Chicago

$98+ Cheap flights from San Jose, CA (SJC) 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 1/12. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SJC — CHI
Nov 12 — Nov 191
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1. Tell us where you want to go

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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from San Jose to Chicago are usually found in January or December, booked 26 days in advance, depart on a Tuesday or Wednesday and return on a Wednesday

Find flight deals from San Jose to Chicago

Cheapest flights from San Jose to Chicago
Explore the most affordable flight options available from San Jose to Chicago. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on October 13, 2025.

This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/12. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 10/2012:35 pmSJC - ORD
1 stop10h 24mFrontier
Sun 10/266:50 amORD - SJC
1 stop6h 42mFrontier
Deal found 10/12$197
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/11. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/2412:27 pmSJC - ORD
1 stop10h 32mFrontier
Mon 10/276:50 amORD - SJC
1 stop6h 42mFrontier
Deal found 10/11$198
This Expedia deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/12. 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 Expedia is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/13:00 pmSJC - ORD
1 stop6h 59mMultiple Airlines
Mon 11/36:00 amORD - SJC
1 stop7h 32mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/12$208
This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/12. 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 11/1412:27 pmSJC - ORD
1 stop9h 48mFrontier
Mon 11/176:00 amORD - SJC
1 stop7h 32mFrontier
Deal found 10/12$216
This Travelocity deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/12. 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 Travelocity is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 10/3112:27 pmSJC - ORD
1 stop9h 49mMultiple Airlines
Tue 11/42:54 pmORD - SJC
1 stop23h 07mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/12$226
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/13. 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 11/510:25 amSJC - ORD
1 stop7h 30mMultiple Airlines
Mon 11/106:00 amORD - SJC
1 stop7h 32mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/13$237
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/13. 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.
Tue 11/1112:38 pmSJC - ORD
1 stop23h 16mAlaska Airlines
Tue 11/188:59 pmORD - SJC
1 stop27h 38mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/13$238
This KAYAK deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/11. 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 KAYAK is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 11/1312:38 pmSJC - ORD
1 stop9h 21mAlaska Airlines
Wed 11/192:54 pmORD - SJC
1 stop9h 43mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/11$239
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/12. 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.
Fri 11/1412:27 pmSJC - ORD
2 stops17h 01mMultiple Airlines
Mon 11/176:00 amORD - SJC
1 stop7h 32mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/12$243
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/13. 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.
Tue 11/410:25 amSJC - ORD
1 stop25h 29mAlaska Airlines
Tue 11/189:20 amORD - SJC
1 stop7h 03mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/13$248
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/12. 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 Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 11/147:46 pmSJC - MDW
2 stops11h 06mDelta
Sat 11/229:41 amMDW - SJC
2 stops14h 32mDelta
Deal found 10/12$314
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/10. 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 Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/87:35 pmSJC - MDW
2 stops11h 19mDelta
Tue 11/111:47 pmMDW - SJC
1 stop8h 48mDelta
Deal found 10/10$336

Cheap flight deals from San Jose to Chicago

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from San Jose (SJC) to Chicago (CHI). Learn about various techniques such as flexible date searches, comparing prices across and setting up price alerts. Use these methods to find the cheapest flights available for your travel needs. Data last updated October 13, 2025.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Round-trip from

$198
(Frontier)

One-way from

$98
(Trip.com)

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

January

Average price

$446

Good round-trip deal

$436 or less

Good one-way deal

$199 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for San Jose-Chicago (CHI) flight deals.
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for San Jose-Chicago (CHI) flights.
From San Jose to Chicago (CHI)
One-way flight from San Jose to Chicago (CHI)
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 8% potential increase in price ($39 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($6 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Average for round-trip flights in October 2025
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from San Jose to Chicago (CHI).
Price to beat on a one-way flight from San Jose to Chicago (CHI).

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from San Jose 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 13, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from San Jose to Chicago that are best for you.

Fly from

San Jose

Fly to

Chicago

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Sat 1/17

5:45 pm-11:37 pm

1 stop27h 52m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 1/20

3:25 pm-9:50 am

1 stop20h 25m

$238

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Wed 1/14

12:46 pm-11:37 pm

1 stop8h 51m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 1/17

9:00 am-5:34 pm

1 stop10h 34m

$250

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Tue 3/3

10:20 am-11:10 pm

1 stop10h 50m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 3/4

9:00 am-4:43 pm

1 stop9h 43m

$263

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Sun 12/7

12:35 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop9h 15m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 12/11

8:55 am-2:32 pm

1 stop7h 37m

$281

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Sat 11/8

11:35 am-11:50 pm

1 stop10h 15m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 11/16

7:47 am-3:55 pm

1 stop10h 08m

$283

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Sat 11/8

2:21 pm-11:50 pm

1 stop7h 29m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 11/11

7:47 am-3:55 pm

1 stop10h 08m

$283

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Thu 1/1

10:26 am-8:02 pm

1 stop7h 36m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 1/29

2:06 pm-2:42 pm

2 stops26h 36m

$287

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Thu 12/4

7:15 am-5:15 pm

1 stop8h 00m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 12/8

2:14 pm-11:53 pm

2 stops11h 39m

$288

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Sat 1/17

7:15 am-9:56 pm

2 stops12h 41m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 1/20

2:20 pm-10:11 pm

1 stop9h 51m

$288

San JoseChicago

SJC - ORD

SJCORD

San Jose

Tue 3/3

7:15 am-9:55 pm

2 stops12h 40m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 3/4

7:30 am-1:37 pm

1 stop8h 07m

$288

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 10/11

Showing 1-10 of 50 results
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Compare providers for flights from San Jose to Chicago

