Newark To Chicago: Finding The Best Flights On Google

by Jhon Lennon 54 views

Hey guys! Planning a trip from Newark to the Windy City? Chicago is an amazing destination, but finding the perfect flight can sometimes feel like a chore. That's where Google Flights comes in handy! It's a powerful tool that can help you compare prices, track fares, and discover the best deals for your Newark (EWR) to Chicago (ORD or MDW) adventure. Let's dive into how you can use Google Flights to snag the best possible tickets.

Why Use Google Flights?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's talk about why Google Flights is such a fantastic option for booking flights. First off, it's incredibly comprehensive. Google Flights pulls data from a vast network of airlines and online travel agencies, giving you a complete overview of available flights. This means you're not just seeing the prices from a single airline or a limited set of websites; you're getting a real-time snapshot of the entire market. This broad perspective is super important because prices can vary wildly depending on where you look. Plus, Google Flights is known for its speed and accuracy. The search results load quickly, and the information is generally very reliable. This can save you a ton of time compared to manually checking multiple websites. Another major advantage is its price tracking feature. You can set up alerts to monitor the prices for specific flights or routes, and Google will notify you when the price changes. This is a game-changer for finding the best deals because you can wait for prices to drop before booking. Finally, Google Flights offers a user-friendly interface with plenty of filters and options to customize your search. You can filter by price, airline, stops, duration, and more, making it easy to find flights that meet your exact needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a non-stop flight, a specific departure time, or an airline with certain amenities, Google Flights puts you in control.

How to Search for Flights from Newark to Chicago

Okay, let's get down to business. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use Google Flights to find flights from Newark to Chicago:

  1. Go to Google Flights: Open your web browser and head to the Google Flights website. You can simply search "Google Flights" on Google, and it should be the first result.
  2. Enter Your Departure and Arrival Cities: In the search box, type "Newark" in the departure field and select "Newark, NJ (EWR)" from the dropdown menu. Then, type "Chicago" in the arrival field and select either "Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD)" or "Chicago Midway (MDW)" depending on which airport you prefer. O'Hare is the larger, more international airport, while Midway is closer to downtown and often has cheaper flights.
  3. Select Your Dates: Click on the departure date field to open the calendar. Choose your desired departure date, and then select your return date if you're booking a round-trip flight. Google Flights also has a handy feature that shows you the prices for different dates, so you can easily see if flying on a different day could save you money. The calendar view displays prices for each day, allowing you to quickly identify the cheapest options. Flexibility with your dates can often lead to significant savings.
  4. Choose Your Cabin Class and Number of Passengers: Use the dropdown menus to select your preferred cabin class (Economy, Business, First Class, etc.) and the number of passengers. Keep in mind that cabin class can significantly impact the price, with economy being the most affordable and first class being the most expensive. If you're traveling with a group, make sure to enter the correct number of passengers to get an accurate price quote.
  5. Explore Flight Options: After entering your details, Google Flights will display a list of available flights. You can sort the results by price, duration, departure time, and arrival time. Take some time to explore the different options and see which flights best fit your needs. Pay attention to the number of stops, the duration of the layovers, and the overall travel time. Non-stop flights are usually more expensive but can save you a lot of time and hassle.
  6. Use Filters to Refine Your Search: Google Flights offers a variety of filters to help you narrow down your search. You can filter by price, airline, number of stops, duration, departure time, arrival time, and even specific airports. For example, if you only want to see flights on United Airlines, you can select United from the airline filter. If you prefer to avoid long layovers, you can set a maximum duration for layovers. Experiment with the filters to find the perfect flight for your needs.
  7. Track Prices: Once you've found a flight that you're interested in, you can track the price by clicking the "Track prices" button. Google Flights will send you email notifications when the price changes, so you can book your flight when the price is right. This is a great way to save money because flight prices can fluctuate significantly over time. By tracking prices, you can take advantage of price drops and avoid booking when prices are high. To manage your tracked prices, simply go to the Google Flights menu and select "Tracked prices."

