Flights to Chicago

A flight from London to Chicago takes approximately eight hours and 30 minutes.

We fly direct to Chicago daily, from London Heathrow.

The best time to seek out cheaper flights to Chicago is in the autumn and winter. Temperatures drop to around freezing in the coldest months of December and January, but festive markets and outdoor ice-skating rinks pop up, making it a magical time of year to visit. Head indoors to enjoy some of the city’s iconic venues, including the Art Institute of Chicago, home to Grant Wood’s eerie masterpiece American Gothic. Take in a performance at the Chicago Theatre and tuck into Chicago’s most famous culinary export – the deep-dish pizza, up to three inches thick.

Chicago is a city that caters to all budgets. If you’re looking for cheaper accommodation, look for somewhere to stay in areas like Lincoln Park or Lake View. Pilsen and Humboldt Park are great places to look for wallet-friendly cafes, and for a cheaper way to experience Wrigley Field without the cost of a matchday ticket, you can take a guided tour of stadium.

Two of Chicago’s most popular sightseeing spots are free to visit – Garfield Park Conservatory and Millennium Park, where you can see the giant mirrored bean-shaped Cloud Gate sculpture.

After landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, you can access the city’s downtown area in approximately 40 minutes via the L train’s Blue Line. Alternatively, you can hop on a shuttle bus or catch a taxi.

The L network serves most parts of Chicago, with elevated tracks in the suburbs and underground lines around the city centre, known as The Loop.

Water taxis serve the main sights along the Chicago River and lakefront.

You can also hire a car with British Airways if you want to get out of Chicago and see more of what the surrounding area has to offer. You’ll receive great benefits, with all mandatory charges included and 24-hour customer support, plus you’ll collect Avios points on every rental.

Chicago is the third-largest city in the US, with a huge number of attractions to keep you busy. Once you’ve explored it all, there’s plenty to discover beyond its boundaries.

The iconic Route 66 begins in downtown Chicago, passing through the state capital of Springfield. The city was home to former president Abraham Lincoln, and you’ll be able to visit the house he lived in and tour the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. The route crosses all the way to the Santa Monica Pier in California, passing close to the Grand Canyon.

Or follow the Mississippi south along the Great River Road, winding your way down Illinois’ western edge and stopping at national parks and historic towns.

You can book a hand baggage-only ticket or make the most of our generous baggage allowance. If you choose economy standard or one of our British Airways Holidays’ packages, each passenger can check in a bag weighing up to 23kg – in addition to a handbag, laptop case or other small bag. Families travelling in any cabin with younger children can also check in one car seat and one fully collapsible pushchair. Read more about baggage allowances for children.

If you’re flying in our business cabin, you can check in two bags weighing up to 32kg each. Read our baggage guide for full details.

Citizens of the UK and Ireland and EU passport holders do not need a visa to visit the USA. However, you will need an ESTA, which permits travel to the US for 90 days or less. If you hold a passport from a country or territory outside of the listed areas, you may need to apply for a visa before you travel. You can find out more about visa requirements for all the countries we fly to at the IATA Travel Centre.

Discover outstanding service from the moment you book. Fly with just hand baggage and you can carry two bags free of charge. Choose our checked baggage option and you can travel with hand baggage and a 23kg bag checked into the hold, plus enjoy free seat selection 24 hours before you fly. On board you’ll find HEPA-filtered air, quality on-board catering, and a warm, uniquely British welcome.

Simply relax and let us take care of you, every step of the way.