CHI - CMH

$64 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Columbus

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 Columbus departing on 2/24. 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 Columbus Airport

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to Columbus, 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 Columbus, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$158
Overall average: $304
Spirit Airlines
Tue 1/20Wed 1/21
ORD - CMH • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$190
Typical prices: $217-$443
American Airlines
Sat 1/17Sun 1/18
ORD - CMH • 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 for extra luggage.
United's Wi-Fi varies; check coverage maps for reliability.
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Expert advice
Video guide: How to find cheap flights to Columbus
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Top airlines
Spirit Airlines
Cheapest • from $170 (round-trip)
Southwest
Best reviews • 7.9 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
Top routes
ORD-CMH
Cheapest • 5% average savings
ORD-CMH
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 57% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
May
Cheapest • 15% price drop
May
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 Columbus!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Columbus (CHI-CMH)

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

Tue, Jan 20 - Wed, Jan 21
Spirit Airlines Logo
10:48 am - 11:19 pm
ORD
-
CMH
11h 31m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:45 am - 9:03 pm
CMH
-
ORD
16h 18m1 stop
$158Spirit Airlines
Mon, Jan 5 - Mon, Jan 26
Frontier Logo
6:12 am - 6:06 pm
MDW
-
CMH
10h 54m1 stop
Frontier Logo
12:03 pm - 10:19 pm
CMH
-
MDW
11h 16m1 stop
$162Frontier
Tue, Jan 20 - Wed, Jan 21
Spirit Airlines Logo
10:48 am - 11:19 pm
ORD
-
CMH
11h 31m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:45 am - 9:03 pm
CMH
-
ORD
16h 18m1 stop
$164Spirit Airlines
Tue, Jan 13 - Tue, Jan 20
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:15 am - 11:27 pm
ORD
-
CMH
17h 12m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:45 am - 9:03 pm
CMH
-
ORD
16h 18m1 stop
$165Spirit Airlines
Sat, Jan 31 - Wed, Feb 4
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:03 am - 10:47 am
ORD
-
CMH
27h 44m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:45 am - 9:03 pm
CMH
-
ORD
16h 18m1 stop
$167Multiple Airlines
Thu, Jan 8 - Mon, Jan 12
Frontier Logo
4:49 pm - 10:48 am
ORD
-
CMH
16h 59m1 stop
Frontier Logo
11:48 am - 12:08 pm
CMH
-
ORD
25h 20m1 stop
$168Frontier
Sat, Jan 17 - Mon, Jan 19
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:44 pm - 11:19 pm
ORD
-
CMH
9h 35m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:00 pm - 1:57 pm
CMH
-
ORD
26h 57m1 stop
$171Multiple Airlines
Sat, Jan 17 - Sun, Jan 18
Delta Logo
5:31 pm - 12:01 am
MDW
-
CMH
5h 30m1 stop
Delta Logo
6:25 am - 8:52 am
CMH
-
MDW
3h 27m1 stop
$209Delta
Tue, Jan 20 - Tue, Feb 17
Southwest Logo
1:40 pm - 3:50 pm
MDW
-
CMH
1h 10mnonstop
Southwest Logo
7:25 pm - 7:40 pm
CMH
-
MDW
1h 15mnonstop
$210Southwest
Sat, Jan 17 - Sun, Jan 18
Delta Logo
9:32 am - 1:31 pm
MDW
-
CMH
2h 59m1 stop
Delta Logo
6:00 am - 12:48 pm
CMH
-
MDW
7h 48m2 stops
$214Delta
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Columbus flights

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

Find cheap flights to Columbus
Find cheap flights to Columbus

Planning a trip from Chicago to Columbus? 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.

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

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 Columbus Airport departing in January.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Columbus Airport flight route?

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

The cheapest return flight from Chicago to Columbus Airport costs $239 on the route between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) and Columbus Airport (CMH). Over the past month, this route was, on average, 5% cheaper than other Chicago-Columbus Airport routes. It is also the most popular route.

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

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

For Chicago to Columbus, Saturday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Tuesday is the most expensive. Flying from Columbus back to Chicago, the best deals are generally found on Thursday, with Monday being the most expensive.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Columbus Airport?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Columbus Airport, 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 Columbus Airport is May, where tickets cost $270 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are March and December, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $358 and $349 respectively.

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

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 $361, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

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

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 Columbus Airport, 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 Columbus Airport, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 57% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 14 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Columbus

 
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
United Airlines

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


United's Wi-Fi varies; check coverage maps before purchasing for reliable connectivity.

