How long does it take to fly to Chicago?

Average flight duration from California to Chicago depends on which airport you fly into and out of. Flying from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is 3h 54m on average, while flying from Los Angeles to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is 3h 55m on average. Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is the most popular airport in Chicago.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from California to Chicago?

United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Southwest are the most popular carriers operating from California to Chicago

How many flights depart from California to Chicago on average per day?

As of July 2026, 238 flights take off from California and land in Chicago each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 10:00AM, with 49% of daily flights taking off at noon.

What airlines fly to Chicago?

American Airlines, United Airlines and Frontier are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Chicago from California according to our data. American Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 41% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to Chicago. Keep in mind that there are 8 different airlines that fly to Chicago on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

How many flights depart from California to Chicago on average per week?

As of July 2026, 1,666 flights take off from California and land in Chicago each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Tue, with 23% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to Chicago?

Prices for flights from California to Chicago are updated daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to Chicago?

The number of operators available for flights from California to Chicago is 8 as of July 2026.

How old do you have to be to fly from California to Chicago?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and layovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel from California to Chicago.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Chicago?

The travel and health documents you'll need for your trip to Chicago may differ based on your itinerary and personal situation. Typically, you should have several documents on hand, such as a national ID card or driver's license and a passport that is valid for six months after your intended arrival at Chicago. It is always advisable to seek advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.

$99 Cheap Flights from California to Chicago in 2026

Discover deals from 900+ travel sites with momondo.

Find the cheapest flights from California to Chicago

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

11:59 pm - 6:17 am

LAX

ORD

4h 18mnonstop

9:13 pm - 11:57 pm

ORD

LAX

4h 44mnonstop

$230Frontier

Sun, Aug 9 - Wed, Aug 12

12:07 pm - 5:37 am

LAX

ORD

15h 30m

1 stop

9:13 pm - 11:57 pm

ORD

LAX

4h 44mnonstop

$231Frontier

Tue, Jul 21 - Wed, Jul 29

6:50 am - 6:57 pm

LAS

ORD

10h 07m

1 stop

7:29 am - 9:37 am

ORD

LAS

4h 08mnonstop

$242Multiple Airlines

Fri, Aug 7 - Sat, Aug 8

12:56 pm - 7:02 pm

LAS

ORD

4h 06mnonstop

6:01 am - 12:04 pm

ORD

LAS

8h 03m

1 stop

$244Multiple Airlines

Fri, Aug 21 - Mon, Aug 24

7:00 am - 1:10 pm

ONT

ORD

4h 10mnonstop

8:06 pm - 10:35 pm

ORD

ONT

4h 29mnonstop

$283United Airlines

Wed, Sep 2 - Sat, Sep 5

1:06 pm - 9:33 pm

ONT

ORD

6h 27m

1 stop

1:50 pm - 8:07 pm

ORD

ONT

8h 17m

1 stop

$288Delta

Tue, Sep 1 - Thu, Sep 10

12:59 pm - 11:30 pm

ONT

ORD

8h 31m

1 stop

6:00 am - 1:31 pm

ORD

ONT

9h 31m

1 stop

$290American Airlines

Thu, Aug 13 - Thu, Aug 20

11:56 am - 11:29 pm

ONT

ORD

9h 33m

1 stop

6:00 am - 12:16 pm

ORD

ONT

8h 16m

2 stops

$293Delta

Mon, Aug 31 - Sat, Sep 5

4:20 pm - 12:59 am

ONT

ORD

6h 39m

1 stop

6:00 am - 12:47 pm

ORD

ONT

8h 47m

1 stop

$295United Airlines

Tue, Jul 21 - Sat, Jul 25

4:20 pm - 11:00 pm

SFO

ORD

4h 40mnonstop

5:05 pm - 7:48 pm

ORD

SFO

4h 43mnonstop

$321American Airlines

Tue, Aug 4 - Sat, Aug 8

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Frontier flights from California to Chicago

Our best Frontier deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

Frontier

Aug 15

LAX11:59 pmLos Angeles

4h 18m

ORD6:17 amChicago O'Hare Intl

Aug 19

ORD8:45 amChicago O'Hare Intl

15h 54m

2 stops

LAX10:39 pmLos Angeles

$230

Frontier

Jul 21

LAX12:07 pmLos Angeles

15h 30m

1 stop

ORD5:37 amChicago O'Hare Intl

Jul 29

ORD9:13 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 44m

LAX11:57 pmLos Angeles

$231

Frontier

Aug 10

LAX6:30 amLos Angeles

12h 22m

1 stop

ORD8:52 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Aug 12

ORD9:57 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

12h 33m

1 stop

LAX8:30 amLos Angeles

$232

United Airlines flights from California to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

