Best Flights starting from $208
from$208economy
Chicago (ORD)
Tue, Apr 21
Roundtrip
Houston (HOU)
Thu, Apr 23
from$208economy
Chicago (ORD)
Mon, Apr 27
Roundtrip
Houston (HOU)
Wed, Apr 29
from$238economy
Chicago (ORD)
Wed, Apr 22
Roundtrip
Houston (HOU)
Fri, Apr 24
from$238economy
Chicago (ORD)
Sun, Apr 26
Roundtrip
Houston (HOU)
Tue, Apr 28
from$247economy
Chicago (ORD)
Sat, Apr 25
Roundtrip
Houston (HOU)
Mon, Apr 27
from$248economy
Chicago (ORD)
Thu, Apr 23
Roundtrip
Houston (HOU)
Sat, Apr 25
from$297economy
Chicago (ORD)
Fri, Apr 24
Roundtrip
Houston (HOU)
Sun, Apr 26
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Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Chicago (ORD) to New York (LGA) in April from $36
From $36
Chicago (ORD) to Newark (EWR) in April from $49
From $49
Chicago (ORD) to Philadelphia (PHL) in April from $54
From $54
Chicago (ORD) to Atlanta (Any) in April from $56
From $56
Chicago (ORD) to Phoenix (PHX) in April from $56
From $56
Chicago (ORD) to Phoenix (Any) in April from $56
From $56
Flights from Other Cities
Chicago (MDW) to Houston (HOU) in April from $188
From $188
New York (LGA) to Houston (HOU) in April from $207
From $207
Los Angeles (LAX) to Houston (HOU) in April from $215
From $215
Tampa (Any) to Houston (HOU) in April from $225
From $225
St Louis (STL) to Houston (HOU) in April from $231
From $231
Wilmington (ILM) to Houston (HOU) in April from $289
From $289
✈️ Flight Guide: Chicago (ORD) → Houston (HOU)
Complete travel information for your April journey
Departing from Chicago (ORD) FAQs
To find cheap economy flights from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), book 3–8 weeks in advance for domestic travel and set fare alerts for price drops. Use comparison engines, flexible date searches, and consider flying mid-week or at off-peak hours to access the lowest economy fares. Sign up for airline newsletters and monitor Southwest Airlines deals, as Southwest is a major carrier at HOU.
Southwest Airlines operates the majority of routes at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and often offers the most competitive economy fares, especially on domestic routes. Low-cost carriers and seasonal charters can also produce bargain fares; compare Southwest with other carriers flying into nearby airports (e.g., Austin-Bergstrom or Dallas) for the best deal. Consider multi-airport searches to expand low-cost options.
Yes — January often features post-holiday fare sales and cheap mid-winter economy seats, while September (after Labor Day) is a strong month for discounted domestic travel and shoulder-season international fares. Monitor fare calendars and book 2–6 weeks ahead for the best January or September deals, and use alerts to catch flash sales originating at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
For economy domestic flights at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), arrive at least 90 minutes before departure to allow for check-in, security, and boarding; for international economy flights, arrive 2.5–3 hours early. Peak travel days (holidays, major events) may require extra time. Use the airline’s mobile check-in and TSA PreCheck if available to streamline the process.
Popular and frequently inexpensive destinations from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) include Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, New Orleans, and Mexico City. Seasonal low-cost routes also target Orlando, Las Vegas, and Cancun — offering strong economy fares. Searching fares from HOU to these cities can reveal frequent budget options and nonstop deals.
Yes — ground transportation costs (shuttles, taxis, rideshare, public transit) between downtown Houston and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) can affect your total trip cost. The METRO Orange Line light rail and shared rides can lower expenses versus direct taxis; factor these costs into your budget when comparing flights to IAH or other nearby airports. Booking early and using transit cards can reduce overall travel spend.
Arriving at Houston (HOU) FAQs
Cheapest Economy Fare (ECO) typically refers to the lowest-priced economy ticket offered by an airline with limited flexibility on changes, refunds, and seat selection. It often has stricter baggage allowances and fewer perks compared to standard economy, so check baggage fees and restrictions before booking. Use the fare rules and compare with slightly higher economy classes if you need flexibility.
To secure the cheapest economy arrival fare, be flexible with travel dates and airports, book 3–7 weeks ahead for domestic travel, and subscribe to fare alerts. Use flexible-date search tools, compare nearby airport options, and consider red-eye or mid-week arrivals to lower costs. Also use low-cost carriers' promotions and flash sales as they frequently offer discounted economy arrivals.
Yes — March (spring-break period) and December (holiday season) typically see higher arrival demand, which raises cheapest economy fares. For March, book early to avoid peak spring-break surcharges; for December, plan several months ahead and consider arriving before or after major holiday days to find lower economy prices. Tracking fares and using alerts helps capture occasional discounted economy seats even in busy months.
