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 40m.

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.

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

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

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

As of April 2026, 13 flights take off from Santa Barbara and land in Chicago each week. The most common flight departure day for this route is Mon, with 15% of weekly flights taking off on this day.

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

Flights via Las Vegas (LAS) offer the lowest average round-trip price of $388.

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 37% 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?

Phoenix (PHX) was the most common stop: 50% of momondo users choosing 1-stop flights on this route connected there.

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

1 flights are operational daily from Santa Barbara to Chicago as of April 2026. The most popular departure time for this route is 5:00AM, with 100% of flights per day taking off in the morning.

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 2 operators available for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago as of April 2026.

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.

$142 Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago in 2026

Q: What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Santa Barbara and Chicago?

Prices are currently low for flights on this route. Typical prices usually range from $419 to $320. The lowest price recently found on this route was $303.

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Find the cheapest flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Round-trip

One-way

Last minute

Direct

Cheap round-trip flights

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

4:01 pm - 1:14 pm

SBA

ORD

19h 13m

1 stop

2:10 pm - 11:55 pm

ORD

SBA

11h 45m

1 stop

$303Alaska Airlines

Wed, May 27 - Tue, Jun 2

5:58 pm - 8:37 am

SBA

ORD

12h 39m

2 stops

7:45 am - 11:55 am

ORD

SBA

6h 10m

1 stop

$308Delta

Sat, May 2 - Sat, May 9

5:58 pm - 8:37 am

SBA

ORD

12h 39m

2 stops

11:09 am - 10:35 pm

ORD

SBA

13h 26m

2 stops

$313Delta

Sat, May 2 - Sat, May 9

7:07 pm - 6:40 am

SBA

ORD

9h 33m

1 stop

3:52 pm - 10:40 pm

ORD

SBA

8h 48m

1 stop

$315Alaska Airlines

Mon, Apr 27 - Wed, Apr 29

6:00 am - 7:03 pm

SBA

ORD

11h 03m

1 stop

8:50 am - 2:16 pm

ORD

SBA

7h 26m

1 stop

$323Alaska Airlines

Tue, May 5 - Wed, May 6

4:01 pm - 11:55 pm

SBA

ORD

5h 54m

1 stop

6:20 am - 1:51 pm

ORD

SBA

9h 31m

1 stop

$325Alaska Airlines

Sat, Jun 6 - Wed, Jun 10

5:50 am - 6:05 pm

SBA

ORD

10h 15m

2 stops

7:45 am - 11:55 am

ORD

SBA

6h 10m

1 stop

$326Delta

Wed, May 27 - Tue, Jun 2

12:39 pm - 9:45 pm

SBA

ORD

7h 06m

1 stop

8:10 am - 3:59 pm

ORD

SBA

9h 49m

2 stops

$328Delta

Wed, May 6 - Wed, May 13

12:37 pm - 6:37 pm

SBA

ORD

4h 00mnonstop

8:55 am - 11:25 am

ORD

SBA

4h 30mnonstop

$329United Airlines

Fri, May 15 - Tue, May 19

5:45 am - 6:48 pm

SBA

ORD

11h 03m

2 stops

7:45 am - 11:55 am

ORD

SBA

6h 10m

1 stop

$330Delta

Sat, Apr 18 - Sat, May 9

United Airlines flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

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

United Airlines

May 7

SBA12:37 pmSanta Barbara

4h 00m

ORD6:37 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

May 20

ORD8:55 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 30m

SBA11:25 amSanta Barbara

$329

United Airlines

May 27

SBA6:18 pmSanta Barbara

8h 33m

1 stop

ORD4:51 amChicago O'Hare Intl

Jun 2

ORD8:45 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 40m

SBA11:25 amSanta Barbara

$339

United Airlines

Jun 5

SBA12:27 pmSanta Barbara

4h 23m

ORD6:50 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Jun 19

ORD8:45 amChicago O'Hare Intl

4h 40m

SBA11:25 amSanta Barbara

$346

Southwest flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Our best Southwest deals on Santa Barbara to Chicago flight tickets

