What airlines fly to Chicago?

American Airlines, United Airlines and Spirit Airlines are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Chicago from Santa Barbara according to our data. American Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 38% 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.

Which airport is the most popular layover for flights between Santa Barbara and Chicago?

Las Vegas (LAS) was the most common stop: 42% of momondo users choosing 1-stop flights on this route connected there.

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

As of November 2025, 1 flights take off from Santa Barbara and land in Chicago each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Thu, with 100% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

Which layover airport has the shortest connection time from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Phoenix (PHX) has the shortest average layover time for this route: 0h 48m.

Which layover airport has the shortest travel time from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Flights connecting via Las Vegas (LAS) have the shortest average one-way travel time: 5h 48m.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines are the most popular carriers operating from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Which layover airport offers the lowest fares from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Flights via Phoenix (PHX) offer the lowest average round-trip price of $318.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago?

Prices for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago are updated daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago?

There are 4 operators available for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago as of November 2025.

How old do you have to be to fly from Santa Barbara Airport 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 Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago.

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

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

$140 Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago in 2025/26

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2:45 pm - 2:38 pmSBA-ORD

21h 53m1 stop

8:00 am - 1:53 pmORD-SBA

7h 53m1 stop

$250Alaska Airlines

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Sat, Jan 24 - Wed, Feb 4

12:39 pm - 9:21 pmSBA-ORD

6h 42m1 stop

1:13 pm - 8:34 pmORD-SBA

9h 21m1 stop

$251Delta

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Wed, Dec 3 - Wed, Dec 10

12:39 pm - 9:21 pmSBA-ORD

6h 42m1 stop

6:45 am - 4:06 pmORD-SBA

11h 21m2 stops

$256Delta

Find Deal

Wed, Dec 3 - Wed, Dec 10

5:40 am - 4:57 pmSBA-ORD

9h 17m2 stops

8:55 am - 4:06 pmORD-SBA

9h 11m2 stops

$261Delta

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Wed, Dec 3 - Wed, Dec 10

8:33 pm - 5:27 amSBA-ORD

6h 54m1 stop

8:45 am - 4:25 pmORD-SBA

9h 40m1 stop

$303United Airlines

Find Deal

Fri, Dec 26 - Wed, Dec 31

12:26 pm - 10:18 pmSBA-ORD

7h 52m2 stops

10:19 am - 6:33 pmORD-SBA

10h 14m2 stops

$305American Airlines

Find Deal

Sat, Jan 24 - Wed, Feb 4

6:54 pm - 5:34 amSBA-ORD

8h 40m1 stop

5:00 am - 9:43 amORD-SBA

6h 43m1 stop

$314American Airlines

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Fri, Dec 26 - Wed, Dec 31

1:03 pm - 10:50 pmSBA-ORD

7h 47m1 stop

5:16 pm - 11:59 pmORD-SBA

8h 43m1 stop

$429United Airlines

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Wed, Nov 19 - Sun, Nov 23

11:05 am - 10:35 pmSBA-ORD

9h 30m2 stops

1:45 pm - 9:05 pmORD-SBA

9h 20m2 stops

$523Southwest

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Thu, Dec 25 - Wed, Dec 31

5:15 am - 4:15 pmSBA-ORD

9h 00m2 stops

1:45 pm - 9:05 pmORD-SBA

9h 20m2 stops

$543Southwest

Find Deal

Fri, Dec 26 - Wed, Dec 31

United Airlines flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on Santa Barbara to Chicago flight tickets

United Airlines

Dec 26

SBA8:33 pmSanta Barbara

6h 54m

1 stop

ORD5:27 amChicago O'Hare Intl

Dec 31

ORD8:45 amChicago O'Hare Intl

9h 40m

1 stop

SBA4:25 pmSanta Barbara

$303

Find similar

United Airlines

Nov 19

SBA1:03 pmSanta Barbara

7h 47m

1 stop

ORD10:50 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Nov 23

ORD5:16 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

8h 43m

1 stop

SBA11:59 pmSanta Barbara

$429

Find similar

United Airlines

Nov 14

SBA6:50 pmSanta Barbara

8h 10m

1 stop

ORD5:00 amChicago O'Hare Intl

Nov 16

ORD7:10 amChicago O'Hare Intl

6h 51m

1 stop

SBA12:01 pmSanta Barbara

$444

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American Airlines flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Our best American Airlines deals on Santa Barbara to Chicago flight tickets

