Complete travel information for your November journey
November departures from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) see a mix of business and holiday leisure travelers. Expect cooler Chicago temperatures, possible early-season snow, and higher-than-average passenger counts during Thanksgiving week. Flights are popular for travelers escaping the cold to destinations like Scottsdale, Tempe, and Tucson. Book early to secure nonstop flights; use mobile boarding passes, monitor gate changes, and consider flexible fares. CTA Blue Line offers reliable rail access from downtown Chicago, and covered parking is recommended for winter conditions.
For November travel from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), arrive at least 2 to 3 hours before departure for standard domestic flights and 3 hours during holiday weekends (e.g., Thanksgiving). November brings chilly weather and holiday crowds at ORD, so add extra time for parking, shuttle transfers, and potential security peaks. Check your airline's recommended arrival time and use TSA PreCheck if available to reduce screening time.
Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) commonly depart from Terminal 1, Terminal 2, or Terminal 3 depending on the carrier: United primarily uses Terminal 1/2 gates for connecting flights while American and Southwest operate from Terminals 3 and 5 depending on schedules. Always verify your departure terminal on your airline mobile app or the ORD website before leaving for the airport, as gates can change.
November in Chicago can bring cold temperatures, rain, or early snow, which sometimes leads to deicing delays or ground hold procedures at O'Hare International Airport (ORD). While many flights remain on schedule, it's common to see occasional disruptions during major winter storms or heavy lake-effect snow. Monitor airline alerts, sign up for notifications, and consider flexible ticketing options for November travel.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers long-term economy lots, cell-phone waiting lots, and on-site, covered garages that are useful in November's cold weather. Rideshare pickups are consolidated in dedicated zones — check the ORD website for current pickup points. Consider pre-booking airport parking or using rail (CTA Blue Line) from downtown Chicago to avoid winter driving and to access nearby cities like Naperville or Evanston conveniently.
Baggage rules at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) are set by individual carriers but do not change by month; however, November holiday travelers should expect fuller flights and possible overhead bin competition. Review your airline's carry-on dimensions, checked bag fees, and holiday baggage waivers (some carriers institute extra flexibility around Thanksgiving). Pack essentials in a personal item in case of delayed checked luggage.
To minimize security wait times at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in November, enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, travel during off-peak hours (midday flights are often less busy than early morning or late afternoon), and check in online to avoid ticketing counters. Monitor TSA wait time estimates on the official ORD site and aim to arrive early during Thanksgiving week when passenger volumes spike.
Arrivals at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in November enjoy comfortable temperatures, making it an ideal month for outdoor activities and desert sightseeing. Expect moderate passenger volumes with peaks around Thanksgiving; rental car lines and rideshare wait times increase during holiday evenings. Popular nearby destinations include Scottsdale (spa resorts), Tempe (ASU area and nightlife), and Sedona for scenic day trips. Travelers should confirm ground transport pickup zones, pre-book car rentals if needed, and use airline apps for baggage tracking.
November at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is typically mild and sunny with daytime highs around the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit (21–24°C) and cooler evenings. This makes PHX a popular November escape from Chicago's colder weather, and outdoor activities in Scottsdale and Sedona are comfortable. Pack layers for cool mornings and evenings, and bring sunscreen for daytime outdoor excursions.
Valley Metro Light Rail connects Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to downtown Phoenix and Tempe via a short shuttle; rideshares and taxis serve direct routes to Scottsdale and nearby destinations like Chandler. November traffic is moderate—peak holiday arrival times around Thanksgiving can increase wait times for rental cars and rideshares. Pre-book shuttles or car rentals where possible to streamline arrival.
PHX in November rarely experiences the weather-related delays common at O'Hare; however, holiday travel (Thanksgiving) and special events can lead to congestion in terminals and rental car facilities. Expect normal security and baggage claim processing times, but allow extra time for ground transportation during peak arrival windows. Check airline notifications and the PHX website for live terminal advisories.
Nearby top destinations include Scottsdale for resort-style relaxation, Tempe for university and nightlife scenes, Sedona for red-rock hikes (about 2 hours north), and Tucson for cultural sites (about 2 hours southeast). November weather is ideal for hiking Camelback Mountain, visiting Desert Botanical Garden, or taking day trips to Sedona. Book tours and rentals early during holiday periods to guarantee availability.
November can offer competitive fares to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), especially outside of the Thanksgiving peak week. Mid-November weekdays often have lower prices compared to holiday windows. Use fare alerts for flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), compare carriers like American, United, and Southwest, and book early to lock in the best deals for November travel.
November events that affect travel on the ORD to PHX route include Phoenix's Fall festival season, Dia de los Muertos cultural events, and special Thanksgiving attractions in Scottsdale and Tempe. Phoenix hosts outdoor concerts, food festivals, and the Arizona Folk Festival—creating moderate increases in hotel demand. Meanwhile, Chicago's holiday build-up and early winter events can increase outbound traffic from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Book hotels and airport transfers in Phoenix early if your itinerary overlaps with major November events.
The best time to fly from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in November is mid-month on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to secure lower fares and fewer crowds. For warmer weather arrival and daylight activities in Phoenix, aim for morning arrivals; for lower fares, choose early-morning or red-eye options if available. Avoid peak travel days around Thanksgiving (late November) when prices and airport congestion spike. For business travelers, early weekday flights are ideal to maximize daytime hours in Phoenix.
Nonstop flights between O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) are preferred for convenience and shorter overall travel time—typically around 3 hours 45 minutes. Connecting options through hubs like Denver, Dallas-Fort Worth, or Las Vegas may offer lower fares but increase total travel time and risk of missed connections during November when weather at ORD may cause delays. If you prioritize price over speed, a single connection can yield savings; if you prefer reliability, choose nonstop flights and select earlier departures.
Major carriers on the ORD–PHX route in November include United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. United often provides multiple nonstops and robust connection options through its Chicago hub, American offers consistent service with variable schedules, and Southwest provides competitive fares with two free checked bags but operates from different terminals. Compare seat selection fees, loyalty benefits, baggage policies, and schedule frequencies—United may have more premium economy options, American may offer earlier morning flights, and Southwest is attractive for low-cost, luggage-friendly travel.
Seasonal tips for November trips from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): pack layers to handle Chicago's chilly mornings and Phoenix's warm afternoons, carry sunscreen and a lightweight jacket, and prepare for Thanksgiving crowds by checking baggage policies and airport terminal pickup points in advance. For easier connections, choose earlier flights out of ORD and allow extra time for parking and shuttle transfers. Enroll in fare alerts and use flexible tickets around holiday dates to protect plans against weather-related disruptions.
Typical nonstop flight time from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours depending on winds and specific routing. In November, airlines schedule multiple daily nonstops—morning departures for business travelers and evening options for leisure passengers. Peak travel days include the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after; weekday mid-November flights often have more availability. Red-eyes are rare on this route; most carriers operate daytime nonstops.
Find cheap flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in November by booking 6–10 weeks in advance and targeting mid-week departures. Use fare alerts, flexible-date search tools, and compare legacy carriers (United, American) with low-cost options like Southwest. Consider early-morning and late-night flights for lower prices, and watch for fare sales in early fall. For Thanksgiving travel, lock in fares as soon as your dates are firm to avoid last-minute spikes.