CHI - MCI

$86 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Kansas City - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$259
Typical prices: $305-$487
Frontier
Fri 12/21Tue 12/25
ORD - MCI • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$272
Typical prices: $308-$490
American Airlines
Mon 12/17Thu 12/20
ORD - MCI • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest. Average duration is 1h 49m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 1% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 19 weeks in advance save around 52% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 13% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $233 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 50m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Kansas City!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Kansas City (CHI-MCI)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Kansas City

Mon, Dec 21 - Fri, Dec 25
Frontier Logo
7:45 am - 7:56 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MCI Kansas City
12h 11m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
6:01 pm - 12:56 amMCI  Kansas City-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 55m1 stop Orlando
$259Frontier
Wed, Dec 2 - Wed, Dec 9
Frontier Logo
9:13 am - 7:33 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MCI Kansas City
10h 20m2 stops Dallas/Fort Worth Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
8:32 pm - 12:54 amMCI  Kansas City-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
28h 22m1 stop Denver Intl
$260Frontier
Wed, Dec 9 - Fri, Dec 11
Southwest Logo
3:45 pm - 10:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-MCI Kansas City
6h 25m2 stops Omaha Eppley Airfield Dallas Love Field
Southwest Logo
3:00 pm - 9:00 pmMCI  Kansas City-MDW Chicago Midway
6h 00m1 stop Dallas Love Field
$261Southwest
Mon, Feb 22 - Fri, Feb 26
Frontier Logo
6:21 am - 7:36 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MCI Kansas City
13h 15m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
8:31 pm - 12:26 amMCI  Kansas City-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
27h 55m1 stop Denver Intl
$261Frontier
Wed, Jan 20 - Sat, Jan 23
Southwest Logo
10:00 am - 5:05 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-MCI Kansas City
7h 05m1 stop Denver Intl
Southwest Logo
5:25 am - 2:20 pmMCI  Kansas City-MDW Chicago Midway
8h 55m2 stops Houston Hobby Memphis
$262Southwest
Mon, Feb 22 - Fri, Feb 26
Southwest Logo
9:05 am - 4:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-MCI Kansas City
7h 05m2 stops Nashville Intl Lambert-St Louis
Southwest Logo
5:15 pm - 11:55 pmMCI  Kansas City-MDW Chicago Midway
6h 40m1 stop Fort Myers SW Florida Intl
$262Southwest
Thu, Dec 17 - Sun, Dec 20
American Airlines Logo
6:45 am - 8:41 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MCI Kansas City
1h 56mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:34 pm - 8:29 pmMCI  Kansas City-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
1h 55mnonstop
$272American Airlines
Sat, Dec 19 - Wed, Dec 30
American Airlines Logo
6:45 am - 8:37 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MCI Kansas City
1h 52mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
7:43 pm - 9:45 pmMCI  Kansas City-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 02mnonstop
$276American Airlines
Mon, Nov 23 - Wed, Nov 25
United Airlines Logo
2:35 pm - 4:34 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MCI Kansas City
1h 59mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
9:49 am - 11:42 amMCI  Kansas City-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
1h 53mnonstop
$285United Airlines
Thu, Nov 19 - Mon, Nov 23
United Airlines Logo
3:47 pm - 5:30 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-MCI Kansas City
1h 43mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
5:41 pm - 7:30 pmMCI  Kansas City-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
1h 49mnonstop
$285United Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Chicago to Kansas City flights

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

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

Round-trip flights from Chicago to Kansas City typically range from $305 to $487. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $259, on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Chicago to Kansas City flight route?

There's little price difference between Chicago to Kansas City routes. They average around $379 round-trip, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Based on deals KAYAK users found in the last 12 months, Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Kansas City. It’s 11% cheaper than the average day, while Monday is the most expensive, with prices 24% higher.

What’s the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Kansas City?

•January is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Kansas City at $329 round-trip.
•June ($450) and July ($430) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 36% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are flights from Chicago to Kansas City the cheapest?

Flights from Chicago to Kansas City are cheapest 19 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 52% 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 Chicago to Kansas City

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

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, ORD and MDW

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.

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.

John Walton

John Walton

Expert on MCI

Independent aviation journalist John Walton took his first flight at eight weeks old and hasn’t stopped travelling since. A world-renowned expert in airlines and the passenger experience, he writes in depth on aviation, is a resident expert on travel in Japan and France, and offers a uniquely queer perspective on travelling the world.

Key details for Chicago to Kansas City flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$86
Beat the crowds with an average 23% drop in travelers.
The most popular month to fly with an average 38% increase in travelers.
One-way flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Kansas City

When to book flights from Chicago to Kansas City

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

Your Chicago to Kansas City flight questions, answered

Find helpful answers about this route, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking tips.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 12:05 am and lands at 1:54 am
    • Latest: departs at 11:00 pm and lands at 12:49 am.

    The flight takes about 1h 49m.

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

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from Chicago to Kansas City:

    • Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

  • How long is a flight from Chicago to Kansas City?

    A nonstop flight from Chicago to Kansas City takes 1h 49m, covering 412 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to Kansas City?

    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.

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

    Round-trip flights from Chicago to Kansas City range from $305 to $487, with an average of $378 over the past 12 months. Anything below $305 counts as a good deal.

