Complete travel information for your October journey
October at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) brings cooler temperatures and steady domestic flight schedules to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Travelers should book early to capture low October airfares—search for 'cheap flights MDW to IAH' 4–8 weeks ahead for the best deals. Transit options include the CTA Orange Line for a reliable link to downtown Chicago and numerous rideshare and shuttle choices for late-night arrivals. Expect moderate passenger volumes except during Columbus Day weekend; pack a light jacket for variable weather and confirm airline baggage policies ahead of time. Nearby destinations commonly accessed from MDW include Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Madison, and Rockford—use MDW as a budget-friendly regional hub before flying to Houston-area destinations.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is easily accessible by public transit and car in October. The CTA Orange Line provides frequent service between downtown Chicago and MDW, while rideshares and airport shuttles are convenient for travelers with luggage. For faster arrival during weekday peak hours, allow extra time for traffic and consider taking public transit to save on parking costs. Book your MDW to IAH cheap flights early for October travel to secure lower fares.
For domestic flights from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), arrive at least 90 minutes before departure in October to accommodate security lines and possible weather-related delays. If you need to check baggage or are traveling during peak holiday weekends in October, add an extra 30 minutes. Use online check-in and TSA PreCheck when available to speed your airport experience and find better MDW to IAH flight deals.
Several major carriers operate flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in October, including Southwest Airlines as a primary carrier on this route. Flight frequency increases on weekends and during October events in Houston, so check schedules for early-morning or late-evening options. Compare airlines for baggage allowances and fare classes to get the best MDW to IAH cheap flights.
Baggage policies on MDW to IAH flights depend on the carrier—Southwest typically includes two free checked bags, while other airlines may charge. Carry-on allowances usually permit one personal item and one carry-on bag that fits the overhead bin, but check your airline's published rules before October travel. Review carry-on size limits and prohibited items ahead of time to avoid fees and delays at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
October in Chicago can bring variable weather—cooler temperatures and occasional rain or early wind storms—that may affect driving times to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). While major snow is unlikely, heavy rain or gusts can cause traffic slowdowns and flight delays; monitor forecasts and airline alerts. Keep flexible arrival times and check flight status for MDW to IAH October departures to avoid missed connections.
Travelers flying from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) often access nearby major cities and destinations such as downtown Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Madison, and Rockford. These cities are convenient for connecting ground travel before or after flights to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in October. Use MDW as a gateway for regional travel or to connect to long-haul flights at other Chicago airports.
October arrivals at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are typically comfortable with warm, pleasant weather and steady flight operations. Travelers from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) should plan ground transport in advance—METRO, taxis, rideshares, and car rentals are all readily available. Expect occasional surges during local October events; airlines sometimes schedule additional flights to accommodate demand. For cheap flights and flexible arrival times, compare fares across airlines and consider weekday travel to IAH to reduce prices and wait times. Nearby destinations accessible from IAH include downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Galveston, Austin, and Dallas.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in October typically offers mild to warm weather and fewer summer storms, making arrivals smoother than during hurricane season. Expect efficient customs and baggage claim processes for domestic flights from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), but allow extra time if attending large local events. Consider booking ground transportation in advance—rideshares, rental cars, and car services are plentiful at IAH.
From George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) you can take a taxi, rideshare, hotel shuttle, or rent a car to reach downtown Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, or Galveston. The METRO bus and premium shuttle services operate routes connecting IAH to central Houston; schedules may be slightly adjusted in October for seasonal demand. For fast connections to business districts, pre-book a rideshare or corporate car service when arriving from MDW.
Yes—October events such as the Houston Oysterfest, Texas Renaissance Festival (near Austin/Dallas region visitors), and local conferences can increase passenger volumes at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Expect peak times around event start and end dates; airlines may add extra flights or adjust schedules. Monitor flight status and arrange flexible ground transport when traveling to IAH in October to avoid delays.
Upon arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), connecting passengers should follow signage to intercontinental connectors or domestic gates; for same-terminal connections, expect 30–60 minutes minimum. Allow extra time for long layovers during festival weekends in October; use the airport's flight monitors and airline apps for gate changes. If arriving from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and connecting elsewhere in Texas, check connection minimums and consider priority lanes if available.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serves as a gateway not only to Houston but also to nearby destinations like The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Galveston, Austin, and Dallas via connecting flights or ground transfers. Travelers arriving from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) often continue onward to these popular Texas cities in October. Book airport transfers early and compare fares for cheap flights arriving into IAH during peak October travel windows.
October brings culturally rich events that can affect MDW–IAH flight demand. Houston hosts festivals and business conferences that increase arrivals at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), while Chicago's fall sports and cultural events can boost departures from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Notable regional events include the Houston Oysterfest, regional trade shows, and college football weekends. To avoid higher fares and packed flights, check event calendars and consider traveling mid-week or a few days before/after major events.
For the MDW to IAH route in October, the best times to fly are mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and during early-midday windows when business traffic is lower. Early-morning red-eye flights can be cheaper but may carry higher risk of delays if weather impacts the origin airport. Booking 3–6 weeks in advance typically yields the best combination of price and seat availability. If you're attending October events in Houston, consider arriving a day early to avoid last-minute schedule disruptions.
Nonstop flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) are the fastest option—typically 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours—ideal for travelers prioritizing time. Connecting itineraries may be cheaper but add layover time and risk of missed connections; they can be useful if direct fares spike during October events. Evaluate total door-to-door travel time and potential savings when deciding between direct vs connecting flights. If you value convenience, book nonstop MDW–IAH flights and consider refundable or flexible fares for peace of mind.
Southwest Airlines often dominates the MDW to IAH market with multiple daily nonstop flights and a customer-friendly two-checked-bag policy, making it a strong value choice in October. Other carriers may offer competitive fares or better loyalty program benefits, but often operate from O'Hare for Chicago hub connections. Compare ticket types—basic economy vs standard fares—for differences in seat selection and baggage. Review on-time performance and read recent traveler feedback before selecting an airline for your October MDW–IAH trip.
Pack layered clothing for October travel—Chicago may be cool while Houston stays mild—so include a light jacket and breathable layers. Monitor weather forecasts for both Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) before departure and sign up for airline text alerts to stay ahead of schedule changes. For cost savings, use flexible-date search tools, clear cookies or use incognito mode to compare fares, and consider mid-week flights for lower MDW to IAH prices. Finally, enroll in loyalty programs and check baggage rules to avoid surprise fees.
Nonstop flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) typically take about 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours in October, depending on winds and routing. Daily frequency often includes multiple flights, with peak times in the early morning and late afternoon; weekends can have slightly higher frequency. For connections through hubs, allow at least 60–90 minutes at the connecting airport. Use airline apps to monitor schedule changes and sign up for alerts—this helps manage gate changes or minor delays common during fall weather transitions.
To find cheap flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in October, begin searching 3–6 weeks before your desired travel dates and use flexible-date search tools. Sign up for fare alerts and monitor weekday departures, which are often cheaper than weekends. Consider red-eye or early-morning flights from MDW and look for Southwest sales, as they often serve the MDW–IAH market with competitive pricing. Use secondary keywords like 'Midway to Bush Intercontinental deals' and LSI terms such as 'cheap Chicago to Houston airfare' while searching to refine results. Book refundable fares or short-term hold options if prices dip—this keeps you nimble during October promotions.