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

Spirit Airlines, Frontier, and Delta are the most popular carriers operating from California to Chicago

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

As of April 2026, 1,791 flights take off from California and land in Chicago each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Wed, with 16% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

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 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.

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

As of April 2026, 255 flights take off from California and land in Chicago each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 10:00AM, with 48% of daily flights taking off at noon.

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 Los Angeles to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is 3h 46m on average, while flying from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is 3h 54m on average. Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is the most popular airport in 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 9 as of April 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.

$70 Cheap Flights from California to Chicago in 2026

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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.

5:30 am - 5:11 pm

LAX

ORD

9h 41m

1 stop

8:55 am - 6:49 pm

ORD

LAX

11h 54m

1 stop

$167Multiple Airlines

Wed, Apr 22 - Sat, Apr 25

12:31 am - 6:39 am

LAX

ORD

4h 08mnonstop

8:46 pm - 11:26 pm

ORD

LAX

4h 40mnonstop

$168Frontier

Mon, May 18 - Thu, May 21

5:22 pm - 11:27 pm

LAX

ORD

4h 05mnonstop

5:15 am - 7:35 am

ORD

LAX

4h 20mnonstop

$169Spirit Airlines

Fri, May 1 - Sun, May 3

7:36 pm - 10:23 am

BUR

ORD

12h 47m

2 stops

10:07 pm - 8:08 am

ORD

BUR

12h 01m

1 stop

$180Spirit Airlines

Wed, Apr 22 - Mon, Apr 27

11:55 pm - 5:50 am

LAX

MDW

3h 55mnonstop

8:55 pm - 11:20 pm

MDW

LAX

4h 25mnonstop

$199Southwest

Tue, May 5 - Tue, May 12

5:15 am - 11:15 am

LAX

MDW

4h 00mnonstop

2:30 pm - 8:35 pm

MDW

LAX

8h 05m

1 stop

$209Southwest

Tue, May 5 - Tue, May 12

2:20 pm - 11:58 pm

ONT

ORD

7h 38m

1 stop

8:52 am - 9:00 pm

ORD

ONT

14h 08m

2 stops

$254Delta

Sat, May 2 - Tue, May 5

12:40 am - 8:38 am

SFO

MDW

5h 58m

1 stop

9:30 am - 2:29 pm

MDW

SFO

6h 59m

1 stop

$257Delta

Mon, Aug 10 - Tue, Aug 18

10:22 am - 6:50 pm

SJC

ORD

6h 28m

1 stop

9:00 am - 2:13 pm

ORD

SJC

7h 13m

1 stop

$275Alaska Airlines

Wed, May 27 - Fri, May 29

12:21 pm - 11:59 pm

SNA

ORD

9h 38m

1 stop

8:00 am - 4:51 pm

ORD

SNA

10h 51m

1 stop

$317Alaska Airlines

Sat, May 2 - Tue, May 5

United Airlines flights from California to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

