Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
Travelers flying from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December should expect holiday crowds, elevated fares near Christmas/New Year, and winter-weather impacts like de-icing and snow delays. Nonstop flights operate frequently from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to ORD; United, American, and Delta provide the bulk of scheduled service. Nearby cities frequently served from NYCA that connect travelers to this route include Philadelphia, Boston, and Stamford; on arrival, ORD also provides onward access to Milwaukee, Aurora, Naperville, and Evanston. For the best December experience, book 3–6 weeks in advance, fly midweek if possible, monitor weather advisories, and enroll in airline alerts for real-time gate or schedule changes. Ready to compare December fares? Search flexible dates and set alerts to lock in the best NYC to Chicago deals.
New York (All Airports) (NYCA) refers to the three major metro airports: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). In December you'll see nonstop and connecting service from all three, with peak schedules around holiday travel days. Use airport-specific filters when booking to compare fares and departure times from each NYC airport.
A nonstop flight gate-to-gate typically takes about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on routing and winds. In December allow extra time for potential winter weather, de-icing procedures, and ground delays — especially during early morning and late-evening holiday peaks. Always check real-time flight status on your airline app before heading to the airport.
Major carriers operating nonstop routes include United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, with seasonal or limited services by JetBlue and Spirit on select airport pairs. United tends to operate more flights between Newark (EWR) and ORD, while American and Delta have frequencies from JFK and LaGuardia (LGA). Compare schedules and baggage rules when booking to find the best December fare and flight time.
Yes — December is a peak month for holiday travel, so expect higher demand and fares in the two weeks before Christmas and the days around New Year's Eve. Booking 3–6 weeks in advance, flying on off-peak days (Tuesdays/Wednesdays), or choosing early morning or late-night flights can lower prices. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to find the best deals for the NYC to Chicago route.
For domestic December flights from NYCA, arrive at least 2–3 hours before departure to allow for holiday crowds, longer security lines, and possible airport winter procedures. If you have checked bags or travel during peak holiday periods, factor in extra time for check-in and potential delays. Consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or using online check-in to streamline the process.
You can reach JFK, LGA, and EWR by rideshare, taxi, shuttle, or public transit; in winter, rideshares and pre-booked airport shuttles offer reliable door-to-terminal service if roads are snowy. Amtrak and NJ Transit provide convenient service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) via the AirTrain, while the Long Island Rail Road plus the JFK AirTrain is often fastest to JFK from Manhattan. Always check road conditions and allow extra time for traffic and snow removal in December.
Arriving at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December means dealing with cold temperatures and the possibility of snow, but ORD's winter protocols aim to keep flights moving. After landing, travelers can use the CTA Blue Line for an economical transfer to downtown Chicago, or take taxis, rideshares, and airport shuttles for door-to-door service to suburbs like Naperville, Aurora, and Evanston. Expect higher passenger volumes around Christmas and New Year's; consider booking airport hotels in Rosemont if you need an overnight buffer. For the smoothest holiday arrival, activate airline alerts, verify your arrival terminal (Terminals 1–5), and allow extra time for baggage claim and ground transport during snowy conditions.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers multiple ground transportation options including the CTA Blue Line train, which runs directly to downtown Chicago (about 45–50 minutes), taxis, rideshares, and airport shuttle services. In December expect colder temperatures and occasional snowy or icy roads, so allow extra time for travel and consider booking rideshares or shuttles in advance during holiday windows. Many travelers also use car rentals at ORD to reach nearby suburbs like Naperville, Aurora, and Evanston.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has robust winter operations including de-icing capabilities, runway snow removal, and dedicated cold-weather staffing to minimize disruptions. Despite these measures, December can bring flight delays and cancellations due to heavy snow or ice, so it's wise to monitor airline alerts and allow buffer time for connections. If your flight is delayed or canceled, contact your airline promptly for options and consider travel insurance for peace of mind.
ORD has multiple terminals (Terminals 1–3 for domestic carriers and Terminal 5 for many international arrivals), with inter-terminal connections via underground people mover and shuttle buses. For December arrivals from New York, check your arrival terminal on your boarding pass and allow extra time for terminal transfers as security and passenger volumes often increase during the holidays. Amenities such as baggage services, lounges, and retail are available across terminals, and many airlines provide clear signage and staff to assist with winter-time transfers.
