What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago to South Africa?

Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Air, and Delta are the most popular carriers operating from Chicago to South Africa

What airlines fly to South Africa?

Ethiopian Air, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways are the top three most popular airlines that fly to South Africa from Chicago according to our data. Ethiopian Air is the first choice among our users, with 52% of people opting to fly with this airline when traveling to South Africa. Keep in mind that there are 9 different airlines that fly to South Africa on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

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

Prices for flights from Chicago to South Africa are refreshed on a daily basis.

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

As of November 2026, there are 9 operators available to choose from for flights from Chicago to South Africa.

How old do you have to be to fly from Chicago to South Africa?

The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from Chicago to South Africa.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Africa?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to South Africa 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 South Africa. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

$651 Cheap Flights from Chicago to South Africa in 2026/27

Discover deals from 900+ travel sites with momondo.

Find the cheapest flights from Chicago to South Africa

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

6:30 am - 3:50 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

25h 20m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl

12:05 pm - 5:19 pmJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

37h 14m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl

$1,044Kenya Airways

Wed, Feb 3 - Sat, Feb 6

6:30 am - 3:50 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

25h 20m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl

12:05 pm - 4:59 pmJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

36h 54m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl

$1,046Kenya Airways

Mon, Jan 18 - Wed, Feb 10

6:30 am - 3:50 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

25h 20m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl

5:00 pm - 12:28 pmJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

27h 28m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl

$1,046Multiple Airlines

Mon, Jan 18 - Wed, Feb 10

6:30 am - 3:50 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

25h 20m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl

12:05 pm - 5:19 pmJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

37h 14m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl

$1,046Multiple Airlines

Wed, Feb 3 - Sat, Feb 6

11:45 am - 10:25 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

26h 40m1 stop Istanbul

12:20 am - 6:20 pmJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

26h 00m1 stop Istanbul

$1,137Turkish Airlines

Thu, Feb 25 - Wed, Mar 10

8:15 pm - 10:25 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

42h 10m1 stop Istanbul

6:50 pm - 6:20 pmJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

31h 30m1 stop Istanbul

$1,152Turkish Airlines

Mon, Jan 18 - Wed, Feb 10

10:15 am - 1:30 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

20h 15m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole

2:30 pm - 8:15 amJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

24h 45m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino

$1,189Ethiopian Air

Wed, Apr 7 - Wed, Apr 21

9:45 am - 1:30 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

19h 45m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole

2:30 pm - 7:40 amJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

25h 10m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino

$1,196Ethiopian Air

Mon, Dec 7 - Sun, Dec 20

7:50 pm - 10:30 amORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

31h 40m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl

1:50 pm - 3:05 pmCPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

56h 15m3 stops Harare Lusaka Doha Hamad Intl

$1,215Qatar Airways

Wed, Mar 17 - Sat, Apr 3

7:50 pm - 10:30 amORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

31h 40m1 stop Doha Hamad Intl

1:50 pm - 3:05 pmCPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

56h 15m3 stops Harare Lusaka Doha Hamad Intl

$1,215Qatar Airways

Tue, Mar 16 - Sat, Apr 3

Cheap last minute flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

6:00 am - 12:25 amORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

34h 25m2 stops New York John F Kennedy Intl Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl

5:00 pm - 12:46 pmJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

27h 46m2 stops Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Intl New York John F Kennedy Intl

