CHI - YOW

$127 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Ottawa

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 Ottawa departing on 1/8. 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 Ottawa

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to Ottawa, 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 Ottawa, as well as popular online travel agencies
Travelers love KAYAK
41.299.237 searches in the past 7 days on KAYAK

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$269
Overall average: $712
Multiple Airlines
Fri 1/30Sun 2/1
ORD - YOW • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$660
Typical prices: $392-$701
Air Canada
Fri 1/23Fri 1/30
ORD - YOW • Non-stop
Our travelers' advice
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts and KAYAK users. AI can make mistakes.
United offers Priority Boarding to avoid gate-checking.
Ottawa's small airport is easy to navigate for arrivals.
Expert advice
Expert advice
+1
+1
Expert advice
Expert advice
+1
Top routes
ORD-YOW
Cheapest
ORD-YOW
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
May
Cheapest • 30% price drop
April
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 Ottawa!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Ottawa (CHI-YOW)

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

Fri, Jan 30 - Sun, Feb 1
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:15 am - 12:25 am
ORD
-
YOW
18h 10m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:20 pm - 9:03 pm
YOW
-
ORD
29h 43m3 stops
$269Multiple Airlines
Tue, Jan 6 - Sun, Jan 11
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:09 pm - 12:25 am
ORD
-
YOW
26h 16m2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:20 pm - 9:03 pm
YOW
-
ORD
29h 43m3 stops
$275Multiple Airlines
Wed, Jan 21 - Wed, Jan 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:07 am - 5:15 pm
ORD
-
YOW
30h 08m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 9:03 pm
YOW
-
ORD
15h 03m1 stop
$276Multiple Airlines
Fri, Jan 30 - Sun, Feb 1
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:43 pm - 5:15 pm
ORD
-
YOW
19h 32m2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:20 pm - 7:38 pm
YOW
-
ORD
28h 18m3 stops
$284Multiple Airlines
Wed, Jan 7 - Wed, Jan 14
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:30 am - 12:25 am
ORD
-
YOW
15h 55m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 9:03 pm
YOW
-
ORD
15h 03m1 stop
$286Multiple Airlines
Tue, Jan 6 - Sun, Jan 11
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:09 pm - 11:58 pm
ORD
-
YOW
10h 49m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:20 pm - 9:03 pm
YOW
-
ORD
29h 43m3 stops
$288Multiple Airlines
Thu, Jan 8 - Mon, Jan 12
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:48 pm - 12:25 am
ORD
-
YOW
10h 37m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 11:22 am
YOW
-
ORD
29h 22m1 stop
$289Multiple Airlines
Wed, Jan 7 - Wed, Jan 14
Multiple Airlines Logo
4:49 pm - 12:25 am
ORD
-
YOW
30h 36m2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 9:03 pm
YOW
-
ORD
15h 03m1 stop
$301Multiple Airlines
Fri, Feb 13 - Tue, Feb 17
Porter Airlines Logo
4:15 pm - 7:59 am
MDW
-
YOW
14h 44m1 stop
Porter Airlines Logo
8:55 pm - 10:05 am
YOW
-
MDW
14h 10m1 stop
$418Porter Airlines
Fri, Feb 13 - Mon, Feb 16
Porter Airlines Logo
4:15 pm - 5:39 pm
MDW
-
YOW
24h 24m1 stop
Porter Airlines Logo
12:10 pm - 3:20 pm
YOW
-
MDW
4h 10m1 stop
$420Porter Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Ottawa flights

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

What is the cheapest Chicago to Ottawa flight route?

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

The cheapest return flight from Chicago to Ottawa costs $168 on the route between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) and Ottawa (YOW). It is also the most popular route.

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

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

When flying from Chicago to Ottawa, you should consider leaving on a Saturday and avoid Tuesdays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Chicago, you’ll find the best rates on Saturdays and the most expensive ones on Mondays.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Ottawa, 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 Ottawa is May, where tickets cost $339 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and November, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $643 and $638 respectively.

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

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 $643 on average.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Ottawa

 
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

United offers Priority Boarding to avoid gate-checking carry-ons, placing you in Zone 2.


United's Wi-Fi quality varies; check coverage map before purchasing.

Air Canada

Air Canada offers priority check-in for higher fare classes and elite status travelers.


Air Canada provides Wi-Fi on some flights; check availability five days before departure.

