Honestly, the Denver-to-Chicago run is one of those routes that feels like a suburban commute if you do it often enough. But today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, the vibe at Denver International Airport (DEN) is a bit different than your average summer Tuesday. We’re deep into the January freeze, and when you're looking at Denver to Chicago flights today, the weather in both the Rockies and the Great Lakes starts to dictate your schedule more than the airlines do.
If you’re sitting at a gate right now or just about to head for the A, B, or C gates, here’s the ground truth.
The Current State of Denver to Chicago Flights Today
Most flights are pushing back on time this morning. Denver’s de-icing crews are basically world-class at this point, so even if there’s a dusting on the wings, they move fast. United and Southwest are doing the heavy lifting today, as they usually do.
United alone has a massive presence with flights like UA 1377 and UA 2430 leaving earlier this morning, and several more stacked for the afternoon. If you’re on the 1:30 PM MST departure (UA 617), that’s a Boeing 757-300—a bit of a "flying pencil," but it handles the crosswinds at O'Hare pretty well.
Who’s Flying and Where Are They Landing?
You basically have two choices for the Windy City. Most people default to O’Hare (ORD), but don't sleep on Midway (MDW).
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- United Airlines: Dominates the ORD route. They have a massive hub-to-hub connection here.
- Southwest Airlines: They are the kings of Midway. If you're heading to the South Side or the Loop, MDW is often faster.
- American Airlines: Running several daily nonstops to ORD, usually using Airbus A319s or Boeing 737s.
- Frontier Airlines: The budget option. They have a few flights today, like F9 3172, but they sometimes use older A321s that can be a bit snug if you're tall.
Why Today’s Schedule Might Feel "Off"
January 13th is smack in the middle of the post-holiday slump. Airlines have slightly trimmed their schedules compared to the December rush. You might notice fewer "overflow" flights.
The average flight time today is clocking in around 2 hours and 23 minutes. That’s actually pretty fast. You’ve got some decent tailwinds pushing across the plains right now. I’ve seen some flights landing 15 minutes early because the jet stream is sitting right over Nebraska, giving the pilots a nice little nudge.
Dealing with the "Denver Delay"
Even if the sky is blue at DIA, you can get "gate held." This happens when O’Hare gets congested. Chicago is currently dealing with its own winter rhythm. Since O'Hare is one of the busiest airports on the planet, if they have to slow down landing rates due to visibility or snow removal, you’ll be sitting on the tarmac in Denver waiting for a "slot."
Real-Talk on Prices and Availability
If you’re trying to book a last-minute seat for a Denver to Chicago flight today, you’re probably going to pay the "procrastination tax."
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Typically, this route fluctuates between $165 and $350 for a standard economy seat. Frontier sometimes drops as low as $84, but by the time you add a carry-on bag, you’re often back in the United price range. Honestly, if you see a seat for under $200 today, grab it.
The Midway vs. O'Hare Debate
MDW is roughly 895 miles from DEN. ORD is about 892. It's a wash on distance. However, MDW (Southwest's turf) is often much easier to navigate. You can get from the gate to the Uber pickup in about 10 minutes. O'Hare? You might be walking for half an hour just to find the "L" train or the shuttle to the rental car center.
Surviving DIA Today
If you're heading to the airport now, the security lines at Denver have been... adventurous lately. Even with the new West Security checkpoint fully operational, the Tuesday morning rush can be deceptively long.
- Check the Bridge Security: If you’re flying United (Gate A) or just want a shorter walk, the Bridge Security on the north end of the main terminal is often faster than the "big" lines.
- The Train Factor: The train from the terminal to the gates is reliable, but it’s crowded. If you’re on a Frontier or Southwest flight (Gate C), give yourself an extra 10 minutes just for the transit.
- Food Options: If you have time in Denver, Root Down in Concourse C is the go-to for actual human-quality food. In Chicago? Just wait until you get to the city and get some real deep dish—or a Portillo’s hot dog if you’re at ORD.
Actionable Tips for Your Flight
Don't just stare at the departure board. Use the tools available to keep yourself from getting stranded.
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- Download the FlightAware app. It often updates faster than the airline's own app. It’ll tell you where your incoming plane is coming from. If your plane is stuck in San Francisco, your flight to Chicago isn't leaving on time.
- Track the tail number. If you’re a real nerd, look up the tail number of your aircraft. You can see if it’s had mechanical issues earlier in the day.
- Check the "Inbound" status. In the United or American app, look for "Where is my plane coming from?" This is the single most important piece of data for a traveler.
If you’re on the fence about which flight to take later tonight, the 9:00 PM United flight is usually the one most likely to be delayed by cascading issues from earlier in the day. The 6:00 AM and 7:50 AM flights are the safest bets for on-time arrivals.
Safe travels on your way to the 312. Keep an eye on the wind speeds at O'Hare, and maybe pack a heavier coat than you think you need—that lake effect wind is no joke.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check your specific flight number on the official Denver International Airport departures page to see which gate you're assigned to before you even leave for the airport. If you're flying Southwest, remember to check in exactly 24 hours (or as soon as possible if you're late) to avoid the dreaded "C" boarding group.