$1,124Multiple Airlines

Sun, Nov 15 - Thu, Nov 19

9:45 am - 1:30 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

19h 45m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole

11:00 pm - 7:40 amJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

40h 40m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole

$1,405Ethiopian Air

Thu, Nov 19 - Sat, Nov 28

9:45 am - 8:10 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

26h 25m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole

11:00 pm - 7:40 amJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

40h 40m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino

$1,419Ethiopian Air

Thu, Nov 19 - Sat, Nov 28

6:35 pm - 8:05 amORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

29h 30m1 stop London Heathrow

6:55 pm - 2:55 pmCPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

28h 00m2 stops London Heathrow Madrid Barajas

$1,437Iberia

Wed, Nov 18 - Mon, Nov 30

6:35 pm - 12:10 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

33h 35m1 stop London Heathrow

6:55 pm - 2:55 pmCPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

28h 00m2 stops London Heathrow Madrid Barajas

$1,437Iberia

Wed, Nov 18 - Tue, Nov 24

11:45 am - 1:05 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

41h 20m2 stops Istanbul Cape Town Intl

6:50 pm - 10:00 amJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

23h 10m1 stop Istanbul

$1,490Turkish Airlines

Sun, Nov 15 - Thu, Nov 19

11:45 am - 1:05 pmORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

41h 20m2 stops Istanbul Cape Town Intl

6:50 pm - 10:00 amJNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

23h 10m1 stop Istanbul

$1,490Turkish Airlines

Sun, Nov 15 - Fri, Nov 20

9:30 am - 6:35 pmMDW Chicago Midway-CPT Cape Town Intl

25h 05m2 stops Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

8:50 pm - 4:39 pmCPT Cape Town Intl-MDW Chicago Midway

27h 49m2 stops Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Minneapolis St Paul

$1,510Delta

Wed, Nov 18 - Tue, Nov 24

9:30 am - 6:35 pmMDW Chicago Midway-CPT Cape Town Intl

25h 05m2 stops Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

8:50 pm - 11:59 amCPT Cape Town Intl-MDW Chicago Midway

23h 09m1 stop Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson

$1,510Delta

Wed, Nov 18 - Tue, Nov 24

6:30 pm - 10:30 amORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

32h 00m3 stops Reykjavik Keflavik Intl Dublin Doha Hamad Intl

3:15 pm - 2:30 pmCPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

31h 15m2 stops Johannesburg OR Tambo Doha Hamad Intl

$1,654Multiple Airlines

Wed, Nov 18 - Tue, Nov 24

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Ethiopian Air flights from Chicago to South Africa