  • How expensive are last-minute Chicago to Kansas City flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route (booked within two weeks of departure) run 49% above the $378 route average. Book 19 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $233 round-trip via Minneapolis St Paul (MSP), compared to $380 for nonstop.

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

    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.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Chicago to Kansas City flights, with 37% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 37%, evening flights for 16%, and night flights for 10%.

  • Have flight prices from Chicago to Kansas City 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 $1,184. That means the highest observed fare was about 5x higher than the lowest one.

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

    American Airlines is the only airline on the Chicago to Kansas City route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

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

    One-way fares from Chicago to Kansas City are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $95, which is 62% below the typical average for this route.

  • What car rental options are available at Kansas City Airport (MCI)?

    Kansas City Airport (MCI) hosts 5 major car rental companies, with daily rates averaging $75 for economy cars. Top options include:

    • Dollar
    • Hertz
    • Avis
    • Alamo
    • Sixt

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

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

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

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

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 47% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 37% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 11% of one-stop connections
    • Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) - 5% of one-stop connections

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

    Yes. Flexible dates can save you up to 28% on flights from Chicago to Kansas City. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $340 round-trip on average, while Monday is the most expensive at $469, a difference of $129.

    KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • What airlines fly from Chicago to Kansas City?

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

    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Southwest

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

    Flying via Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 38m, compared with 4h 50m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and 7h 24m via Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL).

  • What popular places can I visit in Kansas City?

    Some of the most popular sights in Kansas City are Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City Convention Center and Worlds of Fun. These are among the most viewed places in Kansas City on KAYAK.

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

    Among airlines operating Chicago to Kansas City flights:

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • What are the transport options from Kansas City International Airport?

    KCI is served by bus route 129 Boardwalk/KCI, which connects the airport to downtown. One-way fare is around $1.50, and the fare boxes only accept exact change, so make sure you have exact change. The airport has no onsite rental stations, but shuttles pick passengers from marked shelters on the terminal medians to the offsite stations. You’ll find shuttles for the following companies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, and National. Private shuttles at KCI offer door-to-door services, and you can also get taxis outside the baggage claim area and terminal exits.

  • What accessible services are available at Kansas City International Airport?

    The airport has provided elevators for access to all high-traffic areas, and elevators are next to the escalators. All public and family restrooms at KCI are wheelchair accessible, and they’re dotted throughout the terminal. Visual paging monitors are also located throughout the terminal, and braille signage exists in most public areas. You’ll also get wheelchair assistance by contacting your airline, and parking garages have several reserved spots for passengers with limited mobility.

  • What family services are offered at Chicago Midway Airport?

    You will find baby care facilities on Concourse C, a private place to nurse your baby, equipped with a comfy seat, sink, and wash area. Baby changing facilities are also provided in family restrooms at MDW. For those traveling with kids, MDW has a special security lane for faster clearance, and even the restaurants at MDW offer special kids’ menus and high chairs for the little ones.

  • What are the most eco-friendly airlines flying from Chicago to Kansas City?

    On average, around 617 kg of carbon is released per passenger on flights from Chicago to Kansas City. However, when you fly with Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and American airlines, you can fly significantly more sustainably. These airlines emit 81%, 79%, and 75% less carbon per passenger on flights from Chicago to MCI. Moreover, they all provide nonstop flights on this route.

Your guide to booking Chicago to Kansas City flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates are flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure and avoid flying on Monday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $340, about $129 less than Monday fares (28% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 19 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 52% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Chicago to Kansas City trip for January. Fares historically average $329 round-trip in that month - typically $121 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 Minneapolis St Paul Airport (MSP) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $233 round-trip on this route - about $147 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 Kansas City Airport.

    • Holiday Inn Kansas City Airport by IHG
    • Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Kansas City Airport
    • Days Inn by Wyndham Kansas City International Airport
  • Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD) is a major transport hub, consisting of four terminals and nine concourses. The airport has provided the ATS people mover, an automated train to easily ferry passengers between terminals and around the airport complex.
  • For those looking to get straight into business, as soon as you land at Kansas City International Airport (MCI), you’ll find several business centers at the airport. There’s one in each terminal, Terminal A Gate 9, Terminal B Gate 56, and Terminal C Gate 76, and they’re equipped with computers and high-speed internet and offer several business services.
  • You’re welcome to relax at the pay-per-use lounges at ORD before your flight to Kansas City. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, Air France, and Swiss Air have lounges here, and there’s the USO Lounge for active US military personnel and their families.
  • Consider booking your flight from ORD over Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Although MDW is smaller with quicker clearance procedures, you’ll be limited to only a few airlines. Contrarily, you’ll have your pick of airlines at ORD, and the flights from ORD to MCI are much cheaper.
  • Pets are allowed to travel through ORD, although they must always remain within their carrier. They can only leave when using the relief areas or walking through security. Pet relief areas at ORD are located at the lower levels of Terminals 5, 2, and 1, and the indoor area is in Terminal 3’s rotunda.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Kansas City?

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

Direct departures

Chicago to Kansas City

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

Kansas City 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

More options for your flight from Chicago to Kansas City

Complete your trip to Kansas City with a hotel stay or car rental