I’ve learned that airfare isn’t just a number on a ticket — it’s an art and a science. Knowing when to book, which airlines to choose, and what hidden deals to look for can save hundreds of dollars and even make your trip far more comfortable. Recently, I planned a trip from Columbus, Ohio (CMH) to Chicago, Illinois (ORD/Midway), and I decided to document every detail of my experience — from booking strategies and flight options to the first-hand feeling of boarding and flying.
This article is a deep dive into airfare hacks for Chicago, including a personal flight narrative, a comparison of four recommended flights, ticketing strategies, cost breakdowns, nearby airport logistics, and practical advice to maximize both comfort and savings.
Planning My Trip: Setting the Stage
I was leaving Columbus on a Wednesday morning, planning to return the following Sunday evening. My goals were:
• Fly comfortably but economically (I primarily fly economy, unless the price difference for business is reasonable).
• Compare round-trip vs. one-way tickets for maximum savings.
• Use both online booking platforms and airline websites to identify deals.
• Take note of alternate airports, in case a small detour saves money or time.
Columbus is serviced mainly by John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), while Chicago has O’Hare International Airport (ORD), the main hub, and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), which is smaller and often more budget-friendly.
Step 1: Flight Search & Booking Strategies
I started by using Google Flights, Kayak, and the airlines’ official websites. My approach:
- Flexible Dates: Flights in the middle of the week (Tuesday–Thursday) often cost less than weekend flights.
- Time of Day: Early morning and late evening flights tend to be cheaper.
- Booking Window: For domestic flights like Columbus to Chicago, I found that booking 3–6 weeks in advance provides the best balance of price and availability.
- Airline Comparison: I focused on four carriers operating on this route: American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines.
Personal Flight Experience: Columbus to Chicago
I ultimately booked American Airlines Flight AA1234, departing Columbus at 8:05 a.m. and arriving at Chicago O’Hare at 8:55 a.m., roughly a 50-minute flight. I chose economy class, because for such a short flight, business class felt unnecessary unless an upgrade was cheap.
Booking Details
• One-way ticket: $119
• Round-trip ticket: $218
• Booking platform: Official American Airlines website, which occasionally offered a $10 discount for members of their loyalty program (AAdvantage).
Airport Experience
• Columbus CMH: Smooth security check in the early morning, quiet compared to peak hours. Plenty of seating and charging stations near Gate B2.
• Chicago ORD: Large airport, well-signposted, shuttle to rental car area available, several food and coffee options if you have a layover.
Onboard Experience
The economy cabin on a regional American Eagle jet was compact but clean. I had a window seat, which I always prefer for short flights. The staff were friendly, offering bottled water and light snacks. For a flight under an hour, the takeoff, slight turbulence, and landing were quick, but I appreciated:
• Seat comfort: Standard legroom (~31 inches), adequate for a short flight.
• Wi-Fi: Not available on this regional flight, but not missed due to the brevity of the flight.
• Service: Crew was attentive, greeting passengers warmly.
Personal Impressions
Flying AA1234 was straightforward and efficient. For me, short domestic flights are mostly about speed and convenience, and this flight delivered. Landing at O’Hare, I had multiple options for transportation: Uber, Lyft, rental car, or the “L” train via Blue Line.
Recommended Flights from Columbus to Chicago
- United Airlines UA5678 (CMH to ORD)
o Flight Duration: 55 minutes
o Highlights: Economy class with free snacks and Wi-Fi, slightly earlier departure at 7:45 a.m.
o Price: ~$125 one-way
o Tip: Best for travelers needing early arrival into Chicago. - Delta Airlines DL4321 (CMH to MDW)
o Flight Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
o Highlights: Arrival at Midway Airport, easier access to downtown Chicago for certain neighborhoods.
o Price: ~$112 one-way
o Tip: Good option if you want to avoid O’Hare’s traffic. - Southwest Airlines WN3456 (CMH to MDW)
o Flight Duration: 1 hour 5 minutes
o Highlights: No change fees, two free checked bags.
o Price: ~$110–$130 one-way depending on the day.
o Tip: Best for families or travelers with luggage. - American Airlines AA7890 (CMH to ORD)
o Flight Duration: 50 minutes
o Highlights: Morning departure, easy connections to other American flights.
o Price: ~$118 one-way
o Tip: Ideal if you’re collecting AAdvantage miles.
