Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your January journey
Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) covers O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport and nearby reliever fields, all commonly searched as Chicago area departures. For January travel to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), travelers should compare schedules from both O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) to find the best nonstop or connecting options and winter disruption buffers. Use flexible dates to spot bundled savings and nonstops.
In January, security lines at Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) generally ease after the New Year peak; expect 20–45 minutes during off-peak midweek mornings and 30–60 minutes during busy windows. Weekends and MLK weekend can see heavier traffic, so arrive 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international itineraries and sign up for TSA PreCheck to speed up screening.
Yes — January often brings lower fares between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), especially mid-January after holiday travel winds down. Look for weekday departures, set fare alerts, and check low-cost carriers and major airlines' flash sales for the best Chicago to Phoenix flight deals.
Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) offers CTA trains and buses from O'Hare, Pace/Metra connections from surrounding suburbs, rideshares, taxis and off-airport parking shuttles. Winter conditions mean allow extra time for road travel; check airport webcams and local transit alerts before heading to the airport.
Pack layers: heavy outerwear for Chicago winter and light layers for Phoenix's mild January days. Include sunscreen, sunglasses, a light jacket for cool desert evenings, and check airline carry-on size and baggage rules before you fly to avoid fees.
Yes — multiple daily nonstop flights typically operate between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), especially from O'Hare (ORD). Nonstops are convenient in January for reducing weather-connected delays; compare morning and evening nonstops to find the best balance of price and reliability.
Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) arrival in January usually means mild days and cool nights with limited flight disruptions due to weather. Expect efficient baggage claim and a variety of ground transport options to Scottsdale, downtown Phoenix, and Tucson; however, allow extra time for traffic during MLK weekend events or major conferences.
Ground transportation options from Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) include rental cars, shuttles, rideshares, Valley Metro public transit and private transfers to Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa and Tucson. January is a good month to rent a car for exploring nearby destinations like Sedona and the Grand Canyon, but reserve rentals early due to winter demand and spring-training pre-booking.
Phoenix in January offers mild, sunny days averaging 60–70°F (15–22°C) and cooler desert nights, making it ideal for outdoor activities without summer heat. Pack a light jacket for evenings and check daily forecasts for occasional cool snaps or rare rain.
Yes — Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) terminals offer dining, lounges, rental car facilities and visitor information desks year-round. Many airline clubs and pay-per-use lounges remain open in January; check lounge access rules and operating hours before arrival, as holiday staffing can alter schedules.
January on the CHIA to PHXA route features local events that can influence travel demand: MLK Day weekend celebrations in both Chicago and Phoenix, winter cultural festivals, and the lead-up to baseball spring training activities (Cactus League) which begin in late January/early February and can affect hotel and flight prices. Outdoor events like guided hikes, desert garden exhibits, and culinary festivals in downtown Phoenix or Scottsdale are common in January.
The best time to fly CHIA to PHXA in January is typically mid-January (weekdays) when post-holiday demand cools down and prices dip. Early-morning departures often have higher on-time performance in winter; late January can be a sweet spot before spring training and February events push fares up. If seeking the absolute cheapest options, search 3–8 weeks before your travel dates and be flexible with airport choice (ORD vs. MDW).
Choosing nonstop vs. connecting flights for CHIA to PHXA in January depends on priorities: nonstop flights reduce travel time and connection risk and are ideal during winter when weather can disrupt multi-leg trips. Connecting itineraries often offer lower fares and more departure time flexibility but add potential delay exposure at connecting hubs like DFW or DEN. For business travelers or those on tight schedules, prioritize nonstop options; budget-conscious travelers can save significantly with one-stop itineraries.
Major carriers operating between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) in January typically include American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Southwest often provides multiple low-cost options and two free checked bags; American and United offer strong schedules from ORD with premium cabin choices, and Delta provides competitive service with hub connections via Atlanta or Minneapolis for one-stop options.
January seasonal travel tips for the CHIA to PHXA route focus on winter departure preparation and desert arrival comfort. From Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA), prepare for winter commutes: allow extra time for snow clearance, carry traction-friendly footwear and confirm airline rebooking policies for weather delays. For Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) arrivals, pack sunscreen and layers for cool nights, reserve rental cars early and plan outdoor activities during daylight when temperatures are warmest.
Typical nonstop flight time from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) ranges from about 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes depending on winds and routing. Daily schedule frequency is high in January with several nonstops from O'Hare (ORD) and a handful from Midway (MDW), offering morning, midday and evening departures. Connecting itineraries increase options via hubs such as Dallas (DFW), Denver (DEN) and Salt Lake City (SLC).
Finding cheap flights from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) in January is achievable with timing and strategy. Primary tactics include booking 3–8 weeks out for the best mid-January fares, flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday), and setting fare alerts across OTAs and airline sites. Use flexible-date calendars, search low-cost carriers alongside major airlines, and consider early-morning nonstops for lower prices. Keep an eye on post-holiday sales and use points or companion fares where available.
From Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), Scottsdale and Mesa are short drives (15–30 min) while Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon require 2–4 hour drives or regional shuttles. January is prime sightseeing season with fewer crowds; book tours and transfers in advance to secure preferred departure times and vehicles.
