CLT - CHI

$133 Find Cheap Flights from Charlotte to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$259
Typical prices: $182-$357
Frontier
Tue 10/9Fri 10/12
CLT - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$266
Typical prices: $185-$360
American Airlines
Mon 10/8Mon 10/15
CLT - ORD • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
Southwest free carry-on beats bag fees, while Frontier Basic Fare limits seats.
American Main Cabin Extra adds drinks; United Economy Plus gives more legroom.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with American Airlines, United Airlines and Southwest. Average duration is 2h 19m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 8% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 6 weeks in advance save around 37% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 41% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $213 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 12m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Chicago!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Charlotte to Chicago (CLT-CHI)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Charlotte to Chicago

Thu, Dec 10 - Sun, Dec 13
Frontier Logo
9:39 pm - 7:02 pmCLT  Charlotte Douglas-MDW Chicago Midway
22h 23m1 stop Orlando
Frontier Logo
8:07 pm - 8:44 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-CLT Charlotte Douglas
23h 37m1 stop Orlando
$259Frontier
Sun, Nov 22 - Tue, Nov 24
Frontier Logo
10:42 pm - 7:47 pmCLT  Charlotte Douglas-MDW Chicago Midway
22h 05m1 stop Orlando
Frontier Logo
8:42 pm - 12:34 amMDW  Chicago Midway-CLT Charlotte Douglas
26h 52m1 stop Orlando
$259Frontier
Mon, Sep 21 - Wed, Sep 23
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:25 pm - 10:50 amCLT  Charlotte Douglas-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
17h 25m1 stop Owensboro Daviess County
Multiple Airlines Logo
3:50 pm - 8:35 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CLT Charlotte Douglas
15h 45m1 stop Orlando
$261Multiple Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Wed, Oct 14
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:25 pm - 10:50 amCLT  Charlotte Douglas-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
17h 25m1 stop Owensboro Daviess County
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:40 am - 11:11 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CLT Charlotte Douglas
26h 31m1 stop Houston George Bush Intcntl
$263Multiple Airlines
Thu, Oct 8 - Thu, Oct 15
American Airlines Logo
9:43 am - 11:05 amCLT  Charlotte Douglas-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 22mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:29 am - 9:39 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CLT Charlotte Douglas
2h 10mnonstop
$266American Airlines
Wed, Sep 30 - Thu, Oct 8
American Airlines Logo
4:18 pm - 5:38 pmCLT  Charlotte Douglas-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 20mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
7:55 am - 1:32 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CLT Charlotte Douglas
4h 37m1 stop Washington, D.C. Reagan-National
$267American Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Sat, Oct 17
United Airlines Logo
6:45 am - 8:00 amCLT  Charlotte Douglas-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 15mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
10:54 am - 7:00 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CLT Charlotte Douglas
7h 06m1 stop Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
$267United Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Sat, Oct 17
United Airlines Logo
10:25 am - 2:26 pmCLT  Charlotte Douglas-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
5h 01m1 stop Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl
United Airlines Logo
6:03 pm - 9:15 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-CLT Charlotte Douglas
2h 12mnonstop
$267United Airlines
Mon, Oct 5 - Tue, Oct 6
Southwest Logo
9:00 pm - 11:55 pmCLT  Charlotte Douglas-MDW Chicago Midway
3h 55m1 stop Nashville Intl
Southwest Logo
6:15 pm - 9:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-CLT Charlotte Douglas
1h 55mnonstop
$267Southwest
Thu, Oct 1 - Mon, Oct 5
Southwest Logo
9:00 pm - 11:55 pmCLT  Charlotte Douglas-MDW Chicago Midway
3h 55m1 stop Nashville Intl
Southwest Logo
6:55 pm - 9:50 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-CLT Charlotte Douglas
1h 55mnonstop
$267Southwest
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Charlotte to Chicago flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from Charlotte to Chicago with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from Charlotte to Chicago?

Round-trip flights from Charlotte to Chicago start at $259. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $182 to $357. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $259 on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Charlotte to Chicago flight route?

Charlotte (CLT) to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) is the cheapest Charlotte to Chicago route, averaging $267 round-trip. Other Charlotte to Chicago routes average $311, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from Charlotte to Chicago?

Thursday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Charlotte to Chicago, it is 13% cheaper than the average day. Monday is the most expensive day with flight prices 18% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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

  • January is the cheapest month to fly from Charlotte to Chicago at $162 round-trip.
  • June ($360) and July ($353) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 122% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Charlotte to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from Charlotte to Chicago are cheapest 6 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 37% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Charlotte to Chicago

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

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.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Frontier, United Airlines and ORD

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.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

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.

Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on CLT

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

Key details for Charlotte to Chicago flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$133
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 30% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 19% lower on average.
Flight from Charlotte to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

When to book flights from Charlotte to Chicago

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Charlotte to Chicago based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Flights from Charlotte to Chicago: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Charlotte to Chicago 
LeoFlew with United Airlines-Jun 2024
Get precheck TSA if you’re flying in early morning. Get a seat on the right side of the plane if you want to see sunrise.
JenniferFlew with American Airlines-Jul 2024
Both the Charlotte and O'Hare airports are large and well organized. Wear you comfy walking shoes and enjoy the journey!

Your Charlotte to Chicago flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • What is the best mode of transport to the city center from O’Hare Airport?

    The Chicago Transit Authority is operating 24h a day, 7d a week, and the Blue Line will transport you from the airport to the city center. This is likely one of the least expensive methods to reach your location.

  • Are there rental car services at O’Hare Airport?

    The Multi-Modal Facility is home to many different automobile rental agencies, including Budget, Avis, and Hertz. Passengers may use the Airport Transit System to get between the terminals and the MMF, as well as the other way around (ATS).

