Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
November is a transitional travel month—early November often offers the best value for flights from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) before the Thanksgiving spike. Nonstop options between ORD/MDW and IAH/HOU are plentiful; expect 2.5–3 hours of flying time. To maximize savings, search midweek departures, compare one-way vs round-trip fares, and monitor flash sales from legacy and low-cost carriers. For travel around Thanksgiving, book at least 3–6 weeks ahead and check flexible change policies. When leaving from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA), consider public transit (CTA Blue/Orange Lines), early arrival for security, and reserved parking if departing on holiday dates. Nearby cities often used for alternate routing include Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, and St. Louis—use multi-airport searches to discover lower fares. Book now to lock in November deals and sign up for fare alerts for CHIA to HOUA routes.
Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) refers to the main Chicago airports — O'Hare International (ORD) and Midway (MDW) — and surrounding regional options often marketed together. Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) covers George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU), and nearby regional fields. When booking flights between CHIA and HOUA, check which airport pair (ORD–IAH, MDW–HOU, etc.) best fits your schedule and connections.
Typical non-stop flight time between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) ranges from about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours depending on the exact airport pair and wind patterns. In November, seasonal winds and schedule changes can slightly affect block time, but most nonstop services still run in the 2.5–3 hour window. Use the itinerary-specific flight time when booking for the most accurate duration.
November often presents good opportunities for cheap flights from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Houston (All Airports) (HOUA), especially in early November before the Thanksgiving surge. Airlines release autumn sales and midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) usually show the lowest fares. To find the best deals, set fare alerts, compare one-way and round-trip pricing, and book 3–6 weeks in advance for November travel.
In November, the busiest travel days from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) are typically the days around Thanksgiving (the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after). Early- and mid-November weekdays are less crowded and often cheaper. If you want lower crowds and better on-time performance, consider flying early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
As of November, general U.S. federal mask mandates have been lifted, but individual airlines and Chicago airports may still recommend masks and require vaccination/testing for specific international routes. Check airline-specific policies and the official Chicago airport websites (ORD/MDW) prior to travel; bring a printed or digital copy of required documentation if applicable. Stay informed through official airline updates and the CDC for travel health advisories.
Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) offers public transit (CTA Blue Line to O'Hare, Orange Line to Midway), ride-share pickup zones, long-term and short-term parking, and off-airport shuttles. In November, demand for parking spikes around holidays, so reserve parking in advance for departures during Thanksgiving week. Consider public transit or curbside drop-offs for faster access during peak travel days.
From Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) travelers commonly connect to nearby major cities and destinations such as Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, Madison, and St. Louis. These cities are convenient for regional connections, multi-city itineraries, or ground transfers. Use multi-airport search to find the best route when planning November travel to nearby Midwestern destinations.
Arriving at Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) in November is usually smooth—temperatures are mild and the summer humidity has eased. Expect most Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) flights to touch down at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) or William P. Hobby (HOU); verify your terminal in your confirmation email. Ground transport options include car rentals, ride-shares, taxis, and regional shuttles that connect to Galveston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Austin, and San Antonio. If you’re traveling around university football weekends or conference dates, book hotel and ground transport early. For best local deals and to reduce stress upon arrival, pre-book rides or a rental car and sign up for airport text alerts for any November-day schedule changes.
Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) covers George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU), each with multiple terminals and concourses. Flights from Chicago typically land at IAH's Terminals A/B/C/E or HOU's centralized terminal depending on carrier; check your airline confirmation for exact arrival terminal. Allow extra time for baggage claim and ground transportation, especially during busy November travel windows.
Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) provides car rentals, taxis, ride-shares, airport shuttles, and regional bus connections. At George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) you can use the TEXRail/metro link and multiple shuttles; at William P. Hobby (HOU) ride-share pickup zones and light rail connections serve central Houston. In November, expect steady demand for rentals and ride-shares around events — book in advance or use shared rides for cost savings.
November brings holiday parades, football weekends, and regional conferences that can influence CHIA→HOUA travel. Chicago hosts fall cultural events and early holiday markets that spike outbound travel, while Houston may have business conferences and local fall festivals driving arrivals. Major cause of elevated demand is Thanksgiving travel; secondary peaks come from weekend sporting events. If traveling for events, book flights and hotels early and consider arriving midweek to avoid price surges. CTA: Check event calendars for Chicago and Houston before finalizing November travel plans.
