Route guide · 1,720 miles
Cheap Flights from Chicago to Seattle
ORD → SEA · Nonstop 4h 0m · Live round-trip fares
If Seattle is next on your list, here's the honest picture on fares from Chicago. The trip covers about 1,720 miles and takes roughly 4h 0m in the air. Prices on this route reward planners: booking 3–6 weeks ahead is the sweet spot, and the lowest fares tend to sell out fast.
Live fares for ORD → SEA are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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See live fares
Updated daily
Flight time
4h 0m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
1,720 mi
ORD → SEA
Book ahead
3–6 weeks
Best window, typically
Nonstop airlines
3
Spirit Airlines, American Airlines & more
Nonstop flights from Chicago to Seattle
Want to skip the layover? Nonstops from Chicago to Seattle are flown by Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, getting you there in about 4h 0m. For the lowest fares, book around 3–6 weeks before departure — last-minute nonstops on this route rarely come cheap.
Booking insights: Chicago → Seattle
- Distance: 1,720 miles · nonstop flight time: 4h 0m.
- Cheapest upcoming week in the live data starts around Oct 29, with fares from $152.
- Rule of thumb for this route: the sweet spot is usually 3–6 weeks before departure.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures usually undercut Friday and Sunday fares on routes like this one.
- Set a free Airfare Deal alert instead of checking daily — the best fares can sell out in hours.
Price trend
Cheapest departure weeks ahead
Near-term departures around Oct 29 are currently the cheapest on this route. Based on recent fares found for this route; prices change quickly.
Cheapest month · Chicago → Seattle
November 2026
Every date's recent round-trip fare, at a glance.
Fares from
$152
Cheapest: Sun, Nov 1 — $152 · Priciest: Nov 20 — $177
Get this fare →Recent fares found for specific dates in November 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 Seattle: what you need to know
The flight
Chicago to Seattle is a proper cross-country leg — 1,720 miles and around 4h 0m in the air nonstop. Download entertainment before you board, bring a full water bottle, and think about the time change: even a two-hour shift can leave you groggy if you land late and start early.
Airlines on this route
Spirit Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest Airlines fly 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 (ORD)
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 Seattle (SEA)
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 Seattle airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check Seattle to Chicago fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
For a trip of 1,720 miles, booking 3–6 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
- 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 4h 0m — 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.
Chicago to Seattle flight FAQs
How long is the flight from ORD to SEA?
Plan on about 4h 0m in the air for a nonstop from Chicago to Seattle — the route runs roughly 1,720 miles. Connecting flights typically add 2–4 hours.
Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to Seattle?
Yes — look for Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines on this route. Nonstop seats are usually priced best 3–6 weeks before departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Seattle?
Fares from Chicago to Seattle tend to ease outside the peak summer and holiday rush — the late-summer and early-fall shoulder weeks are usually kinder on the wallet. Set a free Airfare Deal alert and we'll flag the dips for your dates.
How much are last minute flights from ORD to SEA?
Walking up to this route at the last minute is the expensive way to do it — prices inside 7 days of departure climb fast. The 3–6 weeks booking window is where the value sits.
What is a good round-trip deal from Chicago to Seattle?
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 Seattle?
The main carriers on this route are Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, 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.
More cheap flights from Chicago
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