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

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

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 55m on average, while flying from Los Angeles to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is 4h 02m on average. Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is the most popular airport in Chicago.

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

As of December 2025, 227 flights take off from California and land in Chicago each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 6:00AM, with 56% of daily flights taking off at noon.

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

As of December 2025, 1,591 flights take off from California and land in Chicago each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Mon, with 17% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

What airlines fly to Chicago?

American Airlines, United Airlines and Spirit Airlines 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 42% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to Chicago. Keep in mind that there are 9 different airlines that fly to Chicago on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

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 9 as of December 2025.

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.

$65 Cheap Flights from California to Chicago in 2025/26

1 adult

0 bags

Discover deals from 900+ travel sites with momondo.

Save money when you book flights with momondo

Big names and deals

Search 100s of travel sites to compare prices.

Filter for what you want

Free Wi-Fi? Stopover? Instantly customize your results.

Trusted and free

We’re completely free to use - no hidden charges or fees.

Price Alerts

Not ready to book? to track prices.

Search flight deals

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.

3:42 pm - 9:32 pm

LAS

ORD

3h 50mnonstop

10:37 pm - 12:46 am

ORD

LAS

4h 09mnonstop

$93Frontier

Fri, Jan 9 - Mon, Jan 12

11:59 pm - 1:37 pm

LAS

ORD

11h 38m1 stop

9:38 pm - 11:59 pm

ORD

LAS

4h 21mnonstop

$94Frontier

Wed, Jan 21 - Sun, Jan 25

11:59 pm - 1:37 pm

LAS

ORD

11h 38m1 stop

9:38 pm - 11:59 pm

ORD

LAS

4h 21mnonstop

$95Frontier

Wed, Jan 21 - Sun, Jan 25

10:45 pm - 12:08 pm

LAX

ORD

11h 23m1 stop

9:59 pm - 10:40 pm

ORD

LAX

26h 41m2 stops

$138Multiple Airlines

Fri, Jan 16 - Mon, Jan 19

11:59 pm - 6:05 am

LAX

ORD

4h 06mnonstop

5:50 am - 2:07 pm

ORD

LAX

10h 17m1 stop

$139Multiple Airlines

Wed, Dec 24 - Sun, Jan 11

8:00 am - 2:29 pm

SAN

ORD

4h 29mnonstop

3:44 pm - 6:26 pm

ORD

SAN

4h 42mnonstop

$153Hawaiian Airlines

Wed, Jan 14 - Sat, Jan 17

5:42 pm - 11:59 pm

SAN

ORD

4h 17mnonstop

3:07 pm - 5:52 pm

ORD

SAN

4h 45mnonstop

$157Alaska Airlines

Sat, Feb 14 - Tue, Feb 17

7:25 am - 1:20 pm

SAN

MDW

3h 55mnonstop

7:40 pm - 10:10 pm

MDW

SAN

4h 30mnonstop

$157Southwest

Sat, Jan 10 - Sat, Jan 17

7:25 am - 1:20 pm

SAN

MDW

3h 55mnonstop

8:25 am - 11:05 am

MDW

SAN

4h 40mnonstop

$167Southwest

Sat, Jan 10 - Sat, Jan 17

5:38 pm - 2:29 pm

SMF

ORD

18h 51m1 stop

6:06 pm - 8:03 pm

ORD

SMF

27h 57m1 stop

$262Alaska Airlines

Tue, Jan 6 - Tue, Jan 13

Frontier flights from California to Chicago

Our best Frontier deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

Frontier

Jan 9

LAS3:42 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

3h 50m

ORD9:32 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Jan 11

ORD8:49 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 14m

LAS11:03 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$93

Find similar

Frontier

Jan 21

LAS11:59 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

11h 38m

1 stop

ORD1:37 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Jan 25

ORD9:38 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 21m

LAS11:59 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$94

Find similar

Frontier

Jan 21

LAS11:59 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

11h 38m

1 stop

ORD1:37 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Jan 25

ORD9:38 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 21m

LAS11:59 pmLas Vegas Harry Reid Intl

$95

Find similar

Hawaiian Airlines flights from California to Chicago

Our best Hawaiian Airlines deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

