PHL - CHI

$97 Find Cheap Flights from Philadelphia to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$166
Typical prices: $204-$378
Frontier
Fri 9/21Mon 9/24
PHL - ORD • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$97
Typical prices: $126-$261
Multiple Airlines
Sat 10/20
PHL - RFD • 2 stops
Advice from real travelers
Frontier Economy Bundle adds a carry-on and seat choice; Premium Bundle adds legroom.
Southwest cancellation policy is flexible; United Economy Plus adds legroom.
Expert advice
+1
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with American Airlines, United Airlines and others. Average duration is 2h 30m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest
Most popular
Insights
Insights
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 91% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 5 weeks in advance save around 27% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 26% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $110 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 4h 19m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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We hope you love your trip to Chicago!
Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Philadelphia to Chicago (PHL-CHI)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Philadelphia to Chicago

Mon, Sep 21 - Thu, Sep 24
Frontier Logo
11:54 am - 1:30 pmPHL  Philadelphia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 36mnonstop
Frontier Logo
7:25 am - 10:49 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PHL Philadelphia
2h 24mnonstop
$166Frontier
Thu, Nov 12 - Sun, Nov 15
Frontier Logo
9:09 pm - 10:43 pmPHL  Philadelphia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 34mnonstop
Frontier Logo
4:42 pm - 7:58 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PHL Philadelphia
2h 16mnonstop
$167Frontier
Mon, Oct 5 - Wed, Oct 7
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:54 am - 1:30 pmPHL  Philadelphia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 36mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:11 am - 11:18 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PHL Philadelphia
15h 07m3 stops Fort Lauderdale Tampa Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$206Multiple Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Wed, Sep 30
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:54 am - 1:30 pmPHL  Philadelphia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 36mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:11 am - 11:18 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PHL Philadelphia
15h 07m3 stops Fort Lauderdale Tampa Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson
$206Multiple Airlines
Thu, Nov 12 - Sat, Nov 14
American Airlines Logo
5:52 am - 7:27 amPHL  Philadelphia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 35mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
6:29 am - 9:39 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PHL Philadelphia
2h 10mnonstop
$277American Airlines
Sat, Sep 19 - Thu, Sep 24
American Airlines Logo
7:39 pm - 9:30 pmPHL  Philadelphia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 51mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
7:30 pm - 10:49 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PHL Philadelphia
2h 19mnonstop
$277American Airlines
Tue, Oct 6 - Thu, Oct 8
United Airlines Logo
1:24 pm - 2:50 pmPHL  Philadelphia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 26mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
2:30 pm - 5:54 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PHL Philadelphia
2h 24mnonstop
$277United Airlines
Thu, Sep 17 - Thu, Sep 17
United Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 7:50 amPHL  Philadelphia-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
2h 25mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
2:30 pm - 5:54 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PHL Philadelphia
2h 24mnonstop
$277United Airlines
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 19
Southwest Logo
7:10 pm - 8:15 pmPHL  Philadelphia-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 05mnonstop
Southwest Logo
11:45 am - 2:40 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-PHL Philadelphia
1h 55mnonstop
$277Southwest
Thu, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 19
Southwest Logo
11:30 am - 12:35 pmPHL  Philadelphia-MDW Chicago Midway
2h 05mnonstop
Southwest Logo
11:45 am - 2:40 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-PHL Philadelphia
1h 55mnonstop
$277Southwest
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Philadelphia to Chicago flights

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

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

Round-trip flights from Philadelphia to Chicago start at $166. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $204 to $378. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $166 on Frontier.

What is the cheapest Philadelphia to Chicago flight route?

There's little price difference between Philadelphia to Chicago routes. They average around $295 round-trip, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Saturday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Philadelphia to Chicago, it is 7% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 18% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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

  • January is the cheapest month to fly from Philadelphia to Chicago at $218 round-trip.
  • June ($364) and March ($361) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 66% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Philadelphia to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from Philadelphia to Chicago are cheapest 5 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 27% 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 Philadelphia to Chicago

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

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on Frontier, 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 and PHL

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.

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.

