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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Kansas City
CHI → MCI • About 1h 40m nonstop • 4 airlines
Adults
+12 years old
Children
2-11 years old
Infants
Under 2 years
Fares shown are the lowest we have recorded recently on this route and are not a live quote. Run a search above for today's availability, or call (800) 399-8818 and an agent will price it with you.
Flights from Chicago (CHI) to Kansas City (MCI)
The Chicago to Kansas City route covers roughly 415 miles and takes about 1h 40m nonstop. 4 airlines compete on it — Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines — which keeps fares moving and makes it worth comparing carriers rather than defaulting to the one you usually fly. We have seen one-way fares on this route start around $88.
Kansas City claims more fountains than any city except Rome and more barbecue restaurants per head than anywhere in the United States — both claims hold up on the ground.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum is free and world class, and the 18th and Vine district preserves the city’s central role in the history of jazz.
Airlines flying CHI to MCI
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
Airports on this route
- Departing: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Departing: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
- Arriving: Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
Chicago is served by 2 airports. Fares between them can differ by $50 to $150 on the same dates, so ask us to price all of them before you book.
Best time to fly to Kansas City
April through June and September through October. Summers are hot and humid.
Top things to do in Kansas City
- Kansas City barbecue
- Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
- National WWI Museum
- 18th and Vine Jazz District
- Country Club Plaza
- City Market
How to save on Chicago to Kansas City flights
- Shift your departure by one or two days — midweek departures on this route are consistently cheaper than Friday and Sunday.
- Book four to eight weeks ahead. Last-minute fares on CHI to MCI routinely run double the advance price.
- Compare all 4 carriers rather than checking one airline's own site.
- A new single terminal opened in 2023, replacing the old three-terminal layout.
- The city spans two states — most attractions are on the Missouri side.
- Barbecue styles differ by restaurant; burnt ends are the local specialty.
About flights from Chicago to Kansas City
Fares on the CHI to MCI route move with demand, so flexibility is worth more than timing tricks. Shifting your departure by a day or two, flying midweek instead of Friday or Sunday, and booking four to eight weeks ahead all reduce the fare on this route. Chicago is served by 2 airports, so ask us to price all of them — the difference is often significant. Our agents also hold consolidator and unpublished fares that do not appear in online results.
Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines all operate on this route. Southwest Airlines typically offers the most frequencies, with United Airlines and American Airlines providing competing schedules. Availability varies by season and by which Chicago airport you depart from, so it is worth comparing all carriers before booking.
A nonstop flight takes about 1h 40m. Itineraries with a connection typically add two to four hours depending on the layover city and the length of the stop.
The two cities are roughly 415 miles apart by air.
Departures leave from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Arrivals land at Kansas City International Airport (MCI).
April through June and September through October. Summers are hot and humid.