Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Washington, D.C. (BWI) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $72
From $72
Washington, D.C. (BWI) to Charlotte (CLT) in December from $122
From $122
Washington, D.C. (BWI) to Tampa (TPA) in December from $139
From $139
Washington, D.C. (BWI) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $148
From $148
Washington, D.C. (BWI) to Miami (MIA) in December from $154
From $154
Washington, D.C. (BWI) to Myrtle Beach (MYR) in December from $161
From $161
Flights from Other Cities
Dallas (DFW) to Chicago (ORD) in December from $30
From $30
New York (JFK) to Chicago (ORD) in December from $33
From $33
Miami (MIA) to Chicago (ORD) in December from $54
From $54
Miami (MIA) to Chicago (ORD) in December from $55
From $55
New York (JFK) to Chicago (ORD) in December from $64
From $64
Dallas (DFW) to Chicago (ORD) in December from $70
From $70
✈️ Flight Guide: Washington, D.C. (BWI) → Chicago (ORD)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December departures from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) require planning for holiday crowds and winter weather. Typical nonstop flight time to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, with multiple daily United options; book early to secure nonstop seats. For cheap flights BWI to ORD in December, use fare comparison tools, subscribe to price alerts, and travel on midweek dates where possible. Park at off-site long-term lots or use the BWI Rail Station for stress-free access during snow events. CTA: Search flights from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) now and compare nonstop and connecting options for December.
Departing from Washington, D.C. (BWI) FAQs
For December travel, especially during holiday peak days, arrive at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) at least 90 minutes before a domestic nonstop to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and 2 hours before a connecting itinerary. Winter weather can cause longer security lines and delays, so factor in extra time for parking shuttles and snow-clearing operations. Use TSA PreCheck if available to speed up security screening and check airport advisories before leaving.
Yes — there are regularly scheduled nonstop flights between Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December, primarily operated by United Airlines (mainline and Express). Frequency may increase around holidays; check airline schedules and book early for the best nonstop availability. Use flexible dates to compare nonstop versus one-stop options.
December in the Mid-Atlantic can bring snow, freezing rain, and high winds that occasionally disrupt operations at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Delays and cancellations become more likely during winter storms, so monitor airline alerts and the airport's live updates. Consider purchasing flexible fares or travel insurance and allow additional time when connecting through northern hubs.
In December, popular options to reach Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) include the BWI MARC/Amtrak station shuttle, MTA bus routes, rideshares, taxi services, and airport parking with shuttle service. Allow extra travel time for icy or snowy roads and reserve off-site parking or airport shuttle spots in advance. If traveling from Washington D.C., the MARC Penn Line or Amtrak provides a reliable rail connection to the airport station.
To find lower fares for December travel from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), search flexible dates, sign up for fare alerts, compare nonstop versus connecting flights, and book at least 3–8 weeks in advance for holiday travel. Midweek departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekend trips; also check nearby airports and budget carriers for savings. Use Google Flights, Skyscanner, or airline price trackers to catch last-minute sales.
Many airports, including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), offer seasonal amenities in December such as extended customer service hours, pop-up holiday retail, and charity drives. Check BWI's website for special parking promotions, live music schedules, or family-friendly services during the holidays. Plan ahead for busier terminals and consider airport lounges or day passes to stay comfortable before your flight.
December arrivals at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) should plan for cold weather, holiday crowds, and popular seasonal events in Chicago. The CTA Blue Line offers an affordable rail link to downtown, while rideshare, taxi, and express shuttles serve suburbs like Naperville and Schaumburg. Expect longer wait times for ground transportation during peak holiday hours and allow additional time if roads are snowy. CTA schedules can change during storms, so confirm service before you travel. CTA, Metra, and shuttle options make O'Hare a convenient gateway to top Chicago attractions — search flights to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) now to secure December availability.
Arriving at Chicago (ORD) FAQs
Nonstop flights between Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) generally take about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on winds and routing. December winter winds or reroutes can slightly extend block time, so always check your airline's scheduled duration and monitor real-time flight status. Early morning flights often experience fewer weather-related delays.
From O'Hare International Airport (ORD), take the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line direct to downtown Chicago in about 45–50 minutes, or use rideshares and taxis which typically take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and winter road conditions. In December expect colder temperatures and occasional snow that can lengthen travel times; factor in extra transfer time if you have luggage. For suburbs like Naperville or Schaumburg, consider Metra trains, shuttle services, or rental cars.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) often experiences winter delays from snowfall, de-icing procedures, and traffic volume during December holiday travel. Prepare by booking earlier flights, adding buffer time between connections, and signing up for airline status alerts. If severe weather is forecast, contact your airline about rebooking options and consider travel insurance for protection against cancellations.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a gateway to downtown Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Naperville, Schaumburg, and Orland Park. In December, many travelers use ORD to reach holiday markets like Christkindlmarket, Millennium Park ice skating, and Navy Pier events. Public transit, regional trains, rideshares, and car rentals provide options to reach these top destinations quickly.