United Airlines

Aug 17

LAS9:08 amLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

3h 52m

ORD3:00 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Aug 22

ORD11:00 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 07m

LAS1:07 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$267

United Airlines

Aug 18

LAS11:55 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

3h 30m

ORD5:25 amChicago O'Hare Intl

Aug 22

ORD8:40 amChicago O'Hare Intl

5h 46m

1 stop

LAS12:26 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$277

United Airlines

Jul 21

ONT4:20 pmOntario

6h 39m

1 stop

ORD12:59 amChicago O'Hare Intl

Jul 25

ORD6:00 amChicago O'Hare Intl

8h 47m

1 stop

ONT12:47 pmOntario

$295

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - ORD

LAXORD

Los Angeles

Sun 8/9

11:59 pm-6:17 am

Nonstop4h 18m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 8/12

9:13 pm-11:57 pm

Nonstop4h 44m

$230

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - ORD

LAXORD

Los Angeles

Tue 7/21

12:07 pm-5:37 am

1 stop15h 30m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 7/29

9:13 pm-11:57 pm

Nonstop4h 44m

$231

Las VegasChicago

LAS - ORD

LASORD

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Fri 8/7

6:50 am-6:57 pm

1 stop10h 07m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 8/8

7:29 am-9:37 am

Nonstop4h 08m

$242

Las VegasChicago

LAS - ORD

LASORD

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Fri 8/21

12:56 pm-7:02 pm

Nonstop4h 06m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 8/24

6:01 am-12:04 pm

1 stop8h 03m

$244

Quickest round-trip

OntarioChicago

ONT - ORD

ONTORD

Ontario

Wed 9/2

7:00 am-1:10 pm

Nonstop4h 10m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 9/5

8:06 pm-10:35 pm

Nonstop4h 29m

$283

OntarioChicago

ONT - ORD

ONTORD

Ontario

Tue 9/1

1:06 pm-9:33 pm

1 stop6h 27m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 9/10

1:50 pm-8:07 pm

1 stop8h 17m

$288

OntarioChicago

ONT - ORD

ONTORD

Ontario

Thu 8/13

12:59 pm-11:30 pm

1 stop8h 31m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 8/20

6:00 am-1:31 pm

1 stop9h 31m

$290

OntarioChicago

ONT - ORD

ONTORD

Ontario

Mon 8/31

11:56 am-11:29 pm

1 stop9h 33m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 9/5

6:00 am-12:16 pm

2 stops8h 16m

$293

OntarioChicago

ONT - ORD

ONTORD

Ontario

Tue 7/21

4:20 pm-12:59 am

1 stop6h 39m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 7/25

6:00 am-12:47 pm

1 stop8h 47m

$295

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Tue 8/4

4:20 pm-11:00 pm

Nonstop4h 40m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 8/8

5:05 pm-7:48 pm

Nonstop4h 43m

$321

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from California to Chicago

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

The month of September is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Chicago from California, with most prices found around $304. If you’re not able to fly to Chicago in September, then August is your next best option. Flight prices from California to Chicago during August average around $320.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Chicago?

The cheapest day to depart on your flight to Chicago is on a Wednesday when prices can be found for as low as $401. This is often the case because there is less demand to fly during this day of the week. When flying out on a Sunday, the most expensive travel day of the week, you can expect to see flight prices from California to Chicago for around $490.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Chicago?

Our most recent data shows that the best time of day to fly to Chicago is in the afternoon. Flights from California to Chicago during this time can be as low as $336. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to Chicago is at noon when prices are around $499.

What is the cheapest California to Chicago flight route?

Fly from Los Angeles to Chicago O'Hare Intl for the best California - Chicago flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight from California to Chicago?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Chicago from California when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Chicago for around $345 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Chicago from California for as low as $291 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on California to Chicago flights?

There are 4 cabin classes available to choose from on California to Chicago flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on California to Chicago flights?

You could potentially save up to 34% on your flight if you consider stops on a California to Chicago flight.

