Chicago To Newark Flights: Your Google Flights Guide

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey guys! Planning a trip from the Windy City to the Garden State? Let's talk about finding the best flights from Chicago to Newark using Google Flights. It's a super handy tool, and I'm going to walk you through all the ins and outs to make sure you snag the best deal possible. We'll cover everything from searching efficiently to understanding price trends and even some sneaky tips to save some extra cash. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Why Use Google Flights?

Google Flights is a powerful and user-friendly tool that helps you search for and compare flights from various airlines. It's not an airline or travel agency itself; instead, it aggregates data from numerous sources to give you a comprehensive overview of available flights, prices, and routes. Here's why it's a great option for finding flights from Chicago to Newark:

Comprehensive Search: Google Flights pulls data from a vast network of airlines, giving you a wide range of options to choose from. This increases your chances of finding the best flight that fits your schedule and budget.
Price Tracking: One of the coolest features is the ability to track prices for your desired route. Google Flights will send you email notifications when the price changes, so you can jump on the deal when it's right.
Flexible Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, Google Flights has a calendar view that shows you the cheapest days to fly. This can result in significant savings.
Easy Comparison: It allows you to easily compare different flights based on price, duration, layovers, and other factors. This makes it simple to find the optimal flight for your needs.
Explore Feature: The "Explore" feature lets you see flight prices to various destinations within a specified region or timeframe. This can be useful if you're open to alternative destinations or want to find the cheapest place to fly.

How to Search for Chicago to Newark Flights on Google Flights

Okay, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to search for flights from Chicago to Newark using Google Flights:

Go to Google Flights: Open your web browser and go to the Google Flights website.
Enter Your Departure and Arrival Cities: In the departure field, type "Chicago." You'll see a list of Chicago airports appear; select the one you prefer (e.g., O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW)). In the arrival field, type "Newark" and select Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Select Your Dates: Click on the departure date field to open the calendar. Choose your desired departure and return dates. If you're flexible, use the calendar view to see which days offer the lowest prices. Google Flights highlights the cheapest dates in green.
Specify the Number of Passengers: Indicate the number of adults, children, and infants traveling. This will ensure you get accurate pricing for your group.
Choose Your Cabin Class: Select your preferred cabin class (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class). Keep in mind that flying in a higher cabin class will significantly increase the price.
Click Search: Once you've entered all the necessary information, click the "Search" button. Google Flights will then display a list of available flights that match your criteria.

Understanding the Search Results

After you hit that search button, you'll be presented with a list of flight options. Here’s how to make sense of it all:

Sorting and Filtering: At the top of the search results, you'll see options to sort the flights by "Best," "Price," "Departure time," or "Duration." You can also use the filter options on the left-hand side to narrow down your results based on:
- Stops: Choose whether you want non-stop flights, one-stop flights, or flights with multiple stops.
- Airlines: Select your preferred airlines.
- Price: Set a maximum price to stay within your budget.
- Departure/Arrival Times: Specify your preferred departure and arrival times.
- Flight Duration: Limit the maximum flight duration.
Price Graph: Google Flights provides a price graph that shows you how the price of the flight varies over time. This can help you identify the best time to book your flight.
Track Prices: Click the "Track prices" button to receive email notifications whenever the price of the flight changes. This is a great way to monitor prices and book when you find a good deal.

Tips and Tricks for Finding the Best Deals

Alright, let's dive into some pro tips to help you score the cheapest flights from Chicago to Newark:

Be Flexible with Your Dates: If you can adjust your travel dates, you can often find better deals. Use the Google Flights calendar view to identify the cheapest days to fly. Sometimes, flying a day earlier or later can save you a significant amount of money.
Consider Alternative Airports: Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW). Newark is also close to other airports like LaGuardia (LGA) and JFK in New York. Check flight prices to and from these alternative airports to see if you can find a better deal. However, factor in the cost and time of traveling to and from these airports.
Fly on Off-Peak Days: Generally, flights are cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays, as these are typically the most expensive days.
Book in Advance (But Not Too Early): The sweet spot for booking domestic flights is usually 2-3 months in advance. Booking too early (e.g., more than six months in advance) may not always result in the best price, as airlines' pricing algorithms are still adjusting.
Set Price Alerts: Use the "Track prices" feature on Google Flights to receive email notifications when the price of your desired flight changes. This will help you stay informed and book when you find a good deal.
Check for Budget Airlines: While Google Flights includes many airlines, it's worth checking budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier separately. These airlines may offer lower fares, but be sure to factor in any additional fees for baggage, seat selection, and other extras.
Consider Layovers: Non-stop flights are convenient but often more expensive. Consider flights with layovers, as they can sometimes be significantly cheaper. Just make sure the layover time is reasonable to avoid missing your connecting flight.
Use Incognito Mode: Some people believe that airlines track your searches and increase prices accordingly. While this is debatable, it doesn't hurt to use incognito mode or clear your browser's cookies and cache before searching for flights.
Check Package Deals: Sometimes, booking a flight and hotel together as a package can be cheaper than booking them separately. Check travel websites like Expedia, Kayak, or Priceline for package deals from Chicago to Newark.

Understanding Price Trends

Knowing when to book can make a huge difference. Here's a breakdown of general price trends for flights from Chicago to Newark:

Seasonality: Prices tend to be higher during peak travel seasons, such as summer (June-August) and holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's). If possible, avoid traveling during these times or book well in advance.
Day of the Week: As mentioned earlier, flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often cheaper. Flights on Fridays and Sundays are typically the most expensive.
Time of Day: Early morning or late-night flights can sometimes be cheaper than flights during the day.
Events and Festivals: If there's a major event or festival in Newark, flight prices may increase. Be aware of any upcoming events and book accordingly.

Booking Your Flight

Once you've found the perfect flight, it's time to book! Google Flights doesn't sell flights directly; instead, it redirects you to the airline's website or an online travel agency to complete the booking process. Here's what you need to do:

Select Your Flight: Choose the flight that you want to book and click the "Select" button.
Choose Your Booking Option: Google Flights will present you with different booking options, such as booking directly with the airline or through an online travel agency. Select your preferred option.
Enter Your Passenger Information: You'll be redirected to the airline's website or the online travel agency's website. Enter your passenger information, including your name, date of birth, and contact details.
Select Your Seats: Choose your preferred seats, if available. Some airlines charge extra for seat selection.
Add Any Extras: Add any extras that you want, such as baggage allowance, travel insurance, or car rental.
Review Your Booking: Carefully review your booking details to ensure everything is correct.
Enter Your Payment Information: Enter your payment information and complete the booking process.
Receive Confirmation: You'll receive a confirmation email with your flight details and booking reference number. Keep this email for your records.

Before You Fly

Okay, you've booked your flight! Here are a few things to take care of before you head to the airport:

Check Your Flight Status: On the day of your flight, check the flight status to ensure there are no delays or cancellations.
Check-In Online: Check in online to save time at the airport. You can usually check in online 24 hours before your flight.
Pack Your Bags: Pack your bags according to the airline's baggage allowance. Be sure to check the airline's website for the latest baggage restrictions.
Arrive at the Airport Early: Arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight to allow plenty of time for check-in, security, and boarding.
Have Your Documents Ready: Have your passport or ID and boarding pass ready when you go through security and boarding.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Finding the best flights from Chicago to Newark using Google Flights is all about being informed, flexible, and strategic. By following these tips and tricks, you can snag a great deal and enjoy a smooth trip from the Midwest to the East Coast. Happy travels, folks! And remember to always double-check the latest travel advisories and airline policies before you fly.