Chicago Flights West - Snowboarding Forum

Alt_Reality · 06-24-2011, 11:02 PM

So I might be moving to Chicago from New Jersey before next winter starts and I thought one of the benefits would be cheaper flights to SLC, DEN, and JAC but it's actually the opposite. A quick survey of December flights from Chicago to those airports revealed they're MORE expensive. Anyone know what gives? I'm gonna throw out a theory that skier/snowboarder air-travel demand from Chicago is higher due to proximity to the Western states and the lack of quality alternatives you can drive to like resorts in Upstate NY and Vermont.

After years of flying though, flight pricing rarely ever makes sense to me.

snowvols · 06-24-2011, 11:32 PM

It is much more expensive it seems to fly into SLC. When I lived back in Tennessee it was much cheaper to fly in DEN than SLC. I do know flying into SLC is expensive for some odd reason. I know when I fly for work or personal CHI normally is a hub so I would think it would be cheapish.

AcroPhile · 06-27-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alt_Reality

So I might be moving to Chicago from New Jersey before next winter starts and I thought one of the benefits would be cheaper flights to SLC, DEN, and JAC but it's actually the opposite. A quick survey of December flights from Chicago to those airports revealed they're MORE expensive. Anyone know what gives? I'm gonna throw out a theory that skier/snowboarder air-travel demand from Chicago is higher due to proximity to the Western states and the lack of quality alternatives you can drive to like resorts in Upstate NY and Vermont.

After years of flying though, flight pricing rarely ever makes sense to me.

I fly in between Chicago and Denver somewhat frequently (4-5 times a year). Usually tickets can be found for 180-230 dollar range. Obvious exceptions are around the winter holiday period and Thanksgiving. If you choose to fly during those periods expect to pay $400+ . All other times of the year, airfare seems to be quite reasonable. I flew out to chicago for Easter for $199, and my parents are coming to visit me in July and they found tickets for $230 each.

Alt_Reality · 06-27-2011, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AcroPhile

I fly in between Chicago and Denver somewhat frequently (4-5 times a year). Usually tickets can be found for 180-230 dollar range. Obvious exceptions are around the winter holiday period and Thanksgiving. If you choose to fly during those periods expect to pay $400+ . All other times of the year, airfare seems to be quite reasonable. I flew out to chicago for Easter for $199, and my parents are coming to visit me in July and they found tickets for $230 each.

Cool, yeah thanks. I hope those prices come back around for the times I checked (early December). Most non-Holiday flights from Newark to Denver are usually around 240 to 299 so that would be a nice bit of coin saved. Also hoping my days on long ass red-eye flights back from the West and straight into work are over!

Alt_Reality · 06-27-2011, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowvols

It is much more expensive it seems to fly into SLC. When I lived back in Tennessee it was much cheaper to fly in DEN than SLC. I do know flying into SLC is expensive for some odd reason. I know when I fly for work or personal CHI normally is a hub so I would think it would be cheapish.

I noticed that too. From the 2004-07 seasons, I went to SLC. Last few seasons, the prices went a little ridiculous there so I went to JH, Colorado and Tahoe. Of course, lift ticket discounts and lodging in the SLC valley are usually a steal so probably evens out anyway.

Steez · 06-28-2011, 03:15 PM

im from illinois been living here for like 8 yrs so i use the chi airports every year.. there's no real reason just theyr expensive airports it sucks :S

Norman426 · 09-18-2011, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alt_Reality

I noticed that too. From the 2004-07 seasons, I went to SLC. Last few seasons, the prices went a little ridiculous there so I went to JH, Colorado and Tahoe. Of course, lift ticket discounts and lodging in the SLC valley are usually a steal so probably evens out anyway.

So true on evening out. I went to SLC last year for 5 days for what I paid to go to CO for 4,
The more people ya go with really helps alot too. Usually I find flights and SUV for around 350. I fly out of MSP and booked a tues-sat night flight during the Xgames to denver 163. Drive to vail and spend 300 on lift tickets.

do some searching and find some great deals!

dreamintoaction · 01-04-2012, 10:08 AM

Im in NYC and actually flying out to chicago this weekend. i found $29 fares on spirit and southwest even had $49 airfare on the NY side. It seems that we get way more deals here as theres so many airports and a huge amount of travelers. My bf is flying from SF to Chicago and his flights started at $99 being the cheapest.

Id imagine depending on where youre flying you can find reasonable flights - but im guessing that a lot of times youd still be able to find cheaper airfare from the nyc options.

easton714 · 01-04-2012, 10:18 AM

Southwest to Denver out of Midway.

Board flies free...

dreamintoaction · 01-04-2012, 10:26 AM

im liking southwest a lot lately - as they havent yet decided to charge for luggage and other things. id avoid virgin as theyd prob try and find a way to charge you an enormous amount (then again i dont think virgin america
flies out of chicago?) - but if youre in NYC and find a cheap fare on Virgin - be warned.

06-24-2011, 11:02 PM	#1 (permalink)
Alt_Reality Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: New Jersey Posts: 35	Chicago Flights West So I might be moving to Chicago from New Jersey before next winter starts and I thought one of the benefits would be cheaper flights to SLC, DEN, and JAC but it's actually the opposite. A quick survey of December flights from Chicago to those airports revealed they're MORE expensive. Anyone know what gives? I'm gonna throw out a theory that skier/snowboarder air-travel demand from Chicago is higher due to proximity to the Western states and the lack of quality alternatives you can drive to like resorts in Upstate NY and Vermont. After years of flying though, flight pricing rarely ever makes sense to me.

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06-24-2011, 11:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
snowvols Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 1,388	It is much more expensive it seems to fly into SLC. When I lived back in Tennessee it was much cheaper to fly in DEN than SLC. I do know flying into SLC is expensive for some odd reason. I know when I fly for work or personal CHI normally is a hub so I would think it would be cheapish.

06-28-2011, 03:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
Steez Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 179	im from illinois been living here for like 8 yrs so i use the chi airports every year.. there's no real reason just theyr expensive airports it sucks :S

01-04-2012, 10:08 AM	#8 (permalink)
dreamintoaction Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 3	Im in NYC and actually flying out to chicago this weekend. i found $29 fares on spirit and southwest even had $49 airfare on the NY side. It seems that we get way more deals here as theres so many airports and a huge amount of travelers. My bf is flying from SF to Chicago and his flights started at $99 being the cheapest. Id imagine depending on where youre flying you can find reasonable flights - but im guessing that a lot of times youd still be able to find cheaper airfare from the nyc options.

01-04-2012, 10:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
easton714 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 102	Southwest to Denver out of Midway. Board flies free...

01-04-2012, 10:26 AM	#10 (permalink)
dreamintoaction Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 3	im liking southwest a lot lately - as they havent yet decided to charge for luggage and other things. id avoid virgin as theyd prob try and find a way to charge you an enormous amount (then again i dont think virgin america flies out of chicago?) - but if youre in NYC and find a cheap fare on Virgin - be warned.