Actually I did try Kayak and SWA websites and it looks like either way you're going to pay around $270 tax included for a round trip.

I used the hypothetical dates of 2/27 - 3/2/12.

One charge you won't have with Southwest is bag fees. Where I know United, Continental, American, etc. do charge for them.

Kayak is a great site though and let's you compare ALOT of websites (Hotwire, Expedia, plus indididual Airline sites) at the same time.

Maybe you can do better from a different DC area airport into either O'Hare or Midway, but I didn't check them.

Best of Luck!

Chiguy

I am looking at airfare to come into Chicago and southwest seems a little high.
Does anyone know a good cost saving airline to use,
from bwi, nonstop if possible.
pm, or email me

thanks..
Cecilia of DC

Don't forget luggage fees....also keep in mind that if you are intending on staying downtown, Southwest flies into Midway which is a hell of a lot of a cheaper taxi fare than from O'Hara.
Since I always stay downtown I stick with Southwest....works best for me.

seats are smaller than other airlines 2 bottles of water and 2cans of cranberry juice 1 muffin
$32.00

Personally, I hate those lil azz airplanes some other airline give discounts on.  At least with SWA they fly 737s and from BWI, its a decent schedule.  I used to fly that route a minimum of twice per month. You at least know what you are getting from Southwest.