When searching for the cheapest economy arrival fares, travelers often consider major nearby destinations such as Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, New York, and Cancun as low-cost hubs or vacation endpoints. These cities frequently have competitive economy fares and multiple low-cost carrier options, making them good candidates for cheap arrivals or connecting itineraries. Compare fares into these hubs and then look for budget connections to your final destination.
The advertised cheapest economy fare (ECO) often excludes carry-on or checked baggage and charges for seat selection, which can add significantly to the final price. Always factor in baggage fees, seat fees, and any service charges when comparing economy fares to ensure the total trip cost remains cheapest. If you need checked luggage, compare slightly higher economy fares that include bags to see if they offer better overall value.
Typically, the cheapest economy arrivals are non-refundable and have limited or costly change options; change fees or fare differences usually apply. Some airlines have introduced more flexible policies post-pandemic, but always check the fare rules before booking. Buying a slightly more flexible economy fare may be cost-effective if you anticipate changes.
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Events & Festivals — How Local Events Affect Economy Fares from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Major events and festivals — such as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (typically March), Texas Medical Center conferences, Houston Pride, and major sports events — drive demand at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and can inflate cheapest economy (ECO) fares. Similarly, destination events (e.g., Art Basel in Miami, major conventions in Las Vegas) affect connecting flight prices. To avoid event-driven price spikes, travel outside peak event dates or book well in advance. If you must travel during events, reserve flights earlier and consider arriving a day before the event for lower fares. CTA: Check local event calendars before booking and compare travel dates to secure the lowest ECO fares.
Best Time to Fly — William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Cheapest Economy (ECO)
The best time to fly for the cheapest economy fares (ECO) from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is typically mid-week (Tuesdays–Thursdays) and outside major holidays. January and September are often the cheapest months, while July and December peak. For domestic trips, book 3–8 weeks in advance; for international economy travel, plan 2–4 months ahead. Flexibility with departure and arrival airports, along with fare alerts, increases your chances of finding the lowest ECO fares. CTA: Use flexible-date searches and subscribe to fare alerts to identify the best time to fly from HOU.
Direct vs Connecting Flights — Choosing Economy Options from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Direct flights are generally faster and more convenient but can be more expensive in the cheapest economy fare bucket (ECO). Connecting flights often yield lower base fares but increase total travel time and the risk of missed connections. For budget travelers departing William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), choosing a connecting itinerary can save money if you allow ample connection time and travel insurance or flexible booking options. Consider the value of convenience versus the potential savings when selecting an ECO route. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting economy options for your HOU trip to find the best balance of price and travel time.
Airline Comparison — Economy Fares from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and often provides the most frequent and competitive cheapest economy fares, especially for domestic travel. Low-cost carriers on alternate nearby airports (e.g., Spirit, Frontier at larger hubs) may offer lower base fares but add ancillaries that increase the final cost. Major network carriers can provide better seat availability and international connectivity but sometimes at higher ECO base prices. Compare total landed cost (base fare + baggage + seat fees) across carriers to determine the true cheapest option for your travel dates. CTA: Run a cross-airline fare comparison for HOU departures to identify the best ECO deal for your trip.
Seasonal Travel Tips — Save on Economy Fares from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
Winter (Dec–Feb): Book early for holidays; seek post-holiday January deals for the cheapest ECO fares. Spring (Mar–May): Avoid peak spring-break dates or book very early; shoulder-season April often provides savings. Summer (Jun–Aug): Expect higher ECO fares — book months ahead and consider traveling early or late in the season. Fall (Sep–Nov): September and October are prime months for cheap economy fares with lower demand; use flexible dates to maximize savings. Year-round tips: check baggage and seat fees, use fare alerts, search alternate nearby airports, and opt for mid-week flights or early-morning departures for the best economy fares. CTA: Apply seasonal tips to your HOU travel plan and set alerts to capture the cheapest ECO fares throughout the year.
Flight Times & Schedules — William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Common Cheap Economy Destinations
Average flight times from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) vary by destination: nonstop to Austin ~1 hour, to Dallas ~1 hour 10 minutes, to New Orleans ~1 hour 15 minutes, to Miami ~2 hours 45 minutes, to New York (one-stop typical from HOU unless seasonal nonstop) ~3.5–4.5 hours, and to Cancun ~2.5–3 hours. Budget carriers often schedule flights at off-peak hours to optimize aircraft utilization, which can benefit price-conscious travelers, but may require red-eye or early-morning departures. Check weekly schedule patterns — mid-week departures and late-evening arrivals often show the most affordable economy fares. CTA: Compare schedules and durations for your desired HOU departure window to find the cheapest ECO itinerary.
Cheap Flights Guide — William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Cheapest Economy (ECO)
To find cheap flights from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to the cheapest economy arrival options (ECO), use fare comparison tools, set price alerts, and be flexible about travel dates and nearby airports. Search for mid-week departures, early-morning or red-eye flights, and consider one-stop itineraries to significantly lower base fares. Always add expected baggage and seat fees to your comparison so the cheapest headline fare remains cheapest after ancillaries. CTA: Start a fare search now and set up alerts for HOU-to-ECO routes to capture limited-time deals.