Find Cheap Flights From Seattle To Chicago On Google Flights
Hey guys! Planning a trip from the beautiful Emerald City (Seattle) to the Windy City (Chicago)? Awesome choice! Whether you're heading there for business, a family visit, or just to explore, getting a good deal on flights is key. And that's where Google Flights comes in super handy. It's like your personal flight-finding assistant, and I'm here to walk you through how to use it to snag the cheapest and most convenient flights from Seattle (SEA) to Chicago (any of its airports: O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW)). — Dee Dee Blanchard Crime Scene: Shocking Photos & Details
Why Google Flights is Your Go-To
Before we dive into the how-to, let's quickly chat about why Google Flights is such a game-changer. Forget spending hours hopping from airline website to airline website. Google Flights pulls together data from a massive number of airlines and online travel agencies, giving you a bird's-eye view of all your options. This means you can easily compare prices, flight times, layovers, and even baggage fees all in one place. Plus, it has some really cool features like price tracking and a flexible dates calendar that can save you some serious cash. — MLB Playoff Picture: Who's In, Who's Out & What To Watch!
How to Search for Flights on Google Flights
Okay, let's get down to business. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to search for flights from Seattle to Chicago using Google Flights:
- Head to the Website: First things first, open your web browser and go to the Google Flights website. You can simply search “Google Flights” on Google, and it should be the first result.
- Enter Your Departure and Arrival Cities: In the search box, you’ll see fields for “Where else?” and “Where to?”. Type “Seattle” (or SEA for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport) in the departure field and “Chicago” (or ORD for O’Hare International Airport or MDW for Midway International Airport) in the arrival field. Google Flights will suggest airports as you type, making it super easy to select the correct ones.
- Select Your Dates: Click on the calendar icon to open the date picker. Here’s where the magic happens! You can select your departure and return dates. But here’s a pro tip: If your dates are flexible, use the “Flexible dates” option. This lets you see a calendar view of prices for different days, so you can quickly identify the cheapest days to fly. This is a HUGE money-saver! Let's say you are planning a trip, being flexible with the dates is the best way to save money on plane tickets. If your travel dates are flexible, Google Flights has you covered, you can save a lot of money on your next trip.
- Choose Your Cabin Class and Number of Passengers: Below the date fields, you'll see options to select your cabin class (Economy, Business, First Class, etc.) and the number of passengers. For most of us, Economy is the way to go, but if you’re feeling fancy (or have some extra budget), feel free to upgrade! Make sure you select the correct number of adults, children, and infants traveling with you.
- Hit Search: Once you’ve entered all your details, click the blue “Search” button. Google Flights will then work its magic and display a list of available flights.
Decoding the Results Page
Alright, you've hit search, and now you're staring at a page full of flight options. Don't panic! It's actually pretty straightforward once you know what you're looking at.
- Sorting and Filtering: At the top of the results page, you’ll see options to sort flights by “Best,” “Price,” “Departure time,” and “Arrival time.” “Best” usually considers a combination of price, duration, and number of stops. You can also use the filters on the left-hand side to narrow down your options. For example, you can filter by airline, number of stops, layover duration, and even the times you prefer to fly. These filters are your best friends when you're trying to find the perfect flight for your needs.
- Price Graph: One of the coolest features on Google Flights is the price graph. It's usually located near the top of the results page and shows you a visual representation of how prices change over time. This is super helpful if you have flexible travel dates and want to see if flying on a different day could save you money. I always check the price graph before booking, it is important that you check it as well.
- Flight Details: Each flight listing shows you the airline, flight times, number of stops, and price. Click on a flight to expand it and see more details, such as the specific aircraft, baggage fees, and even seat availability. Pay close attention to the baggage fees, as they can sometimes add a significant chunk to the overall cost of your trip.
Pro Tips for Saving Money on Flights
Okay, so you know how to search for flights, but how do you really nail down the best deal? Here are some of my top tips for saving money on flights from Seattle to Chicago:
Use the Price Tracking Feature
Google Flights has a built-in price tracking feature that's seriously awesome. Once you’ve performed a search, you’ll see a “Track prices” toggle. Turn it on, and Google Flights will send you email notifications whenever the price of that flight changes. This is a fantastic way to snag a deal when the price drops. To track prices, make sure you are logged into your Google account.
Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: flexibility is key! Flying on weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) is often cheaper than flying on weekends. Similarly, flying during the off-season (e.g., spring or fall) can save you a ton of money compared to peak season (summer or holidays). Use the flexible dates calendar on Google Flights to explore different date combinations and see how they impact the price.
Consider Alternative Airports
Chicago has two major airports: O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). Sometimes, flying into one airport can be significantly cheaper than the other. So, it’s worth checking prices for both airports. Similarly, in Seattle, while SEA is the main airport, you might occasionally find better deals flying from nearby airports (though this is less common).
Book in Advance (But Not Too Early!)
There’s a sweet spot for booking flights. Generally, booking a few months in advance (but not too far in advance) is ideal. Prices tend to be higher when you book last minute, but they can also be high if you book too early (like a year in advance). A good rule of thumb is to start looking about 2-3 months before your trip for domestic flights.
Be Open to Layovers
Nonstop flights are super convenient, but they often come with a higher price tag. If you’re willing to endure a layover or two, you can often save a significant amount of money. Google Flights lets you filter flights by the number of stops, so you can easily compare the prices of nonstop flights versus flights with layovers. — NFL Scores & Schedules: Your Weekly Football Roundup
Consider Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Spirit, Frontier, and Allegiant can sometimes offer incredibly cheap fares. However, be sure to factor in extra fees for things like baggage, seat selection, and even snacks. Make sure you read the fine print before booking with a budget airline so you know exactly what you're getting.
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