I've somehow never flown this route but I'm spending a long weekend in Chicago in August. Fares seem high to me--mid 300s for a non-stop--but as I've never done this trip, maybe this is a normal fare and I should buy now. What would you expect to pay for a non-stop during the summer on this route? Thanks.

That's not all that high, unfortunately. They cut so many seats and flights that they're all flying full, and also their costs remain high (fuel, esp.).

I'd book promptly (try Wed. morning, in case there's a midweek dip), just to get a seat; and unless you have a specific seating requirement, you might test out what Orbitz offers AND whether you can manage a Southwest "getaway" fare to Midway. It's also cheaper if you can travel midweek, but you aren't in that position.

That's surprising to hear. I flew to DC recently and will fly to NYC in Sept both for quite a bit less than the going Chicago fares. Given the number of airlines that fly SEA>ORD I would have though things would be more competitive. (And yes I've checked all the sites including SW and I'm flying out on a Thursday).

I'd go to all the travel sites and see who offers the best fare for the time you are traveling. American, Northwest and United all fly that route, and I think I flew Delta once on that route as well.

www.travelzoo.com
www.cheaptickets.com
www.hotwire.com
www.travelocity.com

Hope this helps.

Yes I have done that, that's how I know how much the fares are.

I was just hoping someone could chime in with what they usually pay, since I'm unfamiliar with that particular route.

Was looking at cross-country fares, via ORD and MDW, and they're averaging $500-700, depending on time and day - and I fly out of RDU, so it's not the standard non-stop shuttle fares you get from JFK or IAD.

So I wasn't surprised, but I did the same things christy did and travelbuff recommended. It's pricey -- it's summer, the # of seats are much reduced, and so on. Good luck christy - give my regards to Seattle - can't afford to fly there now, the best months of the year.

Let me/us know if you want any favorites in Chicago, although if it's just a long weekend, I'm guessing you've got it already booked up.