American Airlines Launches Twice Daily E175 Flights Between Chicago and Chattanooga

Key Takeaways

• American Airlines starts twice-daily Embraer E175 flights Chicago-Chattanooga on October 6, 2025.
• Flights operated by Republic Airways under American Eagle with 76-seat dual-class jets.
• Competition with United likely lowers fares and increases flight options for travelers.

American Airlines Expands Regional Service: Twice-Daily Embraer E175 Flights Between Chicago and Chattanooga

American Airlines has announced a major expansion of its regional network, introducing twice-daily Embraer E175 flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA). The new service, set to begin on October 6, 2025, will be operated by Republic Airways under the American Eagle brand. This move not only increases travel options for passengers but also brings new competition to a route currently served by United Airlines. The expansion is part of American Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen its presence at Chicago O’Hare and offer more premium and flexible travel options.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, the local community, and the airline industry, while also providing practical information for those planning to use this new service.

What’s Changing: Key Details of the New Service

Who: American Airlines, with flights operated by Republic Airways as American Eagle
What: Launch of twice-daily Embraer E175 flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
When: Service begins October 6, 2025
Where: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
Why: To increase capacity, improve connectivity, and offer more premium options from American’s Chicago hub
How: By deploying the Embraer E175, a modern 76-seat regional jet, and directly competing with United Airlines on this route

Flight Schedule and Aircraft Details

The new flights will run two round-trips daily in each direction. Here’s the planned schedule:

Aircraft: Embraer E175
Seats: 76 (dual-class configuration, meaning both economy and first class)
Flight Time: About 1 hour 36 minutes from Chicago to Chattanooga, and 2 hours from Chattanooga to Chicago
Fares: As of May 2025, round-trip fares start at $159 in economy, but prices can change depending on the date and how early you book

Why This Matters: Implications for Passengers and the Region

More Choices and Better Prices for Travelers

With American Airlines joining United Airlines on this route, passengers will have more flight options and greater flexibility in choosing travel times. Increased competition often leads to lower fares and better service, as airlines try to attract more customers. For travelers flying between Chicago and Chattanooga, this means:

• More daily flights to choose from
• Potential for lower ticket prices due to competition
• Improved schedule flexibility for business and leisure trips
• Access to American Airlines’ loyalty program (AAdvantage®), allowing frequent flyers to earn and use miles

Boost for Chattanooga’s Economy and Connectivity

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport will benefit from enhanced connectivity to a major hub like Chicago O’Hare International Airport. This makes it easier for local businesses to connect with partners and clients in Chicago and beyond, and it supports tourism by making the city more accessible. Improved air service can help attract new companies, support local jobs, and encourage investment in the region.

Strengthening American Airlines’ Position at Chicago O’Hare

For American Airlines, this move is part of a larger plan to expand at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The airline is increasing the number of daily flights and adding more premium seats, aiming for up to 480 daily flights and a 25% increase in seats for summer 2025. By adding the Chattanooga route, American Airlines is:

• Expanding its regional network
• Making better use of its new Embraer E175 aircraft
• Challenging United Airlines’ dominance on this route
• Offering more options for connecting flights through Chicago O’Hare

What About United Airlines?

United Airlines, which has been the only airline flying directly between Chicago and Chattanooga, now faces direct competition. This could lead United to adjust its own schedules, lower fares, or improve its service to keep customers. For travelers, this competition is usually a good thing, as it encourages both airlines to offer better value.

The Embraer E175: What Passengers Can Expect

The Embraer E175 is a modern regional jet known for its comfort and efficiency. Here’s what you can expect when flying on this aircraft:

• 76 seats arranged in a dual-class layout (economy and first class)
• No middle seats—all seats are either window or aisle, making for a more comfortable ride
• Spacious overhead bins for carry-on luggage
• Quieter cabin compared to older regional jets
• Modern amenities such as power outlets and Wi-Fi on many flights

American Airlines has shown a strong commitment to this aircraft, with a recent order for up to 133 Embraer E175s (90 firm orders and 43 options as of March 2024). This means passengers can expect to see more of these jets on regional routes in the future.

Booking and Travel: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re planning to use the new service, here’s how the process works:

1. Booking Your Flight

• Visit the American Airlines website (aa.com), use the mobile app, or contact a travel agent
• Search for flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)
• Choose your preferred dates and times—the new flights will appear in the schedule starting October 6, 2025
• Select your seat and fare class (economy or first class)
• Complete your booking and receive your confirmation

2. Checking In

• Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure at aa.com
• You can also check in using the American Airlines mobile app or at airport kiosks
• Print your boarding pass or download it to your phone

3. Baggage and Fees

• Standard American Airlines baggage policies apply
• Carry-on bags are included with most fares, but checked bags may have fees
• Check the latest baggage rules and fees on the official American Airlines baggage page

4. Loyalty Program Benefits

• AAdvantage® members earn miles and Loyalty Points on these flights
• Elite members may enjoy perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access
• Miles can be redeemed for future flights, upgrades, or other rewards

5. At the Airport

• Arrive early to allow time for security and boarding
• Follow signs for American Airlines gates at both Chicago O’Hare and Chattanooga airports
• Board your flight and enjoy the journey on the Embraer E175

Broader Context: Why American Airlines Is Expanding at Chicago O’Hare

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States 🇺🇸 and a key hub for American Airlines. The airline has been steadily increasing its presence there, adding new routes and more flights to meet growing demand for both business and leisure travel.

