O'Hare V. Midway: The Cheapiest Flight to Chicago

When planning your flight to Chicago, you have more than one airport to consider-Chicago O'Hare (ORD) or Chicago Midway (MDW). So which airport routinely has the cheaper flight? I have never found a solid answer by my criteria. However I would say O'Hare may fit the "cheaper" definition because of larger planes and carrier competition.

Regardless, I never go to Chicago without examining both airport options.

For instance, if I was to travel to Chicago from Columbus, Ohio to do shopping and see a performance of "Dirty Dancing - The Classic Story on Stage" (see my links for an article on "The Most Extravagant Chicago Theatres"), what would my airfare be for O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW)?

Flying Thursday, 10/2/2008 into MDW - stop in Detroit
Returning Sunday, 10/5/2008 from MDW - stop in Detroit $180

Same flight into/returning from ORD - non-stop $159

Is this ticket worth the $21 difference? You be the judge. Midway is a closer trip to Chicago's downtown theatre district. Your hotel will most likely offer a shuttle service but is it free for both airports? Something to consider. Flying into O'Hare will require a one hour commute to the theatre district for your show. How does that weigh against the time and hassle of a stop in Detroit?

Decisions, decisions.

Here's another scenario. Columbus to Chicago, Labor Day weekend for museum hops.

Flying Thursday, 8/28/2008 into MDW - stop in Detroit
Returning Monday, 9/1/2008 from MDW - stop in Detroit $373

Same flight into/returning from ORD - non-stop $159

Big difference.

I have been pricing airfare into Chicago for the last twenty years. Some people will not fly into Midway because of the jet sizes only permitted to land there. Me, I go for Midway's convenience because I despise Chicago traffic in/out of O'Hare especially during the weekdays. (I was born in Chicago with the majority of my family still living on the south side)

Whatever airport you choose, stay with pricing and purchasing tickets at least two weeks out for best airfare offers. When traveling to Chicago, plan your trip based on your own preferences. Only you can define the cheapest ticket when you pay for it with unscheduled flight delays, traffic jams or the taxi cab ride from hell.

Sources:

Hotwire.com for pricing.

"A History of Midway Airport." Viewable at www.thetracon.com/MidwayHistory.htm.

All records retrieved on 7/28/2008 for use in this document.