Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
October is a smart shoulder-season month to fly from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), with mild Fort Myers temperatures and fewer summer crowds. Book 4–8 weeks ahead and favor midweek departures (Tues/Wed) for the best October fares. Expect flight time around 2 hours 45 minutes on nonstop services from ORD; connecting options through ATL or CLT can add 1–3 hours depending on layover. Pack light layers and a small rain jacket — October can still see leftover tropical activity — and compare both ORD and MDW schedules to find the best balance of price and departure time. Search for 'cheap CHIA to RSW October' and set fare alerts to lock in the best deals.
Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) refers to the city-level airport code that covers Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), and nearby commercial airports commonly used by travelers. In October, most nonstop services to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) depart from ORD and MDW; check both airports when searching for cheap flights from CHIA to RSW. Comparing ORD and MDW will help you find the best schedule and fare for October travel.
In October, peak travel days from Chicago to Fort Myers (RSW) typically include Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons because of weekend getaways. Midweek departures — Tuesdays and Wednesdays — often show lower demand and better fares, so consider those days for cheaper Chicago to Fort Myers flights in October. Use flexible-date search tools to spot the best midweek savings.
October in Chicago can bring variable weather, including cool mornings, rain, and occasional early-season storms, so allow extra time for airport transfers and security. While major delays are uncommon, check both the National Weather Service and your airline for day-of-travel advisories; inclement weather in Chicago can cascade to RSW and affect schedules. Book refundable or changeable fares for additional flexibility in October.
To reach Chicago O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) for early October departures, choose CTA trains (Blue Line to ORD, Orange Line to MDW), rideshare services, taxis, or airport shuttles. For ORD, plan longer transit time during peak morning traffic or if weather is poor; for MDW, shorter access from downtown typically saves time. Book rideshares in advance or use park-and-fly lots if driving from nearby suburbs like Evanston or Schaumburg.
For October travel from Chicago to Fort Myers, book 4–8 weeks in advance to secure competitive fares; if you plan to travel over Columbus Day or fall break weekends, book earlier. Last-minute deals can appear but are less reliable; set fare alerts for CHIA to RSW routes and monitor prices across ORD and MDW. Flexible-date searches and signing up for airline newsletters will help you capture October seat sales.
Yes — nonstop flights are commonly available from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) and sometimes from Midway (MDW) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in October, especially on major carriers and some low-cost airlines. Nonstops are faster but can be pricier; compare nonstop vs. one-stop options to balance time and cost. Use filters for nonstop flights when searching 'Chicago to Fort Myers nonstop October' to quickly identify direct schedules.
October arrivals at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) enjoy warm weather and fewer crowds compared with peak winter season. Plan transportation to nearby destinations — Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and Marco Island — and pre-book rental cars or airport shuttles for the best October rates. Check airline notifications for day-of-travel updates and monitor local weather for any tropical activity, as Atlantic hurricane season runs through November. For best results, search for 'cheap Chicago to Fort Myers October flights' and reserve transfers early to secure preferred vehicles and times.
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in October offers relatively mild, warm weather with average highs in the mid-80s°F, making it ideal for beach trips and outdoor activities. Expect busy weekends but generally shorter lines than peak winter season; rental cars and ground transport can fill up on holidays, so reserve in advance. RSW serves Fort Myers, Naples, Cape Coral, Sanibel, and Marco Island as key nearby destinations.
From RSW, you can rent a car, take shared shuttles, pre-book private transfers, or use rideshare services to reach Naples (about 45–55 minutes) and Sanibel Island (around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic). October often has lighter tourist traffic than winter, but book rental cars early because inventory can tighten around events and fall break weekends. For cost savings, compare shuttle and rideshare prices and consider renting a car for full flexibility during your October stay.
October in Southwest Florida features seasonal festivals and events attractive to travelers from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA). Popular highlights often include the Sanibel Shell Festival (family-friendly shell art and beach walks), Fort Myers River District craft fairs and food festivals, and Naples fall arts events; smaller towns host farmers’ markets and seafood festivals as well. These October activities make RSW a lively arrival point for visitors seeking culture, outdoor recreation, and dining. Check local event calendars before booking and plan accommodations early for festival weekends. CTA: Search October flights from CHIA to RSW now and align your itinerary with local events.
