Cheap flights from Chicago (CHI) to California from $43

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a Cheapflights user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight departing on 4/27. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
CHI — LAX
Apr 2 — Apr 91

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

Find a great deal and save up to 54% by booking at least 49 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 $277.

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

January is one of the best times of the year to fly to California from Chicago. Prices for January average $296 per person but you can even find prices for as low as $90. The most expensive prices can be found in the month of June. Opting for a January flight can save you 36% 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.

Cheap Spirit Airlines flights from Chicago to California

Explore cheap flight options specifically provided by Spirit Airlines for the route between Chicago and California. Find affordable fares and compare prices with other airlines to secure the best deal for your journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Data last updated March 29, 2024.
Peruse some of the lowest-priced Spirit Airlines flights we've found from Chicago to California. Deals update often to give you more flight options matching your criteria
Mon 5/137:35 amORD - LAX
1 stop19h 24mSpirit Airlines
Tue 5/146:05 amLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 07mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/27$93
Tue 5/2110:57 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 31mSpirit Airlines
Wed 5/229:00 amLAX - ORD
1 stop7h 23mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/27$100
Fri 5/1010:57 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 31mSpirit Airlines
Sat 5/118:51 amLAX - ORD
1 stop9h 44mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/27$110
Sat 4/205:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Tue 4/2311:15 pmLAX - ORD
1 stop10h 05mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$112
Sat 4/205:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Wed 4/246:01 amLAX - ORD
1 stop10h 42mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$120
Mon 5/137:35 amORD - LAX
1 stop19h 24mSpirit Airlines
Tue 5/146:05 amLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 07mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/28$129
Sat 4/205:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Wed 4/2411:59 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 04mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$131
Mon 5/610:00 pmORD - LAX
1 stop18h 22mSpirit Airlines
Tue 5/79:21 pmLAX - ORD
1 stop10h 34mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$135
Sat 5/118:23 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 34mSpirit Airlines
Thu 5/166:05 amLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 07mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$139

Cheap American Airlines flights from Chicago to California

Explore cheap flight options specifically provided by American Airlines for the route between Chicago and California. Find affordable fares and compare prices with other airlines to secure the best deal for your journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Data last updated March 29, 2024.
Some of the best deals we've found on American Airlines flights traveling from Chicago to California. Ensure the flight price, dates, time, and airline match your criteria before you book.
Sat 5/46:45 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 45mAmerican Airlines
Sat 5/412:15 amLAX - ORD
Nonstop3h 58mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/26$194
Sat 4/208:15 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 22mAmerican Airlines
Fri 4/2612:15 amLAX - ORD
Nonstop3h 58mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/27$199
Sat 4/278:15 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 22mAmerican Airlines
Mon 4/2912:45 amLAX - ORD
1 stop6h 48mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/28$208
Sat 4/278:05 amORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 25mAmerican Airlines
Sat 4/2710:50 pmSAN - ORD
Nonstop4h 07mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/27$217
Wed 4/248:57 pmORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 15mAmerican Airlines
Sat 4/2710:50 pmSAN - ORD
Nonstop4h 07mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/27$218
Fri 5/178:55 pmORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 19mAmerican Airlines
Mon 5/2010:57 pmSAN - ORD
Nonstop4h 03mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/27$219
Sat 4/208:57 pmORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 15mAmerican Airlines
Wed 4/241:32 pmSAN - ORD
1 stop8h 25mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/27$227
Fri 5/38:57 pmORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 15mAmerican Airlines
Sun 5/57:30 pmSAN - ORD
1 stop7h 52mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/27$228
Sun 4/216:00 amORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 31mAmerican Airlines
Wed 4/2412:15 amLAX - ORD
Nonstop3h 58mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 3/26$239

