CHI - BHM

$125 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Birmingham

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Chicago to Birmingham departing on 1/20. 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 Birmingham

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to Birmingham, 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 Chicago to Birmingham, as well as popular online travel agencies
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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: $454
United Airlines
Sat 1/17Tue 1/20
ORD - BHM • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$125
Typical prices: $181-$381
United Airlines
Tue 1/20
ORD - BHM • Non-stop
Our travelers' advice
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
Southwest's two free checked bags benefit heavy packers.
United's extra legroom in Economy Plus enhances 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
ORD-BHM
Cheapest • 14% average savings
ORD-BHM
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 53% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
July
Cheapest • 14% price drop
October
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Start a new search
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We hope you love your trip to Birmingham!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Birmingham (CHI-BHM)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Chicago to Birmingham 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 Chicago to Birmingham

Sat, Jan 17 - Tue, Jan 20
United Airlines Logo
4:25 pm - 6:26 pm
ORD
-
BHM
2h 01mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:10 am - 11:34 am
BHM
-
ORD
2h 24mnonstop
$249United Airlines
Wed, Jan 14 - Wed, Jan 21
United Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 9:58 pm
ORD
-
BHM
2h 08mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:10 am - 11:34 am
BHM
-
ORD
2h 24mnonstop
$253United Airlines
Sat, Jan 17 - Tue, Jan 20
American Airlines Logo
3:23 pm - 11:08 pm
ORD
-
BHM
7h 45m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
10:56 am - 1:09 pm
BHM
-
ORD
2h 13mnonstop
$259American Airlines
Wed, Jan 14 - Wed, Jan 21
American Airlines Logo
6:39 am - 12:30 pm
ORD
-
BHM
5h 51m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
10:56 am - 1:09 pm
BHM
-
ORD
2h 13mnonstop
$263American Airlines
Sat, Jan 17 - Tue, Jan 20
Delta Logo
5:30 am - 10:20 am
ORD
-
BHM
4h 50m1 stop
Delta Logo
6:15 am - 1:18 pm
BHM
-
ORD
7h 03m1 stop
$269Delta
Tue, Jan 13 - Tue, Jan 20
United Airlines Logo
4:25 pm - 6:26 pm
ORD
-
BHM
2h 01mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:10 am - 11:34 am
BHM
-
ORD
2h 24mnonstop
$270United Airlines
Wed, Jan 14 - Wed, Jan 21
Southwest Logo
11:55 am - 5:00 pm
ORD
-
BHM
5h 05m1 stop
Southwest Logo
6:10 am - 1:00 pm
BHM
-
ORD
6h 50m1 stop
$273Southwest
Wed, Jan 14 - Wed, Jan 21
Southwest Logo
1:45 pm - 9:20 pm
ORD
-
BHM
7h 35m2 stops
Southwest Logo
6:10 am - 1:00 pm
BHM
-
ORD
6h 50m1 stop
$278Southwest
Tue, Jan 13 - Tue, Jan 20
American Airlines Logo
10:10 am - 5:00 pm
ORD
-
BHM
6h 50m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
10:56 am - 1:09 pm
BHM
-
ORD
2h 13mnonstop
$280American Airlines
Wed, Feb 11 - Wed, Feb 18
Southwest Logo
6:50 am - 12:00 pm
MDW
-
BHM
5h 10m1 stop
Southwest Logo
7:20 am - 9:15 am
BHM
-
MDW
1h 55mnonstop
$280Southwest
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Birmingham flights

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

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

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

What is the cheapest Chicago to Birmingham flight route?

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

The cheapest return flight from Chicago to Birmingham costs $207 on the route between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) and Birmingham (BHM). Over the past month, this route was, on average, 14% cheaper than other Chicago-Birmingham routes. It is also the most popular route.

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

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

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Birmingham on a Wednesday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Monday is the most expensive day to fly from Chicago to Birmingham. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Thursday and avoiding Mondays for the best deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Birmingham, 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 Chicago to Birmingham is July, where tickets cost $335 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are February and October, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $443 and $439 respectively.