The best time to book October flights from CHIA to RSW is roughly 4–8 weeks before departure, with midweek travel (Tuesday–Wednesday) offering the best value. Early morning departures usually cost less and face fewer delays, while Friday–Sunday travel is pricier due to weekend demand. For travelers seeking warm weather and lower prices in Fort Myers, aim for early to mid-October outside of fall-break windows. CTA: Check flexible-date calendars and set fare alerts to capture the ideal October price.
Nonstop flights from CHIA (ORD/MDW) to RSW are the fastest option and reduce the risk of missed connections, ideal for short October getaways. Connecting flights are typically cheaper and offer more schedule flexibility but add layover time at hubs such as Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Detroit (DTW). For travelers prioritizing time, choose nonstop; for budget-conscious flyers, selecting one-stop itineraries with reasonable layover lengths can yield big savings. Always check connection windows and the airline’s on-time reliability before booking.
American Airlines: Strong schedule from ORD to RSW with frequent nonstop options; good for frequent flyers, reliable connections, and premium cabin options. Delta Air Lines: Good reliability and onboard service, with one-stop and seasonal nonstop offerings from ORD; slightly higher fares are offset by service. United Airlines: Competitive pricing and loyalty benefits, with connecting options via hubs; consider for flexible routing. Spirit Airlines: Often the lowest base fare between CHIA and RSW in October, but adds fees for baggage and seat selection; ideal for budget travelers who travel light. Compare total trip cost (fare + baggage) when evaluating carriers, and book through the airline for easier changes and support. CTA: Compare carriers now and factor in baggage fees to find the best October value.
Pack lightweight clothing, sun protection, and a light rain jacket for October travel to Southwest Florida; daytime temperatures are warm while evenings may be mild. October is still within Atlantic hurricane season — monitor forecasts and consider refundable fares or travel insurance for added protection. Reserve rental cars and airport transfers in advance for October weekends and event dates, and arrive at CHIA terminals early to accommodate potential weather-related adjustments. CTA: Prepare smartly — compare refund policies and buy flexible fares for October travel from Chicago to Fort Myers to protect your trip.
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) typically take about 2 hours 35 minutes to 3 hours depending on winds; Midway (MDW) nonstops average similar times when available. In October, morning and late-afternoon nonstops are common, with peak frequencies on Fridays and Sundays for weekend travel. One-stop itineraries through Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Detroit (DTW) add 1–4 hours of total travel time, including layovers. Always confirm specific flight durations and connections when booking, and use timezone-aware searches (CHI in Central Time, RSW in Eastern Time) to avoid schedule confusion.
To secure cheap flights in October from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), use flexible-date search tools and set fare alerts 4–8 weeks before departure. Compare major carriers (American, United, Delta) with budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier) — low-cost carriers often offer the lowest base fares but charge for baggage and seat selection. Travel midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and consider early-morning flights to maximize savings. Use location modifiers like 'Chicago ORD to Fort Myers RSW October sale' and book when prices dip by 10–20% from the route’s average. CTA: Set price alerts now and compare ORD and MDW departure options for the best October deals.
RSW occasionally schedules maintenance, runway work, or special events in the fall; check the airport's official notifications before travel. While October typically has no major seasonal closures, airlines may alter schedules for maintenance or operational reasons — verify your flight status with the carrier on the day of departure. For up-to-date information, consult the RSW website and follow airport social channels during October.
For domestic flights arriving from Chicago, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) follows standard TSA screening and domestic baggage claim procedures; no customs processing is required for U.S. domestic travelers. October travel doesn't change baggage allowances — confirm carry-on and checked bag policies with your airline before leaving CHIA. If you booked low-cost carriers from Chicago, review baggage fees and size limits in advance to avoid surprises at RSW.
RSW offers family-friendly amenities such as family restrooms, nursing rooms, and designated seating areas; these facilities remain available during October travel. The airport layout is compact and easy to navigate for seniors and families with strollers, and ground transportation options are plentiful for trips to Naples or Fort Myers Beach. If traveling with mobility needs, request assistance in advance from your airline for smoother October arrivals.
In October, a taxi or rideshare from RSW to central Fort Myers typically ranges from $30 to $60 depending on traffic and surge pricing; shuttles and shared vans can be cheaper at $15–$30 per person. Rental cars are often the most economical for groups or multi-day trips, but book ahead as October inventory may be reduced. Compare transfer options and book early to lock in better rates for October travel.
