Route guide · 571 miles
Cheap Flights from Chicago to Birmingham
MDW → BHM · Nonstop 1h 40m · Live round-trip fares
Flying from Chicago to Birmingham doesn't have to drain your wallet. This 571-mile hop takes about 1h 40m nonstop, and fares swing a lot depending on the week you pick. Travelers who book roughly 2–4 weeks out usually come out ahead — set a free alert and let the deals come to you.
Live fares for MDW → BHM are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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Flight time
1h 40m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
571 mi
MDW → BHM
Book ahead
2–4 weeks
Best window, typically
Nonstop airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Nonstop flights from Chicago to Birmingham
Nonstop service links Chicago and Birmingham directly — flights are flown by Southwest Airlines. Expect roughly 1h 40m in the air. If a nonstop is what you want, don't wait too long: booking 2–4 weeks ahead is when these seats are priced most kindly.
Booking insights: Chicago → Birmingham
- Distance: 571 miles · nonstop flight time: 1h 40m.
- Rule of thumb for this route: the sweet spot is usually 2–4 weeks before departure.
- Midweek departures (Tue–Thu) are consistently cheaper than weekend flights.
- Set a free Airfare Deal alert instead of checking daily — the best fares can sell out in hours.
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Flying from Chicago to Birmingham: what you need to know
The flight
Chicago to Birmingham covers 571 miles, and a nonstop gets it done in about 1h 40m. That's long enough to settle in with a coffee and a downloaded show, short enough that a connection rarely makes sense — a layover usually doubles your travel day to save very little.
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 Birmingham (BHM)
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 Birmingham airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check Birmingham to Chicago fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
For a trip of 571 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
- Basic economy fares often exclude checked bags and seat selection. Price the whole trip, not the headline fare.
- Get to the airport two hours before departure; security, not the flight, is the part that runs late.
- If you're traveling with only a carry-on, you can skip the bag-drop line entirely with mobile check-in.
- Download the airline's app before you fly; gate changes and delays show up there first.
- Nonstop time on this route is about 1h 40m — a one-stop itinerary needs to be a lot cheaper to be worth the extra hours.
Chicago to Birmingham flight FAQs
How long is the flight from MDW to BHM?
Nonstop flights from Chicago to Birmingham take about 1h 40m and cover roughly 571 miles. One-stop itineraries add 2–4 hours depending on the layover city.
Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to Birmingham?
Yes — look for Southwest Airlines on this route. Nonstop seats are usually priced best 2–4 weeks before departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Birmingham?
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 BHM?
Last-minute flights from MDW to BHM (booked within 7 days of departure) typically cost noticeably more than fares booked 2–4 weeks out. Booking early is the smarter move.
What is a good round-trip deal from Chicago to Birmingham?
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 Birmingham?
The main carriers on this route are Southwest Airlines. Comparing all of them on the live search below usually surfaces the lowest fare 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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