What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

Southwest, Alaska Airlines, and Delta are the most popular carriers operating from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

How many flights depart from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area on average per week?

400 flights are operational weekly from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area as of March 2026. The most popular departure day for this route is Sun, with 20% of flights per week taking off on this day.

What airlines fly to San Francisco Bay Area?

United Airlines, American Airlines and Southwest are the top three most popular airlines that fly to San Francisco Bay Area from Chicago according to our data. United Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 49% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to San Francisco Bay Area. Keep in mind that there are 10 different airlines that fly to San Francisco Bay Area on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

How many flights depart from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area on average per day?

As of March 2026, 57 flights take off from Chicago and land in San Francisco Bay Area each day. The most common flight departure time for this route is 8:00PM, with 36% of daily flights taking off in the evening.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

Prices for flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area are refreshed on a daily basis.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

As of March 2026, there are 10 operators available to choose from for flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area.

How old do you have to be to fly from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to San Francisco Bay Area?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to San Francisco Bay Area can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at San Francisco Bay Area. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

$79 Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area in 2026

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Find the cheapest flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

10:00 am - 12:35 pm

MDW

SFO

4h 35mnonstop

5:25 am - 11:35 am

SFO

MDW

4h 10mnonstop

$224Southwest

sáb., abr. 25 - mié., abr. 29

6:25 am - 9:16 am

ORD

SFO

4h 51mnonstop

12:45 am - 7:07 am

SFO

ORD

4h 22mnonstop

$224United Airlines

mié., abr. 15 - vie., abr. 17

2:15 pm - 5:34 pm

MDW

SFO

29h 19m

1 stop

9:58 am - 2:34 pm

SFO

MDW

26h 36m

2 stops

$225Frontier

mar., abr. 14 - jue., abr. 16

8:30 am - 12:28 am

ORD

SFO

17h 58m

2 stops

10:50 pm - 6:08 am

SFO

ORD

29h 18m

1 stop

$225Frontier

jue., abr. 9 - lun., abr. 13

6:30 am - 5:34 pm

MDW

SFO

13h 04m

1 stop

6:00 am - 10:14 pm

SFO

MDW

14h 14m

2 stops

$226Frontier

mié., abr. 15 - sáb., abr. 18

9:28 am - 7:14 pm

ORD

SFO

11h 46m

1 stop

9:04 pm - 12:38 am

SFO

ORD

25h 34m

1 stop

$226Frontier

mié., mar. 25 - vie., mar. 27

5:10 am - 11:50 am

MDW

SFO

8h 40m

1 stop

5:40 am - 5:15 pm

SFO

MDW

9h 35m

2 stops

$227Southwest

sáb., abr. 18 - sáb., abr. 25

6:00 am - 1:15 pm

ORD

OAK

9h 15m

1 stop

3:18 pm - 1:13 pm

OAK

ORD

19h 55m

1 stop

$230Alaska Airlines

sáb., may. 2 - mar., may. 5

2:10 pm - 11:50 pm

ORD

OAK

11h 40m

1 stop

2:58 pm - 1:14 pm

OAK

ORD

20h 16m

1 stop

$242Alaska Airlines

jue., may. 14 - mar., may. 19

1:19 pm - 10:02 pm

ORD

SJC

10h 43m

2 stops

7:15 am - 11:52 pm

SJC

ORD

14h 37m

1 stop

$335Delta

mar., mar. 31 - lun., abr. 6

Frontier flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

Our best Frontier deals on Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flight tickets

Frontier

Apr 14

MDW2:15 pmChicago Midway

29h 19m

1 stop

SFO5:34 pmSan Francisco

Apr 16

SFO9:58 amSan Francisco

26h 36m

2 stops

MDW2:34 pmChicago Midway

$225

Frontier

Mar 25

ORD9:28 amChicago O'Hare Intl

11h 46m

1 stop

SFO7:14 pmSan Francisco

Mar 27

SFO9:04 pmSan Francisco

25h 34m

1 stop

ORD12:38 amChicago O'Hare Intl

$226

Frontier

Mar 11

ORD9:28 amChicago O'Hare Intl

11h 46m

1 stop

SFO7:14 pmSan Francisco

Mar 16

SFO6:00 amSan Francisco

16h 57m

1 stop

ORD12:57 amChicago O'Hare Intl

$227

United Airlines flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

Our best United Airlines deals on Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flight tickets

United Airlines

Apr 15

ORD6:25 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 51m

SFO9:16 amSan Francisco

Apr 17

SFO12:45 amSan Francisco

4h 22m

ORD7:07 amChicago O'Hare Intl

$224

United Airlines

Apr 3

ORD10:30 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 57m

SFO1:27 pmSan Francisco

Apr 7

SFO11:52 pmSan Francisco

4h 28m

ORD6:20 amChicago O'Hare Intl

$231

United Airlines

May 12

ORD7:43 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 55m

SFO10:38 pmSan Francisco

May 19

SFO11:56 pmSan Francisco

4h 24m

ORD6:20 amChicago O'Hare Intl

$245

momondo Fare Finder

Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area that are best for you.

