Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Columbia (CAE)

Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Columbia (CAE)
Origin airport
O'Hare Intl.
Destination airport
Columbia Metropolitan
Distance
665 mi

Chicago to Columbia Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chicago to Columbia

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Chicago to Columbia are during the month of . You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chicago to Columbia with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Columbia

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago to Columbia: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Chicago to Columbia

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Chicago to Columbia in 2025. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Chicago to Columbia flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Chicago to Columbia airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to fly from O'Hare Airport to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)?
A direct flight with United Airlines takes about 2 hours and 3 minutes. Take the 5:58PM flight from ORD and land at Columbia Metropolitan Airport at 9:01PM. Walk away with a superb deal on this and many other routes when you book your fare with Expedia.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from O'Hare Airport to Columbia Metropolitan Airport last minute?
Being spontaneous is a great way to travel the globe, but it isn’t necessarily the smartest way to find a bargain flight. Consider booking your O’Hare Airport to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) trip well in advance rather than waiting till the last minute. Based on flight pricing and demand studies in 2022, we have found that the best time to book domestic flights is between 28 – 35 days ahead of the departure date, and international flights three to four months in advance. Leave your spontaneity for when you get to your destination!
What airports do you fly into for Columbia from Chicago?
With Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), Sumter, SC (SSC-Shaw Air Force Base) and Aiken, SC (AIK-Aiken Municipal) to pick from, traveling from Chicago to Columbia is no sweat. The city’s major gateway, Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE), is around 7 mi southwest of the downtown area. Apart from the price of tickets, consider factors like public transportation options from the airport and the distance to your hotel before making your choice. Get your Columbia adventure off to a superb start by discovering University of South Carolina and South Carolina State House.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from O'Hare Airport to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)?
Between 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM is the busiest time for United Airlines flights from ORD to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). Our top tip? Get up and away in the morning. With air traffic yet to build up around airports, your chances of catching a delay-free flight are higher.
Can I change the date of my flight from O'Hare Airport to Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE)?
Plans can get upended, so Expedia is here to help make things as simple as possible. To start, find your O’Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) to Columbia Metropolitan Airport itinerary through the Expedia Trips portal and look up the fare rules and conditions to see if you can make changes. If you purchased your airfare in the last 24 hours, some airlines will let you cancel without charge and book new flights. If you booked more than 24 hours ago, get in touch with us via our Customer Service portal to see how we can assist.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

*Available to One Key members.