Tips for Finding the Best Deals

Want to maximize your chances of scoring a sweet deal on your Newark to Chicago flight? Here are some insider tips:

  • Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates: As mentioned earlier, flexibility can be your best friend when it comes to finding cheap flights. If you're able to travel on different days or during off-peak seasons, you're more likely to find lower prices. Mid-week flights (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) are often cheaper than weekend flights. Similarly, flights during holidays and school breaks tend to be more expensive. Use the Google Flights calendar view to quickly identify the cheapest dates.
  • Consider Alternative Airports: While O'Hare (ORD) is the main airport in Chicago, Midway (MDW) can sometimes offer cheaper flights. Check prices for both airports to see which one offers the best deal. Also, consider flying into or out of smaller airports near Newark, such as LaGuardia (LGA) or JFK in New York City, as these may have different pricing. However, factor in the cost and time of getting to these alternative airports.
  • Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): There's a sweet spot for booking flights. Booking too early (more than six months in advance) may not always guarantee the best price, as airlines often adjust their prices closer to the departure date. A good rule of thumb is to start tracking prices about three months before your travel date and book your flight at least a few weeks in advance. However, avoid waiting until the last minute, as prices tend to increase significantly closer to the departure date.
  • Set Up Price Alerts: Take advantage of the Google Flights price tracking feature. Set up alerts for your desired flight and let Google notify you when the price drops. This way, you don't have to constantly check prices manually. You'll receive email notifications whenever there's a price change, allowing you to book your flight at the optimal time.
  • Consider Budget Airlines: While they may not offer all the frills of full-service airlines, budget airlines like Spirit and Frontier can sometimes offer significantly lower prices. However, be sure to factor in extra costs for things like baggage fees, seat selection, and in-flight meals. Carefully compare the total cost, including all additional fees, to see if a budget airline is truly the best deal.
  • Check for Package Deals: Sometimes, booking your flight and hotel together can save you money. Google Flights doesn't directly offer package deals, but you can check other travel websites like Expedia, Kayak, or Priceline to see if they have any attractive packages for your Newark to Chicago trip.

What to Do in Chicago

Okay, you've booked your flight – awesome! Now, let's get you excited about what awaits you in Chicago. This city is bursting with things to see and do, no matter what your interests are.

  • Visit Millennium Park: Home to the iconic "Bean" sculpture (Cloud Gate), Millennium Park is a must-see. Take a stroll through Lurie Garden, catch a free concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, or let the kids splash around in Crown Fountain. It's a perfect spot for photos and enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere.
  • Explore the Art Institute of Chicago: Art lovers, rejoice! The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world's leading art museums, with a vast collection spanning centuries and cultures. From Impressionist masterpieces to contemporary works, there's something for everyone. Don't miss iconic works like Grant Wood's "American Gothic" and Edward Hopper's "Nighthawks."
  • Take an Architecture River Cruise: See Chicago from a different perspective with an architecture river cruise. Learn about the city's fascinating architectural history as you glide along the Chicago River. The tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and will point out hidden gems and architectural marvels that you might otherwise miss.
  • Catch a Game at Wrigley Field or Guaranteed Rate Field: Sports fans, you're in for a treat! Chicago is home to two iconic baseball teams, the Cubs and the White Sox. Catch a game at Wrigley Field (home of the Cubs) for a classic ballpark experience, or head to Guaranteed Rate Field (home of the White Sox) for a more modern stadium. Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, the atmosphere is electric.
  • Indulge in Chicago's Food Scene: Chicago is a food lover's paradise, with a diverse culinary scene that caters to every taste. Of course, you have to try deep-dish pizza, but don't stop there. Explore the city's many ethnic neighborhoods, sample delicious street food, and indulge in world-class dining. From Michelin-starred restaurants to casual eateries, Chicago has it all.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to finding the best flights from Newark to Chicago using Google Flights. Remember to be flexible with your dates, consider alternative airports, track prices, and explore all your options. And once you arrive in Chicago, get ready to experience an amazing city with something for everyone. Happy travels, guys!