Our travel experts
Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and Air Canada

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 seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$127
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 10% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 2% lower on average.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Ottawa

When to book flights from Chicago to Ottawa

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

Flights from Chicago to Ottawa: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Chicago to Ottawa 
Verified travelerFlew with Air Canada
ORD
-
YOW
Nov 2024
Ottawa, as a small airport is easiest to navigate! Overhead baggage compartments seem to be smaller, and on every flight they seem to need travellers to volunteer to put carryons in checked luggage instead.
Verified travelerFlew with United Airlines
ORD
-
YOW
Jan 2024
I always expect issues with United but there doesn't seem to be another airline to use. Advice: Give yourself and extra day to get anywhere - don't be in a hurry to get home either.

FAQs for booking flights from Chicago to Ottawa

  • What are the carry-on and checked luggage allowances in the economy for flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    The carry-on and checked luggage allowance depends on your airline. Porter Airlines allow you to bring carry-on luggage not exceeding 22 x 16 x 9 inches and an additional bag weighing no more than 50 lbs. If you book Delta, your carry-on dimensions limit is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, and another bag not exceeding 50 lbs. Your luggage should fit underneath your seat or in the upper cabin for the comfort of other passengers.

  • Are the origin and destination airports hubs for any airlines?

    Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, linking many domestic and international cities. At the same time, Ottawa Macdonlad-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is a hub for Air Canada. This airport serves millions of passengers annually to major American and European destinations.

  • What nearby cities are served by Ottawa Macdonlad-Cartier International Airport?

    Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport serves several cities. After arriving, you can go to Gatineau to the north, Kanata to the west, Kemptville to the south, Winchester to the southeast, and Almonte to the southwest. You can rent a car and drive to these cities at your own pace or take public transport at the airport terminal, depending on your destination.

  • Are there opportunities to upgrade to first class for flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Upgrading to first class on Chicago to Ottawa route depends on your airline. Most airlines email passengers to make them know about available seats and amenities to enjoy while flying first class. Though the upgrading fee depends on your class fare, it's more cost-effective than booking first class originally. In addition, you need to book at least 24 hours before departure to avoid inconveniences and last-minute stress.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Chicago to Ottawa?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago to Ottawa was $127 for a one-way ticket and $269 for a round-trip.

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

    Yes, you'll most likely have to show a valid passport before boarding the plane in Chicago and on arrival in Ottawa.

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

    There are 2 airports in Chicago (Chicago Midway and Chicago O'Hare Intl.) and only 1 airport in Ottawa (Ottawa). The cheapest flights are generally found on the Chicago O'Hare Airport to Ottawa flight route.

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

    British Airways, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Chicago to Ottawa flight route.

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

    The Embraer 175 (Enhanced Winglets) is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Chicago to Ottawa flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago to Ottawa?

    Star Alliance is the only airline alliance operating flights between Chicago and Ottawa.

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

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

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to Ottawa are Porter Airlines and United Airlines. With an average price for the route of $483 and an overall rating of 8.0, Porter Airlines is the most popular choice. United Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $596 and an overall rating of 7.4.

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

    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 Ottawa.

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

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

    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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

    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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $354 or less one-way and $630 or less round-trip.
  • You can catch a direct flight from Chicago to Ottawa, but several airlines - including Porter Airlines and Air Canada - make a stopover along the way. Major stopover cities include Newark, New York, Washington, D.C., Toronto, Boston, Cleveland, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Montreal.
  • Air Canada offers special meals to travelers with dietary needs on Chicago to Ottawa route. However, you should contact Air Canada customer care directly at least 24 hours before take-off to order your special meal.
  • The most convenient way to travel from Downtown Chicago to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is by taking the L train that connects to the airport. You can also take the CTA Blue Line bus to arrive at the airport in about 45 minutes.
  • If you need a sustainable journey on Chicago to Ottawa route, you can book WestJet. These airlines are committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050 by using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80%.
  • An alternative airport when booking cheap flights from Chicago to Ottawa is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). The advantage of using this airport is its proximity to Downtown Chicago, around 11 miles. In addition, it's less busy with fewer flights so you can expect shorter queues.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Ottawa?

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

Direct departures

Chicago to Ottawa

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Ottawa to Chicago

Monday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Tuesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Wednesday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Thursday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Friday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Saturday

United Airlines

United Airlines

Sunday

United Airlines

United Airlines

See more direct flights

Reviews of the top 3 airlines serving from Chicago to Ottawa

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Chicago to Ottawa. 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 Ottawa? 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.
8.0
Porter AirlinesOverall score based on 397 reviews
8.0Comfort
8.6Crew
8.2Boarding
7.6Food
7.0Entertainment
Airline reviews

As a first time flyer with Porter I was happy with the service and comfort of the airline.

