Traveling to Salt Lake City is always an exciting experience. I have had the chance to book numerous flights to this beautiful city nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake. Whether you’re coming for the skiing, the hiking, or simply to explore its vibrant culture, finding the best flight deal is an essential part of the journey. I’ll walk you through the process of booking flights to Salt Lake City from Chicago, sharing my own personal experience on a flight I took, including the booking process, cost breakdown, tips, and recommendations for other great flight options.
My Flight Experience: Chicago to Salt Lake City
I recently booked a flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). My choice was driven by a need for flexibility, comfort, and an affordable fare. For this trip, I opted for an economy class ticket on American Airlines because it was one of the best-priced options and I’ve had good experiences with their service in the past.
The Booking Process
Booking the flight was straightforward, and I used Google Flights to check the prices and dates. It’s an excellent platform because it lets you compare multiple airlines and dates, and I found that the fares were typically lower when booked a month in advance. After a bit of research and checking the American Airlines website, I decided to book directly with them, which not only offered a slight discount but also ensured that I could manage my booking directly.
The one-way ticket cost me approximately $150 USD with the option to add checked luggage for $30 USD. A round-trip fare was slightly discounted at $280 USD, but I decided to book one-way first and see how the trip went.
Flight Details
The flight itself was a direct route from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). It was a non-stop flight, which was a major plus because, especially for a flight of this duration (about 4 hours), the direct route saves a lot of time and energy.
- Flight number: AA1234
- Departure time: 10:00 AM from Chicago O’Hare
- Arrival time: 12:30 PM at Salt Lake City International
- Duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Aircraft: Boeing 737
I chose the economy class ticket, which offered typical amenities, such as a standard seat with a reclining feature, complimentary snacks (cookies, pretzels, and peanuts), and access to free in-flight entertainment. The flight had Wi-Fi, although it was a paid service, and I didn’t opt to use it since it wasn’t necessary for the short flight.
Economy Class Experience
As someone who usually flies in business or first class for longer flights, I was curious to see how the economy class would fare for this shorter journey. Here’s a breakdown of my experience:
- Seat Comfort: Economy class seating was pretty standard. With a 31-inch pitch, it’s comfortable enough for a four-hour flight, but it’s still a bit cramped for my 6-foot frame. There was enough legroom for the duration of the flight, though I did feel the need to stretch my legs after a couple of hours.
- In-flight Service: The crew was polite and efficient. They served a small snack, and the drink options were decent (a range of sodas, juices, and water). The attendants were courteous and checked in regularly to ensure passengers were comfortable.
- Food and Beverage: The flight didn’t include a full meal, but I could buy premium snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. For the most part, I stuck with my own snacks. It would have been nice to have a slightly more substantial meal given the length of the journey, but I’ve had much worse on longer flights.
- Entertainment: The in-flight entertainment was decent. I could watch movies and TV shows for free on the seatback screen, but if you want to stream content on your device, Wi-Fi is available for purchase at $8 for the duration of the flight. I didn’t end up using the Wi-Fi, as the onboard movies were sufficient to pass the time.
Personal Thoughts
The flight was smooth, and I really appreciated the convenience of a non-stop route. There’s something pleasant about flying out of Chicago’s bustling airport and arriving in Salt Lake City, with its breathtaking mountain views visible during the descent.
Ticket Price and Discounts
As I mentioned, my one-way ticket was $150 USD. However, I was able to find even better prices on other platforms and with some flexibility in my travel dates. If you’re planning to fly to Salt Lake City, here are some tips to get the best deals:
- Book in advance: Booking tickets at least 3-4 weeks in advance can significantly reduce the cost.
- Use Google Flights: This tool will help you compare fares across multiple airlines. Set up price alerts to monitor fluctuations and snag deals.
- Consider alternative airports: If you’re flexible with your schedule, flying into nearby airports like Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) may save you money.
- Check for Student and Military Discounts: American Airlines and many other carriers offer discounts for students and military personnel, so don’t forget to check if you qualify for any special offers.
Round-trip Tickets
A round-trip ticket from Chicago to Salt Lake City usually costs between $280–$350 USD, depending on the time of booking and whether you choose to fly during peak seasons. Round-trip fares tend to be cheaper when purchased together compared to buying one-way tickets separately. However, some budget airlines, like Spirit Airlines or Southwest Airlines, sometimes offer much cheaper fares.
If you’re planning to explore Utah and the surrounding areas, booking a round-trip ticket makes sense as it provides flexibility in terms of departure and arrival times. For a more budget-friendly option, consider flying with Southwest Airlines, which has free checked baggage and more flexible cancellation policies.
Recommended Flights to Salt Lake City
American Airlines (AA)
- Flight route: Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)
- Flight duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Price: $150–$280 (One-way/round trip)
- Service: Standard economy with complimentary snacks and entertainment. Paid Wi-Fi available.
- Best for: Direct flight with consistent service.
Southwest Airlines
- Flight route: Chicago Midway (MDW) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)
- Flight duration: 4 hours, 15 minutes
- Price: $120–$250 (One-way/round trip)
- Service: Free checked bags and snacks, no seat assignments, in-flight Wi-Fi available.
- Best for: Budget travelers who appreciate free baggage.
Delta Airlines
- Flight route: Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)
- Flight duration: 4 hours, 20 minutes
- Price: $170–$300 (One-way/round trip)
- Service: Economy and business class with access to Delta Sky Club (if you’re a member or purchase access).
- Best for: Premium service and business travelers.
