Cheap flights from Krakow to Chicago

April is the cheapest month to fly from Krakow to Chicago, and it also lands before the summer rush. Fares climb through the summer school holidays and again around Christmas and New Year, when families on both sides of the Atlantic travel. Late autumn and the early months of the year are quieter, though winter weather can slow connections in Poland and in the American Midwest. Midweek departures usually cost less than weekend ones, and Tuesday and Wednesday are the calmest days to move. Book well ahead for summer and December; for spring and late autumn you can watch the price calendar and wait.

Every carrier selling this route is a full-service airline, so there is no low-cost option. LOT Polish Airlines is the Polish name in the mix, while American Airlines and Air Canada cover the North American end. Finnair, Scandinavian Airlines, Icelandair, Iberia, Luxair, Cityjet and Nordic Regional Airlines mostly appear on connecting itineraries that add a European stop before the ocean crossing. Since nothing flies non-stop, each ticket is built from at least two flights, and what is included depends on the fare family rather than the airline. Check whether a checked bag and seat selection come with the price, and whether all legs sit on one ticket.

Chicago has two airports, and which one you land at depends on your itinerary. O'Hare International takes most long-haul arrivals and sits well outside the city, so allow real time for the ride in. Midway International is smaller and closer to the centre. Both have public transport links to downtown, plus taxis and rideshares. If you clear US immigration at your first point of entry rather than in Chicago, the last leg is a domestic flight, so leave room between connections. Check the airport code on your ticket before booking ground transport, because moving between the two on arrival day is a long detour.

Currency

USD ($)

Power sockets

Type A, B · 120 V

Language

Samoan, Hawaiian, Chamorro, Carolinian, Spanish

Emergency number

911

Driving side

right

Calling code

+1

Internet domain

.us

Population of Chicago

2.7 M (2020)

Time zone

UTC-05 (America/Chicago)

Country facts: Wikidata

• Confirm you are leaving from Balice, since Krakow has no second airport to fall back on.
• Check whether your fare includes a checked bag, because a long connecting itinerary makes hand luggage only harder to manage.
• Make sure both legs sit on one ticket, or a missed connection becomes your problem rather than the airline's.
• Look at the layover length and the airport you change at, not just the total journey time.
• Check the US entry rules and any travel authorisation you need well before departure.
• Compare April fares against the summer and December dates before you commit.