✈️ Flight Guide: Laramie (LAR) → Chicago (ORD)

December brings winter-themed events that influence travel to and from Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). In Laramie and nearby mountain towns, expect small-town holiday parades, University of Wyoming winter concerts, and local craft fairs. Chicago in December hosts major attractions such as Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza, ZooLights, Millennium Park holiday displays, and seasonal theater productions, all of which can drive demand for flights into ORD. Plan ahead if your travel coincides with these events and secure lodging and transport early to avoid price surges.

For December travel, the best times to fly Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are early mornings on weekdays to minimize weather disruption and avoid heavy holiday traffic. Avoid peak travel days immediately before and after major holidays (e.g., the week of Christmas and New Year) when fares and crowds spike. If possible, fly mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and consider earlier December dates (first two weeks) for lower prices and fewer crowds. Booking 6–8 weeks in advance usually yields better availability for December.

Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) generally does not offer nonstop flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), so connecting itineraries via hubs such as Denver (DEN) or Salt Lake City (SLC) are the norm. Connecting flights often cost less and provide more schedule options, but add transfer time and risk of missed connections during December snow events. If you value speed and fewer touchpoints, choose itineraries with the shortest total travel time and a single reliable connection; if price is the priority, be open to longer or multi-stop routings that can save money. Always leave at least 90–120 minutes for domestic connections in winter to accommodate de-icing and ground delays.

Common routing from Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is often operated by regional partners on major carriers' networks. United/United Express frequently route passengers through Denver (DEN), offering reliable connectivity and frequent schedule options; Delta partners may route via Salt Lake City (SLC) or Minneapolis (MSP); American Airlines itineraries more often connect through Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Denver. Consider baggage fees, elite status perks, and rebooking policies during winter — United's hub at Denver often provides the most direct winter routing from Laramie, while Delta can be competitive on price with different connection points. For December travel, prioritize carriers with robust winter operation plans and generous rebooking options.

Pack layers, insulated outerwear, and a compact travel umbrella for December travel between Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Keep essential items like medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in carry-on luggage in case checked bags are delayed during winter storms. Arrive at Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) early to account for winter check-in and potential ground delays, and when booking connections at hubs like Denver or Salt Lake City, build in at least 90–120 minutes. Sign up for airline flight alerts, download carrier apps for rebooking options, and consider refundable fares or travel insurance during the holiday season to protect your itinerary.

Typical travel from Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) requires at least one connection, with total door-to-door travel often ranging from 4.5 to 8+ hours depending on connection times. The shortest air-time segments (excluding ground time) might include a Laramie-to-Denver leg (~45–60 minutes) followed by Denver-to-Chicago (~2 hours), totaling around 3–4 hours in the air. Allow extra buffer in December for de-icing and snow removal; aim for connections with a minimum 90-minute layover in winter months. Note the time zone difference: Laramie is on Mountain Time and Chicago is on Central Time, so you typically 'gain' one hour on arrival in ORD.

To find cheap flights from Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December, search flexible dates across a 2–3 week window and set price alerts to capture temporary holiday sales. Because Laramie typically requires connecting flights, compare itineraries routing through Denver (DEN) or Salt Lake City (SLC) — sometimes longer routings have much lower fares. Book roughly 6–8 weeks before peak December travel, and consider mid-week departures or red-eye legs to reduce cost. Use fare comparison tools and check bundled options (flight + hotel) for savings. CTA: Sign up for fare alerts now to secure the best Laramie Regional Airport (LAR) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) December deals.