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

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.

Yes, flying with a layover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop layover the cheapest option at $338 on average.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Birmingham, 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 Chicago to Birmingham, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 53% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 12 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Birmingham

 
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

Basic Economy offers low fares but includes late boarding and no seat assignments until check-in.


Main Cabin Extra provides early boarding and complimentary drinks, ideal for longer flights.

Southwest

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


Southwest's flexible cancellation policy allows changes up to 10 minutes before departure.

United Airlines

Economy Plus offers extra legroom, up to six inches more than standard economy.


Priority Boarding ensures overhead bin space, placing you in Zone 2.

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 seasonAugust
Cheapest flight$125
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 12% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 12% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Birmingham

When to book flights from Chicago to Birmingham

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Birmingham 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 Chicago to Birmingham

  • Does Chicago O’Hare International Airport have lost and found centers?

    Yes. You misplaced an item while at O’Hare Airport. Many different organizations at the Airport manage lost and found items. If you are trying to find a lost item, reach out to the closest lost and found organization where you last had the item. Suppose you don’t know where you lost the item. In that case, you may have to notify some of these agencies: TSA checkpoints, gate areas, ticket counters, lost and found (only at terminal 5), parking facilities, retail service locations, or Terminal 5 custom area.

  • Does Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport have a rental car facility?

    Yes. You've deplaned at BHM and are looking for an independent option to move around; renting a car is your best bet. At BHM, on the ground level of the parking deck are the Airport’s car rental facilities. The location is also for dropping off and picking up rental cars. Thrifty, National, Dollar, Payless, Enterprise, Alamo, Budget, Avis, and Hertz are the car rental companies housed in the rental car facility in BHM.

  • Where can I find Chicago O'Hare International Airport's animals' relief area?

    ORD is a service animals and pets friendly airport. ORD has outdoor and indoor animal relief areas close to the terminals. The animals’ relief areas are available round the clock to care for pets and service animals’ potty needs. At ORD, animals’ relief areas are outside the arrivals at gates 2A, 5B, and 1A of Terminals 2, 5, and 1 respectively. Also, in Terminal 3 Rotunda and at Concourse C close to gate 10 in terminal 1.

  • Where can I find Chicago O'Hare International Airport's business center?

    Business people traveling through ORD and having important business to tend to can use the business center at the lower level of the Chicago Hilton Airport Hotel. Chicago Hilton Airport Hotel is across from the Airport's Domestic Terminals and you can get to the hotel via underground walkways. The business center offers full-service services such as browsing, faxing and emailing, copying, printing, and packaging, and shipping.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Chicago to Birmingham?

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

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

    A passport is not required to fly from Chicago to Birmingham.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Chicago to Birmingham?

    Chicago has 2 major airports: Chicago Midway and Chicago O'Hare Intl. Birmingham is the only airport in Birmingham. You’ll usually find the cheapest deals if you fly from Chicago Midway Airport.

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

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

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

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

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago to Birmingham?

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

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

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

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to Birmingham are Southwest and United Airlines. With an average price for the route of $367 and an overall rating of 7.9, Southwest is the most popular choice. United Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $557 and an overall rating of 7.4.

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

    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 Chicago to Birmingham.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Birmingham from Chicago 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 Chicago to Birmingham?

    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 Birmingham with an airline and back to Chicago with another airline.

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

    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 Birmingham from Chicago 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 Chicago to Birmingham