Key details for Philadelphia to Chicago flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$97
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 12% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 24% increase in price.
Flight from Philadelphia to Chicago Greater Rockford Airport

When to book flights from Philadelphia to Chicago

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

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

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Philadelphia to Chicago 
NFlew with United Airlines-Jul 2026
You need to check your own bags in, meaning you wait I line to print the ticket, put the tab on yourself and then go to another line to make sure the suitcase gets placed on the plane and under the 50lb weight limit. A lot of back and forth.
Verified travelerFlew with American Airlines-Jul 2024
Fly out the night before you have anything to do in Chicago so you don’t get delayed and miss out on plans

Your Philadelphia to Chicago flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Where can I park at Philadelphia Airport?

    You can get long-term parking at the airport's Economy Lot F, which charges about $15-$22 per day. Suppose you need to park your rental car before heading to your departure terminal. In that case, you'll find the designated car-rental parking lots in the Multi-Modal Facility located next to the Economy Parking lot.

  • What can I do at Philadelphia Airport before the flight?

    As you wait for your flight departure at Philadelphia Airport, check out the on-site Art Exhibitions at various terminals in the airport. You can find art displays in Terminals A-East, B, C, and D with impressive displays that humanize the airport's surroundings.

  • Are there non-stop flights to Chicago from Philadelphia Airport?

    American and United are two major airlines that provide non-stop flights from Philadelphia to Chicago. However, most flights serving the route have one stop. Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Sun Country Airlines all have a single flight layover in Miramar, Denver, Atlanta, and Minneapolis, respectively.

  • Which is the fastest transport option to the city center from Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    Taking a taxi to Downtown Chicago is a quicker means of ground transportation from O'Hare Airport. Taxi operators are located outside the airport terminal, ready to take you to the city for about $50. The journey takes about 35min and might vary depending on the traffic. You can opt for the Blue Line L train that takes an average of 45min to get to the city center. Alternatively, you can use GO Airport Express that offers nonstop shared ride services, which may take a few more extra minutes, as you might have to wait for other passengers.

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

    Among airlines operating Philadelphia to Chicago flights:

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

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

  • What airlines are available from Philadelphia to Chicago?

    4 airlines operate flights between Philadelphia and Chicago. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • American Airlines
    • United Airlines
    • Southwest
    • Frontier

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

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

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on Philadelphia to Chicago 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
    • Frontier: 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 travelers should check the fare details before booking.

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

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Philadelphia to Chicago:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • Business Class
    • First Class

    Prices vary by airline.

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

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $110 round-trip via Raleigh-Durham (RDU), compared to $299 for nonstop.

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

    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.

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

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

    • Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) - 44% of one-stop connections
    • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) - 25% of one-stop connections
    • Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) - 10% of one-stop connections
    • Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - 8% of one-stop connections

    Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

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

    On the Philadelphia to Chicago route, being flexible with your departure day can save you up to 22%. Saturday is the cheapest day at $274 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $349: a $75 difference. Cheaper weekend fares like these are typical of routes dominated by weekday business travel.

  • At what point is a flight considered delayed from Philadelphia to Chicago?

    A flight is considered delayed when it departs 15 minutes or more after its scheduled time. This is the standard used by the US Department of Transportation and most airline industry reporting. On the Philadelphia to Chicago route, 16% of flights were delayed in the past 3 months, with delays averaging 2 hours 22 minutes.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Philadelphia to Chicago flights, with 45% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 25%, evening flights for 25%, and night flights for 5%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Chicago?

    Some of the most popular sights in Chicago are Magnificent Mile, Grant Park and River North. These are among the most viewed places in Chicago on KAYAK.

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

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

    • Earliest: departs at 5:43 am and lands at 8:13 am
    • Latest: departs at 10:20 pm and lands at 12:50 am.

    The flight takes about 2h 30m.

  • How expensive are last-minute Philadelphia to Chicago flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 18% above the route average of $294. Book 5 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from Philadelphia to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from Philadelphia to Chicago takes 2h 30m, covering 661 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Philadelphia to Chicago?

    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 are flight prices from Philadelphia to Chicago looking right now?

    One-way fares from Philadelphia to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $123, which is 34% below the typical average for this route.

