Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
YMQA refers to Montreal (All Airports), commonly used to represent the Montreal area including Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL) for most commercial flights and select regional options. In December, most travelers will fly from YUL; always confirm your ticket for the exact airport and terminal due to holiday schedule changes. Check ground transportation options ahead of winter weather.
To find cheap December flights, compare fares across major OTAs and airline sites and sign up for price alerts. Book early for holiday travel windows and be flexible with departure days—midweek flights often cost less; consider red-eye or early-morning options to save. Use keywords like 'Montreal to Chicago December cheap flights' when searching for targeted deals.
December travel from Montreal can face snow, freezing rain, and low visibility, which may cause de-icing delays and occasional cancellations. Allow extra connection time, monitor your airline’s notifications, and arrive at the airport earlier than usual—at least two to three hours for international/US-bound flights. Check airport and airline advisories for real-time updates.
Baggage rules depend on the airline; basic economy fares may exclude checked bags while carry-on allowances remain. In December, pack warm layers and allow space for winter coats—many carriers permit a coat as an additional item. Review your airline's official baggage policy and prepay checked bags online to save money.
Yes, multiple carriers typically operate direct flights between Montreal and Chicago O'Hare year-round, including during December. Frequency may vary during holiday periods, so check schedules and book direct flights to save time and reduce the risk of missed connections due to winter weather. Use 'direct Montreal to Chicago December' in flight searches.
Arrive at least two hours before departure for US-bound flights, and three hours if you have checked baggage, during peak holiday travel in December. Check-in lines, security, and winter logistics (like shuttles and parking) can take more time than usual, so plan for possible congestion. Use online check-in and mobile boarding passes when available.
Chicago O'Hare (ORD) offers multiple ground transportation options including the Blue Line 'L' train to downtown, Pace and CTA buses, taxis, rideshares, and airport shuttles. In December, factor in potential winter road conditions that can lengthen travel time to downtown Chicago or suburbs, so allow extra transit time. Consider booking airport shuttles or rides in advance if traveling during snow events.
O'Hare rarely closes fully, but December can bring temporary gate changes, delayed arrivals, and occasional runway restrictions during major snowstorms. Airlines and the airport publish real-time updates—subscribe to your airline's alerts and check the ORD operational advisories before departure. Expect occasional longer deplaning and connection walks during winter operations.
Popular nearby destinations include downtown Chicago/The Loop, Millennium Park and the Christkindlmarket, the Magnificent Mile, Naperville, Oak Brook, and suburban points like Schaumburg and Arlington Heights. Winter activities and holiday markets run throughout December—plan transit routes ahead of time since rush hour and snow can extend travel times. Use 'Chicago attractions December' to find seasonal events.
December features high-demand events on both ends of the YMQA–ORD route. Chicago attracts visitors for the Christkindlmarket, holiday light displays, and theater season in the Loop, while Montreal offers holiday markets, Nuit blanche style events, and seasonal dining experiences. These events increase hotel and flight demand—book early for best pricing and availability. CTA: Check event dates for Millennium Park and Montreal holiday markets before booking December travel.
The best time to fly in December is early in the month (Dec 1–12) or immediately after New Year's (Jan 2–7) to avoid holiday surges. Midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) generally offer lower fares and fewer crowds, while early-morning departures reduce likelihood of weather-related delay carryovers. If traveling around Christmas or New Year’s, book flexible tickets and consider travel insurance. CTA: Check midweek December availability and book early to secure the best fares.
Direct flights minimize connection risk and total travel time—especially valuable in December when snow and de-icing can cause cascading delays. Connecting flights may be cheaper but increase exposure to missed connections and extended layovers if weather affects either airport. If you must connect, allow longer layover buffers (2+ hours) and book through a single ticket to ensure airline protection. CTA: Choose nonstop YMQA to ORD flights in December when reliability is a priority; compare connecting alternatives for potential savings.
Major carriers on the Montreal–Chicago route often include Air Canada and United Airlines; seasonal or low-cost operators may add service depending on demand. Air Canada typically offers convenient schedules from Montreal-Trudeau (YUL) with standard baggage policies tied to fare class. United operates to O'Hare with a range of fare options and strong domestic connectivity. Compare ticket flexibility, change fees, seat assignment, and de-icing procedures when selecting a carrier for December travel. CTA: Compare Air Canada and United December fares and select flexible fare classes for winter peace-of-mind.
December travel between Montreal (All Airports) (YMQA) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) benefits from winter-specific preparation: pack layered clothing and keep essential items in carry-on luggage (medications, chargers, a light blanket). Allow additional time for ground transfers, check weather forecasts 48 hours before flying, and choose flexible fares or travel insurance to cover weather-related cancellations. Consider enrolling in expedited entry programs if you travel frequently to the U.S. CTA: Prepare a winter carry-on checklist and confirm flight status the evening before departure.
The nonstop flight time between Montreal (All Airports) (YMQA) and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) typically ranges from 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours. In December, airlines may adjust frequencies around holidays—expect more flights on peak travel days and reduced mid-December capacity on some routes. When planning, consider time-of-day impacts: morning flights are less likely to be delayed by late-night winter storms that develop overnight. Use 'Montreal to Chicago flight schedule December' searches to view daily timetables and plan connections accordingly.
To find cheap December flights from Montreal (All Airports) (YMQA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD), use flexible-date search tools and set price alerts. Focus searches on early December or midweek dates to avoid holiday spikes, and consider red-eye or early-morning options. Compare round-trip vs one-way pricing and check for package discounts that bundle parking or hotels. Use synonyms like 'budget fares', 'flight deals', and 'discount airfare' across searches. CTA: Start a price alert today for YMQA to ORD December fares and compare carriers to lock in the best deal.
Starting from $281
Book your economy class flight from Montreal (Any) to Chicago (ORD)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $367
Book your economy class flight from Montreal (Any) to Chicago (ORD)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Planning a trip from Montreal (Any) to Chicago (ORD) in december? SlickTrip helps you find the cheapest economy class flights with our comprehensive flight comparison tool. Whether you prefer direct flights for convenience or multi-stop flights for savings, we have options for every budget and schedule.
Travelers from Canada to the U.S. typically arrive as pre-cleared or go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection entry procedures. December is a peak travel month, so expect longer processing times and have travel documents ready. Use Mobile Passport or Global Entry (if eligible) to expedite entry and monitor arrival hall signage for CBP wait times.
Flights from Montreal commonly arrive in Concourse B or C at O'Hare but may use other terminals depending on carrier and schedule. In December, airlines may adjust gates to accommodate operational needs—verify your arrival terminal and follow airport signage for baggage claim and transfer options. Use the ORD website or your airline app for gate updates.