Cheap Chicago to California flights in March & April 2024

Find cheap flight options from Chicago to California specifically for the months of March and April 2024. Explore affordable fares based on user searches. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Prices were last updated on March 29, 2024.
The lowest fares we've come across on flights traveling from Chicago to California in March and April 2024. More deals are always being added, so be sure to check back regularly.
Sat 4/279:29 pmMDW - ONT
1 stop11h 02mFrontier
Sat 5/47:26 amONT - MDW
1 stop11h 13mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$90
Tue 4/305:01 amMDW - ONT
1 stop10h 00mFrontier
Tue 4/3010:49 pmONT - MDW
1 stop10h 47mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$91
Sat 4/2710:59 pmMDW - ONT
1 stop10h 04mFrontier
Fri 5/312:55 amONT - MDW
1 stop17h 44mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$95
Tue 4/2310:59 pmMDW - SAN
1 stop10h 35mFrontier
Sat 4/276:15 pmSAN - MDW
1 stop12h 16mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$95
Sat 4/2710:30 amMDW - ONT
1 stop15h 29mFrontier
Tue 4/3010:49 pmONT - MDW
1 stop10h 47mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$96
Sat 4/2710:30 amMDW - ONT
1 stop15h 29mFrontier
Mon 4/2912:59 amONT - MDW
1 stop8h 39mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$97
Tue 4/2310:59 pmMDW - ONT
1 stop10h 09mFrontier
Fri 4/2610:59 pmONT - MDW
1 stop10h 37mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$100
Mon 4/225:30 amMDW - SAN
1 stop9h 29mFrontier
Wed 4/246:15 pmSAN - MDW
1 stop12h 21mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$100
Sat 4/2010:59 pmMDW - ONT
1 stop10h 04mFrontier
Fri 4/2610:59 pmONT - MDW
1 stop10h 37mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$101

Chicago to California 2024 flight deals

Discover exclusive flight deals for travel between Chicago and California in 2024. Find excellent offers based on user searches. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Data last updated March 29, 2024.
The lowest fares we've come across on flights traveling from Chicago to California in March and April 2024. More deals are always being added, so be sure to check back regularly.
Sat 4/279:29 pmMDW - ONT
1 stop11h 02mFrontier
Sat 5/47:26 amONT - MDW
1 stop11h 13mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$90
Wed 5/110:59 pmMDW - SAN
1 stop10h 55mFrontier
Sat 5/49:33 amSAN - MDW
1 stop9h 06mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$90
Tue 4/305:01 amMDW - ONT
1 stop10h 00mFrontier
Tue 4/3010:49 pmONT - MDW
1 stop10h 47mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$91
Thu 5/1610:22 pmMDW - ONT
1 stop27h 37mFrontier
Wed 5/222:35 pmONT - MDW
1 stop28h 52mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$94
Wed 5/155:30 amMDW - SAN
1 stop27h 34mFrontier
Tue 5/2110:26 amSAN - MDW
1 stop22h 43mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$94
Sat 4/2710:59 pmMDW - ONT
1 stop10h 04mFrontier
Fri 5/312:55 amONT - MDW
1 stop17h 44mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$95
Tue 4/2310:59 pmMDW - SAN
1 stop10h 35mFrontier
Sat 4/276:15 pmSAN - MDW
1 stop12h 16mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$95
Sat 4/2710:30 amMDW - ONT
1 stop15h 29mFrontier
Tue 4/3010:49 pmONT - MDW
1 stop10h 47mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$96
Sat 4/2710:30 amMDW - ONT
1 stop15h 29mFrontier
Mon 4/2912:59 amONT - MDW
1 stop8h 39mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$97

