Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your September journey
For international departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. September is shoulder season but can have holiday peaks around mid-September (Mexican Independence Day) that may increase check-in and security wait times, so allow extra time during that period.
Baggage allowances depend on the airline (United, American, Aeromexico, low-cost carriers). Most mainline carriers include one carry-on and one personal item; checked-bag fees and weight limits vary. Always check your airline's baggage policy before flying and prepay checked baggage online for the best savings.
Nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) is available on select carriers and schedules, though frequency can change seasonally. If nonstop seats are limited in September, consider one-stop options through Mexico City or U.S. hubs for more schedule flexibility.
Early September in Chicago is typically mild, but isolated thunderstorms can cause short delays at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Severe weather events are less frequent than winter but monitor airport advisories and your airline's alerts on travel day. Plan extra time for check-in if thunderstorms are forecast.
For U.S. citizens, a valid passport is required to travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). There are no routine COVID-19 entry requirements currently for Mexico, but rules can change—check airline and government travel advisories close to departure. Non-U.S. citizens should verify visa requirements with Mexican consular resources.
You can reach Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) via the CTA Blue Line, Metra, airport shuttles, rideshare services, taxis, and private cars. In September, allow extra travel time during rush hours on I-90/I-94 or when there are events in downtown Chicago. Book airport parking or rideshares in advance to secure better rates.
Upon arrival at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), international travelers proceed through immigration, baggage claim, and customs. Argentina and U.S. travelers should have passports ready; allow 30–60 minutes for processing depending on flight schedules, and expect longer waits around Sept 15-16 due to holiday travel.
Ground options from Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) include authorized airport taxis, rideshare services (check current availability), shuttles, and local buses. Travel times to downtown Guadalajara or Zapopan are typically 20–40 minutes depending on traffic and time of day; book airport transfers in advance during busy mid-September holiday periods.
September in Guadalajara is warm with frequent afternoon and evening rain showers due to the rainy season; daytime highs commonly reach mid-20s to low 30s °C (mid-70s to low 90s °F) with cooler evenings. Pack a light rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, insect repellent, and comfortable shoes for walking historic centers and outdoor festivities.
Yes — Mexican Independence Day celebrations (Sept 15–16) can increase demand for airport transfers, taxis, and car rentals at Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL). Reserve transfers and rental cars ahead of time if traveling during mid-September and allow extra time for traffic near central Guadalajara during parades and festivities.
From Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL), travelers commonly access nearby destinations such as Puerto Vallarta (a 4-5 hour drive or quick domestic flight), Mexico City (domestic flights and bus routes), Lake Chapala, Zapopan, and Tlaquepaque. Many visitors use Guadalajara as a hub to explore Western Mexico and Pacific coast resorts.
As of this September guidance, routine health screening requirements for Mexico are minimal, but travelers should carry proof of vaccination and any required documents per airline or destination-specific rules. Check your airline and Mexico's government travel advisories before departure because health regulations can change.
The biggest national event in mid-September is Mexican Independence Day (Grito de Dolores, Sept 15) celebrated widely in Guadalajara with fireworks, parades, and public concerts that can increase hotel and flight demand. Smaller neighborhood festivals and cultural events may also take place throughout the month. If you want to experience local festivities, plan and book in advance; if you prefer quieter travel, avoid Sept 14–17 and choose earlier or later September dates.
The best time to fly ORD to GDL in September is during the first two weeks of the month and on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) when fares and crowds tend to be lower. Avoid traveling exactly on Sept 15–16 if you want to skip holiday crowds and higher prices linked to Mexican Independence Day. Early-morning flights reduce the risk of weather-related delays in the afternoon rainy season and often have lower fares than evening departures.
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) save time—typically about 4–4.5 hours airborne—and reduce the risk of missed connections and lost luggage. Connecting flights, often routed through Mexico City or other U.S. hubs, can be cheaper and provide more schedule options but add layover time and potential transfer hassles. For September travel, choose nonstop for time-sensitive trips and connections if you need a lower fare or more flexible dates.
United Airlines: Often offers nonstop service and convenient schedules from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD); good for loyalty program members and those wanting fewer connections. Aeromexico: Strong domestic Mexican network to Guadalajara with solid international connections; may route via Mexico City on some itineraries. American Airlines: Competitive pricing and hub connections, sometimes with one-stop options. Low-cost carriers (e.g., Volaris) tend to offer lower base fares but may charge extra for carry-on/checked bags and seat selection. Compare total landed price and baggage rules when choosing for September travel between ORD and GDL.
Expect warm days and a higher probability of afternoon/evening showers in Guadalajara during September—pack waterproof footwear, a lightweight rain jacket, and quick-dry clothes. Bring insect repellent for outdoor events and a small first-aid kit; stay hydrated in warm daytime temperatures. Allow extra time for ground transportation during the Independence Day period (Sept 15–16) and consider refundable or changeable tickets if your travel dates overlap with major local events. Enroll in travel alerts from your airline and sign up for TSA PreCheck at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) for a faster security experience.
Nonstop flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) typically take about 4 to 4.5 hours of airborne time. Including boarding and taxi, plan for roughly 5–6 hours door-to-door from gate to gate. Many flights operate once or multiple times daily on peak days; if nonstop availability is limited in September, one-stop itineraries through Mexico City (MEX) or U.S. hubs add 2–5 hours of travel time depending on layover length. Guadalajara and Chicago normally observe Central Time, so time difference is often minimal—verify current local offsets at booking because daylight saving dates can affect exact offsets.
September often presents affordable opportunities for Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Guadalajara International Airport (GDL) travel because it's a shoulder season after summer. Typical round-trip fares in September can range from approximately $250 to $450 USD depending on advance purchase, carrier, and seat class. To find cheap flights, search flexible dates, target midweek departures (Tue–Thu), set fare alerts, and consider nearby airports and one-stop itineraries. Watch out for price spikes around September 15–16 due to Mexican Independence celebrations. Book when you see a good price and use comparison engines to confirm the best deal.