Newark To Chicago: Find Cheap Flight Deals!

by Jhon Lennon 44 views

Hey guys! Planning a trip from the Garden State to the Windy City? You're in the right place! Finding cheap flights from Newark, NJ, to Chicago, IL, doesn't have to be a headache. We're going to break down all the tips and tricks to snag the best deals, so you can save your hard-earned cash for deep-dish pizza and exploring those amazing museums. Let's dive in!

Understanding Flight Prices: Why Do They Fluctuate?

Okay, first things first: why do flight prices seem to change more often than the Chicago weather? Several factors are at play, and understanding them can give you a serious advantage when searching for cheap flights from Newark to Chicago. Airlines use complex algorithms that take into account things like:

  • Demand: This is the big one. If lots of people are trying to fly from Newark to Chicago, prices will naturally go up. Think holidays, big conventions, or popular events.
  • Time of Year: Summer and the holiday season are peak travel times, which means higher prices. Spring and fall often offer better deals.
  • Day of the Week: Generally, flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper than those on Fridays, Sundays, or Mondays. This is because business travelers often fly at the start and end of the week.
  • How Far in Advance You Book: Booking too early (more than six months out) or too late (within a couple of weeks) can mean paying more. There's a sweet spot, which we'll talk about later.
  • Fuel Prices: When fuel costs rise, airlines often pass those costs on to consumers in the form of higher ticket prices.
  • Competition: The more airlines flying a particular route, the more competitive the pricing is likely to be.

Knowing these factors is half the battle. Now, let's get into the actionable tips you can use to find those elusive cheap flights.

Top Strategies for Finding Cheap Flights

Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Here’s your arsenal of strategies to secure cheap flights from Newark to Chicago:

  • Be Flexible with Your Dates: This is probably the most important tip. If you can adjust your travel dates by even a day or two, you can often find significantly cheaper flights. Use airline websites or Google Flights to view a calendar of prices and see which days offer the best deals.
  • Fly Mid-Week: As mentioned earlier, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually the cheapest days to fly. If you can swing it, aim for these days.
  • Consider Alternative Airports: While you're looking at flights to Chicago, check both O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) airports. Sometimes, one airport will have significantly better deals than the other. In Newark's case, also consider flying out of other nearby airports, such as LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK in New York. However, always factor in the cost and hassle of getting to a different airport.
  • Set Up Fare Alerts: Don't have time to constantly monitor flight prices? No problem! Set up fare alerts on websites like Google Flights, Kayak, or Skyscanner. You'll receive email notifications when prices drop for your chosen route. This is a fantastic way to stay informed and jump on a good deal when it pops up.
  • Book in Advance (But Not Too Far in Advance): The general rule of thumb is to book your domestic flights about 2-3 months in advance. This gives you a good chance of snagging a decent price before the really last-minute fares kick in. Avoid booking more than six months out, as prices can fluctuate wildly.
  • Consider Budget Airlines: While they might not offer all the frills of major airlines, budget airlines can be a great way to save money. Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant are worth checking, but be sure to factor in extra costs for things like baggage and seat selection. Read the fine print carefully!
  • Be Open to Connecting Flights: Non-stop flights are convenient, but they usually come at a premium. If you're willing to endure a layover or two, you can often save a significant amount of money. Just make sure you have enough time between flights to avoid missing your connection.
  • Use Incognito Mode: Some people believe that airlines track your searches and raise prices accordingly. While this is debated, it can't hurt to use incognito mode or clear your browser's cookies before searching for flights. This prevents airlines from potentially using your search history against you.
  • Check Airline Websites Directly: While third-party travel websites are great for comparing prices, sometimes you can find better deals by going directly to the airline's website. Be sure to check the websites of major airlines like United, American, and Delta, as well as budget airlines.
  • Bundle Your Trip: Sometimes, you can save money by booking your flight and hotel together as a package. Check websites like Expedia, Priceline, or Travelocity to see if you can find a good deal on a bundle.

