Other Options for This Route
Chicago (ORD) to Asheville (AVL) in October from $207
From $207
Chicago (ORD) to Asheville (AVL) in November from $207
From $207
Chicago (ORD) to Asheville (AVL) in November from $347
From $347
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October departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) see steady demand for fall foliage getaways and long-weekend travel. Flights may shift to more seasonal frequencies; book early to secure budget airfare and the few nonstop options. ORD is a major hub connecting Chicago, Naperville, Evanston, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis travelers to AVL via single-stop flights through Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL). For cheaper October fares, use fare alerts, travel midweek, and consider early-morning flights. Prepare for variable Chicago weather, reserve parking ahead of time, and check TSA wait times for a smoother start to your Asheville trip.
Nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is limited and seasonal; in October you may find a few direct or single-connection options depending on airline schedules. Most travelers use one-stop itineraries via carrier hubs like Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL). Check carrier timetables and book early for October to secure the best nonstop or shortest-connection options.
A nonstop flight (if available) typically takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. One-stop itineraries via Charlotte or Atlanta usually range from 3 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours including layover time, so allow extra time when comparing schedules in October.
To find cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in October, compare fares across major carriers and regional partners, use fare alerts, and book 6–8 weeks in advance for the best deals. Consider midweek travel, early-morning departures, or flexible dates to lower costs, and check budget aggregators plus airline websites for seasonal discounts.
Review current airline baggage allowances, carry-on rules, and any health advisories before flying from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in October. Policies vary by carrier and fare class, so check your airline's official pages for luggage fees and the latest travel advisories to avoid surprises at check-in.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers on-site long-term and short-term parking, cell phone waiting areas, rideshare pick-up zones, and airport shuttle services. In October, demand can increase for weekend events and fall travel — reserve parking in advance or use public transit like the CTA Blue Line to downtown Chicago for a stress-free departure.
October in Chicago is typically cool with variable weather — expect crisp mornings and occasional rain; early-season storms or fog can cause delays at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Airlines and airports manage this well, but allow extra time and monitor flight status before heading to the airport to minimize disruption to your AVL trip.
October arrivals at Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) are driven by fall foliage tourism and local festivals; expect increased ground-transport demand to Asheville, Hendersonville, Black Mountain, Greenville (SC), and Charlotte (for onward connections). AVL's compact terminal makes transfers quick, but rental cars and shuttles can book out on peak fall weekends. Travelers should allow extra time for baggage claim and choose flexible return fares if planning scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Book AVL ground transport early and use local visitor resources for real-time event schedules.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) offers rental cars, taxis, app-based rideshares, and shuttle services to downtown Asheville and nearby destinations like Hendersonville and Black Mountain. In October, demand increases due to fall foliage season, so pre-book shuttles or rental cars to ensure availability and the best rates.
October in Asheville is cool with crisp mornings, mild afternoons, and colorful fall foliage; average temperatures range from the low 40s to mid-60s°F (5–18°C). Pack layers, a waterproof jacket for occasional rain, and sturdy shoes if you plan to explore the Blue Ridge Parkway or Pisgah National Forest right after landing.
AVL offers regional connections and ground transport to nearby hubs; while direct nonstop flights to major hubs may be limited, travelers often connect via Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL) when flying through larger carriers. For ground travel, AVL is conveniently routed to Greenville, SC and Charlotte by rental car or shuttle services.
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) features dining options, rental car counters, free Wi-Fi, and visitor information desks that are typically fully operational in October to accommodate peak fall travel. Seasonal pop-ups or local craft vendors sometimes appear, making it easy to sample regional goods right at the terminal.
For the best October deals to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), monitor fare comparison sites, sign up for airline newsletters, and be flexible with weekday arrivals — Tuesday and Wednesday often offer lower fares. Booking 4–8 weeks ahead, using price tracker tools, and considering nearby arrival airports or one-stop itineraries can further reduce costs.
From Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), fall travelers can quickly reach the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, downtown Asheville's arts and food scene, Hendersonville apple orchards, and Greenville, SC day trips. October is ideal for scenic drives, craft brewery tours, and hiking, so plan excursions with traffic and parking in mind.
October events and festivals significantly shape travel on the ORD to AVL corridor. In Asheville and nearby towns, the Hendersonville Apple Festival (typically mid-October), local harvest festivals, craft beer and culinary events, and peak fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway drive up demand for flights and rental cars. In Chicago, the Chicago Marathon (occasionally early October), Chicago International Film Festival, and numerous Halloween events can create higher outbound travel volumes heading to regional destinations. Plan ahead for weekend closures, extra traffic, and higher fares during major festival weekends.
The best time to fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) in October is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) for the lowest fares and fewer crowds. For peak foliage viewing, plan arrivals between the second and third week of October for Asheville and higher elevations nearby, but expect busier flights and higher prices during that period. Early-morning departures reduce the chance of weather-related delays and often yield lower ticket prices. Book 4–8 weeks in advance for general October travel; for specific fall festival weekends, reserve seats even earlier.
Nonstop flights (when available) between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) offer the fastest door-to-door time and lower risk of missed connections, making them ideal for short October getaways. However, nonstop options can be pricier and limited. Connecting itineraries via hubs like Charlotte (CLT) or Atlanta (ATL) are more common, offer more schedule flexibility, and sometimes are cheaper, but they increase total travel time and the potential for delays. For fall travel, choose nonstop for a tight schedule and connecting flights when you need more departure options or lower fares.
United Airlines often provides one-stop itineraries between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) via hubs like Washington D.C. or Chicago’s network; United can be competitive on price and offers MileagePlus benefits. American Airlines commonly connects through Charlotte (CLT), providing convenient afternoon or evening options and AAdvantage perks. Delta Air Lines frequently routes through Atlanta (ATL) with strong schedule frequency and Delta SkyMiles benefits. Regional partners (e.g., SkyWest, Endeavor) operate shorter segments — watch for smaller aircraft and limited overhead bin space. Compare total travel time, baggage policies, and change fees when booking your October trip.
October travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) benefits from planning for both cooler mountain conditions and busy fall tourism. Pack layers, a waterproof outer layer, and sturdy footwear for hikes and scenic overlooks. Reserve ORD parking in advance or use public transit (CTA Blue Line) to avoid lot shortages. For AVL, pre-book rental cars or shuttles, especially for weekend travel. Allow at least 2 hours for domestic departures from ORD, monitor flight alerts for weather-related delays, and download airline apps for instant updates. Finally, leave flexibility in your itinerary to soak up peak foliage opportunities.
Typical nonstop flight time between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), when offered, is about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. More commonly, travelers take one-stop itineraries with total travel times ranging from 3 hours 30 minutes to 5+ hours including layovers through hubs like Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), or Washington D.C. area airports. In October, frequency increases on weekends due to leaf-peeping demand; check daily timetables with carriers and book flights that minimize layover lengths if time is a priority.
To score cheap ORD to AVL flights in October, set fare alerts on multiple platforms, search for midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday), and be flexible with departure times (early morning flights are often cheaper). Consider booking around 4–8 weeks in advance for October travel — earlier for long weekends during peak foliage. Use combination searches (one-way mix-and-match) and check both round-trip and multi-city pricing. If eligible, use airline loyalty points or credit-card travel credits to reduce out-of-pocket costs. Lastly, compare flying into nearby airports (Charlotte, Greenville) and driving to Asheville if the savings justify a short road trip.