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $184 or less one-way and $333 or less round-trip.
  • On the date, you're to connect Chicago to Birmingham, reaching Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) at least two hours before your the scheduled departure time would be best. It will provide you time to check in at either Airport, go through the engrossed TSA security, and board your flight in time.
  • ORD is one of Chicago's major airports. The Airport includes four terminals; three Terminals 2, 3, and 1 are for local flights, while Terminal 4 is for international flights. The Domestic Terminals are within walking distance through walkways. From any of the Domestic Terminals, you must use the Airport’s Transit System to reach the International Terminal.
  • On your flight from Chicago to Birmingham, you can kick back and distract yourself on the plane with entertainment. Indulge in the many movies and TV shows on streaming and live TV on the plane via the personal entertainment device. Delta and American Airlines provide the entertainment feature for this flight route.
  • For nursing mothers traveling through MDW, the Airport has nursing areas. The nursing spaces provide a quiet and private space for nursing mothers to pump or feed their children. MDW has at Concourse C in the Main Terminal a Mother's room and at Concourse A close to gate A5 Mamava Lactation Pods.
  • For passengers with more bags than they can carry, Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) has Smart Carte trollies to help you with your pieces of luggage. The Smart Carte trollies are available at a $5 rental fee per cart at the luggage claim and curbside close by the terminals’ entrance.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Birmingham?

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

Direct departures

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

Direct returns

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

Reviews of the top 3 airlines serving from Chicago to Birmingham

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Chicago to Birmingham. 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 Chicago to Birmingham? 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
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
7.0Food
7.5Entertainment
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.

After a delay at the gate, C3, at Ohare on Sunday, I left my Blk ski coat on the bench at the gate, lost! Please review my lob claim, thx.

Very thoughtful flight attendant offered me water immediately since I had run to make my connection.

Always wish for more healthy, gluten free options. We have to bring our own.

Having a long layover, I was very appreciative of the ability to stand by for an earlier flight. Other airlines like Delta have refused this to me in the past, just to be mean (because my ticket class wasn't high enough). United went out of their way to help me get to my destination early, which I really appreciated given that it was the third leg of a 24+ hour journey for me.

Other than a way way too cold cabinets for the entire flight, all was great

One bag is incorrect and not acceptable for an international flight. The food was not just good. I won't fly with them again.

Excellent flight. Smooth, efficient boarding. Quick flight. Arrived early at STL.

I will never book a flight through Cheap fare. They booked me from Portland Main . And would not give me a refund, so I bought 2 tickets one for 299. From Portland Main to ORD. Then I had to buy a ticket from Oregon PDX to ORD that was another 440. So Just so you know they even told me it was there fault but no refund. Bad bussniess. I did inform United but they said they couldn't help me due to the fact I booked through Cheap Tickets. Never again. And I'm spreding the word. I let everyone know at my 50th class reunion

Crew and customer service were excellent. This flight also had plenty of leg room and seat mounted screens for entertainment. A very pleasant flight all around!

It would have been better if the crew has supported my husband's reasons for needing to keep the space clear around his feet, rather than insisting that he put his knapsack in that space.

We loved the steward on the plane. He made the night enjoyable

The plane was late, when we did board the plane was as cold as a freezer. I was freezing the entire flight, no blankets. Lost miserable flight I’ve ever had.

3 hour weather delay followed by 1 hour (and counting) maintenance delay. UGH!

After we'd boarded , they canceled the flight. The crew didn't even know , we just all received text messages. Then after they deplaned us , AA was just like "too bad, go F your self, we sure ain't gonna help you"

The flight got delayed 2.5 hrs due to a maintenance issue that cause a domino effect. American should have spare planes for when something like this happens.

After a two hour delay, my flight was CANCELLED! No pilot available. Such BS.

Amazing food, great staff, with one noticable detail missing ...but no seat entertainment in any of aircraft ...I am not a fan

I wish American Airlines would change the airline industry by loading the plane back to front instead of front to back. Planes would board so much more smoothly and quickly.

I have long legs, my foot was out in the aisle and when a flight attendant came walking by and I didn't notice, instead of saying "excuse me" or anything like that, she kicked my foot. Extremely rude

Excellent! The gate agents were kind enough to rebook me on an earlier flight saving me from a 6 hour layover. Even my luggage made it despite the fact that the connection was technically too narrow. The flight itself was very comfortable, roomy, and clean. Plenty of space for my carryon items with plugs to charge my phone. After a long international flight of 14 hours, this was an excellent way to end my travels!

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports