Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) require planning for holiday crowds and winter weather. Expect higher demand for nonstop flights to BWI and nearby major cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit, Indianapolis, and Madison. Book refundable or flexible fares 3–8 weeks in advance for the best December deals, and consider early-morning flights to reduce the chance of weather-related delays. Use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, reserve airport parking ahead, and check carrier notifications for de-icing or schedule adjustments. CTA Blue Line, rideshare services, and off-site parking shuttles remain reliable ways to access ORD during the busy holiday season. Book ORD to BWI flights now to lock in holiday fares and receive real-time alerts for schedule changes.
For December travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic flight and 2.5–3 hours during peak holiday days. December brings higher passenger volumes and potential weather delays, so allow extra time for parking, security lines, and winter de-icing procedures.
Security wait times at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December vary by terminal and time of day; mornings and early evenings around holiday travel spikes can see 30–60+ minute waits. Use the TSA and airport apps for real-time updates and enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to significantly reduce screening time.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers long-term and economy parking with shuttle services; short-term and cell phone waiting lots are available near terminals. Expect higher demand in December—reserve parking in advance online to secure rates and consider off-airport lots with frequent shuttles for better deals.
Direct flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) operate daily, with multiple nonstop options on major carriers like American Airlines, United, Southwest, and Spirit especially around December. Frequency increases on peak travel days, but availability can tighten during the week of Christmas and New Year's.
December at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) commonly brings snow, freezing rain, and sub-freezing temperatures that can cause de-icing delays and occasional cancellations. Monitor airline notifications, allow ample connecting time, and consider flexible tickets or travel insurance during the holiday season.
From Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), take the CTA Blue Line train for the most cost-effective ride to downtown Chicago, use airport express buses, rideshares, or airport shuttles for door-to-door travel. In December, plan extra time for traffic and snowy conditions—book rides in advance during peak holiday hours.
Arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in December positions you to reach Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, Arlington, and Alexandria quickly. Expect holiday crowds and occasional winter weather impacts—plan for possible delays and use rail options like MARC or Amtrak for reliable transfers to downtown areas. Reserve airport hotels early if you need overnight stays, compare rideshare and shuttle costs, and check event calendars for seasonal activities such as ZooLights, holiday parades, and the National Christmas Tree. Streamline arrival by downloading carrier apps for baggage alerts and pre-booking ground transportation.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is well served by the MARC Train and Amtrak at BWI Rail Station, short shuttle connections, regional buses, rideshares, and rental cars. In December, allow extra travel time to Washington, D.C., or downtown Baltimore due to holiday traffic and special events such as national tree lighting ceremonies.
Travel time from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to downtown Washington, D.C. by MARC or Amtrak plus shuttle averages 35–60 minutes, depending on the service and traffic. December events and weather can extend travel times—plan extra buffer for holiday parades or winter storms.
December travelers flying between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) can enjoy multiple seasonal events. In Chicago, don't miss the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Christkindlmarket, and Lincoln Park ZooLights. Around BWI and the Mid-Atlantic, popular activities include Baltimore's Inner Harbor holiday lights, the National Christmas Tree and holiday displays on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., and Annapolis holiday boat parades. These events draw crowds in December—book flights and hotels early, and allow extra time for ground transportation between BWI and major nearby destinations like Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.
The best time to fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in December is early in the month or mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) to avoid peak holiday crowds and secure lower fares. Early-morning flights typically offer fewer delays, while the week of Christmas and New Year's sees the highest demand and prices—book far in advance if you must travel then. For cheaper fares, watch for flash sales 6–8 weeks prior to departure and use flexible-date search tools to identify the lowest-priced travel windows.
Nonstop flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) offer the shortest travel time and lower risk of missed connections in December, making them ideal for holiday travelers. Connecting flights may be cheaper but add time and increase exposure to weather-related disruptions—common in December in both Chicago and the Mid-Atlantic region. If cost is the priority and you choose a connection, select longer layovers and itineraries routed through stable hubs to reduce the chance of cascading delays. For last-minute holiday travel, prioritize direct ORD to BWI flights to simplify logistics.
American Airlines often offers multiple daily nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) with strong network connectivity to Washington, D.C. United provides competitive schedules and frequent flyer advantages for MileagePlus members. Southwest offers value-focused fares and two free checked bags, making it attractive for family holiday trips, while Spirit may have lower base fares but charges for bags and seat selection. Delta also serves the broader Chicago-to-Mid-Atlantic market via connections. For December travel, weigh frequency and on-time performance—legacy carriers may better absorb weather disruptions, while low-cost carriers can deliver savings if you travel light and book early.
Prepare for winter travel between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) by packing layers, keeping essential items in your carry-on, and allowing additional time for de-icing and slower ground transportation. Check weather forecasts and sign up for airline flight alerts; consider travel insurance or refundable fares during heavy snow periods. Use TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to speed security lines, reserve airport parking in advance at ORD, and pre-book MARC or Amtrak if traveling onward from BWI to Washington, D.C. or Baltimore. For holiday travel, arrive early, expect fuller flights, and have contingency plans for hotel stays if weather causes cancellations.
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) typically take about 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes airborne. Major carriers operate multiple daily flights, with morning and late afternoon windows common—early morning departures (06:00–09:00) often reduce the impact of accumulating weather delays. During December, carriers may add flights on peak travel days; however, schedules can be adjusted for holiday demand. For best on-time performance, choose flights earlier in the day, monitor real-time status via airline apps, and allow buffer time for commuting into ORD or onward connections at BWI.
To find cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in December, search flexible dates and set fare alerts at least 6–8 weeks before peak travel weeks. Target mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and early-morning flights for lower prices; avoid the days immediately before and after major holidays like Christmas. Compare low-cost carriers such as Spirit and Southwest with legacy airlines like American and United for seat sale opportunities, and bundle options with off-site parking or hotels to lower overall trip costs. Use keywords 'ORD to BWI cheap flights December' and 'Chicago to Baltimore flight deals' when searching, and sign up for airline newsletters to receive flash sales and promo codes. Book refundable or flexible fares if traveling in winter to protect against weather disruptions.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) maintains efficient baggage handling but holiday surges in December can lead to longer wait times. Use airline apps for baggage notifications, consider priority baggage options if available, and follow directional signage to rideshare pick-up zones, shuttles, and rental car facilities.
Hotels near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) can fill up and increase rates during December holidays and events like sports games or conferences. Book nearby hotels in advance, consider staying in nearby major cities like Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington, D.C., or Arlington, and compare shuttle availability before arrival.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in December can experience snow, sleet, and cold temperatures that may slow ground transfers and create runway delays. Check local forecasts, have flexible transport plans to Washington, D.C., Baltimore, or Annapolis, and follow airline notifications for potential flight changes.
From Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), travelers commonly visit Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Annapolis, Arlington, and Alexandria. December travelers often combine visits to the National Mall holiday displays, Baltimore Inner Harbor lights, and Annapolis holiday events—plan travel logistics between these top destinations in advance.
