Cheap Flights from Manchester to Chicago

This information is correct as of November 2015

Airlines that fly from Manchester to Chicago

American Airlines offer direct flights from Manchester to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. British Airways and Finnair flights to Chicago are operated by American Airlines.

Terminal Information

Manchester Airport

You should arrive at Manchester Airport at least 3 hours before your flight to Chicago. American Airlines check in options are the check in desks at the airport and online check in which needs to be completed in advance. Those checking in online will need to take hold luggage to the bag drop desks before heading through to security. FastTrack Security passes are available for £3.50 per person if purchased online to bypass the queues at security.

American Airlines flights from Manchester Airport depart from Terminal 3. Here you will have a small number of the essential airport shops to browse before your flight; Accessorize, Biza Duty Free, Boots, Dixons, WH Smith, Rolling Luggage and Swatch. You can grab a coffee or meal at one of the departure lounge’s places to eat, these are Costa Coffee, Pork and Pickle, Trattoria Milano, The Lion and The Antelope and Upper Crust.

A premium Escape Lounge is located in Terminal 3 and offers a quieter environment where you can wait for your flight. There is a selection of complimentary food prepared throughout the day available as well as alcoholic and cold drinks. If you book in advance prices start at £19.99, or you can pay on the day with prices starting at £25.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Chicago O’Hare Airport is 18 miles east of Chicago. There are 4 terminals, American Airlines flights from Manchester arrive into Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, this is the airport’s international terminal.

The Arrivals Hall at Terminal 5 is on the lower level, from here you have a number of onward travel options available. If you need to travel between the terminals you will need to take the free shuttle service the Airport Transit System (ATS) which runs 24 hours a day.

For those that need to reach the O’Hare Transfer/Metra Station you need to take the ATS to Parking Lot E where there is a free shuttle bus transfer to the station. The Metra station connects to the North Central Service with journeys into Chicago Union Station taking 27 minutes. As this is primarily a commuter service there are frequent trains available during the morning and evening rush hours, however outside of this services are limited.

The O’Hare Blue Line Station is located in Terminal 2, 24 hour services from the airport to Forest Park, Illinois run via Chicago with a number of stops on the route. Tickets can be purchased from the machines at the station. This is the easiest way to reach downtown Chicago from O’Hare Airport.

A number of bus services depart from the airport to both downtown Chicago and the wider Illinois area. PACE routes 250 and 330 both serve Chicago and the suburbs and depart from the ATS station at Parking Lot E. Regional bus and hotel shuttle services depart from the Bus/Shuttle Center on Level 1 of the Main Parking Garage, this is walking distance after taking the ATS to Terminals 1, 2 or 3.

Car hire companies including Alamo, National and Enterprise are located at Chicago Airport, shuttle buses are available from the terminal which will take you to the collection points.

Practical Information

Due to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) in place British passport holders do not need to get a visa to visit the US. Before flying you must get authorisation to enter the US through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) which can be completed online through the official US government site and costs $14 per person. 

What to expect in Chicago

Chicago has very distinct seasons; summers are hot and humid with average temperatures in the mid 20’s, the warm temperatures continue into autumn before the freezing temperatures of winter arrive. Average winter temperatures are around -4^oc with snowfall common between December and March.

Chicago hosts a number of large events and festivals throughout the year, if you are travelling during one of these booking your hotel in advance is recommended.

Take a look at our guide to some of the top things to do in Chicago.

Chicago is 6 hours behind the UK.