Standard airline baggage rules apply at O'Hare International Airport (ORD), but holiday travelers should expect fuller overhead bins and stricter gate-checking for carry-ons during December. If traveling with winter gear like skis or bulky coats, check specific airline policies and fees ahead of time. Arrive prepared with temperature-appropriate clothing and consider priority boarding or checked baggage options to simplify your arrival.
As of December, most domestic travel to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) follows standard public health recommendations with no federal testing mandates, but local or airline-specific requirements can change. Check the airline and Chicago Department of Public Health guidance before travel, and consider masks in crowded indoor spaces if you prefer added protection. Carry documentation of any recent health advisories and plan for potential gate or airline policy changes.
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December Events & Festivals Accessible from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Top December events reachable from O'Hare International Airport (ORD): Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, Millennium Park ice skating, Lincoln Park ZooLights, Navy Pier Winterfest, and seasonal theater productions at the Chicago Theatre. From Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), nearby December attractions include the Baltimore Inner Harbor holiday lights, Annapolis Parade of Lights, and seasonal craft markets in Towson. Plan transit time from ORD via CTA Blue Line and from BWI via MARC or rideshare, and allow extra travel buffer for winter weather. Book event tickets and transportation in advance during December to avoid sold-out dates and elevated prices.
Best Time to Fly from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December
For December travel, the best time to fly from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is midweek (Tuesday–Wednesday) when fares are often lower and airports are slightly less crowded. Early-morning flights have fewer knock-on delays due to weather and air traffic, while flights in the late evening can be more vulnerable to cascading cancellations. Avoid peak holiday days (Dec 20–26) if possible, or book well in advance and choose flexible tickets. If attending holiday events in Chicago, plan to arrive at least a day early to buffer against winter disruptions.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Nonstop flights from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are faster and reduce the risk of missed connections, which is especially valuable during December when winter weather can cause delays. Connecting flights can be cheaper but add complexity and increase the chance of disruptions; tight layovers are riskier in snow or ice. If cost is your priority and you allow generous connection time (at least 90–120 minutes), a connecting itinerary may save money. For holiday travel, prioritize nonstop service where available to minimize stress and the possibility of rebooking.
Airline Comparison for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
United Airlines typically offers nonstop service between Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD), making it a preferred choice for travelers prioritizing speed and fewer connections. American Airlines and Delta commonly offer connecting itineraries via their respective hubs — these can be cost-effective but add potential layover risks in December. Evaluate seat selection fees, checked baggage rules, and loyalty program benefits (e.g., United MileagePlus elite perks at ORD) before booking. For family travel or bulky winter gear, compare included baggage allowances — sometimes pricier nonstop fares include more conveniences that offset the higher ticket cost. CTA: Compare United nonstop flights and connecting options to find the best December itinerary for your trip.
December Seasonal Travel Tips for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
1) Pack in layers and include a winter hat and gloves in carry-on luggage for quick outdoor transfers between terminals, especially when deplaning at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December. 2) Check weather and airline alerts the night before; sign up for push notifications to receive rebooking options quickly. 3) Reserve airport parking in advance at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) or use rail connections to avoid snowy lot shuttles. 4) Choose earlier flights to minimize ripple delays during storms; allow 2+ hours for international connections or 90+ minutes for domestic connecting itineraries. 5) Consider refundable or changeable fares and travel insurance that covers weather disruptions. CTA: Prepare your December trip now — compare flexible flight options from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and secure peace of mind for winter travel.
Flight Time and Schedules: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Average nonstop flight time from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours; total door-to-door times depend on ground transfers and weather. In December expect multiple daily departures, with higher frequencies in the early morning and late afternoon to match business and holiday travel demand. Airlines typically operate more flights around weekends and pre-holiday surge dates; consider early-morning departures to reduce the chance of weather delays. Check real-time schedules via the airline or airport site on travel day for the most accurate departure and arrival times.
How to Find Cheap Flights from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December
December can be a high-demand month for Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) flights due to holiday travel. To find cheap flights: 1) Book early for peak holiday dates (Dec 20–26) or target travel on Tuesdays/Wednesdays; 2) Use flexible date search and +/- 3-day calendars to spot savings; 3) Sign up for fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner and follow airlines on social media for flash sales; 4) Consider one-stop itineraries connecting through hubs if nonstop fares are high; 5) Compare nearby airports (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) vs. Reagan National or Dulles for departure and O'Hare vs. Midway for arrival) to increase options. Typical round-trip fare ranges for December can vary widely — budget $150–$400 depending on advance purchase and travel dates. CTA: Set a fare alert now to get notified when BWI to ORD prices drop.