PDX - CHI

$150 Find Cheap Flights from Portland to Chicago - Compare and Save

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$322
Typical prices: $302-$471
Southwest
Tue 10/16Sat 10/20
PDX - MDW • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$150
Typical prices: $159-$316
Southwest
Sat 10/6
PDX - MDW • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with United Airlines, American Airlines and others. Average duration is 4h 06m.
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 3% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 9 weeks in advance save around 43% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 27% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $235 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 25m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Flight Deals
Booking Insights
Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Portland to Chicago (PDX-CHI)

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

Recent round-trip flight deals from Portland to Chicago

Fri, Oct 16 - Tue, Oct 20
Southwest Logo
11:35 pm - 5:25 amPDX  Portland-MDW Chicago Midway
3h 50mnonstop
Southwest Logo
8:40 pm - 11:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-PDX Portland
4h 30mnonstop
$322Southwest
Thu, Oct 1 - Wed, Oct 7
Frontier Logo
12:38 pm - 12:23 amPDX  Portland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
9h 45m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
1:21 pm - 11:26 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PDX Portland
24h 05m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$327Frontier
Fri, Oct 23 - Tue, Oct 27
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:06 am - 6:34 amPDX  Portland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
17h 28m1 stop Los Angeles Los Angeles
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:14 pm - 4:51 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PDX Portland
4h 37mnonstop
$328Multiple Airlines
Wed, Nov 4 - Tue, Nov 10
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:01 am - 1:09 pmPDX  Portland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 08mnonstop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:30 am - 11:07 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PDX Portland
6h 37m1 stop Denver Intl
$328Multiple Airlines
Mon, Sep 28 - Fri, Oct 2
Frontier Logo
12:39 pm - 5:38 amPDX  Portland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
14h 59m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
8:55 pm - 11:36 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PDX Portland
16h 41m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$328Frontier
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
Southwest Logo
11:35 pm - 5:25 amPDX  Portland-MDW Chicago Midway
3h 50mnonstop
Southwest Logo
12:15 pm - 8:10 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-PDX Portland
9h 55m2 stops Austin Bergstrom Denver Intl
$329Southwest
Sat, Oct 17 - Tue, Oct 20
American Airlines Logo
10:55 pm - 5:07 amPDX  Portland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 12mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
9:45 am - 12:22 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PDX Portland
4h 37mnonstop
$356American Airlines
Tue, Oct 27 - Tue, Nov 3
American Airlines Logo
1:12 pm - 7:35 pmPDX  Portland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 23mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
9:45 am - 12:28 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PDX Portland
4h 43mnonstop
$356American Airlines
Sat, Jan 9 - Mon, Jan 18
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 1:13 pmPDX  Portland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 13mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
2:11 pm - 4:51 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PDX Portland
4h 40mnonstop
$357Alaska Airlines
Tue, Jan 12 - Wed, Jan 13
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:00 am - 1:13 pmPDX  Portland-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 13mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
2:11 pm - 4:51 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-PDX Portland
4h 40mnonstop
$357Alaska Airlines
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for Portland to Chicago flights

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

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

Round-trip flights from Portland to Chicago start at $322. Prices are typical for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $302 to $471. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $322 on Southwest.

What is the cheapest Portland to Chicago flight route?

There's little price difference between Portland to Chicago routes. They average around $363 round-trip, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

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

Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from Portland to Chicago, it is 4% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 12% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

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

  • January is the cheapest month to fly from Portland to Chicago at $272 round-trip.
  • December ($414) and June ($397) are the most expensive months.
  • The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 52% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from Portland to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from Portland to Chicago are cheapest 9 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 43% 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 Portland 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 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 Alaska 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.

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.

Gabriel Leigh

Gabriel Leigh

Expert on PDX

Gabriel is a writer and video creator. As senior content producer for Flightradar24 and Monocle’s transport correspondent, he keeps a close eye on aviation in particular. He has also written travel articles for the likes of The New York Times. Born in New York but raised around the world, he now lives in Sweden. He’s been to 75 countries, flying 2.3 million miles on 113 airlines and through 234 airports in the process.

Key details for Portland to Chicago flights

Low season

February

Cheapest flight

$150
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 23% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 5% increase in price.
Flight from Portland to Chicago Midway Airport

When to book flights from Portland to Chicago

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

Your Portland 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 my car at PDX long-term before my flight to Chicago?

    Near the tunnels that connect the north and south terminals, PDX has long-term parking lots. Further away, PDX has an economy lot. This economy lot is less expensive and there is a 24h shuttle service for free that will take you to your terminal.

  • Is there a USO lounge for US military at PDX?

    The USO lounge at PDX is before security on the mezzanine level. It is open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. The USO is closed on Saturday and Sunday. This lounge is available to active-duty military service members and their families. Local and transportation information is available here. Amenities at the lounge include TV, Xbox 30, Wi-Fi, computers, laptops, toiletries, free drinks, and lounge seating.

  • What are the major airports in Chicago?

