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 | $45 |
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
Flight was fine other than there was a gate change that I was not notified of. By chance I happened to check my phone and saw the change, otherwise, we would have missed our connecting flight.
Flight was fine other than there was a gate change that I was not notified of. By chance I happened to check my phone and saw the change, otherwise, we would have missed our connecting flight.
Haven’t flown on SW in years. Flight was on time departing and arriving. Served vegan butter onion flavored pretzels which were bad. Coke served was in a tiny paper cup. Crew was not engaging. Felt like they were going through the motions. Old plane, tight seats and no leg room.
Check-in, Boarding and flight were smooth. All the employees and crew was very nice and funny. They gave the kids crayons and workbooks to keep them occupied which was a big win. I’ve flown Southwest many times and that’s the first time I’ve seen that and it is a great addition.
Flight was on time. Wi-fi was a little spotty/slow. Boarding and exit were efficient.
Okay, not wonderful. Short flight. Wi-fi didn't work properly. Stuck waiting for a gate to open upon arrival for 20 or so minutes.
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!
I understand weather is an issue, but making us chase our plane down at five scheduled gates across three terminals in an airport the size of O'Hare was unfair. They'd have probably been better off to leave gates as TBD until the inbound plane is in final approach instead of running us all over the place. Also, props to the consistently-unprepared ground crew in Richmond for once again leaving my lane parked short of the gate because they couldn't have a crew in place on time with 2 hours notice...
cabin crew was OK, food was OK, the trip from the US to Munich was actually pretty bad comfort wise. Noisy aircraft, lights never dimmed even in Business class (night flight) barely sufficient amenities for the price. I have millions of miles with United but TBH American is gaining ground and Delta has always been marginally better then United although on paper United has more longes and cheaper upgrades.
Essy to get on. The hostess gave very little pop, the plane was late getting in, and we are still waiting for our bags. This sucks. :/
Great flight. On time boarding. Smooth flight and on time arrival at EWR. The flight crew was marvelous and there was a great selection of movies on the entertainment system. Our bags were at the carousel before we got there. Another excellent flight from United.
I liked the snacks and the flight attendants were friendly.
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
Great flight - friendly and attentive team! Seats in coach were comfy, but a little cramped - but that is the case with all airlines ;)
Experience was good, however I had a delay due to weather happening and had to re purchase a seat on a new plane for a higher price (could be my own issue and misunderstanding) but other than that situation. First time flyer (by myself) was terrific!! The last from ORD to ALO didn't have wifi, but it was only 45 minutes so I'm sure that was part of the reason. Overall my experience was great! Next time I will remember to buy tickets with longer layovers. The delays really saved my overall anxiety. :)
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.
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.
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.
Good crew and safe. However, comfort and being nickeled-and-dimed are my issues. $75 each way for luggage is exhortation. The space to the next seat is so close you cannot open a laptop. The magazine rack doesn’t hold your items. Not a fan.
A 630departure flight Delayed 6hours! They changed my gate, I moved to the new gate. Had our flight on the screen for 12noon departure. I go get above to eat, check screen again and the flight was gone, no notice no announcement, nothing!! They sent my bag on the flight I wasn’t on, got it back to me 3days later. Thank goodness they did refund my money but I will NEVER fly them again.
Due to weather, my flight was delayed, further delayed, then canceled. I eventually got through to a support person who helped me find a different route out of MSP, but to get to DIA, they didn't want to, but eventually did help with the connection ticket purchase. But even this replacement flight was delayed time and time again, and I would have missed my connecting flights and I didn't want to get stuck in a layover city, so after 12 hours at the airport with two young boys who were very tired, we just cancelled our plans and spent the week at home, instead of Nana's.
Plane and crew on board were fine. Everything else was terrible.
The third party booking with cheapflightsfares was awful. Kayak should NOT partner with them. They sold me a bundle including seat selection and carry-on, but did not book the carry-ons with Frontier, so I’m out of pocket for $414 more while I await resolution.
This company socks. It's fraud. They canceled our flight yesterday, and today we were late because of a really long line at the check in bag. At the rebook station, there was ton of people. The workers were all rude. I am gonna make a report to FTC.
One of the worst travel experiences I've had. Had a flight scheduled with CVG to RSW on VLSWQX this morning departing at 5:30. Two individuals at the gate and one was in training. Not her fault but she didn't have the ability to check people in resulting in at least 15 families that didn't make it on the plane because they weren't checked into the system in time. When arriving at the airport to drop off our prepaid checked bags, the bag drop off agent asked if we could check our bags at the gate because of the long line. We said no problem so arrived at the gate by 5:00. They told those people that had previously paid for checked bags to stand off to the side while they let others that either didn't have a checked bag or their bag was already on the plan through. Realizing the gate workers had an issue, they either called for help or this lady showed up late for work as she didn't arrive until 5:15. The worker who had been there training the other individual and working diligently to make sure all passengers got on board. He even said that at one point all people that are currently in line are fine but asked the person in training to stand outside the ticketing area around 5:15 to notify any late travels that the flight was in boarding process and they arrrived too late. At that point, we're sill standing off to the side with our pre-paid checked bags patiently waiting. When the new lady arrived she couldn't have been more rude. It was an awful seen. Essentially they had asked for those without an assigned seat to board last, those with pre-paid checked bag stand off to the site and any traveling with a larger items that needed to be checked at the gate (such as a stroller), wait on the side. They realized that the flight needed to leave on time so the gate attendant shut the gate. So anyone without a seat assignment, those that had pre-checked bags, and the worst one I saw was a mother with two infant children was in line with use because she was asked to stand to the side because her stroller. When they shut the door to the plan they told her she could no longer get on. Her checked bags were already on the plane with her car keys in them, and the lady told her we couldn't accept anyone else on because the door was shut. She didn't even have a way to get home from the airport. Truely evil behavior. I've flown Frontier enough to know customer service is not a top priority in the company's mission, but this was an all-time low. I'm sending this after an 18 hour drive that our family just completed to Bonita Springs . I felt really bad for the lady being trained and the other individual trying to help, but when the new lady came to the gate she was truly one of the rudest individuals I've ever met. One lady had been there since 4am but because she didn't have an assigned seat they wouldn't let her on the plan.
I loved the staff on the plane. So friendly and helpful! However, there was an argument and misunderstanding by the staff and a customer at the gate, and the staff member was being unprofessional. When we arrived in Atlanta, we waited 1.5 hrs for our luggage to arrive. When I asked the airport attendant, they said Frontier had the longest wait for luggage out of any airlines, and that they could not be held responsible for the delay.
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.