Cheap California to Chicago flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from California to Chicago

Best Price Found	$178
Fastest flight time	3h 20m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Chicago	3 airports

The best one-way flight to Chicago from California in the past 72 hours is $178. The best round-trip flight deal from California to Chicago found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $350.

The fastest flight from California to Chicago takes 3h 20m

Direct flights go from California to Chicago every day.

There are 3 airports in Chicago. From California there are direct flights to Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from California to Chicago

When did momondo last update prices for flights from California to Chicago?
Prices for flights from California to Chicago are updated daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from California to Chicago?
The number of operators available for flights from California to Chicago is 8 as of July 2026.
How old do you have to be to fly from California to Chicago?
The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and layovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel from California to Chicago.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Chicago?
The travel and health documents you'll need for your trip to Chicago may differ based on your itinerary and personal situation. Typically, you should have several documents on hand, such as a national ID card or driver's license and a passport that is valid for six months after your intended arrival at Chicago. It is always advisable to seek advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.
What is the most popular plane model from California to Chicago?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from California to Chicago is Boeing 737-800, representing 17.49% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Airbus A321neo at 16.87%, Airbus A321-100/200 at 11.99%, and Boeing 757-300 at 9.98%.

Best airlines flying from California to Chicago

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from California to Chicago with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Frontier	PriceFrom $51	Free Cancellation	Rating 5.6 2,848 reviews	Search Frontier flights
Delta	PriceFrom $122	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.8 8,454 reviews	Search Delta flights
Hawaiian Airlines	PriceFrom $139	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.8 2,825 reviews	Search Hawaiian Airlines flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $144	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 4,246 reviews	Search Southwest flights
Alaska Airlines	PriceFrom $155	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 12,602 reviews	Search Alaska Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $157	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 11,767 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $163	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,910 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
JetBlue	PriceFrom $166	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 3,012 reviews	Search JetBlue flights

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Portage

Benton Harbor

Saint Joseph

Lansing

Valparaiso

Schererville

Munster

Crown Point

Monticello

Chesterton

Porter

Griffith

Saint John

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from California to Chicago?

Finding the right flight to Chicago from California is quick and easy when you have a range of options in front of you, from reputable agents and recognisable airlines. Options that can then be filtered down to find the best fit. That is what momondo does. We make finding flights to Chicago quick and easy, saving you time and money.

Can I find flights from California to Chicago with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Yes. momondo allows you to filter the results for California to Chicago flights to just show those with flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from California to Chicago?

momondo helps you find the best flight between California and Chicago by providing filters to narrow your choice of flights to those matching your criteria. You can select flights based on numerous factors such as price, departure and landing times, airport and airline.

I’m not ready to book a flight from California to Chicago right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Price alerts on flights to Chicago from California are quick and easy to set up on momondo. Simply perform a search and select the price alert feature. It is as simple as that.

An easier way to manage your Chicago trip

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Fly into one of these airports located in Chicago

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Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

Chicago Greater Rockford Airport

Cheap flights from California to Chicago from $99

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from California to Chicago departing on 8/12. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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Frontier flights from California to Chicago

Our best Frontier deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

United Airlines flights from California to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

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See travel insights to Chicago from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from California to Chicago

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to Chicago?

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Chicago?

What is the cheapest California to Chicago flight route?

How far in advance should I book a flight from California to Chicago?

What cabin class options are available on California to Chicago flights?

Can stopping save me money on California to Chicago flights?

What is the cheapest airline that flies from California to Chicago?

What airlines fly to Chicago?

How many flights depart from California to Chicago on average per day?

How many flights depart from California to Chicago on average per week?

How long does it take to fly to Chicago?

Cheap California to Chicago flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from California to Chicago

Best Price Found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Chicago

Frequently asked questions about flying from California to Chicago

Best airlines flying from California to Chicago

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from California to Chicago with momondo

Traveling to a place near Chicago?

Why use momondo?

An easier way to manage your Chicago trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organize and travel with friends or family. Trips is free — and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to the United States

Fly into one of these airports located in Chicago

Airports listed have a maximum distance of 78.5 mi from Chicago

Fly your favorite airline to Chicago

Airlines are sorted and displayed according to clicks in the past 7 days on momondo

Cabin classes currently available on flights to Chicago

List of cabin classes available on flights landing in Chicago. Availability may vary depending on flight origin and airline.

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