HomeSearch by dateVacation packagesHotelsFlight dealsCar rentalTravel tips & news
Chicago

$120+ Cheap flights from Salinas, CA, CA to Chicago (CHI)

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 11/11. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SFO — CHI
Nov 29 — Dec 61
Sat 11/29
Sat 12/6
1 adult, Economy
We work with more than 300 partners to bring you better travel deals

Find cheap flights from Salinas to Chicago with Cheapflights

1. Tell us where you want to go

Enter your travel information like dates, passengers, trip type (one-way or round trip), and preferred cabin class then click “Find deals”

2. Select your favorite providers

We find the providers serving your travel needs. Choose up to four travel providers to compare side-by-side for flights, hotels, or car rentals.

3. Compare prices and book

Review each provider’s pricing and select the best option for you! Book through your favorite provider’s website for a seamless experience.

Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Salinas to Chicago are usually found in February or September, booked 71 days in advance, depart on a Wednesday or Tuesday and return on a Thursday

Cheap flight deals from Salinas to Chicago

Keep the following information in mind while searching for Salinas to Chicago flight deals. Data was last updated October 30, 2025.

Most accurate provider

eDreams
3 stars

Most trusted provider

eDreams
3 stars

Round-trip from

$280
(Alaska Airlines)

One-way from

$120
(Kiwi.com)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

February

Average price

$389
Provider with most accurate pricing for San Francisco-Chicago (CHI) flight deals.
Search Deals
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for San Francisco-Chicago (CHI) flights.
Search Deals
From Salinas to Chicago (CHI)
Search Deals
One-way flight from Salinas to Chicago (CHI)
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 9% potential increase in price ($36 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($9 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in October 2025
Search Deals

Find flight deals from Salinas to Chicago

Cheapest flights from Salinas to Chicago
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Salinas to Chicago. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on October 30, 2025.

This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/28. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/810:23 pmSFO - ORD
1 stop10h 15mFrontier
Sat 11/156:00 amORD - SFO
2 stops18h 27mFrontier
Deal found 10/28$275
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/28. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 12/910:10 pmSFO - ORD
1 stop29h 54mMultiple Airlines
Thu 12/256:00 amORD - SFO
1 stop9h 13mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/28$276
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/27. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 11/55:28 pmSFO - ORD
1 stop12h 00mMultiple Airlines
Wed 11/126:05 pmORD - SFO
1 stop17h 28mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/27$277
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/29. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 11/310:23 pmSFO - MDW
1 stop11h 15mFrontier
Fri 11/71:37 pmMDW - SFO
1 stop9h 34mFrontier
Deal found 10/29$278
This Priceline deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/28. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Priceline is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 11/612:43 pmSFO - ORD
1 stop9h 32mFrontier
Fri 11/1411:24 amORD - SFO
1 stop11h 47mFrontier
Deal found 10/28$278
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/29. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/810:23 pmSFO - ORD
1 stop10h 15mFrontier
Tue 11/1111:00 amORD - SFO
1 stop7h 43mFrontier
Deal found 10/29$279
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/30. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Alaska Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 12/159:57 pmSFO - ORD
1 stop14h 12mAlaska Airlines
Sat 12/208:58 pmORD - SFO
1 stop13h 17mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/30$280
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/27. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Alaska Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 11/207:00 amSFO - ORD
1 stop10h 55mAlaska Airlines
Mon 11/243:51 pmORD - SFO
1 stop10h 06mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/27$281
This CheapOair deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/30. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure CheapOair is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 11/58:02 amSFO - MDW
1 stop25h 28mFrontier
Sat 11/81:37 pmMDW - SFO
1 stop9h 34mFrontier
Deal found 10/30$282
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/27. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 11/195:28 pmSFO - ORD
1 stop10h 57mMultiple Airlines
Wed 11/267:00 amORD - SFO
1 stop19h 24mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/27$282
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/29. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Kiwi.com is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 11/128:55 pmSFO - MDW
1 stop18h 27mFrontier
Sat 11/151:37 pmMDW - SFO
2 stops10h 50mFrontier
Deal found 10/29$283
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/28. Clicking the “Pick Dates” button in this card will allow you to select your dates and further customize your flight criteria. From there, click “Find deals”, make sure Alaska Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 12/57:35 amSFO - ORD
1 stop7h 20mAlaska Airlines
Mon 12/83:05 pmORD - SFO
1 stop10h 43mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/28$283

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Salinas to Chicago 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 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated October 30, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Salinas to Chicago that are best for you.

