2025 Updated Guide
Cheap Flights From Chicago to UAE (2025 Guide)
Midwest travelers have two excellent direct options to the UAE. We compare Emirates (to Dubai) and Etihad (to Abu Dhabi) from O'Hare.
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Quick Cost & Trip Summary
| Flight Time | 13h 45m (Direct) |
| Cheapest Month | March & November |
| Most Expensive | Summer (June-Aug) |
| Avg Cost (Direct) | $950 - $1400 |
| Budget Option | Turkish / Qatar Airways |
# Emirates (DXB) vs Etihad (AUH)
Chicago is one of the few US cities with direct flights to BOTH major UAE hubs.
Emirates (to Dubai)
- • Flies to DXB (City Center)
- • Boeing 777 Service
- • Better if staying in Downtown/Marina
- • Often slightly pricier
Etihad (to Abu Dhabi)
- • Flies to AUH (1h from Dubai)
- • Airbus A350/B787 (Quieter)
- • Free coach to Dubai
- • Often cheaper + US Preclearance!
# Best Time to Book
For Chicago departures, booking 3 months out is ideal. Winter flights (Jan-Mar) offer the best value as tourism to Chicago drops, often leading to reduced outbound fares.
# Traveler Tips for ORD to UAE
US Preclearance in Abu Dhabi
If you fly Etihad back to Chicago, you clear US Customs IN Abu Dhabi. When you land at ORD, you walk out like a domestic passenger. Huge time saver.