Non-stop flights to California from Chicago

Discover non-stop flight options from Chicago to California. Find direct flights with no layovers, providing a convenient travel experience. Explore non-stop flight options based on user searches, and compare prices and availability for your desired travel dates. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Data last updated March 29, 2024.
For a quicker trip, book one of these direct flights from Chicago to California. Search for alternative flights from Chicago to California by utilizing the search form above.
Sat 5/118:23 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 34mSpirit Airlines
Thu 5/166:05 amLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 07mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$139
Sat 5/118:23 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 34mSpirit Airlines
Tue 5/1411:55 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 05mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$140
Tue 5/1410:57 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 31mSpirit Airlines
Fri 5/176:05 amLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 07mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$142
Sat 5/45:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Tue 5/711:59 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 04mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/28$143
Sat 4/275:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Sat 5/410:41 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 04mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/28$144
Thu 5/910:57 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 31mSpirit Airlines
Sun 5/1911:55 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 05mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/27$148
Tue 4/165:06 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Sat 4/2010:41 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 04mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$155
Sat 4/135:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Sat 4/2010:41 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 04mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/27$156
Sat 4/205:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Wed 4/2411:59 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 04mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/28$157

Chicago to California flights leaving soon

Find last-minute flight options from Chicago to California for spontaneous travel. Discover available flights and compare prices based on user searches. Secure great deals and offers for spontaneous trips with quick booking options. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Data last updated March 29, 2024.
Consider one of these great deals we found on last-minute flights from Chicago to California. Users should double check the flight they book to ensure it matches the day, time, and destination they're looking for.
Tue 4/97:00 amMDW - ONT
1 stop10h 06mFrontier
Mon 4/1512:59 amONT - MDW
1 stop8h 39mFrontier
Deal found 3/27$140
Wed 4/105:30 amMDW - ONT
1 stop20h 29mFrontier
Tue 4/1612:59 amONT - MDW
1 stop8h 39mFrontier
Deal found 3/27$143
Wed 4/105:30 amMDW - ONT
1 stop20h 29mFrontier
Tue 4/1612:59 amONT - MDW
1 stop8h 39mFrontier
Deal found 3/27$149
Wed 4/105:30 amMDW - ONT
1 stop20h 29mFrontier
Mon 4/1512:59 amONT - MDW
1 stop8h 39mFrontier
Deal found 3/27$150
Tue 4/212:17 pmMDW - ONT
1 stop11h 01mFrontier
Tue 4/912:59 amONT - MDW
1 stop8h 39mFrontier
Deal found 3/26$168
Thu 4/412:26 pmMDW - SAN
1 stop6h 35mFrontier
Tue 4/1610:05 pmSAN - MDW
1 stop11h 31mFrontier
Deal found 3/27$175
Thu 4/45:10 amMDW - ONT
1 stop12h 42mFrontier
Tue 4/910:08 pmONT - MDW
1 stop11h 28mFrontier
Deal found 3/26$179
Sat 4/612:06 pmMDW - SAN
1 stop6h 55mFrontier
Sat 4/139:33 amSAN - MDW
1 stop9h 06mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$179
Wed 4/310:20 amORD - SAN
1 stop8h 41mFrontier
Wed 4/104:07 pmSAN - ORD
1 stop6h 49mFrontier
Deal found 3/27$179

One-way flights to California from Chicago

Search for one-way flight options from Chicago to California. Find affordable one-way fares based on user searches. Compare prices and availability to plan your one-way journey according to your preferred dates and budget. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Data last updated March 29, 2024.
Take a look at some of the best available options we've come across on one-way flights from Chicago to California. Those needing a return flight from Chicago to California can use the search form above.
Sat 4/275:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/27$43
Sat 5/45:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$44
Tue 4/236:27 pmORD - ONT
1 stop7h 32mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$53
Wed 4/2412:29 pmMDW - SAN
1 stop10h 03mFrontier
Deal found 3/27$59
Tue 4/166:27 pmORD - ONT
1 stop7h 32mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$60
Sat 4/135:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/26$60
Sat 4/135:35 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 37mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/27$61
Mon 4/2210:00 pmORD - LAX
1 stop18h 22mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 3/27$63
Tue 4/305:30 amMDW - LAX
1 stop17h 03mFrontier
Deal found 3/28$64

Find flights from Chicago to California within your budget

Customize your flight search to find flights from Chicago to California that fit within your specific budget. Explore options based on user searches and filter the results based on your desired price range. Find flights that match your budget for a cost-effective journey. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Data last updated March 29, 2024.