  • Can you stay overnight at the Charlotte Airport?

    If you have a trip that leaves early in the morning or if your flight is canceled because of bad weather, you will be able to stay the night within the enclosure at Charlotte Douglas International Airport since it is open around the clock (in this last case, the airport staff can provide you with a sleeping cot). Charlotte Douglas International Airport will soon install sleeping pods for passengers desiring a more private and comfortable slumber while waiting for their flights. One of the six new Minute Suites will have a shower. Other amenities include a couch bed, a television, and a computer.

  • Does CLT Airport have parking facilities?

    The parking facilities at CLT are available 24h. The facilities have adequate lighting and are often checked by security personnel. In addition, each of the CLT parking facilities has designated places for those who use wheelchairs, and there is a shuttle service that operates around the clock.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on Charlotte to Chicago flights?

    Among airlines operating Charlotte to Chicago flights:

    • American Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection
    • JetBlue: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from Charlotte to Chicago?

    3 airlines operate flights between Charlotte and Chicago. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • American Airlines
    • United Airlines
    • Southwest

  • Which airports can I use when flying from Charlotte to Chicago?

    Flights from Charlotte to Chicago usually depart from Charlotte Douglas (CLT) and may arrive at several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Charlotte to Chicago flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Southwest: a cabin bag in Economy Class class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from Charlotte to Chicago?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Charlotte to Chicago:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from Charlotte to Chicago?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $213 round-trip via Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), compared to $280 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Charlotte to Chicago?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$100 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from Charlotte to Chicago pass through?

    One-stop flights from Charlotte to Chicago most commonly connect through:

    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) - 29% of one-stop connections
    • Owensboro Daviess County (OWB) - 17% of one-stop connections
    • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - 14% of one-stop connections
    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 11% of one-stop connections

    Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from Charlotte to Chicago?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 27% on the Charlotte to Chicago route. Thursday is the cheapest departure day at $239 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $324, a difference of $85. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • How are flight departures from Charlotte to Chicago spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Charlotte to Chicago flights, with 34% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 33%, evening flights for 20%, and night flights for 13%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Chicago?

    Some of the most popular sights in Chicago are Magnificent Mile, Grant Park and River North. These are among the most viewed places in Chicago on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from Charlotte to Chicago?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from Charlotte to Chicago:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:00 am and lands at 8:19 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:55 pm and lands at 1:14 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 19m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Charlotte to Chicago flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 25% above the route average of $274. Book 6 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from Charlotte to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from Charlotte to Chicago takes 2h 19m, covering 584 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Charlotte to Chicago?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • Have flight prices from Charlotte to Chicago changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $259 to $1,489. That means the highest observed fare was about 6x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from Charlotte to Chicago looking right now?

    One-way fares from Charlotte to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $140, which is 20% below the typical average for this route.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from Charlotte to Chicago?

    Flying via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 12m, compared with 4h 27m via Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) and 4h 51m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

  • What is the time difference between Charlotte and Chicago?

    Chicago is 1 hour behind Charlotte (Central Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available in Chicago?

    Since Chicago is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) — daily rates from around $17:

    · Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    · Europcar
    · Hertz
    · Dollar
    · Ace

    Near Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — daily rates from around $32:

    · Hertz
    · Dollar
    · Budget
    · Alamo
    · Rent-A-Wreck

    Near Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) — daily rates from around $30:

    · Alamo
    · Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    · Budget
    · Avis
    · National

  • How much should I expect to pay for a Charlotte to Chicago flight?

    Round-trip flights from Charlotte to Chicago range from $182 to $357, with an average of $274 over the past 12 months. Anything below $182 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on Charlotte to Chicago flights?

    Two airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Charlotte to Chicago flights:

    • • American Airlines
    • • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

Your guide to booking Charlotte to Chicago flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Thursday departure instead of Monday. On this route, Thursday flights average $239 - about $85 less than Monday (26% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 6 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 37% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Charlotte to Chicago trip for January. Fares historically average $162 round-trip in that month - typically $198 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $213 round-trip on this route - about $67 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport.
    - DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
    - Holiday Inn Chicago - Midway Airport S by IHG
    - Skylark Motel
  • You can use either O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). O’Hare International Airport is the main airport serving domestic and international flights in Chicago. Midway Airport is a secondary airport.
  • On the mezzanine level at the junction of Concourses D and E is where you will find the Lounge. The Lounge is easily accessible from the airside of all CLT's gates. Members of Priority Pass get access to Minute Suites for a stay of up to one hour, with additional hours paid at a discounted cost of around $28 per hour. The atrium of the Main Terminal and the link between Concourses D and E are where you'll find the Minute Suites.
  • At CLT, there are three Mother's Room sites. Each site was designed to offer a tranquil environment for nursing women who prefer to breastfeed or pump in privacy. The rooms are available to all CLT breastfeeding moms. They are placed on the Atrium's top-level beside the Airport Chapel (directly above Cinnabon). The top-level may be reached through the stairways in the Atrium or the elevators near the toilets on Concourses A and D.
  • If you are traveling through CLT Airport and you own a pet, check with your airline about the particular guidelines they have for passengers who travel with their dogs. There are pet relief areas situated both after security checks within the terminal as well as before security checks outside of the Arrivals/Baggage Claim level.
  • In each terminal of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, travelers may use ATMs. They're on the upper level of Terminal B in Gate 1, as well as the upper and lower levels of Stations 2 and 3. Midway Airport has ATMs throughout the airport.

Prefer to fly direct from Charlotte to Chicago?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from Charlotte Douglas Airport to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Charlotte Douglas 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 Charlotte Douglas

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

More options for your flight from Charlotte to Chicago

Complete your trip to Chicago with a hotel stay or car rental