Yes — airport-area hotels near ORD offer convenience for December travelers facing early flights or weather delays; popular options include on-airport hotels and nearby properties in Rosemont and Schiller Park. Many hotels offer shuttle service to terminals and holiday packages for families visiting Chicago's winter attractions like Christkindlmarket and ZooLights. Book hotels early for December weekends and New Year's Eve to secure the best rates.
From ORD you can quickly reach suburbs and nearby cities such as Milwaukee (north), Aurora and Naperville (west), Evanston (north), and Gary/Indiana (southeast) using regional trains, bus services, or car rentals. These destinations are popular for holiday shopping, seasonal festivals, and visiting family over December holidays. Plan ground transfers ahead of time since winter road conditions can extend travel times between O'Hare and surrounding communities.
December travelers on the New York (All Airports) (NYCA) → Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) route can enjoy holiday festivals and seasonal attractions on both ends. In Chicago, popular events include Christkindlmarket (traditional German market), Lincoln Park ZooLights, and seasonal performances at the Chicago Theatre. In New York, holiday highlights include the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Bryant Park Winter Village, and holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue. Book tickets and accommodations early for December weekends, and coordinate logistics — such as proximity to terminals and transit — when planning multi-day holiday itineraries.
For December travel from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), the best time to fly is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and early in the morning to reduce the chance of weather-related delays and to find lower fares. Avoid the Friday before Christmas, Christmas Eve, and the weekend after the holiday when airports and roads are busiest. If possible, target the first two weeks of December for the best combination of price and reliability; use flexible-date searches to compare fares across days.
Nonstop flights from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offer the fastest and most convenient option (about 2 hours 10–30 minutes), which is especially valuable in December when winter weather can cause cascading delays. Connecting itineraries can be cheaper but add risk: a missed connection due to weather at the first airport can disrupt plans. If minimizing travel time and connection uncertainty is important during the holiday season, choose a nonstop; if you prioritize price and have flexible timing, a one-stop routing could save money. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting options for your December dates to pick the best balance of price and reliability.
United Airlines often has strong presence from Newark (EWR) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with numerous daily nonstop flights and good connectivity for domestic and international connections. American Airlines provides solid service from JFK and other NYC airports with competitive fares and AAdvantage benefits, while Delta Air Lines offers frequent schedules and hub connectivity via Detroit and Atlanta on select itineraries. JetBlue and Spirit may offer competitive pricing on select days, but check baggage and seat fees. For December travel, weigh on-time performance, change/cancellation policies, and loyalty program benefits — especially if traveling during the busy holiday period. CTA: Compare full fare totals including baggage fees before booking to find the best December option.
Pack for cold weather and potential delays: include layers, a travel blanket, chargers, and essential medications in carry-on luggage. Allow extra time for check-in and security at New York (All Airports) (NYCA) and for baggage claim and ground transit at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), as snow removal and de-icing can extend turnaround times. Sign up for airline alerts, consider travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations, and keep flexible return dates when possible during December holiday travel. CTA: Prepare your winter travel checklist now and enable real-time flight notifications to stay updated throughout your trip.
Nonstop flights from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) typically have a scheduled flight time between 2 hours 10 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes. During December, carriers increase frequencies on peak days around the holidays, and early morning and late evening flights can be popular and sometimes more affordable. United, American, and Delta offer the most frequent nonstop options across JFK, LGA, and EWR; select connections may route through Washington (DCA/IAD) or Charlotte (CLT) depending on schedules. Check airline apps for real-time departures and plan extra buffer time for winter operations when scheduling tight connections.
Find cheaper December flights from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) by booking 3–6 weeks in advance, targeting midweek departures, and remaining flexible on dates and departure airports (JFK, LGA, EWR). Typical round-trip December fares vary widely — budget-conscious travelers might find domestic economy deals starting near $120–$180 for off-peak midweek travel, while holiday peak dates often exceed $300–$450. Use fare alerts, compare all NYC airports simultaneously, and consider connecting itineraries if nonstop prices spike. CTA: Set price alerts now and compare NYC airports to lock in the best December deal.