Route guide · 1,169 miles
Cheap Flights from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale
MDW → FLL · Nonstop 2h 53m · Live round-trip fares
The run from Chicago (MDW) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is 1,169 miles of sky, and ticket prices on it are anything but steady. One week can cost double the next. Booking about 3–6 weeks in advance — and watching fares with a free Airfare Deal alert — is how regulars on this route keep costs down.
Live fares for MDW → FLL are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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See live fares
Updated daily
Flight time
2h 53m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
1,169 mi
MDW → FLL
Cheapest month
October 2026
Fares from $83
Nonstop airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Nonstop flights from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale
The fastest way between the two cities is the nonstop: about 2h 53m for the 1,169-mile run from MDW to FLL. Those flights are flown by Southwest Airlines. Prices behave best when you book 3–6 weeks out.
Booking insights: Chicago → Fort Lauderdale
- Distance: 1,169 miles · nonstop flight time: 2h 53m.
- Cheapest upcoming week in the live data starts around Oct 29, with fares from $83.
- Of the months we're tracking right now, October 2026 has the lowest fares, starting at $83.
- Fares tend to bottom out when you book about 3–6 weeks ahead — earlier than that rarely helps, later usually hurts.
- Midweek departures (Tue–Thu) are consistently cheaper than weekend flights.
- A free fare alert beats daily checking: we watch this route and ping you when prices drop.
Price trend
Cheapest departure weeks ahead
Departing around Oct 29 is currently the cheapest window — about $89 less than the nearest weeks. Based on recent fares found for this route; prices change quickly.
Cheapest month · Chicago → Fort Lauderdale
October 2026
Every date's recent round-trip fare, at a glance.
Fares from
$83
Cheapest: Sat, Oct 31 — $83 · Priciest: Oct 18 — $209
Get this fare →Recent fares found for specific dates in October 2026. Blank days had no recent fare in our data — ask our team and we'll check them for you.
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Flying from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale: what you need to know
The flight
The nonstop from MDW to FLL runs about 2h 53m over 1,169 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 Fort Lauderdale (FLL)
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 Fort Lauderdale airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check Fort Lauderdale to Chicago fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
Of the months we're currently tracking, October 2026 is coming in cheapest for this route, with fares from $83. As a rule, booking 3–6 weeks ahead lands you in the sweet spot — leave it to the final two weeks and prices usually climb. If you see a fare that works, don't wait around: set a fare alert on this page and we'll watch the price for you.
Good to know before you go
- 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.
- October 2026 is currently the cheapest tracked month on this route — check those dates first if you're flexible.
- Morning flights are delayed less often than evening ones — earlier departures have the best on-time record.
- Basic economy fares often exclude checked bags and seat selection. Price the whole trip, not the headline fare.
Chicago to Fort Lauderdale flight FAQs
How long is the flight from MDW to FLL?
A nonstop from MDW to FLL clocks in at around 2h 53m for the 1,169-mile trip. If you're connecting, budget an extra 2–4 hours depending on where you stop.
Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
Southwest Airlines typically operate nonstop flights from MDW to FLL. Nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 3–6 weeks ahead of departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
Right now, October 2026 is shaping up cheapest for Chicago to Fort Lauderdale — we've seen fares from $83 in that month. Prices move fast, so lock in when you see a number you like.
How much are last minute flights from MDW to FLL?
Book inside the final week and you'll usually pay a premium on MDW to FLL. Fares booked 3–6 weeks ahead are almost always kinder.
What is a good round-trip deal from Chicago to Fort Lauderdale?
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 Fort Lauderdale?
You'll mainly see Southwest Airlines on Chicago to Fort Lauderdale. 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.
More cheap flights from Chicago
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