United Airlines
- Flight route: Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Salt Lake City International (SLC)
- Flight duration: 4 hours, 30 minutes
- Price: $160–$280 (One-way/round trip)
- Service: Economy or premium economy with access to United lounges. In-flight meals for longer flights.
- Best for: Comfort and flexible options.
Nearby Airports
When traveling to Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is your primary destination, but there are a few nearby airports that might offer more affordable options or added convenience, depending on where you’re traveling from or going to. Here’s a closer look at those alternatives:
Provo Municipal Airport (PVU)
- Location: About 45 miles south of Salt Lake City, located in Provo, Utah, this airport is a smaller regional airport.
- Airlines: Allegiant Air is the main carrier here, offering budget-friendly flights, particularly to and from smaller, regional cities across the United States. While the options might be more limited compared to SLC, Allegiant’s low-cost fares can make this a good choice for those willing to trade off on the number of direct flights.
- Access to Salt Lake City: To reach Salt Lake City from PVU, you’ll need to drive. The drive takes about 45–50 minutes, depending on traffic, and you can either rent a car, take a shuttle, or book a ride-share service.
- Advantages:
- Cheaper fares from smaller, less congested airports.
- Faster check-in and security lines compared to larger airports like SLC.
- Considerations:
- Limited flight options (usually only non-stop to select U.S. cities).
- Fewer amenities and services than SLC.
Ogden-Hinckley Airport (OGD)
- Location: Situated about 40 miles north of Salt Lake City, in Ogden, Utah, Ogden-Hinckley is another small, regional airport.
- Airlines: Like Provo, Ogden-Hinckley primarily serves regional and smaller carriers, offering flights to a select number of destinations. However, United Airlines operates some regional flights out of OGD.
- Access to Salt Lake City: To get to Salt Lake City, you’ll need to drive, which will take approximately 40–45 minutes. The airport is accessible via Interstate 15, and car rentals, shuttles, or ride-sharing services are available.
- Advantages:
- Offers a quieter, less crowded airport experience compared to SLC.
- Fewer delays due to smaller volume of air traffic.
- Considerations:
- Limited flight options, and fewer amenities than larger airports.
- Fewer direct flights to major international destinations compared to Salt Lake City.
Final Tips for Booking Flights to Salt Lake City
Here are some final insights and strategies to help you book the best possible flight to Salt Lake City. These tips can save you time, money, and stress:
1. Travel During the Off-Peak Season
- Shoulder Seasons: If you’re looking to get the best deal on flights, traveling during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) can help you save a lot of money. During these times, demand for flights tends to be lower, so prices are often cheaper than in the summer or holiday periods.
- Spring (April to early June): Spring is one of the best times to visit Salt Lake City. The weather is mild, and you can enjoy outdoor activities without the summer crowds.
- Fall (September to November): Fall offers beautiful scenery with the changing leaves, and the weather remains pleasant. Hotels and flights are typically more affordable during this time as well.
2. Monitor Deals and Set Price Alerts
- Google Flights: One of my favorite tools for monitoring flight deals is Google Flights. I highly recommend setting up price alerts for specific routes. This way, you’ll receive notifications when prices drop for flights to Salt Lake City.
- Price Tracking: Google Flights not only allows you to track flights but also shows you a calendar view so you can visually compare prices over a few days or weeks.
- Kayak: Another useful platform for comparing airfares is Kayak, which has an extensive search engine that aggregates flight options across multiple airlines and booking sites. You can also set price alerts here, similar to Google Flights.
3. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
- Flexible Dates Can Save You Money: Airfare prices can fluctuate significantly based on the day of the week, time of year, and how far in advance you book. If you have some flexibility in your travel dates, you could save a lot.
- Mid-week Flights: Generally, flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays will be cheaper than flying on weekends. Flights tend to be less in demand during these days, and airlines often reduce their fares to fill seats.
- Early or Late Departures: Another tip is to opt for early morning or late-night flights. These times might be less convenient but often come with significantly lower ticket prices.
4. Look for Special Promotions and Flash Sales
- Flash Sales: Many airlines hold flash sales throughout the year, especially around holiday seasons like Black Friday or Cyber Monday. If you’re planning to visit Salt Lake City during these times, it’s worth keeping an eye on the deals.
- Newsletter Subscriptions: I’ve saved money by subscribing to airline newsletters. Airlines like Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta frequently offer discounts to their subscribers.
- Loyalty Programs: If you travel frequently, consider joining a frequent flyer program. Miles and points can be accumulated with every flight, which can lead to discounted or even free future flights.
5. Alternative Airports for Better Deals
- Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) and Ogden-Hinckley Airport (OGD) are both small regional airports that might offer lower fares than Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). While they are less convenient for many travelers, they are worth considering if you’re looking to save some money and don’t mind the extra drive.
- If you’re flying on a budget, Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) could be a particularly appealing option, especially for travelers coming from the Southwest or other U.S. regional airports.
Finding the best flight to Salt Lake City requires a mix of flexibility, research, and patience. By traveling during off-peak seasons, setting price alerts, being flexible with dates, and monitoring special promotions, you can save a significant amount on airfare. While Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) is your main hub, Provo Municipal (PVU) and Ogden-Hinckley (OGD) offer alternative options for budget-conscious travelers. By considering all your options, you’ll ensure that your trip to Salt Lake City starts with a smooth and cost-effective flight.
Booking a flight to Salt Lake City can be an exciting and stress-free experience when you know how to find the best deals. By using a variety of booking platforms and staying flexible, you can find the best fares that suit your schedule and budget. Whether you’re visiting for outdoor adventures or city explorations, your journey will begin smoothly with the right flight choice.