American Airlines

Jan 24

SBA12:26 pmSanta Barbara

7h 52m

2 stops

ORD10:18 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Feb 4

ORD10:19 amChicago O'Hare Intl

10h 14m

2 stops

SBA6:33 pmSanta Barbara

$305

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American Airlines

Dec 26

SBA6:54 pmSanta Barbara

8h 40m

1 stop

ORD5:34 amChicago O'Hare Intl

Dec 31

ORD5:00 amChicago O'Hare Intl

6h 43m

1 stop

SBA9:43 amSanta Barbara

$314

Find similar

American Airlines

Feb 1

SBA12:26 pmSanta Barbara

9h 18m

2 stops

ORD11:44 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Feb 5

ORD5:25 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

6h 48m

1 stop

SBA10:13 pmSanta Barbara

$319

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Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 1/24

2:45 pm-2:38 pm

1 stop21h 53m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 2/4

8:00 am-1:53 pm

1 stop7h 53m

$250

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 12/3

12:39 pm-9:21 pm

1 stop6h 42m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/10

1:13 pm-8:34 pm

1 stop9h 21m

$251

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 12/3

12:39 pm-9:21 pm

1 stop6h 42m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/10

6:45 am-4:06 pm

2 stops11h 21m

$256

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 12/3

5:40 am-4:57 pm

2 stops9h 17m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/10

8:55 am-4:06 pm

2 stops9h 11m

$261

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 12/26

8:33 pm-5:27 am

1 stop6h 54m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/31

8:45 am-4:25 pm

1 stop9h 40m

$303

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 1/24

12:26 pm-10:18 pm

2 stops7h 52m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 2/4

10:19 am-6:33 pm

2 stops10h 14m

$305

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 12/26

6:54 pm-5:34 am

1 stop8h 40m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/31

5:00 am-9:43 am

1 stop6h 43m

$314

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 11/19

1:03 pm-10:50 pm

1 stop7h 47m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 11/23

5:16 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop8h 43m

$429

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Thu 12/25

11:05 am-10:35 pm

2 stops9h 30m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/31

1:45 pm-9:05 pm

2 stops9h 20m

$523

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 12/26

5:15 am-4:15 pm

2 stops9h 00m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/31

1:45 pm-9:05 pm

2 stops9h 20m

$543

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 Santa Barbara 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

Layovers

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

The month of June is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Chicago from Santa Barbara, with most prices found around $369. If you’re not able to fly to Chicago in June, then March is your next best option. Flight prices from Santa Barbara to Chicago during March average around $380.

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 $358. 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago for around $453.

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 Santa Barbara to Chicago during this time can be as low as $276. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to Chicago is at noon when prices are around $459.

What is the cheapest Santa Barbara to Chicago flight route?

Fly from Santa Barbara to Chicago O'Hare Intl for the best Santa Barbara - Chicago flight prices

What cabin class options are available on Santa Barbara to Chicago flights?

There is only 1 cabin class available to choose from on Santa Barbara to Chicago flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

How have Santa Barbara to Chicago flight prices changed over time?

As of November 2025, prices for Santa Barbara to Chicago flights are approximately 15% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from Santa Barbara to Chicago according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated round-trip price

Cheap Santa Barbara to Chicago (SBA to CHI) flight deals and tips

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

Direct flights	None

There are no direct flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago. There are no popular flight routes from Santa Barbara to Chicago.

