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Written by Lowfare » Updated on: August 14th, 2024
Finding affordable flights from Chicago to Atlanta can be a breeze if you know the right strategies and tools to use. Whether you're planning a business trip, a weekend getaway, or visiting family, securing a great deal on airfare can make your journey more enjoyable. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore step-by-step methods to book flights at low fares from Chicago to Atlanta, ensuring you save both time and money.
Booking your flight early is one of the most effective ways to find low fares from Chicago to Atlanta. Airlines often release their seats at the lowest prices when flights first go on sale, typically around 11 months in advance.
Set Alerts: Use tools like Google Flights or Hopper to set price alerts for your desired route. These tools will notify you when prices drop, helping you catch the best deals.
Monitor Sales: Keep an eye on airline sales, which are often announced on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Sign up for newsletters from major airlines like Delta, Southwest, and American Airlines to stay informed.
Flexibility with your travel dates can significantly impact the price of your flight. Weekday flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are often cheaper than weekend flights.
Use Flexible Date Search: Websites like Skyscanner and Kayak offer flexible date search options, allowing you to compare prices across a range of dates. This feature is invaluable for finding the lowest fares from Chicago to Atlanta.
Avoid Peak Travel Times: Try to avoid booking flights during major holidays or peak travel seasons, as prices tend to be higher. Traveling during off-peak times can lead to substantial savings.
Flying into or out of alternative airports can sometimes lead to lower fares. While O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are the primary airports, consider other nearby airports for potential savings.
Explore Midway Airport (MDW): Check flights from Chicago's Midway Airport, which may offer cheaper options compared to O'Hare.
Check Nearby Airports: In Atlanta, look for flights to nearby airports like Hartsfield-Jackson or even regional airports like Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) if you're willing to drive a bit.
Airlines and travel websites use cookies to track your searches. If they see you're repeatedly searching for the same route, they might increase prices.
Search in Incognito Mode: Use your browser’s incognito or private browsing mode to prevent websites from tracking your search history. This can help you avoid price hikes.
Clear Cookies: If you’re not using incognito mode, make sure to clear your browser’s cookies before starting a new search session.
Using credit card points or airline miles can drastically reduce the cost of your flight. Many travel rewards programs offer bonus points for signing up or using their cards for everyday purchases.
Sign Up for a Travel Rewards Card: Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, or Delta SkyMiles offer substantial sign-up bonuses that can be used to book low fares from Chicago to Atlanta.
Use Airline Miles: If you’re a frequent flyer, make sure to use your accumulated miles to offset the cost of your flight. Many airlines offer award flights with flexible date options.
Not all booking platforms display the same prices. Comparing multiple platforms ensures you get the best deal possible.
Use Aggregator Sites: Websites like Kayak, Skyscanner, Lowfarescanners and Momondo aggregate prices from multiple airlines and travel agencies, making it easy to compare and find the lowest fares.
Check Airline Websites Directly: After finding a deal on an aggregator site, check the airline’s official website. Sometimes, airlines offer the lowest fares directly through their site, without the extra fees charged by third-party platforms.
Non-stop flights are often more expensive than those with layovers. If you're willing to spend a little extra time traveling, booking a connecting flight can result in significant savings.
Search for Multi-City or Connecting Flights: Use platforms like Google Flights to search for multi-city or connecting flights. Sometimes, breaking up your journey can lead to lower fares.
Check Layover Cities: Look for layovers in cities where flights are generally cheaper, and consider booking separate legs if it results in lower overall costs.
Prices for flights can fluctuate wildly, sometimes even within the same day. Setting price alerts allows you to monitor these fluctuations and book when prices hit a low point.
Use Tools Like Google Flights and Hopper: These platforms offer price tracking and predictions, giving you insights into when to book for the lowest fares.
Monitor Social Media and Forums: Follow travel deal websites and forums like The Points Guy or Scott’s Cheap Flights on social media to catch flash sales and exclusive deals.
The best deals don’t last long. If you find a flight at a great price, don’t hesitate—book it immediately.
Keep Payment Information Handy: Have your credit card or payment information ready to go so you can quickly secure your booking when you find a low fare.
Understand the Cancellation Policy: Before booking, make sure you understand the airline's cancellation policy. Many airlines offer 24-hour cancellation windows, allowing you to cancel or change your booking if you find a better deal shortly after.
Budget airlines often offer significantly lower fares compared to traditional carriers. While you may sacrifice some comfort or convenience, the savings can be substantial.
Check Low-Cost Carriers: Airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Southwest often have lower fares, especially if you’re willing to forego some of the amenities offered by full-service airlines.
Beware of Extra Fees: Budget airlines often charge for extras like seat selection, baggage, and in-flight services. Factor these costs into your total fare to ensure you're still getting a good deal.
Timing is crucial when booking flights. Prices tend to be lower at certain times of the day or on specific days of the week.
Book During Off-Peak Hours: Research suggests that booking flights in the early morning or late at night can yield lower prices. Additionally, Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to book.
Avoid Last-Minute Bookings: While last-minute deals do exist, they’re rare for popular routes like Chicago to Atlanta. It’s usually safer and cheaper to book well in advance.
Frequent flyer programs offer benefits like priority boarding, free checked bags, and, most importantly, discounted or free flights through accumulated miles.
Sign Up for Airline Loyalty Programs: Even if you don’t fly often, signing up for free loyalty programs like Delta SkyMiles, American AAdvantage, or United MileagePlus can earn you miles for future savings.
Use Your Miles Strategically: Save up your miles for longer flights or use them to offset the cost of a more expensive fare when prices are high.
Why It Matters:
Sometimes, unconventional booking methods can lead to significant savings. For example, booking a round-trip ticket even if you only need a one-way flight can sometimes be cheaper.
Actionable Tips:
Look for Hidden City Tickets: Websites like Skiplagged specialize in finding hidden city tickets, where you book a flight with a layover in your intended destination, then simply don’t take the second leg of the journey. Be aware of the risks, as airlines may penalize you for this practice.
Consider Round-Trip Tickets: Even if you only need a one-way flight, it can sometimes be cheaper to book a round-trip ticket and simply not use the return leg.
Finding low fares from Chicago to Atlanta is all about knowing where and how to look. By starting your search early, being flexible with your travel dates, leveraging credit card points, and using the right tools, you can secure the best deals on your flights. Remember, the key is to stay informed, compare options, and be ready to book when a good deal arises. With these strategies, you'll be well on your way to booking affordable flights for your next trip to Atlanta.
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