New York City, a global icon, captivates travellers with its cultural tapestry, historical landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere. From the iconic Empire State Building piercing the skyline to the artistic haven of Greenwich Village, the city offers a diverse range of experiences. Its rich history, evident in neighbourhoods like Brooklyn and the Financial District, complements its modern dynamism, reflected in the dazzling lights of Times Square and the cutting-edge architecture of Hudson Yards. Whether you seek world-class museums, Broadway shows, or serene parks, New York City has something for everyone.

The average direct flight from Chicago to New York City takes around 2 hours, but this can vary depending on weather conditions, air traffic, and the specific aircraft used. Major airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines operate numerous daily direct flights, offering frequent services throughout the week. You won't typically need a stopover on these direct routes.

While direct flights are the fastest way to reach your destination, alternative routes exist with layovers in various cities. However, these routes typically increase overall travel time significantly. The ideal months for budget travellers to fly are January, February, and March when airfares are typically lower. Booking your flight 2-3 months in advance usually secures the best deals, though prices fluctuate due to seasonal demand. Peak travel times are during the summer months and around major holidays, while quieter periods include January and February. The weather influences the overall travel experience; summer brings warm temperatures ideal for outdoor exploration but can be hot and humid, while winter offers a colder, festive experience but also tends to be less crowded.

New York City experiences distinct seasons. Summers are warm, with average highs between 27°C and 29°C from June to August, and can be humid. Winters are cold, with average highs between 4°C and 7°C from December to February, and often experience snowfall. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer milder temperatures, making them pleasant times to visit, with average highs ranging from 11°C to 22°C. Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves in summer and blizzards in winter, are possible but infrequent.

Chicago boasts three major airports that handle commercial flights: O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, and Chicago Executive Airport.

O'Hare International Airport

Opened in 1943, O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports globally, serving millions of passengers annually. A major hub for numerous airlines, it features many terminals and offers a wide variety of flights to domestic and international destinations. It has undergone numerous renovations throughout its history to maintain its status as a modern and efficient airport.

Midway International Airport

Midway International Airport is another significant airport in Chicago. Smaller than O'Hare, it still serves a large number of passengers, primarily for domestic flights. While it doesn't offer the same range of international destinations as O'Hare, it's known for its efficient operations and convenient location. This airport also had various renovation projects throughout its history.

Chicago Executive Airport

Chicago Executive Airport serves primarily general aviation and corporate flights, but also some commercial services. It caters to a different segment of travellers and is often favoured for private or charter flights.

Main airlines for this route

• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines

New York City is served by several major airports, namely John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

JFK, one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, offers flights to countless destinations globally. A major international hub, JFK has multiple terminals and is equipped with modern facilities. From JFK, you can reach the city centre using public transportation such as the AirTrain JFK which connects to the subway system, taxis, and car hire services.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA)

LaGuardia Airport is primarily a domestic airport but also handles some international flights. It is known for its convenient location closer to Manhattan compared to JFK. You can use various methods to travel from LGA to the city centre, including public transport, like the MTA bus system, taxis, ride-sharing services, and car rentals.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)

While located in New Jersey, Newark Liberty International Airport serves as a significant airport for New York City. It's another major hub for many airlines and provides access to both domestic and international flights. You can easily access the city centre from EWR through public transport (such as the AirTrain Newark which connects to the NJ Transit train network), taxis, ride-sharing, and rental cars.

New York City, a melting pot of cultures and attractions, offers an unforgettable travel experience.

• Explore Central Park: Escape the urban hustle and enjoy the lush greenery, iconic Bethesda Fountain, and numerous walking paths.
• Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island: Embark on a ferry journey to witness this iconic symbol of freedom and explore the history of immigration at Ellis Island.
• Experience Broadway: Immerse yourself in the magic of live theatre, enjoying world-class productions in the heart of the theatre district.