    The two major airports in Chicago are Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). ORD is a hub for United Airlines and American Airlines and the airport has four terminals. Midway, a hub for Southwest Airlines, is much smaller, with just one terminal and three concourses.

  • How can I fly from PDX to the Chicago airports?

    United Airlines and Alaska Airlines operate non-stop flights from PDX into Chicago. All of these flights tend to land at ORD airport. Southwest operates non-stop flights from PDX that land at MDW. Alaska Airlines, Delta, Spirit, and United Airlines operate one stop flights from PDX to ORD. Some layover cities include Las Vegas (LAS), Seattle (SEA) and Denver (DEN). Delta operates one stop flights from PDX that land in MDW. These flights tend to stop at cities such as Atlanta (ATL) and Detroit (DTW).

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

    Among airlines operating Portland to Chicago flights:

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

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

  • What airlines are available from Portland to Chicago?

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

    • United Airlines
    • American Airlines
    • Southwest
    • Alaska Airlines

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

    Flights from Portland to Chicago usually depart from Portland (PDX) 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 Portland 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
    • American Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Southwest: 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 Portland to Chicago?

    Four cabin classes are available on flights from Portland 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 Portland to Chicago?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $235 round-trip via Denver Intl (DEN), compared to $372 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from Portland 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 Portland to Chicago pass through?

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

    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 46% of one-stop connections
    • Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA) - 17% of one-stop connections
    • Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) - 14% of one-stop connections
    • San Diego (SAN) - 5% of one-stop connections

    Denver Intl (DEN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

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

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 15% on the Portland to Chicago route. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $357 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $417, a difference of $60. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

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

    Morning is the busiest departure period on Portland to Chicago flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Night departures account for 30%, afternoon flights for 20%, and evening flights for 0%.

  • 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 Portland to Chicago?

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

    • Earliest: departs at 12:02 am and lands at 4:08 am
    • Latest: departs at 11:59 pm and lands at 4:05 am.

    The flight takes about 4h 06m.

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

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 54% above the route average of $371. Book 9 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from Portland to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from Portland to Chicago takes 4h 06m, covering 1,749 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from Portland 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.

  • Have flight prices from Portland to Chicago 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 $322 to $1,685. That means the highest observed fare was about 5x higher than the lowest one.

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

    One-way fares from Portland to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $173, which is 21% below the typical average for this route.

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

    Flying via Salt Lake City (SLC) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 25m, compared with 6h 49m via Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA) and 7h 19m via Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

  • What is the time difference between Portland and Chicago?

    Chicago is 2 hours ahead of Portland (Central Time vs Pacific 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 Portland to Chicago flight?

    Round-trip flights from Portland to Chicago range from $302 to $471, with an average of $371 over the past 12 months. Anything below $302 counts as a good deal.

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

    Three airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi on Portland to Chicago flights:

    • • American Airlines
    • • Alaska Airlines
    • • JetBlue

    Pricing varies by airline and fare class. Some plans are included with the ticket or loyalty program; others are paid add-ons priced by flight length.

Your guide to booking Portland 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 Wednesday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $357 - about $60 less than Sunday (14% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 9 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 43% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your Portland to Chicago trip for January. Fares historically average $272 round-trip in that month - typically $142 less than the most expensive month, which is December (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Denver Intl Airport (DEN) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $235 round-trip on this route - about $137 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
    - Skylark Motel
  • Portland International Airport (PDX) has designated areas where children can play as they wait for their plane. This area is also very convenient for parents to relax. One of these kid-play areas is at gate C-17. The other is before security at terminals D/E.
  • Both major airports in Chicago provide private spaces for nursing mothers. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) provides Mothers Rooms for nursing mothers to breastfeed or pump. These private, sanitized spaces are located in terminals 1, 2, 3, 5, and in the Multi-Modal Facility. ORD also provides lactation pods, free standing privacy units for nursing mothers, in terminals 1, 2, and 3. Midway International Airport (MDW) provides a Mothers Room on Concourse C, next to the yoga room. MDW also provides a free-standing lactation pod on Concourse A at gate A5.
  • PDX has partnered with DoveLewis to make therapy dogs available throughout the airport in order to comfort confused, bereaved, or anxious travelers. Retired Guide Dogs for the Blind wear gray DoveLewis vests and passengers are encouraged to smooch, hug, pet, and cuddle these dogs. The dog handlers are trained to spot people in emotional need of assistance in stressful situations.
  • The Hollywood Theater on Concourse C of PDX shows short films that are 10min or shorter, made by Oregon filmmakers. If you have some time before your flight, consider stopping into this 22-seat theater. It is open 24h a day, and it is free.
  • If you want to stay near the airport the night before your flight to Chicago, PDX has many comfortable hotels nearby that offer free airport shuttles to your terminal. Some examples of these hotels are the Red Lion Hotel Portland Airport, The Howard Johnson By Wyndham Portland Airport, and The Ramada By Wyndham Portland Airport.

Prefer to fly direct from Portland to Chicago?

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

Direct departures

Portland to Chicago

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to Portland

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from Portland to Chicago

Complete your trip to Chicago with a hotel stay or car rental