Southwest

Apr 24

SBA5:20 amSanta Barbara

11h 30m

2 stops

ORD6:50 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Apr 26

ORD4:50 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

9h 15m

1 stop

SBA12:05 amSanta Barbara

$354

Southwest

Apr 27

SBA5:20 amSanta Barbara

11h 30m

2 stops

ORD6:50 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Apr 29

ORD11:55 amChicago O'Hare Intl

12h 55m

2 stops

SBA10:50 pmSanta Barbara

$359

Southwest

Apr 18

SBA10:00 amSanta Barbara

10h 20m

2 stops

ORD10:20 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

Apr 23

ORD1:35 pmChicago O'Hare Intl

6h 15m

1 stop

SBA5:50 pmSanta Barbara

$389

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest round-trip

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 5/27

4:01 pm-1:14 pm

1 stop19h 13m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 6/2

2:10 pm-11:55 pm

1 stop11h 45m

$303

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 5/2

5:58 pm-8:37 am

2 stops12h 39m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 5/9

7:45 am-11:55 am

1 stop6h 10m

$308

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 5/2

5:58 pm-8:37 am

2 stops12h 39m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 5/9

11:09 am-10:35 pm

2 stops13h 26m

$313

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Mon 4/27

7:07 pm-6:40 am

1 stop9h 33m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 4/29

3:52 pm-10:40 pm

1 stop8h 48m

$315

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 5/5

6:00 am-7:03 pm

1 stop11h 03m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 5/6

8:50 am-2:16 pm

1 stop7h 26m

$323

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 6/6

4:01 pm-11:55 pm

1 stop5h 54m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 6/10

6:20 am-1:51 pm

1 stop9h 31m

$325

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 5/27

5:50 am-6:05 pm

2 stops10h 15m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 6/2

7:45 am-11:55 am

1 stop6h 10m

$326

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 5/6

12:39 pm-9:45 pm

1 stop7h 06m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 5/13

8:10 am-3:59 pm

2 stops9h 49m

$328

Quickest round-trip

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 5/15

12:37 pm-6:37 pm

Nonstop4h 00m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 5/19

8:55 am-11:25 am

Nonstop4h 30m

$329

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 4/18

5:45 am-6:48 pm

2 stops11h 03m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 5/9

7:45 am-11:55 am

1 stop6h 10m

$330

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 typical price of a round-trip flight between Santa Barbara and Chicago?

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

The month of January is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Chicago from Santa Barbara, with most prices found around $328. If you’re not able to fly to Chicago in January, then March is your next best option. Flight prices from Santa Barbara to Chicago during March average around $334.

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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara 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 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 are 3 cabin classes 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.

Can stopping save me money on Santa Barbara to Chicago flights?

You could potentially save up to 8% on your flight if you consider stops on a Santa Barbara to Chicago flight.

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

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

Best Price Found	$188
Fastest flight time	4h 00m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Chicago	3 airports

The best one-way flight to Chicago from Santa Barbara in the past 72 hours is $188. The best round-trip flight deal from Santa Barbara to Chicago found on momondo in the last 72 hours is $329.

The fastest flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago takes 4h 00m

Direct flights go from Santa Barbara to Chicago every day.

There are 3 airports in Chicago. From Santa Barbara there are direct flights to Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from Santa Barbara to Chicago

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 4h 00m 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 2 operators available for flights from Santa Barbara Airport to Chicago as of April 2026.
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 58.70% of all bookings. The subsequent popular models are Airbus A321neo at 14.13%, Boeing 737-700 at 7.61%, and Boeing 737-800 at 5.43%.
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 (63% of total bookings). The next most popular airlines are American Airlines (18%), Southwest (12%), and Delta (8%).

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
United Airlines	PriceFrom $279	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.4 9,548 reviews		Search United Airlines flights
American Airlines	PriceFrom $311	Free Cancellation	Rating 7.1 11,546 reviews		Search American Airlines flights

United Airlines Flights From Santa Barbara to Chicago
United Airlines flight deals from Santa Barbara to Chicago start from $279 round-trip. Over the 13 United Airlines flights for this route in a normal week, average airfare is usually $440 round-trip - but some users have found much cheaper deals with momondo.

Merrillville

New Buffalo

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 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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Cheap flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago from $142

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 5/23. 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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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from Santa Barbara to Chicago

What is the typical price of a round-trip flight between Santa Barbara and 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago flight route?

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

Can stopping save me money on Santa Barbara to Chicago flights?

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

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

What airlines fly to Chicago?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Price Found

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Chicago

Frequently asked questions about flying 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?

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.

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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

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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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