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Dec 2025
LGA - YYZ
Read more Porter Airlines reviews

As a first time flyer with Porter I was happy with the service and comfort of the airline.

3.5 hr delay for a 1 hr work flight. No information as to why the delay until 20 mins before boarding.

Other than wifi no on board entertainment. Will use them again, roomier seats than other airlines and snacks and beverages, better than average

I like it, but the food isn't good. They need to offer more simple things. This bowls that have so many things your don't know what your are eating. The milenials like it, no the rest. And last but not least, they allowed somebody have a huge dog, vey agressive and fidgety in the flight. That's horrible. No animals should be allowed inside the airplane, what about allergies, etc

Smaller plane. Food and bar service for free is amazing. Drinks were in glass not plastic cups.

The flight was half empty yet they charged me $50 for a basic carry on! I saw how passengers of different colors were treated differently.

Poor landing as we overshot the runway and had to re land the plane. Lost both of my luggage not found as of yet. Had to pay extra money for my luggage in USD, now great my luggage is gone. Will not fly with Porter again.

This flight to St. Johns was really good. Boarding was a breeze. We left spot on time. Seats were actually pretty good. Recliner further than I expected. Three more flights to go we will see if this is the status quo for Porter.👍

I was not happy with AirfareAssist, the agency that kayak advised me would be handling my booking. I was advised by porter airlines that I had been overcharged for the Basic express , a option that I had asked airfare assist to help arrange after I realized that the basic fare I had chosen with porter did not include a carryon. At each checkin porter advised I had been overcharged for this . They advised that money would be refunded to my credit card, however, this is not likely to happen as it is not my name and credit card that appeared on the porter invoice, but that of another individual/agent. When airfare assist was arranging the basic express with porter on my behalf, they asked me to confirm that I agreed to pay $263 USD for this. I did agree, as I was advised this was needed to proceed. When I checked the invoice on the porter website and saw that it was not my name and credit card on the invoice, I was advised that this was how airfareassist processed the payment. The Porter invoice indicated a billed amount of $126USD I will not use Kayak or their designated AirfareAssist again

There was a 5 hour delay. Missed connection and now an almost 21 hour lay over!

The movies offered were great. Staff were very pleasant and very efficient.

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 nice flight love the small aircraft. We had a wonderful flight attendant. Nice to see someone that really enjoys her job. Don't have her name but had a southern accent.

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

Seats in waiting area and on plane hard as rock. Fast internet on the flight was great! Crew was kind.

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.

Short flight. Everything was fine except the flight was delayed twice for a total of an hour.

There labor disputes cancelled my flight less than 24 hours before my boarding time but there customer service/website was easy enough to navigate and they rebooked me for no upcharge.

Very bad, flight was cancelled due to strike and staff was unable to rebook us

Flight was delayed by 1.5hrs. Once inside, people had their small handbags on the storage. The crew (male guy) was not helpful in making some space in the storage. Instead, he asked few bags to be checked-in and it was not a great experience. No attempt to help but just followed the things with a straight face. People had their literally small bags and he wouldnt not move from one storage to another even if there was space and would not let us do i as well. Once flight was on, they ran out of Orange juice, really running out of orange juice when the temp were 32.degrees outside. didnt made the sense. Onasking for a extra snack, he made a face as if he was giving me out of his pocket. if the flight was delayed, there could have an attempt to provide something extra incase people did asked.

Abandoned me in hallway in a wheelchair… which I asked for because I sprained my back. After waiting in the hallway, I decided to walk the rest of the way since someone respecting me up.. My experience with the united was totally the opposite. Wheelchair access, propped swift and save me a lot of grief. Air Canada totally disorganized.

Terrible confusion btw air Canada and United. Wasn’t able to change ticket because I had purchased on kayak. Rethinking booking tickets on this site, and will try to avoid United and aircanada going forward.

Conflicting information provided about baggage allowance. One screen said I had a carry on and another said I didnt.

Miserable staff as it was a late/delayed flight and crew wasn’t in the best spirits. Completely understood as neither was most of the passengers. Still unacceptable l.

the seats aren't the most comfy -- too little padding and I could feel whatever the passenger behind me was doing. Otherwise, it's all good.

It was a short flight, and no entertainment. That was not a problem for us, but there is no option for "not applicable". There was a bit of turbulence, so there was no food service.

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

Information on your arrival and departure airports