✈️ Flight Guide: Fort Lauderdale (Any) → Chicago (MDW)

November offers seasonal attractions that can shape travel plans between Fort Lauderdale (All Airports) (FLLA) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). In Chicago, look for holiday market openings such as the Christkindlmarket, the Magnificent Mile holiday lights and early-season cultural events at museums and theaters. In Fort Lauderdale, November sees arts and cultural events, waterfront dining festivals, and Las Olas neighborhood activities that appeal to visitors before winter. Expect higher hotel demand and airport traffic on event weekends, so book flights and accommodations early.

The best time to fly in November is mid-month on weekdays (Tuesdays and Wednesdays), when demand and fares are typically lower than the Thanksgiving travel window. Early-morning flights often offer cheaper fares and fewer delays, while late-afternoon flights can be convenient if you want a full travel day. Avoid flying on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after, when fares spike and airports are busiest. If you need holiday travel, book as early as possible and consider flexible tickets.

Tips

• Book mid-week, mid-November travel for best savings.
• Use early-morning departures to minimize weather-related delays.
• Avoid peak holiday departure/return days (Thanksgiving week) or book far in advance.

Nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale (All Airports) (FLLA) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) save travel time (about 3 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections, which is valuable in November when weather can complicate itineraries. Connecting flights may be cheaper but add layover time and potential for delay — common connection hubs include Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), and Dallas (DFW). For travelers focused on price, a one-stop itinerary can be a good compromise; for convenience and lower risk during Novembers with variable weather, prioritize nonstop options.

Key carriers for the FLLA–MDW route include Southwest (strong MDW presence with free two checked bags for some fare types), Spirit (ultra-low-cost fares with fees for bags/seats), American (connection-heavy but reliable), Delta and United (one-stop via their hubs). Southwest often provides competitive round-trip pricing and direct access to MDW, making it a strong November option for travelers who prioritize simplicity and no change fees on certain fares. Spirit can offer the cheapest base fares — however, add-on fees for carry-ons and checked bags raise the total price. American, Delta and United provide more frequent connecting options and loyalty program benefits.

November travel on the FLLA–MDW route requires planning for two climates: warm Fort Lauderdale and cool-to-cold Chicago. Pack a warm coat and layers, but keep your carry-on compact to avoid extra fees on low-cost carriers. Allow extra connection time if flying through hub airports and monitor weather forecasts the day before travel. For Thanksgiving windows, arrive early to the airport, reserve parking or use rideshare, and confirm hotel check-in policies for late arrivals.

Typical nonstop flight time from Fort Lauderdale (All Airports) (FLLA) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) ranges from about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. Schedules in November usually include multiple daily options on major carriers with the most nonstops in early morning and late afternoon windows. Connecting flights add layover time — common connection hubs include Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT) and Dallas (DFW). Check the carrier's schedule for specific departure times and verify on travel dates, especially during Thanksgiving and the lead-up to holiday weekends.

November often yields findable bargains on the Fort Lauderdale (All Airports) (FLLA) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) route, especially on non-peak mid-month dates. Cheap-fare tactics include searching 3–8 weeks before travel, flying on Tuesdays/Wednesdays, and subscribing to airline newsletters. Low-cost carriers like Spirit and sale-focused carriers like Southwest can offer the lowest base fares, but remember to factor in baggage fees and seat selection costs. Use 'FLLA to MDW cheap flights' as a search phrase combined with 'November deals' to surface promotions; set price alerts and book when a fare drops 5–10% below recent averages.

Tips

• Set fare alerts and search multiple OTAs plus airline sites.
• Be flexible on dates — shifting by 1–2 days can save substantially.
• Factor baggage and seat fees into the total fare for low-cost carriers.
• Consider alternate nearby departure airports if flexibility is possible.