Cheap flights from Chicago (CHI) to California

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

Find a great deal and save up to 37% by booking at least 53 days prior to your desired departure date, rather than waiting until the week of travel. According to our data, there are a number of flights available from Chicago to California within the next two weeks, with the cheapest ticket starting at $349.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to California?

February is one of the best times of the year to fly to California from Chicago. Prices for February average $317 per person but you can even find prices for as low as $93. The most expensive prices can be found in the month of June. Opting for a February flight can save you 37% on your journey compared to booking in June

When is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to California (CHI - CA)?

When flying from Chicago to California, the time of day you decide to fly out makes little to no difference towards the overall price you’ll pay on tickets.

When you're looking to get out of Chicago for a few days or weeks, a California vacation could be just what you need. The state has some of the nation's best outdoor areas, including national parks, hiking trails and beaches, giving you the opportunity to enjoy that fantastic California weather. If you want to visit another big city like Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco are two of the best options, or you can check out one of California's charming smaller towns. There are plenty of daily direct flights from Chicago to California, and it only takes about four hours.

How long is the flight from Chicago to California?

The flight time from Chicago to California varies a bit depending on which city you fly into, but on most trips, expect a flight time of around four hours.

Which airlines operate flights from Chicago to California?

American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United and Virgin America all have flights available from Chicago to one or more cities in California.

How frequent are flights between Chicago and California?

Chicago to California is a popular route with dozens of flights every day. Quite a few of those are direct flights, and there are also many with stops available.

Which airports serve Chicago to California?

Chicago's primary airport is O'Hare International Airport, but there are also flights to California at its other airport, O'Hare International Airport. California has airports in quite a few of its major cities, with Los Angeles International Airport being the busiest. It's followed by San Francisco International Airport, San Diego International Airport and Oakland International Airport. Which direct flight route between Chicago and California is cheapest?There's no single route between Chicago and California that's consistently the cheapest, as it depends on the airline deals available. Since O'Hare International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport are the two options with the most flights available, that route sometimes has the cheapest routes. The best way to book your flight is to first figure out which part of California you want to visit and then look for deals to that area. Most travelers visit California either to check out one of its cities or focus on one of its theme parks, such as Disneyland in Anaheim or Universal Studios in Los Angeles. If you go during the summer, make sure you spend an afternoon at one of the state's many beautiful beaches, which include Coronado in San Diego and El Matador in Malibu. Since California is known for having delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, you may also want to stop by a farmers market while you're there. There's always plenty to do when you go on a California vacation. Use our smart search engine to find yourself the cheapest flights from Chicago to California.

How busy are the airports in Chicago and California?

If you’re booking a flight to California from Chicago, you will likely depart from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). When you arrive in California, the major airports include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Oakland International Airport (OAK), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and San Jose International Airport (SJC). It all just depends on the airline you’ll be traveling with. Since both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines have their hub at SFO, they tend to land there more often than not. Similarly, because LAX is the primary hub for American Airlines and Delta Air, you’re most likely to land in Los Angeles when flying with either of these airlines.

Which airlines fly directly from Chicago to California?

Chicago to California is a very popular route, with hundreds of Americans flying to the west coast every week. As a result, there are a good number of airlines serving this route that provide direct flights. Spirit is one of the leading airlines, offering multiple flights every day. United Airlines is another option and is actually the most popular because of its amazing in-flight amenities. During your flight from Chicago to California, you’ll receive complimentary snacks as well as in-flight wireless internet that you can use for entertainment or work during your flight. They also provide personal entertainment devices, such as small tablets, in case you want to catch up on your favorite TV show.

What are the stopover options between Chicago and California?

Despite being a very short trip, there are still connecting flights between the two cities. Flights from Chicago to California that include a layover usually cost less compared to direct flights. Therefore, if you are traveling on a budget, you should consider these options. If you’re content with a one-stop flight, the most common layovers on this route stop at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) or Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Other layover options include Dallas/Fort Worth, Boise, and Fort Lauderdale. Although indirect flights are cheaper, keep in mind that they will add three to six hours to your total travel time.

Do I need a passport or visa to fly from Chicago to California?

No, a passport will not be necessary when flying to California from Chicago since you’re traveling on a domestic flight. However, you will still be required to prove your identity with a photo ID, and a REAL ID will be required for domestic flights in the near future, as part of a new system the government is introducing. You will need to have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another form of ID such as a US passport, US passport card, or NEXUS card, among others.

Which airlines flying from Chicago to California have flexible cancellations due to COVID-19?

Due to the rapidly changing circumstances due to COVID-19, airlines like United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines flying from Chicago to California have implemented new flexible cancellation policies.

Can I find flights from Chicago to California for under $100 on Cheapflights?

Yes, there are multiple flights from Chicago to California for under $100. The cheapest flight booked recently is on Spirit Airlines for just $82, but on average you can expect to pay $93.

Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to California for under $100 on Cheapflights?

Cheapflights has at least 20 direct flights from Chicago to California under $100. A good price for a nonstop flight from Chicago to California is less than $93.

Are there last-minute flights available from Chicago to California for under $100?

There are currently 20+ open flights from Chicago to California within the next 7 days for less than $100.

What days are nonstop flights available from Chicago to California?

Nonstop flights can be found on the following days: Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday.

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

37 flight departures from Chicago to California per day on average.
Morning (6am - Noon) - 19% of flight departures
Afternoon (Noon - 6pm) - 8% of flight departures
Evening (6pm - Midnight) - 73% of flight departures

How long is the flight from Chicago to California?

Departing from Chicago to California will take you 4h 38m. There are 1750 mi between Chicago and California. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

What are the most popular routes from Chicago to California?

The most popular route from Chicago to California is Chicago O'Hare Intl - Los Angeles. You may also consider Chicago O'Hare Intl - San Francisco or Chicago O'Hare Intl - San Diego.

What are the most popular airlines that fly from Chicago to California?

American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Delta are the most popular airlines when flying from Chicago to California.

What are the most reliable airlines from Chicago to California?

No one likes to see their flight delayed. When booking a flight from Chicago to California consider choosing Air China (91%), ANA (90%) or LOT (90%) as they are the most reliable in getting you off to your destination on time.

What are the cheapest flights from Chicago to California?

On average you can expect to pay $682 for a flight from Chicago to California. The cheapest flight overall is $43 while the most popular route, (Chicago O'Hare Intl - Los Angeles) is currently priced at $83.

What are the most eco-friendly airlines from Chicago to California?

Most of the airlines that offer flights to California from Chicago have some type of ongoing program to reduce the airline’s environmental impact and promote sustainable travel. Spirit Airlines, for example, has a daytime flight to California that is considered to have less carbon emissions than other flights making the same route due to the type of aircraft and its engine’s fuel efficiency. Spirit also encourages passengers to avoid bringing extra luggage that would weigh the aircraft down by not including a free carry-on bag with their tickets. United Airlines and American Airlines also have eco-friendly programs and are committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. They both have already taken action by using sustainable aviation fuel, thereby reducing their greenhouse gas emissions.

How can I fly more sustainably from Chicago to California?

When booking tickets to California from Chicago, there are a few choices passengers can make to reduce their own carbon footprint. Packing light and not bringing extra luggage is one way of helping. The more the aircraft weighs, the more fuel it burns, increasing its carbon emissions and producing more pollution. Traveling in economy class and on larger airplanes may also help because they are more space-efficient. You can also choose one of the many direct flights offered on this route, avoiding unnecessary layovers and extra carbon dioxide emissions. If possible, it’s best to book a flight offered during the daytime because sunlight helps heat the aircraft and absorb some of the carbon dioxide.