BHM - CHI

$125 Find Cheap Flights from Birmingham to Chicago

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Birmingham to Chicago departing on 2/14. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Chicago

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Birmingham to Chicago, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Birmingham to Chicago, as well as popular online travel agencies
Travelers love KAYAK
41.299.237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$249
Overall average: $384
United Airlines
Wed 12/31Thu 1/1
BHM - ORD • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$125
Southwest
Sat 2/14
BHM - MDW • Non-stop
Our travelers' advice
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
Southwest offers two free checked bags, ideal for families.
United's Economy Plus provides extra legroom for comfort.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Top airlines
United Airlines
Cheapest • from $249 (round-trip)
Southwest
Best reviews • 7.9 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Top routes
BHM-ORD
Cheapest • 21% average savings
BHM-ORD
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
4 weeks
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 46% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
September
Cheapest • 17% price drop
August
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
KAYAK searches 100s of sites at once to find you the best travel deals.
We hope you love your trip to Chicago!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Birmingham to Chicago (BHM-CHI)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Birmingham to Chicago that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Birmingham to Chicago

Wed, Dec 31 - Thu, Jan 1
United Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 9:54 am
BHM
-
ORD
2h 24mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:47 pm - 9:55 pm
ORD
-
BHM
2h 08mnonstop
$249United Airlines
Wed, Dec 31 - Thu, Jan 1
American Airlines Logo
6:34 am - 8:52 am
BHM
-
ORD
2h 18mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
9:45 am - 3:14 pm
ORD
-
BHM
5h 29m1 stop
$259American Airlines
Wed, Jan 21 - Wed, Jan 21
Southwest Logo
7:20 am - 9:15 am
BHM
-
MDW
1h 55mnonstop
Southwest Logo
4:25 pm - 9:20 pm
MDW
-
BHM
4h 55m1 stop
$263Southwest
Wed, Jan 21 - Wed, Jan 21
Southwest Logo
7:20 am - 9:15 am
BHM
-
MDW
1h 55mnonstop
Southwest Logo
1:50 pm - 9:20 pm
MDW
-
BHM
7h 30m2 stops
$268Southwest
Sat, Jan 17 - Sun, Jan 18
Delta Logo
11:09 am - 4:29 pm
BHM
-
MDW
5h 20m1 stop
Delta Logo
6:45 am - 10:33 am
MDW
-
BHM
3h 48m1 stop
$269Delta
Wed, Dec 31 - Thu, Jan 1
American Airlines Logo
6:11 pm - 12:43 am
BHM
-
ORD
6h 32m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
9:45 am - 3:14 pm
ORD
-
BHM
5h 29m1 stop
$269American Airlines
Wed, Jan 14 - Sat, Jan 17
United Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 9:54 am
BHM
-
ORD
2h 24mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
4:25 pm - 6:26 pm
ORD
-
BHM
2h 01mnonstop
$270United Airlines
Wed, Jan 21 - Wed, Jan 21
Southwest Logo
7:20 am - 9:15 am
BHM
-
MDW
1h 55mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:45 pm - 10:30 pm
MDW
-
BHM
1h 45mnonstop
$272Southwest
Tue, Jan 13 - Thu, Jan 15
American Airlines Logo
10:56 am - 1:09 pm
BHM
-
ORD
2h 13mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
8:15 am - 10:26 am
ORD
-
BHM
2h 11mnonstop
$272American Airlines
Wed, Jan 14 - Sat, Jan 17
Delta Logo
11:36 am - 4:45 pm
BHM
-
ORD
5h 09m1 stop
Delta Logo
8:00 am - 2:34 pm
ORD
-
BHM
6h 34m1 stop
$290Delta
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Birmingham to Chicago flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Birmingham to Chicago to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from Birmingham, Alabama to Chicago?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Birmingham, Alabama to Chicago departing in December.

What is the cheapest Birmingham to Chicago flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The absolute cheapest return flight from Birmingham to Chicago costs $233 on the route between Birmingham (BHM) and Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD). However, over the past month, flights between Birmingham (BHM) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) were, on average, 21% cheaper than other Birmingham-Chicago routes. The most popular route is between Birmingham (BHM) and Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD).

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

The average price of all round-trip flights from Birmingham to Chicago clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to Chicago on a Thursday and more expensive on a Monday. On your return trip to Birmingham, you should consider flying back on a Wednesday, and avoid Mondays for better deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Birmingham to Chicago, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Birmingham to Chicago is September, where tickets cost $293 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and December, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $394 and $393 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Birmingham to Chicago?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $372, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Birmingham to Chicago?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Birmingham to Chicago, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Birmingham to Chicago, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 46% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 7 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Birmingham to Chicago

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Airlines
American Airlines

Main Cabin Extra offers early boarding and complimentary drinks, ideal for business travelers.


