Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your October journey
October departures from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA) offer a good balance of lower fares and pleasant fall weather. Travelers can choose O'Hare International Airport (ORD) for the widest selection of nonstop flights to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) or opt for Midway International Airport (MDW) when convenience matters. Expect crisp mornings and variable wind—pack a light jacket and allow extra time for airport transit during the Chicago Marathon (usually held in October). For the best fares, search for midweek departures and set price alerts; consider early morning or late evening flights for lower prices. Nearby cities commonly served from CHIA include Milwaukee (MKE), Indianapolis (IND), Detroit (DTW), and St. Louis (STL). CTA rail, rideshares, and airport parking options are readily available—book parking in advance and enroll in TSA PreCheck to speed through security. Book now to lock in competitive October rates and secure preferred nonstop times.
Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) refers to the region-wide airport code covering O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Midway International Airport (MDW), and nearby fields. For nonstop convenience to Seattle, most travelers choose O'Hare International Airport (ORD) for its larger number of daily nonstop flights; Midway International Airport (MDW) sometimes has one-stop or seasonal options. Consider proximity, parking, and connecting options—use ORD for more schedule choices, MDW for quicker access to the south side of Chicago.
October in Chicago often brings crisp mornings, occasional rain, and cooler temperatures that can lead to delayed commutes to airports. Snow is unlikely early in the month but plan for wind and rain; allow extra time to reach O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW). For the CHIA to SEAA route, factor in extra buffer time for airport security and ground transportation during peak fall events like the Chicago Marathon in October.
There are no October-specific travel restrictions unique to Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) beyond standard TSA rules and any airline policies; however, seasonal schedule adjustments and higher demand around events (for example, the Chicago Marathon in October) may limit seat availability. Always check airline advisories, review real-time airport updates, and have digital boarding passes ready to streamline your departure.
Baggage policies vary by airline, but most major carriers on the CHIA to SEAA route (American, United, Alaska) include one personal item and one carry-on for free; checked baggage fees typically apply for economy fares. In October, when travelers often pack layers for fall weather, we recommend verifying your fare class and pre-purchasing checked bags to save money and avoid gate-checking during busy travel days.
From downtown Chicago to O'Hare International Airport (ORD), options include the CTA Blue Line train (cost-effective and reliable), rideshares, taxis, and hotel shuttles. In October, allow extra travel time for street events and increased tourist traffic; the Blue Line typically takes about 45 minutes from the Loop, while rideshares can vary with congestion. Book early-morning rides in advance during high-traffic event weekends.
October often presents competitive fares between Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) and Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA) due to shoulder-season demand: airlines release deals after the summer peak and before the winter holiday rush. Monitor fare alerts, sign up for airline newsletters, and compare prices across O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) to find discounted nonstop and one-stop flights.
Arriving to Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA) in October means cooler temperatures, the beginning of the rainy season, and the cozy energy of fall festivals and football weekends. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the main commercial gateway with fast Link light rail service to downtown; Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI) handles smaller commercial and private flights. For efficient arrivals, have your rideshare app ready, consider pre-booked airport shuttles for groups, and check Seahawks and University of Washington Husky schedules—game weekends can increase demand for hotels and ground transport. Nearby cities often accessed from SEAA include Bellevue, Tacoma, Vancouver BC, and Portland; each has reliable intercity connections. Pack an umbrella and layers, plan for light rain, and book accommodations early if your trip overlaps with local festivals or sports events. Use price alerts to capture October hotel deals and consider landing midweek for quieter arrivals.
Arriving at Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA) in October typically means cool, crisp weather with increased chances of light rain—pack a waterproof jacket and layers. Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) handles most commercial traffic, while Boeing Field/King County International Airport (BFI) serves some charters and private flights; both have efficient ground connections to downtown Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. Expect moderate security and baggage claim times; rideshares and Link light rail connections are convenient for onward travel.
October brings fall festivals, college and NFL football games (University of Washington Huskies and Seattle Seahawks), and Halloween events that can increase arrivals and ground-transport demand. On game days and festival weekends, rideshares and taxis may have surge pricing and longer waits—plan to use Link light rail to Downtown Seattle or pre-book airport shuttles. Check event calendars before booking arrivals to avoid peak congestion.
October features several high-impact events that can affect travel on the CHIA → SEAA route. In Chicago, the Chicago Marathon draws national visitors and increases demand for nearby lodging and airport transport—plan extra time for departures from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). In Seattle, college football (University of Washington Huskies) and NFL games (Seattle Seahawks) often create weekend surges in hotel and ride demand; fall festivals and Halloween events in Capitol Hill and Fremont also attract visitors. To minimize disruption, avoid major event weekends, book early for game days, and use public transit from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) when possible. CTAs: Check event calendars for Chicago and Seattle before buying flights and reserve accommodations early for popular October weekends.