The best time to fly from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) in November is early- to mid-November on Tuesdays or Wednesdays when fares and crowds are lowest. Avoid flying the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after — those are the busiest and most expensive days. For better on-time performance, choose early morning flights. If your schedule is flexible, use the flexible-date calendar when searching to compare prices across the full November month and consider red-eye returns if you want the cheapest fares.
Nonstop flights between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) are faster and typically more reliable, taking roughly 2.5–3 hours in November. Connecting flights can be cheaper, especially if flying outside peak holiday dates, but add transfer risk and longer total travel time. If you value speed and simplicity, choose a nonstop; if you prioritize saving money and are flexible on schedule, consider one-stop itineraries via hubs like Dallas (DFW) or Charlotte (CLT). During November, weigh the risk of holiday-related delays when deciding between direct and connecting options.
United Airlines and American Airlines commonly operate nonstop routes between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Houston (All Airports) (HOUA), offering frequent flights and preferred schedules. Southwest provides competitive fares and flexible policies, often flying MDW–HOU routes. Legacy carriers may include checked baggage in higher fare classes, while low-cost carriers typically offer lower base fares with add-on fees. For November travel, compare total trip cost (including bags and seat selection) and check loyalty benefits; use fare comparison tools to evaluate all-in prices before booking.
Pack layers for November: chilly mornings in Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and comfortable afternoons in Houston (All Airports) (HOUA). Allow extra time for security during Thanksgiving week and pre-book parking, rental cars, or airport shuttles. Consider travel insurance or flexible fares if your trip spans holiday dates. Use mobile boarding passes and check real-time airport alerts for ORD/MDW and IAH/HOU. CTA: Compare November flight options now and prepare with a travel checklist for CHIA to HOUA travel.
Nonstop flights between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) typically take 2.5–3 hours in November. Peak departure windows are early morning and late afternoon to evening, aligning with business travel patterns. For one-stop itineraries, common connection hubs include Dallas (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), and Denver (DEN) depending on carrier. To minimize delay risk, choose early-morning departures and avoid Wednesday/Thursday afternoons for holiday travel around Thanksgiving. Check live schedules and book flights with realistic connection times if you choose connections through major hubs.
Find cheap flights from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) in November by searching midweek departures, comparing ORD and MDW options, and watching for airline flash sales. Use flexible-date search tools and fare alerts to capture price drops. Consider one-way combinations and mix-and-match carriers (e.g., a low-cost nonstop one-way plus a legacy carrier return) to reduce fares. Sign up for newsletters from major carriers serving the route—United and American and Southwest often release November discounts. CTA: Search cheap flights from Chicago to Houston now and set a fare alert to lock in the best November deal.
November in Houston usually brings mild fall weather with average highs in the 60s–70s °F and lower humidity compared to summer; severe weather is less common than during hurricane season. However, late fall cold fronts can produce brief heavy rain or wind, occasionally affecting arrivals. Check the 48-hour forecast before travel and maintain flexible plans for connections.
After landing at Houston (All Airports) (HOUA), travelers commonly reach Galveston, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, Austin, and San Antonio for leisure or business. Many visitors use HOUA as a hub to access Gulf Coast beaches, Texas Hill Country, and nearby city centers. Plan ground transfers ahead for day trips — rental cars and regional shuttles provide flexibility for November excursions.
Yes, November hosts several events that can increase airport traffic at Houston (All Airports) (HOUA), including university football games, fall festivals, and early holiday shopping weekends. The annual Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo is typically in spring; however, look for local cultural events and major conferences in November that can raise demand for flights and hotels. Check event calendars and book accommodations early for peak dates.
For domestic flights from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Houston (All Airports) (HOUA), baggage claim is generally straightforward with standard retrieval zones at each terminal. If your trip includes an international leg, you will clear customs at your first U.S. port of entry and then re-check bags as necessary. For domestic-only travel in November, expect normal reclaim times; however, holiday periods can lengthen wait times slightly.