Fly from

Any airport

Fly to

Any airport

Budget

$93 - $237

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Chicago O'Hare IntlLos Angeles

ORD - LAX

ORDLAX

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 5/13

1 stop19h 24m

Los Angeles

Tue 5/14

Nonstop4h 07m

$93

Chicago O'Hare IntlLos Angeles

ORD - LAX

ORDLAX

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 5/21

Nonstop4h 31m

Los Angeles

Wed 5/22

1 stop7h 23m

$100

Chicago O'Hare IntlLos Angeles

ORD - LAX

ORDLAX

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 5/10

Nonstop4h 31m

Los Angeles

Sat 5/11

1 stop9h 44m

$110

Chicago O'Hare IntlLos Angeles

ORD - LAX

ORDLAX

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 5/4

Nonstop4h 37m

Los Angeles

Tue 5/7

1 stop11h 17m

$121

Chicago MidwayOntario

MDW - ONT

MDWONT

Chicago Midway

Tue 4/23

1 stop25h 26m

Ontario

Sat 4/27

1 stop7h 12m

$125

Chicago O'Hare IntlLos Angeles

ORD - LAX

ORDLAX

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 5/4

Nonstop4h 45m

Los Angeles

Sat 5/4

Nonstop3h 58m

$194

Chicago MidwayLos Angeles

MDW - LAX

MDWLAX

Chicago Midway

Sat 5/4

1 stop6h 45m

Los Angeles

Fri 5/10

1 stop8h 22m

$216

Chicago O'Hare IntlSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 4/23

Nonstop4h 52m

San Francisco

Wed 5/1

Nonstop4h 24m

$219

Chicago O'Hare IntlSan Francisco

ORD - SFO

ORDSFO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 4/30

Nonstop4h 51m

San Francisco

Mon 5/13

Nonstop4h 21m

$237

Flights are sorted by cheapest first

Deals found on 3/27

No data available for this route at this time. Please check back soon.

Reviews of airlines servicing California

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to California. Read reviews, discover amenities, and learn about the overall travel experience offered by airlines. Use this information to make informed decisions when choosing an airline for your flight to California. Reviews last updated March 29, 2024.
See what other customers who have flown with Spirit Airlines, American Airlines and Delta from Chicago to California have to say. Users can see the overall rating for each airline as well as how each is rated in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.2
Very good
6,327 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.2

Food

7.4

Crew

8.8

Reviews

1 / 10

The flight attendant on the flight was extremely unprofessional and obnoxious. He treated the entire plane as if we were on a seventh grade camping trip. He thought he was funny but was actually rude to us while we were on the ground waiting to continue to our final stop. It was like being stuck with a bad comedian for four solid hours. We flew from Chicago to Long Beach to Reno over 5 hours and they did not have any food other then graham crackers. Because of being delayed no one had time to get food in the airport between flights. Terrible experience and Southwest should look into this crew member.

Southwest
8.2
Very good
6,327 reviews
Southwest
8.2
Very good
6,327 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.2

Food

7.4

Crew

8.8

Reviews

1 / 10

The flight attendant on the flight was extremely unprofessional and obnoxious. He treated the entire plane as if we were on a seventh grade camping trip. He thought he was funny but was actually rude to us while we were on the ground waiting to continue to our final stop. It was like being stuck with a bad comedian for four solid hours. We flew from Chicago to Long Beach to Reno over 5 hours and they did not have any food other then graham crackers. Because of being delayed no one had time to get food in the airport between flights. Terrible experience and Southwest should look into this crew member.

8.1
Very good
9,127 reviews
Southwest
8.2
Very good
6,327 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.2

Food

7.4

Crew

8.8

Reviews

1 / 10

The flight attendant on the flight was extremely unprofessional and obnoxious. He treated the entire plane as if we were on a seventh grade camping trip. He thought he was funny but was actually rude to us while we were on the ground waiting to continue to our final stop. It was like being stuck with a bad comedian for four solid hours. We flew from Chicago to Long Beach to Reno over 5 hours and they did not have any food other then graham crackers. Because of being delayed no one had time to get food in the airport between flights. Terrible experience and Southwest should look into this crew member.