For October travel from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA), flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) generally yields the lowest fares and thinner airport crowds. Early-morning flights often have the best on-time performance and savings, while late-evening options can also be more affordable. Avoid weekends with Seahawks or Huskies home games if you want cheaper hotels and smoother ground transport. Book 3–8 weeks in advance to secure the best shoulder-season prices, and use flexible-date searches to compare weekend and midweek savings.
Nonstop flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) offer the fastest and most convenient option, typically taking about 4.5 hours. Connecting itineraries through hubs like Denver International Airport (DEN), Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), or Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) can be cheaper and offer flexible timing but add connection time and increase risk for delays. In October, when weather-related disruptions are less common than winter months, nonstop flights are often worth the price premium for travelers prioritizing time. For budget-conscious flyers, consider early-booked one-stop flights with at least 60–90 minutes of connection time.
United Airlines and Alaska Airlines frequently operate nonstop flights between O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with multiple daily departures—ideal for business travelers and those seeking loyalty-program perks. American Airlines offers one-stop options and seasonal routes from Midway International Airport (MDW) or connections via its hubs. Low-cost carriers or mixed LCC itineraries can reduce fares but may charge for seat selection and checked bags. In October, evaluate total trip cost (fare + baggage) and on-time performance; Alaska often has strong West Coast connectivity while United provides robust schedule options from ORD. CTA: Compare fares across these carriers and check loyalty program benefits before booking your October flight.
When flying from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA) in October, pack waterproof layers, a compact umbrella, and versatile clothing for cool-to-mild temperatures. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to speed security and customs processing, especially during busy October weekends. Check flight status the evening before and again the morning of travel—October weather is generally stable but early-morning fog or rain can impact schedules. Use public transit options like CTA Blue Line to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Sound Transit Link from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to bypass surface traffic. For the best value, monitor fares 3–8 weeks out and book midweek flights to lower costs.
Nonstop flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) typically take between 4 hours 20 minutes and 4 hours 40 minutes. Multiple daily nonstops are commonly offered by carriers such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines, with peak departure windows in the early morning (6:00–9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00–7:00 PM). One-stop itineraries via Denver (Denver International Airport (DEN)), Minneapolis (Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP)), or Salt Lake City (Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)) add 1–3 hours of connection time. In October, expect steady scheduling with some seasonal adjustments; use airline schedules and booking engines to lock in preferred times.
To find cheap flights from Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) to Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA) in October, search for midweek departures, red-eye flights, and early-morning options which often carry lower prices. Set fare alerts on comparison sites and airline apps (United, Alaska, American) to catch flash sales; consider flying from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) for the greatest inventory of discounted nonstop fares. Low-cost carriers and one-stop itineraries via hubs like Denver (DEN) or Minneapolis (MSP) may be cheaper but weigh the trade-off in total travel time. Use flexible-date searches and bundle flight+hotel deals for additional savings. CTA: Sign up for fare alerts now to lock in the best October deals from CHIA to SEAA.
From Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA), travelers commonly access Downtown Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Vancouver BC, and Portland. Each destination is reachable by Link light rail, intercity bus services, Amtrak Cascades, and regional car routes. For airport-to-city transfers, Link light rail from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) provides reliable service to the city center.
You don't necessarily need a car upon arrival at Seattle (All Airports) (SEAA); public transit, rideshares, and shuttles provide convenient access to Downtown Seattle, Bellevue, and Tacoma. For exploring the greater Pacific Northwest or visiting nearby destinations like Mount Rainier or the Olympic Peninsula in October, renting a car is recommended. Consider weather when planning drives—fall rain may require more cautious driving.
International travelers arriving at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) should prepare documents for customs, expect variable wait times for immigration, and consider Global Entry to expedite processing. October's lower tourist volume compared with summer can mean faster processing, but always check airline and U.S. Customs and Border Protection updates. Have local contact information and confirm onward transport in advance to avoid delays.
October is a shoulder season in Seattle, so you can find better hotel rates near Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and downtown compared with summer months. Book early for weekends with Seahawks or Huskies games, as those dates see higher occupancy. Use fare comparison tools and hotel aggregators, and consider downtown neighborhoods like Belltown or Capitol Hill for wider lodging options and easy transit.