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How far is Santa Barbara to Chicago by plane?
A flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago will travel around 1804.1 mi. Typically, this will take 5h 40m by plane in normal conditions.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago?
Prices for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago are updated daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago?
There are 4 operators available for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago as of November 2025.
How old do you have to be to fly from Santa Barbara Airport 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 Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Chicago?
The travel and health documents required for your trip to Chicago 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 Chicago. 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago?
momondo data reveals that the most frequently booked plane model on the route from Santa Barbara to Chicago is Boeing 737 MAX 8, representing 100.00% of all bookings.
What is the most popular airline from Santa Barbara to Chicago?
Based on momondo bookings for this flight route, the most popular airline on flight routes from Santa Barbara to Chicago is United Airlines (41% of total bookings). The next most popular airlines are American Airlines (28%), Delta (16%), and Southwest (15%).

Best airlines flying from Santa Barbara to Chicago

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

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Southwest	PriceFrom $218	Free Cancellation	Rating 8.0 4,241 reviews	Search Southwest flights
Delta	PriceFrom $304	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.9 8,001 reviews	Search Delta flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom $318	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,007 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $344	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.2 11,040 reviews	Search American Airlines flights

United Airlines Flights From Santa Barbara to Chicago
United Airlines flight deals from Santa Barbara to Chicago start from $318 round-trip. Over the 1 United Airlines flight for this route in a normal week, average airfare is usually $494 round-trip - but some users have found much cheaper deals with momondo.

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 Santa Barbara to Chicago?

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 Chicago from Santa Barbara.

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

All flight searches from Santa Barbara to Chicago on momondo can be filtered to show those which offer flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

momondo offers useful filters to help you find the right flight. Choose specific flight times, airports or even what payment method you prefer. We have numerous options to help you book your ideal flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago.

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

Yes. momondo can track prices for Santa Barbara to Chicago 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.

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Find better results for your trip to the United States

Fly into one of these airports located in Chicago

Chicago Midway Airport

Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

Chicago Greater Rockford Airport

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Flights to Washington, D.C.from $49

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Flights to Dallasfrom $59

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Flights to Denverfrom $57

Cheap flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago from $140

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago departing on 12/11. 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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United Airlines flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on Santa Barbara to Chicago flight tickets

American Airlines flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Santa Barbara 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

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

The month of June is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Chicago from Santa Barbara, with most prices found around $369. If you’re not able to fly to Chicago in June, then March is your next best option. Flight prices from Santa Barbara to Chicago during March average around $380.

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 Santa Barbara to Chicago during this time can be as low as $276. In contrast, the most expensive time of day to depart to Chicago is at noon when prices are around $459.

What is the cheapest Santa Barbara to Chicago flight route?

Fly from Santa Barbara to Chicago O'Hare Intl for the best Santa Barbara - Chicago flight prices

What cabin class options are available on Santa Barbara to Chicago flights?

There is only 1 cabin class available to choose from on Santa Barbara to Chicago flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

How have Santa Barbara to Chicago flight prices changed over time?

As of November 2025, prices for Santa Barbara to Chicago flights are approximately 15% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines are the most popular carriers operating from Santa Barbara to Chicago

What airlines fly to Chicago?

Which airport is the most popular layover for flights between Santa Barbara and Chicago?

Las Vegas (LAS) was the most common stop: 42% of momondo users choosing 1-stop flights on this route connected there.

Which layover airport offers the lowest fares from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Flights via Phoenix (PHX) offer the lowest average round-trip price of $318.

Which layover airport has the shortest travel time from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Flights connecting via Las Vegas (LAS) have the shortest average one-way travel time: 5h 48m.

Which layover airport has the shortest connection time from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Phoenix (PHX) has the shortest average layover time for this route: 0h 48m.

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

As of November 2025, 1 flights take off from Santa Barbara and land in Chicago each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Thu, with 100% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

When to book flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Cheap Santa Barbara to Chicago (SBA to CHI) flight deals and tips

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

Direct flights

How far is Santa Barbara to Chicago by plane?

When did momondo last update prices for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago?

How many operators does momondo search for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago?

How old do you have to be to fly from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago?

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

What is the most popular plane model from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

What is the most popular airline from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Best airlines flying from Santa Barbara to Chicago

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

United Airlines Flights From Santa Barbara to Chicago

Traveling to a place near Chicago?

Why use momondo?

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

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

How can momondo help me find flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

I’m not ready to book a flight from Santa Barbara 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