American Airlines

Basic Economy offers carry-on only travel, ideal for short flights with tight budgets.


Main Cabin Extra provides early boarding and complimentary drinks, enhancing your travel experience.

Southwest

Southwest offers free snacks and soft drinks, with Wi-Fi available for streaming.


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

Our travel experts
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
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

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$64
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 2% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 15% lower on average.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Columbus

When to book flights from Chicago to Columbus

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

  • How can I fly from Midway to Columbus?

    Southwest is one airline that offers direct flights from MDW to CMH. Delta is among the airlines that offers flights from MDW to CMH with one stop. Stops often occur in cities such as Detroit, Atlanta, and Minneapolis.

  • Do either of the Chicago airports have a hotel at the airport?

    Yes. The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is on ORD grounds, located across from Terminal 2 and connected to all of the terminals of the airport by an underground walkway. Amenities at this hotel include room service, and indoor pool, a business center, wheelchair accessibility, and much more.

  • Which Chicago airports have a USO lounge?

    Both Chicago airports have USO, and in fact, ORD has two USO military lounges. At ORD, you can find a USO in Terminal 2 landside and in Terminal 3 airside. The USO at MDW is airside on Concourse C. Active-duty US military personnel and their families can enjoy the services and facilities of these military lounges free of charge. Amenities include comfortable and relaxing seating, refreshments, devices for connectivity and entertainment, flight information, and much more.

  • Is CMH an accessible airport?

    Yes. CMH has made many adaptations to assist differently-abled passengers. Some of these accommodations include wheelchair availability and assistance, shuttles equipped with lifts to accommodate wheelchairs and electric scooters, and handicap accessible parking. CMH also uses sunflower lanyards and wristbands to identify travelers with challenges that aren't so obvious, such as autism, PTSD, and hearing loss. The lanyards and wristbands discreetly alert airport and airplane staff that these passengers will need extra time and assistance with the travel process.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Chicago to Columbus Airport?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago to Columbus Airport was $64 for a one-way ticket and $158 for a round-trip.

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

    No

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

    Chicago is served by 2 major airports and there is only 1 main airport in Columbus. You will leave Chicago from one of these airports: Chicago Midway or Chicago O'Hare Intl. You will be arriving at Columbus.

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

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

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

    The Embraer 170 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Chicago to Columbus flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago to Columbus?

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

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

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

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to Columbus are Southwest and United Airlines. With an average price for the route of $297 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 $360 and an overall rating of 7.4.

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

    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 Columbus.

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

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

    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 Columbus 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 Columbus?

    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 Columbus 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 Columbus Airport

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $162 or less one-way and $303 or less round-trip.
  • Chicago, Illinois is served by two airports, the Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and the Midway International Airport (MDW). ORD is a hub for American and United Airlines. MDW is a hub for Southwest Airlines and a focus city for Frontier. The John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is no longer a hub for any airlines.
  • United and American are among the airlines that offer direct flights from ORD to CMH. Delta and American are among the carriers that offer flights from ORD to CMH with one stop, often in Minneapolis, Philadelphia, or Dallas. United and American are among the airlines that offer two-stop flights from ORD to CMH, with layovers in cities including Detroit, Grand Rapids, Cleveland, Washington DC, and New York.
  • If you want to relax before your flight to CMH, you can stop by the Yoga Room to stretch out and center yourself. Both Chicago airports, ORD and MDW, have a Yoga Room with wall mounted TVs demonstrating poses. The Yoga Room in each airport is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
  • CMH has private Nursing Rooms located throughout the airport for traveling moms who would like to breastfeed in private or who need to pump. You can find these Nursing Rooms landside in Baggage Claim and airside at Gates A2, B29, and C51.
  • If you need to pick up a rental car at the Columbus Airport, follow the purple signs throughout the terminal that will guide you to the Arrivals Level. At the Arrivals curb, you can catch a free shuttle for a brief ride to the Rental Car Center. Some agencies that you will find at the CMH Rental Car Center include Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Thrifty, Alamo, and more.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Columbus?

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

Direct departures

Chicago to Columbus

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

Columbus 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 Columbus

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Chicago to Columbus. 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 Columbus? 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
8.6Crew
8.1Boarding
8.0Comfort
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.

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 landed at cmh ten minutes early but had to sit on tarmac for twenty minutes because a plane was at our gate despite the fact that 3 other gates were open.

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"

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 Columbus

Information on your arrival and departure airports