic booking decisions. Winter months (January-February) offer the cheapest fares, with average prices 30-40% below annual averages. This dead season, following holiday travel, sees minimal leisure demand and struggling business travel.
Spring (March-May) witnesses moderate price increases as warm weather approaches and business travel recovers. Easter and spring break create localized spikes, but shoulder periods surrounding these holidays offer reasonable pricing. Summer (June-August) brings peak pricing, with fares 50-80% above winter lows due to family vacation demand and reduced airline discounting.
Fall (September-November) provides excellent value, particularly September and early October when summer travelers have departed and holiday season hasn’t begun. Thanksgiving week represents the exception—prices skyrocket as millions travel simultaneously. Thanksgiving departures can cost 2-3 times normal prices, making the day before or day after significantly cheaper alternatives.
December shows bifurcated pricing: early December (before the 15th) offers reasonable fares, while mid-December through December 23rd commands premium pricing. December 26th through December 30th remains expensive due to holiday travelers extending trips. New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day flights are similarly costly. Target early December or late January for winter holiday travel at reasonable rates.
Alternative Routes and Connections
While direct flights dominate the Memphis-Chicago market, exploring alternatives occasionally reveals superior value. One-stop connections through Nashville (BNA) sometimes cost less than direct MEM-ORD flights, particularly on Southwest. The additional 2-3 hours in travel time may justify $50-$100 savings for flexible travelers.
St. Louis (STL) connections represent another option, though this adds significant travel time without consistently delivering savings. Dallas (DFW) and Houston (IAH) connections through American Airlines occasionally offer competitive pricing, especially if you’re pursuing specific airline loyalty benefits.
Consider the broader context of how to book flights for multiple people when exploring alternative routes. Group discounts on connecting flights sometimes offset the inconvenience of connections. For families or business groups, negotiating directly with airlines’ group sales departments can yield better deals than online bookings.
Positioning flights add another dimension to cost optimization. If you’re traveling from somewhere near Memphis but not departing from MEM itself, occasionally flying into Memphis first, then taking a cheap connecting flight to Chicago, costs less than booking a direct flight from your origin city. This strategy requires careful calculation but occasionally produces significant savings.
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FAQ
What’s the average price for Memphis to Chicago flights?
Average round-trip fares range from $200-$350 for economy seats when booking in advance during shoulder seasons. Winter (January-February) frequently drops below $200, while summer and holiday periods climb to $400-$600. Checking TSA travel information for seasonal patterns helps predict pricing trends.
How far in advance should I book Memphis-Chicago flights?
Optimal booking occurs 6-8 weeks before departure for leisure travel, or 1-3 months ahead for business trips. Last-minute bookings within 7 days rarely offer savings unless you’re flexible about dates and times. However, flash sales occasionally provide exceptions to this rule, justifying price alert monitoring.
Which airline is cheapest Memphis to Chicago?
Southwest Airlines consistently offers competitive pricing with no baggage fees, making total costs attractive despite potentially higher base fares. Budget airlines like Spirit occasionally show lower base prices but add significant fees. United and American compete aggressively, particularly with frequent flyer benefits. Your cheapest option depends on your specific travel dates and baggage needs.
Are there nonstop flights from Memphis to Chicago?
Yes, multiple daily nonstop flights operate between MEM and both Chicago airports (ORD and MDW). Southwest, United, and American all offer direct service. Flight duration is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, making connections rarely worthwhile for time savings.
Can I find better deals on Tuesday flights?
Tuesday through Thursday departures typically cost 10-15% less than weekend flights, though this advantage varies seasonally. Book on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to capitalize on airline pricing adjustments, but verify specific dates using price comparison tools before committing.
What’s the cheapest airport to fly into in Chicago?
Midway (MDW) often shows slightly lower fares due to lower landing fees, but O’Hare (ORD) offers more flight options and better ground transportation access. Calculate total journey cost including ground transportation before deciding—a $30 cheaper Midway flight might cost more when adding taxi or rental car fees.
How can I save money on baggage fees?
Flying Southwest eliminates baggage fees entirely—first two checked bags fly free. Other airlines charge $30-$40 per checked bag. For light packers using only carry-on, budget airlines might offer better value despite higher base fares. Consider baggage costs when comparing total trip expenses.
Is it cheaper to drive from Memphis to Chicago?
The 450-mile drive requires 7-8 hours and costs $60-$100 in gas plus potential hotel stays. Add vehicle wear-and-tear (approximately $0.65/mile), and driving costs $350-$450 before accounting for your time. Flying typically costs less and preserves valuable travel time, making flights the superior choice for most travelers.