8.1
Very good
11,402 reviews
Southwest
8.2
Very good
6,327 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.2

Food

7.4

Crew

8.8

Reviews

1 / 10

The flight attendant on the flight was extremely unprofessional and obnoxious. He treated the entire plane as if we were on a seventh grade camping trip. He thought he was funny but was actually rude to us while we were on the ground waiting to continue to our final stop. It was like being stuck with a bad comedian for four solid hours. We flew from Chicago to Long Beach to Reno over 5 hours and they did not have any food other then graham crackers. Because of being delayed no one had time to get food in the airport between flights. Terrible experience and Southwest should look into this crew member.

7.5
Good
1,069 reviews
Southwest
8.2
Very good
6,327 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.2

Food

7.4

Crew

8.8

Reviews

1 / 10

The flight attendant on the flight was extremely unprofessional and obnoxious. He treated the entire plane as if we were on a seventh grade camping trip. He thought he was funny but was actually rude to us while we were on the ground waiting to continue to our final stop. It was like being stuck with a bad comedian for four solid hours. We flew from Chicago to Long Beach to Reno over 5 hours and they did not have any food other then graham crackers. Because of being delayed no one had time to get food in the airport between flights. Terrible experience and Southwest should look into this crew member.

7.4
Good
11,481 reviews
Southwest
8.2
Very good
6,327 reviews

Entertainment

7.9

Comfort

8.1

Boarding

8.3

Overall

8.2

Food

7.4

Crew

8.8

Reviews

1 / 10

The flight attendant on the flight was extremely unprofessional and obnoxious. He treated the entire plane as if we were on a seventh grade camping trip. He thought he was funny but was actually rude to us while we were on the ground waiting to continue to our final stop. It was like being stuck with a bad comedian for four solid hours. We flew from Chicago to Long Beach to Reno over 5 hours and they did not have any food other then graham crackers. Because of being delayed no one had time to get food in the airport between flights. Terrible experience and Southwest should look into this crew member.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Chicago to California. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.
  • 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.

  • 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 $93, but on average you can expect to pay $123.

  • Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to California for under $200 on Cheapflights?

    Cheapflights has at least 20 direct flights from Chicago to California under $200. A good price for a nonstop flight from Chicago to California is less than $155.

  • Are there last-minute flights available from Chicago to California for under $200?

    There are currently 20+ open flights from Chicago to California within the next 7 days for less than $200.

  • 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?

    103 flight departures from Chicago to California per day on average.
    Morning (6am - Noon) - 40% of flight departures
    Afternoon (Noon - 6pm) - 23% of flight departures
    Evening (6pm - Midnight) - 37% of flight departures

  • How long is the flight from Chicago to California?

    Departing from Chicago to California will take you 19h 24m. 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?

  • What are the most popular airlines that fly 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 Finnair (95%), China Southern (88%) or Spirit Airlines (88%) 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 $844 for a flight from Chicago to California. The cheapest flight overall is $79 while the most popular route, (Chicago O'Hare Intl - Los Angeles) is currently priced at $93.

  • What does ORD to LAX mean?

    These are just IATA (International Air Transport Association) codes. They are used in aviation to identify and differentiate airports. That’s why a Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to Los Angeles Airport flight would often be abbreviated as a ORD to LAX flight. Ready for more IATA code knowledge? These are related airports for your current travel destination: San Francisco Airport (SFO), San Diego Airport (SAN), Santa Ana J. Wayne/Orange Cnty Airport (SNA), San Jose Airport (SJC), Sacramento Intl Airport (SMF).

  • Can I find deals for flights from Chicago to California that include extra baggage allowance?

    The amount of baggage you can bring depends on the airline and the type of fare you've chosen. After entering your flight details, you'll be able to view the specific baggage policies for each deal in the search results. Keep in mind that certain deals may offer additional baggage allowance.

