Cheapest Airline for Chicago to Los Angeles: A Comprehensive Guide by FaresMatch
When planning a trip, especially to a popular destination like Los Angeles, one of the most important factors travelers consider is how to find affordable flights. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or visiting family and friends, getting the best price on your airfare can make a huge difference. In this article, we’ll explore the cheapest airlines for
Cheapest Airline for Chicago to Los Angeles providing tips and advice to help you secure the best deals.
1. Introduction to Chicago to Los Angeles Flights
Chicago, a bustling metropolis, and Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, are two of the most well-known cities in the United States. The flight between these two iconic cities is a popular route, as they are home to diverse attractions, culture, and business opportunities. Whether you’re heading to LA for Hollywood’s glamour, the beaches, or its thriving food scene, finding affordable flights can significantly reduce your travel expenses.
Given the popularity of the Chicago to Los Angeles route, many airlines offer direct flights, and while the journey usually takes about 4 hours, airfare prices can vary depending on factors such as the time of booking, seasonality, and special promotions.
2. Best Budget Airlines for Chicago to Los Angeles
Several airlines cater to budget-conscious travelers flying from Chicago to Los Angeles. These airlines typically provide no-frills service, but they are great for travelers who want to save money while still reaching their destination comfortably.
2.1 Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is widely known as one of the cheapest airlines for domestic travel in the U.S., including for flights between Chicago and Los Angeles. With low base fares and numerous discounts, Spirit is often the first choice for travelers on a budget. However, it’s important to note that while their ticket prices are low, additional fees for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and snacks can add up quickly.
Key Points for Spirit Airlines:
- Ultra-low-cost carrier
- Additional fees for services such as baggage and seat selection
- Often offers promotional deals for low base fares
- Regular direct flights between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX)
2.2 Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is another favorite among budget travelers. Known for its generous luggage policy (two free checked bags per passenger), Southwest offers competitive pricing on flights between Chicago and Los Angeles. Southwest’s fares are often cheaper than traditional carriers, and the airline regularly runs fare sales and promotions. Additionally, Southwest provides free in-flight snacks and offers open seating, allowing passengers to select their seats based on availability when boarding.
Key Points for Southwest Airlines:
- No change fees or cancellation fees (if you need flexibility, this is a great perk)
- Two free checked bags per passenger
- Competitive pricing and frequent sales
- Regular direct flights from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Los Angeles (LAX)
2.3 Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is another ultra-low-cost carrier that offers affordable flights between Chicago and Los Angeles. Similar to Spirit, Frontier’s base fares are extremely low, but they charge for things like seat selection, bags, and in-flight refreshments. That said, Frontier has a reputation for providing a solid experience at a fraction of the cost of larger airlines.
Key Points for Frontier Airlines:
- Extremely low base fares
- Additional fees for services and amenities
- Direct flights between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX)
- Offers family-friendly discounts and bundle packages
2.4 Alaska Airlines
While not always as low-cost as Spirit or Southwest, Alaska Airlines offers competitive pricing on flights from Chicago to Los Angeles. Known for its exceptional customer service and comfortable flight experience, Alaska Airlines is a great option for those looking for value. Additionally, Alaska Airlines has a robust frequent flyer program, making it an ideal choice for business travelers or those who fly frequently.
Key Points for Alaska Airlines:
- Offers a more traditional flight experience with added comfort
- Competitive pricing for both economy and premium seating
- Great loyalty program (Mileage Plan) for frequent travelers
- Regular direct flights between Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX)
3. Tips for Finding the Cheapest Flight from Chicago to Los Angeles
Booking cheap flights requires a bit of strategy and patience. To make sure you’re getting the best deal on your Chicago to Los Angeles airfare, follow these expert tips:
3.1 Book Early
Booking your flight in advance is one of the best ways to ensure you get a great deal. Airlines usually release their cheapest seats months ahead of time, and prices tend to increase as the departure date nears. By booking early, you have a better chance of finding a low fare.
3.2 Use Fare Comparison Websites
Websites like FaresMatch allow you to compare flight prices from multiple airlines all in one place. These websites search across various platforms, helping you find the lowest available prices for your desired travel dates.
3.3 Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often save a significant amount of money. Flights on weekdays (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tend to be cheaper than those on weekends. Additionally, flights that depart early in the morning or late at night may offer lower fares.
3.4 Sign Up for Alerts and Promotions
Many budget airlines and travel websites offer email alerts for discounts and special promotions. Signing up for these notifications ensures you won’t miss out on time-limited deals, which could help you save on flights between Chicago and Los Angeles.
3.5 Consider Nearby Airports
Chicago is served by two major airports: O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). Los Angeles, too, is served by multiple airports, including LAX, Long Beach (LGB), and Burbank (BUR). If you’re willing to take a short ride to or from a different airport, you might find cheaper flights.
3.6 Check for Discounts and Promo Codes
Don’t forget to check for promo codes or discounts before booking your flight. Airlines and third-party booking sites sometimes offer special codes that can help you save even more. Check websites like FaresMatch for the latest deals, and don’t hesitate to use discounts if available.
4. Alternative Ways to Save on Flights
While the airlines mentioned above offer some of the most budget-friendly flights between Chicago and Los Angeles, there are other ways to save on airfare.
4.1 Bundle Your Flights with Hotels and Car Rentals
If you need to book a hotel or rent a car in Los Angeles, consider bundling your flight with these services. Travel agencies and websites like FaresMatch often offer discounted bundles that include your flight, hotel stay, and car rental. This can help you save money on both your transportation and accommodations.
4.2 Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points
If you’re a frequent flyer or have a travel rewards credit card, you can use miles or points to reduce the cost of your flight. Many airlines offer loyalty programs that allow you to earn miles with every flight, which can then be redeemed for future trips.
4.3 Explore Alternate Routes or Stopovers
If direct flights between Chicago and Los Angeles are too expensive, you can also explore alternative routes or stopovers. Flights with one or more stops can often be cheaper than direct flights, although they may take longer.
5. Conclusion
When looking for the cheapest airline for flights between Chicago and Los Angeles, budget carriers like Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Frontier Airlines offer the best options for low-cost travel. By following the tips in this article—such as booking early, using fare comparison websites, and being flexible with your travel dates—you can increase your chances of finding the lowest airfare.
At
FaresMatch, we strive to help travelers find the best deals on flights, so be sure to check our website regularly for the latest discounts and promotions on your Chicago to Los Angeles trip. Whether you’re traveling for business, vacation, or a special event, our goal is to make sure you can explore all that Los Angeles has to offer without breaking the bank!
