Route guide · 481 miles
Cheap Flights from Memphis to Chicago
MEM → MDW · Nonstop 1h 29m · Live round-trip fares
Flying from Memphis to Chicago doesn't have to drain your wallet. This 481-mile hop takes about 1h 29m 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 MEM → MDW are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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Updated daily
Flight time
1h 29m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
481 mi
MEM → MDW
Book ahead
2–4 weeks
Best window, typically
Nonstop airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Nonstop flights from Memphis to Chicago
The fastest way between the two cities is the nonstop: about 1h 29m for the 481-mile run from MEM to MDW. Those flights are flown by Southwest Airlines. Prices behave best when you book 2–4 weeks out.
Booking insights: Memphis → Chicago
- Distance: 481 miles · nonstop flight time: 1h 29m.
- Fares tend to bottom out when you book about 2–4 weeks ahead — earlier than that rarely helps, later usually hurts.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures usually undercut Friday and Sunday fares on routes like this one.
- A free fare alert beats daily checking: we watch this route and ping you when prices drop.
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Flying from Memphis to Chicago: what you need to know
The flight
At 481 miles, MEM to MDW is one of those quick up-and-down flights: roughly 1h 29m nonstop. There's no meal service to plan around — the decisions that matter here are departure time and which airport entrance traffic is kinder to you.
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 Memphis (MEM)
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 Memphis airport guide covers terminals, parking and ground transport so you can plan the trip to the airport, not just the flight.
Arriving in Chicago (MDW)
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 Chicago airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check Chicago to Memphis fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
For a trip of 481 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
- Flexible dates? Search a few days either side — one day can change the fare a lot.
- 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.
- 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.
Memphis to Chicago flight FAQs
How long is the flight from MEM to MDW?
Plan on about 1h 29m in the air for a nonstop from Memphis to Chicago — the route runs roughly 481 miles. Connecting flights typically add 2–4 hours.
Are there nonstop flights from Memphis to Chicago?
Southwest Airlines typically operate nonstop flights from MEM to MDW. Nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 2–4 weeks ahead of departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Memphis to Chicago?
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 MEM to MDW?
Last-minute flights from MEM to MDW (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 Memphis to Chicago?
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 Memphis to Chicago?
You'll mainly see Southwest Airlines on Memphis to Chicago. 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 Memphis 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 Memphis
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