  • Can I find deals on flights from Chicago to California with specific airlines?

    Yes, Cheapflights allows you to browse and filter flight deals by airline. After entering your origin and destination, use the available filters to view flights offered by airlines.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Chicago to California that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Chicago to California flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Chicago to California?

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to see available direct flights.

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Chicago to California?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Chicago to California by cabin class. In addition to browsing deals, you can also filter by cabin class on the search results page after making a search.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Chicago to California that allow pets onboard?

    Many airlines do offer the option to travel with pets. After selecting a flight deal, you can find more information about the airline's pet policy on their official website or by contacting the airline directly. Please note that additional fees and restrictions may apply.

  • How recently were the Chicago to California flight deals updated?

    The Chicago to California flight deals you see on this page were last updated on 3/28.

  • 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.

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Alternative routes for Chicago to California
See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.

Top 8 airlines flying from Chicago to California

Discover the top 8 airlines that operate flights from Chicago to California. Compare their services, reliability, and customer satisfaction ratings to choose the airline that best suits your travel preferences and needs. Over the last 7 days, Cheapflights users made 3,228,805 searches. Data last updated March 29, 2024.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
Spirit AirlinesCheapest$64Average$252FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time65%
Search Spirit Airlines flights
FrontierCheapest$79Average$242FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
Search Frontier flights
Alaska AirlinesCheapest$109Average$370FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time75%
Search Alaska Airlines flights
DeltaCheapest$118Average$428FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
Search Delta flights
American AirlinesCheapest$158Average$421FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
Search American Airlines flights
United AirlinesCheapest$175Average$408FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
Search United Airlines flights
Sun Country AirCheapest$243Average$350FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time83%
Search Sun Country Air flights
Linear Air TaxiCheapest$50,316Average$67,279FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
Search Linear Air Taxi flights

Search flights from Chicago to California by cabin class

Find flights from Chicago to California, based on your preferred cabin class, be it economy, premium economy, business, or first class.

Hourly flight availability from Chicago to California

Find hourly flight availability from Chicago to California. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated March 29, 2024.
11%of flight departuresEarly morningMidnight to 6 am
35%of flight departuresMorning6 am to noon
32%of flight departuresAfternoonNoon to 6 pm
22%of flight departuresEvening6 pm to midnight
Midnight
6 AM
Noon
6 PM

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How does Cheapflights help users find flights from Chicago to California?

Cheapflights helps you search for flights from Chicago to California via 900+ travel sites so you don’t have to. After performing a flight search, users can also filter their flight selection by filtering for price, number of stops, airlines, and so on.

Why should you use Cheapflights to find cheap flight tickets from Chicago to California?

Cheapflights taps into our reliable network of hundreds of airlines and travel agencies to find the best deals for flights from Chicago to California for you. Better yet — we are completely free to use.

Can Cheapflights find flights from Chicago to California with no change fees?

Cheapflights does show flights with no change fees to all users. To see these options for flights from Chicago to California, users can toggle the no change fees filter when performing a flight search.

Can Cheapflights notify me if prices for flights from Chicago to California become cheaper?

Yes, Cheapflights offers price alerts on Chicago to California flights so you can book your travel at the perfect time. Price Alerts can be enabled by clicking the bell icon next to the flight deals above and providing your email address where you want to receive the alerts.

Can I find deals on last-minute flights from Chicago to California?

Yes, you can often find last-minute deals on Chicago to California flights on Cheapflights. However, these deals can vary and may not always be available. We recommend checking back frequently or signing up for price alerts for the most up-to-date deals.

How can I compare prices from different travel booking sites for flights from Chicago to California?

Cheapflights aggregates prices from various travel booking sites. This allows you to compare prices and choose the best deal.

Can I find deals for flights from Chicago to California that offer flexible cancellation policies?

Cancellation policies vary by airline and fare type. After entering your flight details, you can view the cancellation policies for each deal in the search results. Some deals may offer flexibility in terms of cancellation and changes.

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