Fly from

Salinas

Fly to

Chicago

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Fri 12/5

7:00 am-7:54 pm

1 stop10h 54m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 12/8

8:59 pm-9:10 am

1 stop14h 11m

$283

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Tue 12/2

11:35 am-11:50 pm

2 stops10h 15m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 12/5

3:05 pm-8:06 am

1 stop19h 01m

$289

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Sun 11/23

7:00 am-11:32 pm

1 stop14h 32m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 12/2

8:59 pm-8:06 am

1 stop13h 07m

$293

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Sat 12/6

1:30 pm-7:42 pm

Nonstop4h 12m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 12/16

12:45 pm-3:35 pm

Nonstop4h 50m

$298

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Wed 1/28

12:47 am-8:40 am

1 stop5h 53m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 2/3

2:20 pm-10:57 pm

1 stop10h 37m

$300

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Wed 12/31

3:07 pm-1:16 pm

1 stop20h 09m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 1/4

3:37 pm-8:15 am

1 stop18h 38m

$309

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Fri 12/12

11:19 am-7:56 am

1 stop18h 37m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 12/22

10:51 am-10:54 pm

1 stop14h 03m

$312

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Sat 12/6

2:15 pm-10:35 pm

1 stop6h 20m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 12/16

1:00 pm-5:25 pm

1 stop6h 25m

$313

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Sun 1/4

12:47 am-8:40 am

1 stop5h 53m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 1/9

2:20 pm-10:54 pm

1 stop10h 34m

$313

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - MDW

SFOMDW

San Francisco

Thu 12/11

12:37 pm-11:47 pm

1 stop9h 10m

Chicago Midway

Wed 1/7

1:49 pm-8:59 pm

1 stop9h 10m

$317

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 10/30

Showing 1-10 of 60 results
1
2
3
...
6

Best time to book a flight from Salinas to Chicago

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Chicago from Salinas with our price prediction graph.
Estimated round-trip price
Rates are based on past data. Find the cheapest month and day to book your flight based on your travel requirements, then search for cheap deals.

Cheapflights Insights

Everything you need to know about your flight from Salinas to Chicago

How far ahead should I book a flight from Salinas to Chicago?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Salinas to Chicago. Price data was last updated on October 24, 2025.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Salinas to Chicago, you should look to book at least 71 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Salinas to Chicago?

Currently, December is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Salinas to Chicago (average of $111). Flying from Salinas to Chicago in March is currently the most expensive (average of $194). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly from S9N to CHI?

Find hourly flight availability from Salinas to Chicago. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated October 30, 2025.

It’s optimal to fly from Salinas to Chicago in the afternoon. By choosing this option you can save up to 26% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the evening.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Salinas to Chicago?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip from Salinas to Chicago. Price data was last updated on December 16, 2024.

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their Salinas to Chicago flight should consider departing on Wednesday afternoons when fares are most often at their lowest. Saturday at noon flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Reviews of airlines servicing Chicago

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Chicago. 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 Chicago. Reviews last updated October 30, 2025.
Peruse reviews from past customers who have flown with Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and United Airlines from Salinas to Chicago to help guide your decision. You can also see how each airline stacks up in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
11,220 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Entertainment

7.0

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Hannah,Aug 2025

SFO - SAN

Ticket said TSA pre check, but then the TSA agent said that Alaska Airlines has not actually entered the pre check information for the ticket, so I had to use regular security. During boarding, I have a disability and need to board early. The Alaska Airlines employee announced disability boarding, but then immediately announced 2 other groups to board, so I still had to fight the crowds. On the plane, the stewardess was brusk and rude. Seats were very uncomfortable, especially on lower back.
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
11,220 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
11,220 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Entertainment

7.0

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Hannah,Aug 2025

SFO - SAN

Ticket said TSA pre check, but then the TSA agent said that Alaska Airlines has not actually entered the pre check information for the ticket, so I had to use regular security. During boarding, I have a disability and need to board early. The Alaska Airlines employee announced disability boarding, but then immediately announced 2 other groups to board, so I still had to fight the crowds. On the plane, the stewardess was brusk and rude. Seats were very uncomfortable, especially on lower back.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,243 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
11,220 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Entertainment

7.0

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Hannah,Aug 2025

SFO - SAN

Ticket said TSA pre check, but then the TSA agent said that Alaska Airlines has not actually entered the pre check information for the ticket, so I had to use regular security. During boarding, I have a disability and need to board early. The Alaska Airlines employee announced disability boarding, but then immediately announced 2 other groups to board, so I still had to fight the crowds. On the plane, the stewardess was brusk and rude. Seats were very uncomfortable, especially on lower back.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
8,996 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
11,220 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Entertainment

7.0

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Hannah,Aug 2025

SFO - SAN

Ticket said TSA pre check, but then the TSA agent said that Alaska Airlines has not actually entered the pre check information for the ticket, so I had to use regular security. During boarding, I have a disability and need to board early. The Alaska Airlines employee announced disability boarding, but then immediately announced 2 other groups to board, so I still had to fight the crowds. On the plane, the stewardess was brusk and rude. Seats were very uncomfortable, especially on lower back.
American Airlines
7.2
Good
11,034 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
11,220 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Entertainment

7.0

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Hannah,Aug 2025

SFO - SAN

Ticket said TSA pre check, but then the TSA agent said that Alaska Airlines has not actually entered the pre check information for the ticket, so I had to use regular security. During boarding, I have a disability and need to board early. The Alaska Airlines employee announced disability boarding, but then immediately announced 2 other groups to board, so I still had to fight the crowds. On the plane, the stewardess was brusk and rude. Seats were very uncomfortable, especially on lower back.
Frontier
5.8
Fair
3,123 reviews
Alaska Airlines
8.0
Very good
11,220 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.5

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

Entertainment

7.0

Reviews

1 / 20
6.0
Good

Hannah,Aug 2025

SFO - SAN

Ticket said TSA pre check, but then the TSA agent said that Alaska Airlines has not actually entered the pre check information for the ticket, so I had to use regular security. During boarding, I have a disability and need to board early. The Alaska Airlines employee announced disability boarding, but then immediately announced 2 other groups to board, so I still had to fight the crowds. On the plane, the stewardess was brusk and rude. Seats were very uncomfortable, especially on lower back.

