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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Memphis
CHI → MEM • About 1h 50m 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 Memphis (MEM)
The Chicago to Memphis route covers roughly 490 miles and takes about 1h 50m nonstop. 4 airlines compete on it — United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest 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 $92.
Memphis is where blues, soul and rock and roll were recorded — Sun Studio, Stax and Beale Street are all still operating, and Graceland is the second most visited house in America.
The National Civil Rights Museum, built around the Lorraine Motel, is one of the most affecting museums in the country.
Airlines flying CHI to MEM
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Southwest Airlines
Airports on this route
- Departing: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Departing: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
- Arriving: Memphis International Airport (MEM)
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 Memphis
March through May and September through November. Summers are very hot and humid.
Top things to do in Memphis
- Graceland
- Beale Street
- Sun Studio
- National Civil Rights Museum
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music
- Memphis barbecue
How to save on Chicago to Memphis 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 MEM routinely run double the advance price.
- Compare all 4 carriers rather than checking one airline's own site.
- Graceland tickets are timed and sell out in peak season.
- Memphis barbecue is dry-rubbed ribs and pulled pork — different from Kansas City or Texas.
- The airport is about 10 miles from downtown.
About flights from Chicago to Memphis
Fares on the CHI to MEM 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.
United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines all operate on this route. United Airlines typically offers the most frequencies, with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines 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 50m. 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 490 miles apart by air.
Departures leave from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Arrivals land at Memphis International Airport (MEM).
March through May and September through November. Summers are very hot and humid.