United Airlines

May 5

LAX11:53 pmLos Angeles

4h 10m

ORD6:03 amChicago O'Hare Intl

May 20

ORD11:00 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 41m

LAX1:41 amLos Angeles

$199

United Airlines

May 2

SAN10:40 pmSan Diego

4h 05m

ORD4:45 amChicago O'Hare Intl

May 10

ORD8:46 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 39m

SAN11:25 amSan Diego

$247

United Airlines

Apr 29

ONT7:00 amOntario

4h 03m

ORD1:03 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

May 6

ORD8:09 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 26m

ONT10:35 pmOntario

$288

Delta flights from California to Chicago

Our best Delta deals on California to Chicago flight tickets

Delta

Apr 29

LAX11:59 pmLos Angeles

6h 47m

1 stop

MDW8:46 amChicago Midway

May 5

MDW1:24 pmChicago Midway

9h 40m

1 stop

LAX9:04 pmLos Angeles

$237

Delta

Apr 28

LAX6:00 amLos Angeles

8h 26m

1 stop

MDW4:26 pmChicago Midway

Apr 30

MDW6:00 amChicago Midway

8h 04m

1 stop

LAX12:04 pmLos Angeles

$249

Delta

May 2

ONT2:20 pmOntario

7h 38m

1 stop

ORD11:58 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

May 5

ORD8:52 amChicago O'Hare Intl

14h 08m

2 stops

ONT9:00 pmOntario

$254

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - ORD

LAXORD

Los Angeles

Wed 4/22

5:30 am-5:11 pm

1 stop9h 41m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 4/25

8:55 am-6:49 pm

1 stop11h 54m

$167

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - ORD

LAXORD

Los Angeles

Mon 5/18

12:31 am-6:39 am

Nonstop4h 08m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 5/21

8:46 pm-11:26 pm

Nonstop4h 40m

$168

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - ORD

LAXORD

Los Angeles

Fri 5/1

5:22 pm-11:27 pm

Nonstop4h 05m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 5/3

5:15 am-7:35 am

Nonstop4h 20m

$169

BurbankChicago

BUR - ORD

BURORD

Burbank Bob Hope

Wed 4/22

7:36 pm-10:23 am

2 stops12h 47m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 4/27

10:07 pm-8:08 am

1 stop12h 01m

$180

Quickest round-trip

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - MDW

LAXMDW

Los Angeles

Tue 5/5

11:55 pm-5:50 am

Nonstop3h 55m

Chicago Midway

Tue 5/12

8:55 pm-11:20 pm

Nonstop4h 25m

$199

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - MDW

LAXMDW

Los Angeles

Tue 5/5

5:15 am-11:15 am

Nonstop4h 00m

Chicago Midway

Tue 5/12

2:30 pm-8:35 pm

1 stop8h 05m

$209

OntarioChicago

ONT - ORD

ONTORD

Ontario

Sat 5/2

2:20 pm-11:58 pm

1 stop7h 38m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 5/5

8:52 am-9:00 pm

2 stops14h 08m

$254

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - MDW

SFOMDW

San Francisco

Mon 8/10

12:40 am-8:38 am

1 stop5h 58m

Chicago Midway

Tue 8/18

9:30 am-2:29 pm

1 stop6h 59m

$257

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Wed 5/27

10:22 am-6:50 pm

1 stop6h 28m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 5/29

9:00 am-2:13 pm

1 stop7h 13m

$275

Santa AnaChicago

SNA - ORD

SNAORD

Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty

Sat 5/2

12:21 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop9h 38m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 5/5

8:00 am-4:51 pm

1 stop10h 51m

$317

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 $241. 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 $260.

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 $363. 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 $286. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to Chicago is at noon when prices are around $467.

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 $320 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 $268 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 4% 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	$188
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 $188. The best round-trip flight deal from California to Chicago found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $320.

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), Chicago Midway (MDW).

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 9 as of April 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 Airbus A321neo, representing 21.73% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Boeing 737-800 at 16.99%, Boeing 737 MAX 8 at 11.19%, and Boeing 757-300 at 9.27%.

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 $90	Free Cancellation	Rating 5.7 2,997 reviews	Search Frontier flights
Delta	PriceFrom $93	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,391 reviews	Search Delta flights
Spirit Airlines	PriceFrom $98	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.3 8,605 reviews	Search Spirit Airlines flights
Hawaiian Airlines	PriceFrom $101	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.8 2,838 reviews	Search Hawaiian Airlines flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $133	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,549 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
Alaska Airlines	PriceFrom $145	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 12,191 reviews	Search Alaska Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $157	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 11,556 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
JetBlue	PriceFrom $166	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 2,923 reviews	Search JetBlue flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $179	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,338 reviews	Search Southwest flights

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Hammond

Saint Joseph

Benton Harbor

Portage

Lansing

Valparaiso

Schererville

Munster

Crown Point

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

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Fly into one of these airports located in Chicago

Chicago Midway Airport

Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

Chicago Greater Rockford Airport

Cheap flights from California to Chicago from $70

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 5/12. 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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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 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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