Tools and Websites for Finding Cheap Flights

Okay, so you know the strategies, but where do you actually go to find these cheap flights from Newark to Chicago? Here are some of the best tools and websites to use:

  • Google Flights: This is a fantastic tool for searching and comparing flights. You can easily view a calendar of prices, set up fare alerts, and explore different airports. It's super user-friendly and provides a wealth of information.
  • Skyscanner: Similar to Google Flights, Skyscanner allows you to search for flights, set up price alerts, and explore different destinations. It also has a useful "Explore" feature that lets you see the cheapest places to fly from your chosen airport.
  • Kayak: Kayak is another popular travel website that allows you to search for flights, hotels, and rental cars. It also has a "Hacker Fare" feature that combines one-way tickets from different airlines to potentially save you money.
  • Momondo: Momondo is known for its comprehensive search results and its ability to find some of the cheapest flights available. It also has a "Price Insight" feature that tells you whether the current price is a good deal.
  • Airfarewatchdog: This website is great for finding deals and error fares. It's run by a team of experts who constantly search for the best flight deals and publish them on the website.

Decoding Airline Fees and Baggage Policies

So, you've found a super cheap flight – awesome! But before you book, make sure you understand the airline's fees and baggage policies. Nothing's worse than thinking you've scored a great deal only to get hit with a bunch of unexpected fees at the airport.

  • Baggage Fees: Most airlines charge extra for checked bags, and some even charge for carry-on bags. Check the airline's website to see their baggage fees and weight restrictions. If you can get away with just a personal item, you can save a lot of money.
  • Seat Selection Fees: Some airlines charge extra for seat selection, especially for preferred seats like window or aisle seats. If you don't care where you sit, you can usually skip this fee and let the airline assign you a seat at check-in. However, if you're traveling with family or friends, you might want to pay the fee to ensure you can sit together.
  • Change Fees: If you need to change your flight, most airlines will charge a fee. These fees can be quite steep, so it's important to be aware of them before you book. Some airlines offer more flexible booking policies that allow you to change your flight without a fee, but these tickets usually cost more.
  • Cancellation Fees: If you need to cancel your flight, you may not be able to get a full refund. Check the airline's cancellation policy before you book. Some airlines offer refundable tickets, but these usually cost more.

Newark Airport Tips for a Smooth Departure

Alright, you've booked your cheap flight from Newark to Chicago – congrats! Now, let's talk about making your departure from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) as smooth as possible.

  • Arrive Early: Especially during peak travel times, it's important to arrive at the airport early to allow plenty of time for check-in, security, and getting to your gate. The TSA recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic flight.
  • Check Your Flight Status: Before you leave for the airport, check your flight status online or through the airline's app. This will let you know if there are any delays or cancellations.
  • Know the Terminal: Newark Airport has three terminals (A, B, and C). Make sure you know which terminal your flight is departing from. You can find this information on your ticket or by checking the airline's website.
  • Parking: If you're driving to the airport, there are several parking options available, including short-term, long-term, and economy parking. You can also take public transportation to the airport, such as the AirTrain or NJ Transit.
  • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry: If you travel frequently, consider enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. These programs allow you to go through expedited security lines, which can save you a lot of time.

Chicago Airport Tips for a Seamless Arrival

Okay, you've landed in Chicago – welcome! Here are some tips to make your arrival as seamless as possible, whether you're flying into O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW):

  • Know Your Airport: Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). Make sure you know which airport you're flying into and how to get to your final destination from there.
  • Ground Transportation: Both O'Hare and Midway offer a variety of ground transportation options, including taxis, ride-sharing services, public transportation, and rental cars. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.
  • Public Transportation: Chicago has a great public transportation system, including the "L" train, which connects both O'Hare and Midway to downtown Chicago. This is often the cheapest and most convenient way to get around.
  • Ride-Sharing: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available at both O'Hare and Midway. This can be a convenient option, but be aware that prices can surge during peak times.
  • Rental Cars: If you plan on doing a lot of driving in Chicago, you might want to rent a car. Both O'Hare and Midway have rental car facilities on-site.

Enjoy Your Trip!

Finding cheap flights from Newark to Chicago can take a little effort, but it's definitely worth it. By following these tips and strategies, you can save money and have more to spend on enjoying your trip. So, go ahead and book that cheap flight, pack your bags, and get ready to explore the amazing city of Chicago! Have a fantastic time, guys! Remember to grab a slice of deep-dish for me!