Basic Economy has late boarding and no seat assignment, consider Main Cabin for flexibility.

Southwest

Southwest offers free carry-on and personal item, but checked bags now incur fees.


Southwest's Rapid Rewards program offers unlimited rewards seats and no blackout dates.

United Airlines

Economy Plus offers up to six inches more legroom, enhancing comfort on short flights.


Consider Priority Boarding to ensure overhead bin space for carry-ons.

Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Read more
Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Read more
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Read more

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$125
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 2% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 4% lower on average.
Flight from Birmingham to Chicago Midway Airport

When to book flights from Birmingham to Chicago

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Birmingham to Chicago based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Birmingham to Chicago

  • What is the cheapest flight from Birmingham to Chicago?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Birmingham to Chicago was $125 for a one-way ticket and $249 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Birmingham and Chicago?

    No

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Birmingham to Chicago?

    American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, and LATAM Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Birmingham to Chicago flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Birmingham to Chicago?

    The Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet CRJ-550 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Birmingham to Chicago flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Birmingham to Chicago?

    SkyTeam, Star Alliance, and oneworld are the airline alliances operating flights between Birmingham and Chicago, with SkyTeam being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Birmingham to Chicago?

    There are nonstop flights from Birmingham to Chicago on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Birmingham to Chicago, Southwest or Delta?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Birmingham to Chicago are Southwest and Delta. With an average price for the route of $346 and an overall rating of 7.9, Southwest is the most popular choice. Delta is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $368 and an overall rating of 7.9.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Birmingham to Chicago?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Birmingham to Chicago.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Birmingham to Chicago?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Chicago from Birmingham is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Birmingham to Chicago?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Chicago with an airline and back to Birmingham with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Birmingham to Chicago?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to Chicago from Birmingham up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Birmingham to Chicago

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $278 or less one-way and $402 or less round-trip.

Prefer to fly direct from Birmingham to Chicago?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Birmingham to Chicago.
Find which airlines fly direct from Birmingham Airport to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Birmingham to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to Birmingham

Monday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Tuesday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Wednesday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Thursday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Friday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Saturday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Sunday

American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines

American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 4 airlines serving from Birmingham to Chicago

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Birmingham to Chicago. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Birmingham to Chicago? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7.9
SouthwestOverall score based on 4250 reviews
8.1Boarding
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
7.5Entertainment
7.0Food
Airline reviews

They sent a notice that they were boarding an hour early. We had to leave the club and run to the gate. They said sorry, that came from corporate and was a mistake. They did not have enough seating because the flight before it had not taken off on time. They moved our gate and delayed it for an hour.

2.0 MediocreRobert, Dec 2025
LAS - TPA
Read more Southwest reviews

They sent a notice that they were boarding an hour early. We had to leave the club and run to the gate. They said sorry, that came from corporate and was a mistake. They did not have enough seating because the flight before it had not taken off on time. They moved our gate and delayed it for an hour.

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

Still a fan of open seating. Flight was on schedule and arrived on time. The 737 MAX is very comfortable.

Airline travel is always too cramped to really be pleasant, but the cabin crew on this flight did a pretty good job of making up for it by putting on some music during boarding and sprinkling a few funny remarks into the safety briefing and announcements, and just generally being friendly and helpful. It definitely reminded me of why I prefer the in-flight experience on Southwest!

No delays and arrived to destination 30 min early. Staff was super friendly.

San Diego airport is brand new, spacious, airy and very smooth checkin at SW baggage drop.

It was rough. The staff was unprofessional, the choice of on board drinks terrible, it was cramped in space at every airport, they always ran out of overhead bin space so they pressured people to check bags for free or we couldn’t leave on the plane— so I did check my bag to help, and they nearly lost my bag. My bag did not arrive on the luggage belt, another man on my flight and I had to waste our time going to the baggage office to search for our bags. I would only fly southwest again if it was my last choice. Also, my flights were consistently delayed over and over again— at one point they straight up told us we were waiting for the pilot to arrive.

Crew could have been friendlier, maybe I'm spoiled by SW crews. In flight wifi was good. Would be nice to have more food offerings on a 4 plus hour flight

Had to get off plane from prior flight even though I had to reboard same plane to continue to my final destination.

Great. I had to modify a flight. That was easy and free. Thank You

I noticed that the planes seem to be outdated. There was no entertainment per se. Also, the waiting area did not have any working electrical outlets

Original flight was cancelled and when i was rebooked by the airline, they couldn't seat me in the same type of seat as I had originally booked (went from window/aisle to middle/middle and one was a bulkhead seat, and other wasn't in the same class)

Lady Pilot was perfect in every way wheels up to wheels down communication, professionalism, excellent on time departure and on time arrival, excellent communication! Fantastic job with Superb attitude!!