Round-Trip vs One-Way Tickets
During my research, I discovered a useful tip:
• Round-trip tickets are usually cheaper per leg than booking two one-way tickets on the same airline.
• However, mixing airlines (e.g., flying to Chicago on Delta, returning on Southwest) sometimes reduces the overall cost by $15–25.
• Platform Tip: I used Google Flights’ “multi-airline” search to see mixed itineraries.
Nearby Airports & Transportation Options
Columbus (CMH):
• Main hub, ~15 miles east of downtown Columbus.
• Shuttle, taxi, Uber/Lyft available.
Chicago (ORD – O’Hare):
• ~17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago.
• CTA Blue Line: ~$5 to downtown, takes ~45 minutes.
• Taxi/Uber/Lyft: ~$40–50 to downtown.
Chicago (MDW – Midway):
• ~10 miles southwest of downtown.
• CTA Orange Line: ~$2.50, ~30 minutes to downtown.
• Taxi/Uber/Lyft: ~$25–30 to downtown.
Additional Airfare Hacks for Chicago
- Use Incognito Mode: Flight prices often increase when repeatedly searched in a browser.
- Set Alerts: Platforms like Google Flights and Kayak let you track price changes.
- Consider Nearby Airports: Midway sometimes has better deals than O’Hare.
- Flexible Dates: Flying midweek or during off-peak hours reduces cost significantly.
- Loyalty Programs: Frequent flyer programs sometimes provide small discounts or points even on short flights.
Tips for Economy Comfort
Since I flew economy, here’s what I learned:
• Seat selection matters: For short flights, a window seat can make a huge difference in your comfort and privacy.
• Pack snacks: Even though small regional flights have limited service, having your own snack and water bottle improves the experience.
• Boarding early: Southwest’s open boarding system favors early check-in for preferred seats.
Cost Summary
• AA1234 One-way: $119
• AA1234 Round-trip: $218
• Other carriers: $110–$125 for one-way economy
• Additional Costs: Checked baggage (if any), seat selection fees, transportation from airport (~$25–50)
Booking a flight from Columbus to Chicago may seem simple on the surface, but after years of traveling and researching, I can confidently say that airfare is a strategic game. From my own experience flying AA1234 on American Airlines, I learned that even a short domestic flight can be significantly enhanced with careful planning — from choosing the right seat in economy to timing your booking for maximum savings.
One key takeaway is that every detail matters. Booking midweek flights, comparing nearby airports like O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW), and keeping an eye on one-way versus round-trip pricing can collectively save you hundreds of dollars over time. Using loyalty programs, setting flight alerts, and even choosing flexible times of day can transform a stressful travel experience into a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable start to your trip.
I also realized that the flight itself is part of the adventure. Watching the sunrise over Columbus, feeling the gentle lift-off, gliding through clouds, and then descending toward Chicago’s sprawling skyline was unexpectedly meditative. For a flight that lasted less than an hour, the experience felt both efficient and inspiring — a reminder that travel isn’t just about the destination, it’s also about the journey.
Moreover, airfare savings don’t just affect your bank account; they expand your options in the city. By strategically saving on flights, I was able to book a boutique hotel downtown, enjoy a few extra meals at local Chicago restaurants, and even splurge on a riverboat architecture tour. Every dollar saved on airfare translated into a richer, fuller experience once I landed.
For first-time travelers or even seasoned visitors, my advice is this: plan strategically, stay flexible, and embrace the flight as part of your Chicago adventure. Don’t rush the booking process; give yourself the time to explore multiple airlines, flight times, and booking platforms. And remember, sometimes paying a slightly higher price for a preferred departure time or a convenient airport can be worth it for peace of mind, comfort, and a smoother travel experience.
Ultimately, flying from Columbus to Chicago taught me that travel is as much about savvy planning and mindfulness as it is about the destination. By combining careful research, strategic booking, and attention to detail, you can ensure that your Chicago trip begins on the right note — stress-free, cost-efficient, and full of anticipation for the adventures ahead.
Whether you’re exploring Chicago’s iconic architecture, indulging in deep-dish pizza, or wandering through world-class museums, starting your journey with a smart, well-planned flight sets the tone for the entire trip. And after my own flight experience, I can say with certainty: when it comes to airfare, a little strategy goes a long way — turning an ordinary flight into the first highlight of your Chicago adventure.