Our best Ethiopian Air deals on Chicago to South Africa flight tickets

Ethiopian Air

Dec 7

ORD9:45 amChicago O'Hare Intl

19h 45m

1 stop

JNB1:30 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

Dec 21

JNB2:30 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

25h 10m

2 stops

ORD7:40 amChicago O'Hare Intl

$1,196

Ethiopian Air

Apr 25

ORD10:15 amChicago O'Hare Intl

26h 55m

1 stop

JNB8:10 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

May 5

JNB2:30 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

24h 45m

2 stops

ORD8:15 amChicago O'Hare Intl

$1,197

Ethiopian Air

Apr 25

ORD10:15 amChicago O'Hare Intl

26h 55m

1 stop

JNB8:10 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

May 5

JNB2:30 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

24h 45m

2 stops

ORD8:15 amChicago O'Hare Intl

$1,198

Kenya Airways flights from Chicago to South Africa

Our best Kenya Airways deals on Chicago to South Africa flight tickets

Kenya Airways

Feb 3

ORD6:30 amChicago O'Hare Intl

25h 20m

2 stops

JNB3:50 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 6

JNB12:05 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

37h 14m

2 stops

ORD5:19 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

$1,044

Kenya Airways

Jan 18

ORD6:30 amChicago O'Hare Intl

25h 20m

2 stops

JNB3:50 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 10

JNB12:05 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

36h 54m

2 stops

ORD4:59 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

$1,046

Kenya Airways

Jan 18

ORD6:30 amChicago O'Hare Intl

44h 25m

2 stops

JNB10:55 amJohannesburg OR Tambo

Feb 10

JNB12:05 pmJohannesburg OR Tambo

32h 23m

2 stops

ORD12:28 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

$1,047

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

ChicagoJohannesburg

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

ORDJNB

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 2/3

6:30 am-3:50 pm

2 stops25h 20m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sat 2/6

12:05 pm-5:19 pm

2 stops37h 14m

$1,044

ChicagoJohannesburg

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

ORDJNB

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 1/18

6:30 am-3:50 pm

2 stops25h 20m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 2/10

12:05 pm-4:59 pm

2 stops36h 54m

$1,046

ChicagoJohannesburg

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

ORDJNB

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 1/18

6:30 am-3:50 pm

2 stops25h 20m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 2/10

5:00 pm-12:28 pm

2 stops27h 28m

$1,046

ChicagoJohannesburg

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

ORDJNB

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 2/3

6:30 am-3:50 pm

2 stops25h 20m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sat 2/6

12:05 pm-5:19 pm

2 stops37h 14m

$1,046

ChicagoJohannesburg

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

ORDJNB

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 2/25

11:45 am-10:25 pm

1 stop26h 40m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 3/10

12:20 am-6:20 pm

1 stop26h 00m

$1,137

ChicagoJohannesburg

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

ORDJNB

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 1/18

8:15 pm-10:25 pm

1 stop42h 10m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 2/10

6:50 pm-6:20 pm

1 stop31h 30m

$1,152

ChicagoJohannesburg

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

ORDJNB

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 4/7

10:15 am-1:30 pm

1 stop20h 15m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 4/21

2:30 pm-8:15 am

2 stops24h 45m

$1,189

Quickest round-trip

ChicagoJohannesburg

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

ORDJNB

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 12/7

9:45 am-1:30 pm

1 stop19h 45m

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 12/20

2:30 pm-7:40 am

2 stops25h 10m

$1,196

ChicagoCape Town

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - CPT Cape Town Intl

ORDCPT

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 3/17

7:50 pm-10:30 am

1 stop31h 40m

Cape Town Intl

Sat 4/3

1:50 pm-3:05 pm

3 stops56h 15m

$1,215

ChicagoCape Town

ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl - CPT Cape Town Intl

ORDCPT

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 3/16

7:50 pm-10:30 am

1 stop31h 40m

Cape Town Intl

Sat 4/3

1:50 pm-3:05 pm

3 stops56h 15m

$1,215

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 South Africa

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

What is the cheapest month to fly to South Africa?

In general, April is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to South Africa. Due to it being the ‘off-season’ during this time, you can expect flight prices to be around $1,112. The month of March is another great option to travel to South Africa, with average flight prices from Chicago averaging around $1,153.

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

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to South Africa from Chicago when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to South Africa for around $1,362 when searching weeks out. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to South Africa from Chicago for as low as $1,181 on momondo.

Can stopping save me money on Chicago to South Africa flights?

You could potentially save up to 6% on your flight if you consider stops on a Chicago to South Africa flight.

Cheap Chicago to South Africa flight deals and tips

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

Best Price Found	$651
Fastest flight time	17h 57m
Direct flights	None

The best one-way flight to South Africa from Chicago in the past 72 hours is $651. The best round-trip flight deal from Chicago to South Africa found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $1,044.

The fastest flight from Chicago to South Africa takes 17h 57m

There are no direct flights from Chicago to South Africa. There are no popular flight routes from Chicago to South Africa.

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from Chicago to South Africa

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Chicago to South Africa?
Prices for flights from Chicago to South Africa are refreshed on a daily basis.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Chicago to South Africa?
As of November 2026, there are 9 operators available to choose from for flights from Chicago to South Africa.
How old do you have to be to fly from Chicago to South Africa?
The minimum age a child must be to fly alone is five but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service will have their own age restrictions, including rules around flight length, timings, and stopovers. We always recommend checking with the individual airline you are booking with to travel from Chicago to South Africa.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to South Africa?
The travel and health documents required for your trip to South Africa 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 South Africa. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

Best airlines flying from Chicago to South Africa

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

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
KLM	PriceFrom $776	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.8 1,599 reviews	Search KLM flights
Delta	PriceFrom $795	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.8 8,719 reviews	Search Delta flights
Turkish Airlines	PriceFrom $894	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 4,466 reviews	Search Turkish Airlines flights
Kenya Airways	PriceFrom $954	Free Cancellation	Rating 6.7 337 reviews	Search Kenya Airways flights
Ethiopian Air	PriceFrom $990	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 1,047 reviews	Search Ethiopian Air flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $1,054	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.0 12,234 reviews	Search American Airlines flights
Qatar Airways	PriceFrom $1,097	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 3,690 reviews	Search Qatar Airways flights
Iberia	PriceFrom $1,321	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.0 3,227 reviews	Search Iberia flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $1,374	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.3 10,491 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
Emirates	PriceFrom $1,562	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.1 3,698 reviews	Search Emirates flights

Why use momondo?

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

We help find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and travel agents and helps you filter them to find the best flight from Chicago to South Africa for you.

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

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

How can momondo help me find flights from Chicago to South Africa?

Once you have performed a search in the form on the page, momondo provides useful filters and insights. We can show you the cheapest days and times to fly as well as help filter your options to help you make an informed choice when booking flights to South Africa from Chicago.

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

Yes. momondo can track prices for Chicago to South Africa 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.