Basic Economy offers low fares but includes late boarding and no free checked bags.
Main Cabin Extra provides early boarding and complimentary drinks for a small fee.

Planning a trip from Chicago to Charlotte? KAYAK’s data-powered insights will help you find cheap flights. Learn the best time to fly, how early to book your ticket, and other tips to secure great prices.
| Low season | September |
|---|---|
| High season | October |
| Cheapest flight | $34 |
Direct departures
Chicago to Charlotte Douglas
Monday
American Airlines, Frontier, Southwest, +1 more
American Airlines, Frontier, +2 more
1
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, Frontier, Southwest, +1 more
American Airlines, Frontier, +2 more
1
Friday
American Airlines, Frontier, Southwest, +1 more
American Airlines, Frontier, +2 more
1
Saturday
American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines
American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more
Sunday
American Airlines, Frontier, Southwest, +1 more
American Airlines, Frontier, +2 more
1
Direct returns
Charlotte Douglas to Chicago
Monday
American Airlines, Frontier, Southwest, +1 more
American Airlines, Frontier, +2 more
1
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, Frontier, Southwest, +1 more
American Airlines, Frontier, +2 more
1
Friday
American Airlines, Frontier, Southwest, +1 more
American Airlines, Frontier, +2 more
1
Saturday
American Airlines, Southwest, United Airlines
American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more
Sunday
American Airlines, Frontier, Southwest, +1 more
American Airlines, Frontier, +2 more
1
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.
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.
Did not understand a single word the attendant said on the pa system. I was glad it was not an emergency.
My flight was delayed about three hours. I got home at 3:30 in the morning very bad experience.
I had a positive experience on American. I'm blind and traveling with a guide dog and the flight attendants were so kind, friendly, and helpful towards us. They checked in on us during the flight and they made us feel comfortable and welcomed. There was an hour delay before depature, but overall the flight was a smooth ride. I appreciate that there were no issues on this long flight back home.
Did not get any refreshments. Crew was very nice but limited. Small seats
The flight was flawless and we even arrived between 20 and 25 minutes early!
Typically flights with AA are good. The staff are pleasant, welcoming, and efficient.
Mostly good. Flight was crowded but Airline personnel were very friendly & accommodating. It would be good to have savory snacks rather than just sweet Biscoff cookies.
We had 3 flights. 1 & 2 were on the same plane but we had to de-board just to re-board 30 mins later. That may have been due to a crew change though. Our 3rd flight had a couple “maintenance” issues that held us up. They were quickly resolved but it took forever for someone to bring the paperwork needed so we could leave. Apparently there was a computer glitch so a driver had to bring a physical copy. It delayed us about 1 1/2 hrs. The flights themselves were smooth & no problems. For boarding, I don’t know why they don’t start with the back of the plane & move forward. It would eliminate the back up from people trying to find their seats & put their bags in the overhead bins. Unless you’re on an overseas flight, there is no food, you get a beverage & either a small bag of pretzels or a biscuit cookie. Take your own food or snacks of you want something more.
The actual trip was fine, however, the changes made to our flights and the layovers were had to endure were awful.
Most things were ok but the main problem was the cabin staff; they were very abrupt and not very friendly. They were busy and often rushed, snatching drinks off people before finished and bossing them about.
Cancelled my flight and the earliest that they are willing give me for the next flight which was 3 days later on a weekday. Only accommodation they are willing to give was $30 airline credit that will expire in 1 year
Flight was canceled, huge lines to get baggage returned. Most other airlines had delays but not widespread cancellations like Spirit.
never ever fly spirit airlines you will be screwed in the end
It was cheap. Spirit is what it is. I got to my destination and home safely. There was no food or entertainment without paying extra, which is fine. That’s why the flight was inexpensive.
the plane was not full so the flight attendant had me move to an empty row which made for a good flight. The software for logging on and booking and confirming the flight is much too cumbersome.
I will use spirit more New clean aircraft Excellent crew ! Quick boarding process !
It was very bad it got delayed by 2 hours.Never going to travel with spirit airlines in future.
The flight times got delayed multiple times due to weather which is understandable, but later the time got prepared 30min. Made to the flight barely but got stressed too much.
Worst airline ever! The guy weighing my bag had his foot on the metal plate and when I called him out on it, I got this stupid little smirk. La is a scam and so is Spirit Airlines. All the flight attendants looked like they hated our flight just as much as we did.
Spirit is awful. Too expensive for what you get. Stop nickel and diming.
Not clean and was told I would get a great seat and it was not great at all
Flight got delayed for 5 hours no good explanation was offered ;(
Horrible. I would never fly Frontier again. The booking process is tricky at best, but fraudulent in my opinion. Frontier customer service did nothing to rectify my purchase -- I ended up paying more than double what I could have gotten from other airlines and nearly triple what I thought I was buying from Frontier. Their booking practices are unfair to the consumer.
Delayed. Text notifications were slow. Not much information o what was happening. Boarding was slow and confusing. Wasn’t even offered water other flight. Had to ask. No entertainment at all. Felt like.a Greyhound bus.
When I wanted to check in 3 hours prior to boarding time, the employees mentioned “a little over an hour delay” so I waited for an hour then I went to go look for food in the terminal and most people from that flight were in the same area looking for food. Finally I decided after food to check to see if it’s anytime closer and now it’s 2 mins until boarding closes?! What are you kidding me? I didn’t receive anything via sms about boarding now nor via email or on the intercom. I luckily made it through, barely, and then there’s no room for my carry on mind you I’m in the very first row so I had to place my purse in one further row back and my carry on sections down. Not sure who pays for better seats to get your stuff placed all over the plane but that was the worst experience I’ve ever had flying with anyone.
Better than expected. Staff were friendly and nice on both flights.
There was no one at the counter to assist with our check in. The app didn’t work, so I arrived at the airport with time to check in and I couldn’t because no employees were there. When I finally got someone on the phone, it was inside the 60min rule and they said I could no longer check in and they could sell me another ticket. We had to scramble and pay an additional $800 for tickets and THEN AFTER (about 60 min from my original convo with customer service and 10min after original departure time) I had boarded my new flight, there was email saying my original flight from Frontier was delayed and leaving 2hr 50min later, but I STILL wouldn’t have been able to check in. Which means customer service should have been able to see it and let me check in because I was well within my check in time. When I call Frontier, they hang up on me. So their app didn’t work and they employees left and they take zero responsibility or assistance with their “customer service”
Terrible. Flight cancelled with no reasoning and no flights to rebook. Employees were useless and did nothing to help. Did not even know where to retrieve luggage from the cancelled flight. Flyers beware.
No fault of Frontier staff: plane was very late, reached Orlando at 1 am, took a while to get luggage. Weather, gov financial shutdown impact on TSA, air controllers seemed to have multiple flights backed up. Frontier staff seemed to cope as gracefully as possible. It did reassure me that I and my new hip could adapt to travel challenges. Food/entertainment were irrelevant to my trip.
Terrible. The canceled my entire flight when I requested a refund for a trip frontier canceled trip one way.