Route guide · 716 miles
Cheap Flights from Chicago to Albany
MDW → ALB · Nonstop 1h 57m · Live round-trip fares
If Albany is next on your list, here's the honest picture on fares from Chicago. The trip covers about 716 miles and takes roughly 1h 57m in the air. Prices on this route reward planners: booking 2–4 weeks ahead is the sweet spot, and the lowest fares tend to sell out fast.
Live fares for MDW → ALB are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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Flight time
1h 57m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
716 mi
MDW → ALB
Book ahead
2–4 weeks
Best window, typically
Nonstop airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Nonstop flights from Chicago to Albany
The fastest way between the two cities is the nonstop: about 1h 57m for the 716-mile run from MDW to ALB. Those flights are flown by Southwest Airlines. Prices behave best when you book 2–4 weeks out.
Booking insights: Chicago → Albany
- Distance: 716 miles · nonstop flight time: 1h 57m.
- Fares tend to bottom out when you book about 2–4 weeks ahead — earlier than that rarely helps, later usually hurts.
- If your dates flex by a day or two, shifting to a midweek departure is the easiest saving there is.
- A free fare alert beats daily checking: we watch this route and ping you when prices drop.
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Flying from Chicago to Albany: what you need to know
The flight
The nonstop from MDW to ALB runs about 1h 57m over 716 miles. It's a comfortable mid-range flight: long enough that seat choice matters a little, short enough that paying up for extras rarely does.
Airlines on this route
Southwest Airlines flies this route nonstop. That matters more than it sounds: the cheapest fare on one carrier is rarely the same product as the cheapest on another. Checked-bag fees, free seat selection and change rules all differ, so compare the full trip cost before you pick a winner. See our airline guides for exactly what each carrier charges — then send an enquiry and we'll confirm the all-in price for your dates.
Leaving from Chicago (MDW)
Plan to be at the airport two hours before a domestic departure — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times, but security lines are the one variable you can't control. If you're checking a bag, add time rather than cutting it close. Our Chicago airport guide covers terminals, parking and ground transport so you can plan the trip to the airport, not just the flight.
Arriving in Albany (ALB)
Before you land, know how you're getting from the airport to where you're staying — it's the part of the trip people forget to plan. The Albany airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check Albany to Chicago fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
For a trip of 716 miles, booking 2–4 weeks ahead typically lands you in the sweet spot. Leave it to the final two weeks and prices usually climb as the cheapest seats sell out. If your dates are flexible, midweek departures are where the lower fares hide on most domestic routes.
Good to know before you go
- Download the airline's app before you fly; gate changes and delays show up there first.
- Nonstop time on this route is about 1h 57m — a one-stop itinerary needs to be a lot cheaper to be worth the extra hours.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically the cheapest days on domestic routes.
- Screenshot your fare before you enquire — prices move, and a saved fare helps our team match or beat it.
- Flexible dates? Search a few days either side — one day can change the fare a lot.
Chicago to Albany flight FAQs
How long is the flight from MDW to ALB?
Nonstop flights from Chicago to Albany take about 1h 57m and cover roughly 716 miles. One-stop itineraries add 2–4 hours depending on the layover city.
Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to Albany?
Southwest Airlines typically operate nonstop flights from MDW to ALB. Nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 2–4 weeks ahead of departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Albany?
Travelers usually find the gentlest prices away from peak periods — think post-holiday January and the early-fall weeks. Midweek dates inside those windows are cheaper still.
How much are last minute flights from MDW to ALB?
Book inside the final week and you'll usually pay a premium on MDW to ALB. Fares booked 2–4 weeks ahead are almost always kinder.
What is a good round-trip deal from Chicago to Albany?
A good deal is anything at or below the recent fares shown above. Set a free Airfare Deal alert and we'll ping you the moment fares drop.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to Albany?
You'll mainly see Southwest Airlines on Chicago to Albany. Checking each against the live fares below is the surest way to find the lowest price for your dates.
How early should I get to Chicago airport for this flight?
Plan on two hours before departure for a domestic flight — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times. If you're checking a bag, earlier is better; the bag-drop line, not the flight, is what runs late.
Do the cheapest fares on this route include a checked bag?
Usually not. Basic economy fares on most airlines include a carry-on but charge extra for checked bags, and seat selection can cost more too. Add up the real total before comparing — a slightly higher regular fare sometimes works out cheaper. Our team confirms the full breakdown with you before you pay.
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