Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your November journey
Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) includes George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) operations; departures to Chicago typically operate from both terminals depending on the carrier. In November expect United and American to use IAH gates for ORD/MDW routes and Southwest to use Hobby (HOU) for Midway (MDW). Check your airline confirmation and airport maps before travel to confirm terminal assignments and save time at check-in.
For domestic travel in November, especially around Thanksgiving peak days, arrive at Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) at least 90–120 minutes before departure. Weekends and holiday travel windows in mid- to late-November can create longer security lines, so factor extra time for check-in and TSA screening to avoid missing your flight.
Houston in November is generally mild with occasional rain and cooler nights, so major weather delays are less common than in winter months. However, cold fronts or regional storms can produce delays; monitor your airline and the Houston Airports status page and consider flight insurance for last-minute schedule changes.
Yes — multiple airlines offer nonstop service between Houston and Chicago year-round, including nonstop options from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to O'Hare (ORD) and from William P. Hobby (HOU) to Midway (MDW). In November you can find morning and afternoon nonstop schedules; booking early increases the likelihood of securing a nonstop itinerary.
From Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) travelers commonly connect or combine trips to nearby major cities such as Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Galveston and Corpus Christi. These destinations are popular for multi-city itineraries or ground connections before flying to Chicago; plan extra travel time if you intend to visit these cities in the same trip.
Airlines and OTA deals often surface in early November before Thanksgiving and again during Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales, with discounted roundtrips and fare sales between Houston and Chicago. Sign up for fare alerts, compare Google Flights and Skyscanner, and book mid-week flights to maximize savings on Houston–Chicago routes.
Arrivals at Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) — including O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) — in November often encounter cool to cold temperatures, potential rain or early snow, and increased passenger volume around Thanksgiving. Plan for longer customs and baggage claim times if arriving during peak holiday windows and have warm layers available for the transfer into the city.
From O'Hare (ORD) take the CTA Blue Line train for a cost-effective downtown transfer, which operates year-round; taxis, rideshares, and airport shuttles are also available with slightly longer travel times in winter conditions. From Midway (MDW) use the CTA Orange Line or shared ride options; allow extra time for potential slowdowns due to weather or Thanksgiving traffic.
November in Chicago features seasonal events such as Christkindlmarket (mid-November onward), Magnificent Mile Lights Festival (late November), and Thanksgiving shopping weekends, which can increase hotel occupancy and airport traffic. Consider booking transfers and accommodations in advance and arriving outside peak festival days when possible.
From Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) travelers often visit nearby destinations such as Milwaukee, Naperville, Aurora, Evanston, and Indianapolis for day trips or connecting flights. These cities are accessible by rail, car, or short regional flights and make convenient add-ons to your November itinerary.
November brings seasonal events that influence travel volume and local experiences. In Chicago, Christkindlmarket typically opens mid-November, and the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival occurs late November, attracting visitors and increasing hotel and flight demand. In Houston, November features fall festivals, early holiday markets, and cultural events that may affect outgoing passenger flow. Plan ahead for higher rates and book accommodations early if visiting for festival dates.
The ideal time to fly the Houston–Chicago route in November is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) outside the Thanksgiving travel window, with early-morning flights offering the highest on-time reliability. If traveling for Thanksgiving, aim to fly on the Tuesday before the holiday or the Sunday after to avoid the heaviest crowds and often higher fares. Booking 3–7 weeks ahead for standard November travel and up to 8 weeks for Thanksgiving helps secure the best prices.
Nonstop flights between Houston and Chicago are faster (about 2h 40m–3h airborne) and more convenient, reducing the risk of missed connections — a key benefit during November's variable weather. Connecting itineraries can be cheaper but increase total travel time to 4–6+ hours depending on layovers and can be vulnerable to missed connections during holiday travel. When prioritizing price over time, choose a longer but well-timed connection (2+ hour layover) to reduce risk.
Major carriers serving the Houston–Chicago corridor include United (IAH↔ORD), American (IAH↔ORD), and Southwest (HOU↔MDW). United and American offer multiple daily nonstop options with premium cabin choices, while Southwest provides frequent low-cost nonstop service between Hobby and Midway and generous free checked bag policies. Consider loyalty perks, seat comfort, and schedule when choosing an airline for November travel.
November travel requires planning for mixed conditions: warm Houston days and cold Chicago arrivals. Pack a warm coat, hat, and water-resistant footwear for Chicago, and bring layered clothing for variable indoor/outdoor transitions. Note that Daylight Saving Time typically ends early November — double-check your itinerary times and allow extra connection time. For holiday travel, confirm baggage allowances, arrive early at HOUA terminals, and keep important documents and medications in a carry-on.
Average nonstop flight time from Houston to Chicago is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours, depending on origin and destination airports and winds. Typical schedule windows include morning departures between 6:00–10:00, midday flights 11:00–15:00, and evening departures 17:00–21:00. November schedules remain consistent, but airlines may add extra seats during Thanksgiving week.
To score cheap flights from Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) to Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) in November, book 3–7 weeks ahead for non-holiday dates and 6–8 weeks for Thanksgiving travel. Midweek departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and red-eye flights often have lower fares. Use fare-alert tools, flexible date search, and check both O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) arrival options to increase savings. Consider budget carriers operating from Hobby (HOU) and loyalty program redemptions for additional discounts.
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November weather can start to impact Chicago (All Airports) (CHIA) travel with cold fronts and occasional snowfall causing delays or cancellations, especially later in the month. Airlines typically issue proactive alerts; passengers should enroll in airline notifications, allow buffer time for connections, and consider flexible fares or trip protection for holiday travel.
Families should prepare for cooler temperatures on arrival, bring extra layers for children, and expect busy travel days near Thanksgiving with longer security and customs lines. Consider pre-booking airport car seats or rideshares, checking family rest areas in terminals, and arriving with entertainment and snacks for children during potential deplaning delays.
