January travel from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) is popular with travelers seeking winter sun. This route sees steady demand after the holiday rush, with competitive pricing, many nonstop options and favorable Phoenix weather. Nearby major cities often using CHIA include Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit and Madison — travelers from these areas frequently route via Chicago to reach Phoenix.
Arriving at Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) in January gives visitors comfortable weather and easy access to desert attractions. Popular nearby destinations from PHXA include Scottsdale, Tucson, Sedona, Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon, all of which are accessible via rental car, shuttles or short connecting flights.
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.