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

ChicagoSan Francisco

MDW - SFO

MDWSFO

Chicago Midway

sáb. 4/25

10:00 am-12:35 pm

Nonstop4h 35m

San Francisco

mié. 4/29

5:25 am-11:35 am

Nonstop4h 10m

$224

ChicagoSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

mié. 4/15

6:25 am-9:16 am

Nonstop4h 51m

San Francisco

vie. 4/17

12:45 am-7:07 am

Nonstop4h 22m

$224

ChicagoSan Francisco

MDW - SFO

MDWSFO

Chicago Midway

mar. 4/14

2:15 pm-5:34 pm

1 stop29h 19m

San Francisco

jue. 4/16

9:58 am-2:34 pm

2 stops26h 36m

$225

ChicagoSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

jue. 4/9

8:30 am-12:28 am

2 stops17h 58m

San Francisco

lun. 4/13

10:50 pm-6:08 am

1 stop29h 18m

$225

ChicagoSan Francisco

MDW - SFO

MDWSFO

Chicago Midway

mié. 4/15

6:30 am-5:34 pm

1 stop13h 04m

San Francisco

sáb. 4/18

6:00 am-10:14 pm

2 stops14h 14m

$226

ChicagoSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

mié. 3/25

9:28 am-7:14 pm

1 stop11h 46m

San Francisco

vie. 3/27

9:04 pm-12:38 am

1 stop25h 34m

$226

ChicagoSan Francisco

MDW - SFO

MDWSFO

Chicago Midway

sáb. 4/18

5:10 am-11:50 am

1 stop8h 40m

San Francisco

sáb. 4/25

5:40 am-5:15 pm

2 stops9h 35m

$227

ChicagoOakland

ORD - OAK

ORDOAK

Chicago O'Hare Intl

sáb. 5/2

6:00 am-1:15 pm

1 stop9h 15m

Oakland

mar. 5/5

3:18 pm-1:13 pm

1 stop19h 55m

$230

ChicagoOakland

ORD - OAK

ORDOAK

Chicago O'Hare Intl

jue. 5/14

2:10 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop11h 40m

Oakland

mar. 5/19

2:58 pm-1:14 pm

1 stop20h 16m

$242

ChicagoSan Jose

ORD - SJC

ORDSJC

Chicago O'Hare Intl

mar. 3/31

1:19 pm-10:02 pm

2 stops10h 43m

San Jose

lun. 4/6

7:15 am-11:52 pm

1 stop14h 37m

$335

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 Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

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 San Francisco Bay Area?

In general, April is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around $287. If you aren’t able to travel to San Francisco Bay Area during the month of April, then flying in July is also cheap. Prices for this month can be found on momondo for an average of $287.

What is the cheapest day to depart on your flight to San Francisco Bay Area?

On average, the least expensive day to fly to San Francisco Bay Area from Chicago is on a Thursday. momondo users have found tickets for Thursday departures for as low as $359. However, this price may fluctuate depending on the airline, the season, and holidays. On the other hand, Sunday is the most expensive day to depart from Chicago because it is more convenient for both business and leisure travelers. As a result, prices tend to be around $551.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to San Francisco Bay Area?

Our most recent data shows that the best time of day to fly to San Francisco Bay Area is at noon. Flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area during this time can be as low as $384. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to San Francisco Bay Area is in the afternoon when prices are around $513.

What is the cheapest Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flight route?

Fly from Chicago Midway to San Francisco for the best Chicago - San Francisco Bay Area flight prices

How far in advance should I book a flight to San Francisco Bay Area?

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to San Francisco Bay Area from Chicago when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to San Francisco Bay Area for around $340 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to San Francisco Bay Area from Chicago for as low as $267 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flights?

There are 4 cabin classes available to choose from on Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area 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 Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area.

Cheap Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

Fastest flight time	4h 25m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in San Francisco Bay Area	6 airports

The fastest flight from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area takes 4h 25m

Direct flights go from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area every day.

There are 6 airports in San Francisco Bay Area. From Chicago there are direct flights to Oakland (OAK), San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO).

Search flight deals

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?
Prices for flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?
As of March 2026, there are 10 operators available to choose from for flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area.
How old do you have to be to fly from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?
Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and layovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to San Francisco Bay Area?
The travel and health documents required for your trip to San Francisco Bay Area can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at San Francisco Bay Area. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.
What is the most popular plane model from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area is Airbus A321neo, representing 16.96% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Boeing 737-800 at 15.95%, Boeing 737-900 at 7.58%, and Airbus A321-100/200 at 7.52%.

Best airlines flying from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Frontier	PriceFrom $80	Free Cancellation	Rating 5.7 3,041 reviews	Search Frontier flights
Spirit Airlines	PriceFrom $83	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.3 8,486 reviews	Search Spirit Airlines flights
Hawaiian Airlines	PriceFrom $108	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.8 2,837 reviews	Search Hawaiian Airlines flights
Sun Country Air	PriceFrom $112	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.8 340 reviews	Search Sun Country Air flights
Delta	PriceFrom $128	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,237 reviews	Search Delta flights
Southwest	PriceFrom $138	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,307 reviews	Search Southwest flights
JetBlue	PriceFrom $147	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 2,894 reviews	Search JetBlue flights
Alaska Airlines	PriceFrom $186	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 11,974 reviews	Search Alaska Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $197	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 11,369 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $207	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,375 reviews	Search United Airlines flights

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to San Francisco Bay Area from Chicago.

Can I find flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area with flexible booking policies on momondo?

Flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area with flexible booking policies can be found by using the search form above and then selecting our dedicated flexible booking filter, which will highlight only the flights where this policy is applied.

How can momondo help me find flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

Once you have performed a search for Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flights, momondo helps you find the right one by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

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

Yes. momondo can track prices for Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flights and alert you when they change. Perform a search to set up the price alert. All that is required is a valid email address.