Key reasons for the expansion:

• Growing demand for regional and domestic travel as people return to flying after the pandemic
• Need for more premium seats and flexible schedules to attract business travelers
• Desire to compete more effectively with United Airlines, which also has a large hub at O’Hare
• Modernization of the fleet, with the Embraer E175 replacing older, less efficient regional jets

As reported by VisaVerge.com, American Airlines’ investment in new aircraft and expanded service at Chicago O’Hare is part of a long-term plan to strengthen its network and offer better options for travelers.

What Industry Experts Are Saying

Aviation analysts see the addition of twice-daily Embraer E175 service as a smart move for American Airlines. The E175 is popular with passengers for its comfort and with airlines for its fuel efficiency and reliability. By adding more flights on key regional routes, American can:

• Attract more business travelers who need flexible schedules
• Offer better connections to its global network through Chicago O’Hare
• Respond to changing travel patterns as more people fly for both work and leisure

Experts also note that increased competition on regional routes usually benefits consumers. When two major airlines compete, passengers often see lower fares, more flight choices, and improved service.

Multiple Perspectives: Who Benefits?

Passengers

• More flight options and flexibility
• Potential for lower prices due to competition
• Access to loyalty program benefits
• Improved comfort on modern Embraer E175 jets

Business Community

• Easier access to Chicago’s global business network
• Better connections for meetings, conferences, and trade
• Support for local economic growth in Chattanooga

Airline Industry

• Increased competition encourages innovation and better service
• Fleet modernization with efficient aircraft like the Embraer E175
• Potential for further expansion if demand continues to grow

Local Airports

• More passengers traveling through both Chicago O’Hare and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
• Increased revenue from airport services and concessions
• Greater visibility for Chattanooga as a destination

Historical Background: The ORD-CHA Route

The route between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport has long been served by United Airlines. American Airlines’ entry marks a significant change, bringing new competition and more choices for travelers. Over the past few years, American has focused on expanding its regional network, especially as demand for domestic travel has rebounded.

The Embraer E175 has become a key part of American’s regional fleet, operated by partners like Republic Airways. The aircraft’s comfort and efficiency make it ideal for routes like ORD-CHA, where travelers value both convenience and a pleasant flying experience.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for American Airlines and the ORD-CHA Route?

Fleet Expansion

American Airlines’ recent order for up to 133 Embraer E175s signals a strong commitment to regional growth. Passengers can expect to see more routes served by these jets in the coming years.

Potential for More Flights

If demand for travel between Chicago and Chattanooga continues to rise, American could add more flights or use larger aircraft. This would further improve connectivity and options for travelers.

Competitive Response

United Airlines may respond to American’s entry by adjusting its own schedules, lowering fares, or offering new services. This ongoing competition is likely to benefit passengers.

Broader Network Growth

American Airlines is also adding new domestic and international routes from Chicago O’Hare in 2025, showing continued investment in the hub and a focus on meeting the needs of travelers.

Practical Information and Resources

For those interested in booking or learning more about the new service, here are some helpful resources:

• American Airlines Official Website: aa.com
• Flight Schedules and Booking: aa.com/en-us/flights-from-chicago-to-chattanooga
• Press Releases and Updates: news.aa.com
• Customer Service: 1-800-433-7300 (U.S. reservations and information)
• Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport: Official CHA Website

For the latest information on flights, fares, and travel policies, always check the airline’s official website or contact customer service.

For official information about U.S. air travel regulations and passenger rights, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection page.

Takeaways and Next Steps

• American Airlines is launching twice-daily Embraer E175 flights between Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport starting October 6, 2025.
• Travelers will benefit from more options, better schedules, and the potential for lower fares.
• The move supports economic growth in Chattanooga and strengthens American’s position at Chicago O’Hare.
• Passengers can book flights now and should check for the latest schedules and fares.
• Competition between American Airlines and United Airlines is expected to improve service and value for everyone flying this route.

Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or planning a visit to Chattanooga, this new service offers more flexibility and comfort. Keep an eye on both airlines for updates, special fares, and further improvements as the launch date approaches.

Learn Today

Embraer E175 → A modern regional jet with 76 seats configured in economy and first class for comfort.
American Eagle → Brand under which regional flights are operated by partner airlines like Republic Airways.
Republic Airways → Airline partner operating Embraer E175 flights on behalf of American Airlines.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport → Major US airport hub in Chicago serving domestic and international flights.
AAdvantage® → American Airlines’ frequent flyer program offering miles and travel benefits to members.

This Article in a Nutshell

American Airlines expands regional service launching twice-daily Embraer E175 flights between Chicago O’Hare and Chattanooga. Starting October 2025, this boosts travel options, enhances connectivity, and intensifies competition with United Airlines. Passengers benefit from modern jets, flexible schedules, and potential fare decreases on this strategic route.
— By VisaVerge.com