  • How does United Airlines’s on-time performance compare to other airlines on Philadelphia to Chicago flights?

    United Airlines is slightly above the route average for timely arrivals, while American Airlines has a lower on-time arrival rate. On-time arrival rates on Philadelphia to Chicago flights are:

    • United Airlines: 91% on time
    • American Airlines: 86% on time
    • Southwest: 79% on time

    Overall, flights on this route are on time 84% of the time on average.

  • How do delay rates compare for morning and evening flights from Philadelphia to Chicago?

    Morning flights have the fewest delays on this route. Delays tend to pile up throughout the day as one late flight pushes the next, so earlier departures are usually more reliable.

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

    Flying via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County (DTW) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 4h 19m, compared with 4h 21m via Lambert-St Louis (STL) and 4h 58m via Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl (IAD).

  • What is the time difference between Philadelphia and Chicago?

    Chicago is 1 hour behind Philadelphia (Central Time vs Eastern Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available in Chicago?

    Since Chicago is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) — daily rates from around $17:

    · Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    · Europcar
    · Hertz
    · Dollar
    · Ace

    Near Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — daily rates from around $32:

    · Hertz
    · Dollar
    · Budget
    · Alamo
    · Rent-A-Wreck

    Near Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) — daily rates from around $30:

    · Alamo
    · Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    · Budget
    · Avis
    · National

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

    Round-trip flights from Philadelphia to Chicago range from $204 to $378, with an average of $294 over the past 12 months. Anything below $204 counts as a good deal.

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

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

Your guide to booking Philadelphia to Chicago flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Saturday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Saturday flights average $274 - about $75 less than Sunday (21% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 5 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 27% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Philadelphia to Chicago trip for January. Fares historically average $218 round-trip in that month - typically $146 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If arriving on time is high on your priority list, United Airlines is the strongest pick on this route. 91% of United Airlines flights from Philadelphia to Chicago arrived on time in the past 3 months, slightly above the route's average on-time arrival rate of 84%. When flights on this route do arrive late, the average delay is 2 hours 22 minutes, so choosing a carrier with strong on-time performance can make a difference on tight schedules.
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Raleigh-Durham Airport (RDU) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $110 round-trip on this route - about $189 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 Chicago Midway Airport.
    - DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
    - Holiday Inn Chicago - Midway Airport S by IHG
  • An advantage of flying from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is that it lies about 7 miles from the downtown area and gives you hassle-free access to the city. Make sure to board your plane to Chicago at the right terminal for quick and convenient security screenings and take-offs. Delta Air Lines and Sun Country Airlines generally depart from Terminal D, while Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines depart from Terminal E.
  • Art enthusiasts will love touching down at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD). Before leaving the airport, check out The Sky's the Limit Sculpture in Terminal 1 or the Palimpsest, a beautiful tapestry construction made using shoelaces and nylon fishing nets, located in the airport's Multi-Modal Facility.
  • If you'd rather get accommodation at the airport instead of going to Downtown Chicago, we recommend booking a flight to Chicago O'Hare Airport. The Hilton Hotel lies right at the airport, opposite Terminals 1, 2, and 3. It offers convenient flight boarding and take-offs.
  • For nursing facilities, there are Mamava mobile pods, situated in Terminal A-West, Terminal F, and the B/C Connector. Alternatively, go to Minute Suites private room, between Terminals B and A-East, where you can nurse privately for free for the first 30min.
  • Traveling on a budget? You can get cheaper can easier access to Philadelphia Airport from the city center using the SEPTA Airport Line Regional Rail trains. These trains travel the route at 30min intervals. The fare will cost around $7-$8, and the journey takes about 30min.

Prefer to fly direct from Philadelphia to Chicago?

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

Direct departures

Philadelphia to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 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,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Friday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines, +1 more

American Airlines,Southwest, +2 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to Philadelphia

Monday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 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,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Friday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Southwest,United Airlines, +1 more

American Airlines,Southwest, +2 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Frontier,Southwest, +1 more

American Airlines,Frontier, +2 more

See more direct flights

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

Other airlines flying from Philadelphia to Chicago