Related info for your journey

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

  • How long is the flight from Salinas to Chicago?

    Airlines like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta fly from Salinas to Chicago in about 4h 12m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 6h 42m. The distance between Salinas and Chicago is about 1841 mi. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from Salinas to Chicago one-way?

    For one-way options, check prices for Alaska Airlines. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $121. Users have also found prices from $122 and $137 on Frontier and Southwest, respectively.

  • What are the most popular routes from Salinas to Chicago?

    While some choose either San Francisco - Chicago Midway or San Francisco - Chicago Greater Rockford, San Francisco - Chicago O'Hare Intl is the most popular route from Salinas to Chicago.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Salinas to Chicago?

    Before booking your flight to Chicago from Salinas, check out the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time: China Southern (100%), ITA Airways (90%), Asiana Airlines( 90%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Salinas to Chicago?

    Looking for the cheapest flight from Salinas to Chicago? While on average our users pay $1,024, our data indicates the cheapest price to be $130. The most popular route (San Francisco - Chicago O'Hare Intl), is priced around $164.

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

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

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

    After entering your origin and destination, apply the non-stop filter on the search result page to find direct flights from Salinas to Chicago.

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

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

  • What is the cheapest month to book a flight from Salinas to Chicago?

    Currently, December is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Salinas to Chicago (average of $111). Flying from Salinas to Chicago in March is currently the most expensive (average of $194). There are several factors that can impact the price of a flight, so comparing airlines, departure airports and flight times can provide users with more options.

See more FAQs

Traveling to a place near Chicago?

Book flights to Chicago if you plan to visit one of these locations
Merrillville
Lansing
Hammond
Porter
Benton Harbor

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on Cheapflights for your next trip.

Alternative routes for Salinas to Chicago

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
Los Angeles to O'Hare Intl flights
San Francisco to O'Hare Intl flights
Ontario to O'Hare Intl flights
Los Angeles to Midway flights
San Francisco to Midway flights
Santa Ana to O'Hare Intl flights
San Diego to O'Hare Intl flights
Sacramento to O'Hare Intl flights
San Jose to O'Hare Intl flights
Burbank to O'Hare Intl flights
Oakland to O'Hare Intl flights
Los Angeles to St. Louis flights
Las Vegas to O'Hare Intl flights
San Francisco to St. Louis flights
San Diego to Midway flights
Sacramento to Midway flights
Ontario to St. Louis flights
Oakland to Midway flights
Reno to O'Hare Intl flights
Santa Ana to Midway flights
Las Vegas to Midway flights
Fresno to O'Hare Intl flights
San Diego to St. Louis flights
Palm Springs to O'Hare Intl flights
Burbank to Midway flights
Las Vegas to St. Louis flights
Ontario to Midway flights
Long Beach to O'Hare Intl flights
Burbank to St. Louis flights
Fresno to Midway flights
San Jose to Midway flights
Oakland to St. Louis flights
Santa Ana to St. Louis flights
San Jose to St. Louis flights
Monterey to O'Hare Intl flights
Santa Barbara to O'Hare Intl flights
Sacramento to St. Louis flights
Los Angeles to Moline flights
Reno to Midway flights
Los Angeles to Rockford flights
Long Beach to St. Louis flights
Santa Ana to Moline flights
San Luis Obispo to O'Hare Intl flights
Los Angeles to Peoria flights
Long Beach to Midway flights
Santa Ana to Bloomington flights
Palm Springs to Midway flights
San Francisco to Rockford flights
Las Vegas to Moline flights
San Diego to Peoria flights

Top 8 airlines flying from Salinas to Chicago

Discover the top 8 airlines that operate flights from Salinas to Chicago. 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 2,558,603 searches. Data last updated October 30, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
FrontierCheapest$98Average$251FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
Spirit AirlinesCheapest$108Average$240FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time65%
Hawaiian AirlinesCheapest$108Average$288FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time85%
DeltaCheapest$128Average$339FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
United AirlinesCheapest$133Average$460FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
Alaska AirlinesCheapest$170Average$343FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time75%
SouthwestCheapest$185Average$423FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
American AirlinesCheapest$197Average$372FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%

100% Free

Cheapflights is completely free to use, so you can start saving the moment you arrive.

Book with Flexibility

Our users can plan ahead with confidence and find flights with no change fees

Travel Smart

Millions of people come to us for their flight needs every year. We help make travel planning easy by providing useful insights and data-driven graphs that can inform your decisions.