Hawaiian Airlines

Jan 14

SAN8:00 amSan Diego

4h 29m

ORD2:29 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Jan 17

ORD3:44 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 42m

SAN6:26 pmSan Diego

$153

Find similar

Hawaiian Airlines

Jan 6

SAN8:05 amSan Diego

4h 32m

ORD2:37 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Jan 13

ORD9:00 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 43m

SAN11:43 amSan Diego

$168

Find similar

Hawaiian Airlines

Mar 11

SAN5:42 pmSan Diego

4h 17m

ORD11:59 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Mar 15

ORD7:40 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 49m

SAN10:29 amSan Diego

$199

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Las VegasChicago

LAS - ORD

LASORD

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Fri 1/9

3:42 pm-9:32 pm

Nonstop3h 50m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 1/12

10:37 pm-12:46 am

Nonstop4h 09m

$93

Las VegasChicago

LAS - ORD

LASORD

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Wed 1/21

11:59 pm-1:37 pm

1 stop11h 38m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 1/25

9:38 pm-11:59 pm

Nonstop4h 21m

$94

Las VegasChicago

LAS - ORD

LASORD

Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl

Wed 1/21

11:59 pm-1:37 pm

1 stop11h 38m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 1/25

9:38 pm-11:59 pm

Nonstop4h 21m

$95

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - ORD

LAXORD

Los Angeles

Fri 1/16

10:45 pm-12:08 pm

1 stop11h 23m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 1/19

9:59 pm-10:40 pm

2 stops26h 41m

$138

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - ORD

LAXORD

Los Angeles

Wed 12/24

11:59 pm-6:05 am

Nonstop4h 06m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 1/11

5:50 am-2:07 pm

1 stop10h 17m

$139

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Wed 1/14

8:00 am-2:29 pm

Nonstop4h 29m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 1/17

3:44 pm-6:26 pm

Nonstop4h 42m

$153

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Sat 2/14

5:42 pm-11:59 pm

Nonstop4h 17m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 2/17

3:07 pm-5:52 pm

Nonstop4h 45m

$157

San DiegoChicago

SAN - MDW

SANMDW

San Diego

Sat 1/10

7:25 am-1:20 pm

Nonstop3h 55m

Chicago Midway

Sat 1/17

7:40 pm-10:10 pm

Nonstop4h 30m

$157

San DiegoChicago

SAN - MDW

SANMDW

San Diego

Sat 1/10

7:25 am-1:20 pm

Nonstop3h 55m

Chicago Midway

Sat 1/17

8:25 am-11:05 am

Nonstop4h 40m

$167

SacramentoChicago

SMF - ORD

SMFORD

Sacramento Intl

Tue 1/6

5:38 pm-2:29 pm

1 stop18h 51m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 1/13

6:06 pm-8:03 pm

1 stop27h 57m

$262

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 $242. If you’re not able to fly to Chicago in September, then February is your next best option. Flight prices from California to Chicago during February average around $257.

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 Thursday when prices can be found for as low as $357. 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 $440.

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 $272. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to Chicago is at noon when prices are around $454.

What is the cheapest California to Chicago flight route?

Fly from Los Angeles to Chicago Greater Rockford for the best California - Chicago flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight 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 $298 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 $244 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?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between California 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	$131
Fastest flight time	3h 20m
Direct flights	Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat and Sun
Airports in Chicago	1 airport

The best one-way flight to Chicago from California in the past 72 hours is $131. The best round-trip flight deal from California to Chicago found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $276.

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

Direct flights go from California to Chicago on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Airlines offering direct flights are: United Airlines and Southwest.

There is 1 airport near Chicago: Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD)

Search flight deals

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 9 as of December 2025.
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 Airbus A321neo, representing 18.05% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Boeing 737-800 at 17.68%, Boeing 757-300 at 10.52%, and Boeing 737 MAX 8 at 10.01%.

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
Spirit Airlines	PriceFrom $77	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.3 8,173 reviews	Search Spirit Airlines flights
Frontier	PriceFrom $88	Free Cancellation	Rating 5.8 3,085 reviews	Search Frontier flights
Hawaiian Airlines	PriceFrom $108	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.8 2,818 reviews	Search Hawaiian Airlines flights
Delta	PriceFrom $128	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,007 reviews	Search Delta flights
Sun Country Air	PriceFrom $130	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.9 333 reviews	Search Sun Country Air flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $133	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,092 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
Alaska Airlines	PriceFrom $140	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 11,423 reviews	Search Alaska Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $166	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 11,048 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $179	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 4,252 reviews	Search Southwest flights

Merrillville

New Buffalo

Hammond

Benton Harbor

Saint Joseph

Portage

Lansing

Schererville

Valparaiso

Crown Point

Munster

Chesterton

Monticello

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

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.

Start using Trips

Find my bookings

Get notified when prices go down

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

1 adult

Fri 1/9

Fri 1/16

Email me momondo's favorite deals

By creating a price alert you accept our terms of use and privacy policy.

Find better results for your trip to the United States

Cheap flights from California to Chicago from $65

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 1/22. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

Big names and deals

Big names and deals

Filter for what you want

Filter for what you want

Trusted and free

Trusted and free

Price Alerts

Price Alerts

Find the cheapest flights from California to Chicago

Cheap round-trip flights

Cheap one-way flights

Cheap last minute flights

Cheap direct flights

Frontier flights from California to Chicago

Our best Frontier deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

Hawaiian Airlines flights from California to Chicago

Our best Hawaiian Airlines deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

momondo Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from California to Chicago that are best for you.

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?

The month of September is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Chicago from California, with most prices found around $242. If you’re not able to fly to Chicago in September, then February is your next best option. Flight prices from California to Chicago during February average around $257.

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?

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 $272. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to Chicago is at noon when prices are around $454.

What is the cheapest California to Chicago flight route?

Fly from Los Angeles to Chicago Greater Rockford for the best California - Chicago flight prices

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

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?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between California to Chicago.

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

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

What airlines fly to Chicago?

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

As of December 2025, 227 flights take off from California and land in Chicago each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 6:00AM, with 56% of daily flights taking off at noon.

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

As of December 2025, 1,591 flights take off from California and land in Chicago each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Mon, with 17% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

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

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

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

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

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

What is the most popular plane model 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?

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

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

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

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

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