The food is terrible. The staff is wonderful. Comfort is good.

Left on time, a bit delayed due to headwinds most of the trip.

I fly Delta all the time, have Platinum Medallion status. But this route seems to have major problems with delays and seems to never leave on time! Have only taken it twice in the last two weeks, and each time it had delays of more than 1 hour... very disappointed!!!!

Good seats in Main cabin, excellent service and excellent landing

My flight was cancelled with no explanation after I had already cleared security. I was given 4 options to rebook, only one being non-stop like I had paid for. I grabbed it. It was 4 plus hours later and then took off even later. Biggest complaint is that I booked early and had an aisle seat. They gave me a "window" seat in front of the exit row, so the seat did not decline. I weigh all of 103 #s and it was tight for me! For what I paid, I feel I was kind of ripped off. I think they should have given me the empty comfort seat for the inconvenience. There was no apology nor any explanation as to why the flight was cancelled. My guess is it benefitted Delta in some way.

Very smooth, on-time, and pleasantly uneventful flight. The team at the gate and on board were professional and genuinely courteous. The pilot kept us well updated throughout, and both takeoff and landing were steady and enjoyable without any drama. Just a good, solid flight. Thank you! 💗

The flight was on time. I generally don’t drink or eat on short flights and the seats were good and the flight attendants were friendly. That’s all I expect

It was nice to have gotten up upgraded to first class with a meal on a three hour flight

Very bad! They kept delaying my flight and wouldn’t do anything about it

Door to door, the crew and staff were amazing. It was a stressful travel day with delays, but they were focused on customers and doing what they could to get us to our destinations.

Flight was delayed only slightly before takeoff due to traffic control. However, the flight arrived early to ORD. Good flight. United has been very reliable for me.

Another delayed flight. When the delays exceed the duration of the flight, it’s a problem.

After boarding the plane in Chicago, the passengers were told that there was a technical problem with the plane. Passengers remained on the plane as they tried to fix the problem. After what was probably an hour passengers were told that there was a need to change planes as the problem was not solved. Passengers disembarked and boarded another plane. After taxing to the runway and waiting for takeoff, passengers were told that owing to the thunderstorm the flight was unable to take off but would try and reroute. After some time passengers were told there wasn't enough fuel for the new route and the plane had to return to the gate for additional fuel. after another log delay the flight got underway. On the plane there was food, drinks, ice or entertainment. We were a glass of water, which appeared rationed. Flight arrived about 5 hours late. The pilot was fantastic and communicated with the passengers throughout the ordeal.

Better WiFi. I cannot understand that in 2025, United is so behind on a technology that is now a necessity and still painfully unreliable, slow and keeps disconnecting.

Trip was great. A wild landing in Ottawa with the wind and rain, but the pilot did a great job. Always love flying United.👍

Excellent experience. Starting with the agent at the Premier bag drop who noticed I was very early for my scheduled flight and offered to rebook me on an earlier flight with my seat preference. She would not let me leave the counter until she knew that all of the changes and new boarding pass showed up on my United app. At the gate, the flight boarded quickly such that we departed early and the flight was smooth. We arrived 20 minutes early at ORD and I was able to be home in time for dinner. One of the best flights I've had.

Awful. They won’t help me with anything. I booked on American but they abdicated to Iberia. The ticket was overpriced. Everything negative

I enjoyed the extra leg room compared to other airlines. The first stewards made my daughter’s birthday special by giving her an extra snack. Then the last one coming home from Chicago to Appleton made our night really enjoyable Thanks for making our trip enjoyable

It was good..clean, comfy seat. Friendly warm welcoming crew. Was able to check my cabin luggage at the gate which I was able to pickup in a decent time from baggage claim. The app gave all updates from delays to baggage claim info. Overall smooth flight.

It was a typical flight. We had a delay which seems to be the normality now. And we had no in flight service due to conditions.

Flight attendants on this flight were very attentive and friendly

After we landed we sat on the tarmac for 1.5 hours waiting to get to our gate. Ridiculous.

Terrible. Flight delayed for more than 8 hours with only a $12 meal voucher provided for the inconvenience. The airplane did not have breaks on arrival yet they still made us go through the motions and board on time knowing we could not take off then sit for 40+ minutes before having to get of the time. A complete waste of my time. I cannot believe they can stay business with these shenanigans. I’ll avoid this company like the plague moving forward as the lack of accountability is disgraceful.

This was the best 2 flights I have had with American out of SGF. Great crew both flights.

Excellent - explanations were clear staff was nice and flight was comfortable

Lost bag and 2 days no word leaving for cruise no clothes or stuff

Everything you need to know for your flight from Birmingham to Chicago

Information on your arrival and departure airports