Provider information is updated monthly. Please note that these providers often have deals for this flight, but the availability may vary on a day-by-day basis on Cheapflights.
Use the table below to compare price accuracy, trust ratings, and cancellation policies for each provider offering flight deals from San Jose to Chicago in October.
ProviderPrice AccuracyTrust Score*
ExpediaPrice Accuracy2 starsTrust Score*3 stars
FlightHubPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
eDreamsPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
MytripPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
GotogatePrice Accuracy2 starsTrust Score*2 stars

*The Trust Score is based on feedback from users after their booking experience. It measures overall satisfaction, helping us identify issues like hidden fees, problems during the ticketing process, and the quality of customer service. This score is our best indicator of the provider's quality and reliability.

  • Most accurate provider: When it comes to deals on San Jose, California-Chicago flights, users find the pricing of FlightHub to be most consistent on Cheapflights vs. FlightHub Users can find the same prices on San Jose, California-Chicago flight deals on Cheapflights vs. FlightHub >95% of the time. Price accuracy is based on data collected from San Jose, California-Chicago flight searches over the past month and is updated monthly.
  • Most trusted provider: When it comes to deals on San Jose, California-Chicago flights, Cheapflights users trust FlightHub the most. FlightHub has received a user feedback score of 3 out of 3 stars (3 being the best), meaning they have been trusted the most by Cheapflights users looking for San Jose, California-Chicago flight deals. Provider user feedback score is based on Cheapflights searches over the past month and is updated monthly.

Best time to book a flight from San Jose to Chicago

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Chicago from San Jose 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 San Jose to Chicago

How far ahead should I book a flight from San Jose, California to Chicago?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from San Jose to Chicago. Price data was last updated on October 10, 2025.

The best time to book flights from San Jose, California to Chicago is 26 days before your desired departure date. The cost of your flight will likely increase significantly if you book two weeks in advance of your flight.

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from San Jose, California to Chicago?

Currently, December is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Jose, California to Chicago (average of $110). Flying from San Jose, California 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 SJC to CHI?

Find hourly flight availability from San Jose 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 13, 2025.

A simple way to save on the total cost of your ticket is to fly from San Jose, California to Chicago in the afternoon. If you’re flexible enough to do this you can expect to save up to 25% on your trip compared to booking a flight in the morning.

What is the cheapest day to fly from San Jose, California to Chicago?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip from San Jose to Chicago. Price data was last updated on October 5, 2025.

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

How much does it cost to fly round-trip from San Jose, California to Chicago?

The best insider tips for San Jose to Chicago flights

Snippets provided in this section are AI-generated based on a summarization of Cheapflights-commissioned articles. The articles are presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the articles are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others.
Cheapflights partnered with top experts to bring you the best recommendations for your San Jose to Chicago trip
Airports
SJC

SJC offers free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, making it easy to stay connected before your flight.

Read more about SJCby Daniel Scheffler
ORD

For a quick city connection, take the “L” train from ORD to downtown Chicago, avoiding traffic delays.

Read more about ORDby Ramsey Qubein
Our travel experts
Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

Expert on ORD

Ramsey Qubein

Ramsey Qubein

An avid traveler and aviation expert who has visited 173 countries, all 50 states and seven continents, Ramsey Qubein flies nearly 400,000 miles a year. As a North Carolina-based freelance journalist for publications including Conde Nast Traveler, Forbes, USA Today and Bloomberg among others, he explores the latest trends in aviation, hospitality, cruises and business.

Read more
Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Expert on SJC

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler

Daniel Scheffler is a travel writer, podcaster, and producer. Born in Africa, bred in Europe and now living in America he has traveled to 140 countries (and all 50 U.S. states). Plus he has stayed at over 2500 hotels across the globe. His original shows Everywhere and Without Maps (available on Spotify) showcase his beliefs, travel is about humanity and sharing that beauty. And thus it reminds you that you shouldn’t believe everything you think.

Read more

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 13, 2025.
Peruse reviews from past customers who have flown with Alaska Airlines, Southwest, and United Airlines from San Jose 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.

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

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.

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

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.

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

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.

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

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.

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

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.

Entertainment

7.1

Crew

8.5

Boarding

8.1

Overall

8.0

Food

7.1

Comfort

7.8

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 San Jose to Chicago. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.
  • What airport do you fly from for flights from San Jose to Chicago?

    Located just 2.9 mi from the city center, San Jose is the airport most travelers will use when flying to Chicago from San Jose. Booking flights from San Jose (SJC) to Chicago should be relatively easy as there is 1 daily outbound flight to Chicago from 7 different airlines.

  • How long is the flight from San Jose, California to Chicago?

    For as low as $263, Alaska Airlines can have you in Chicago from San Jose, California in 10h 50m. The distance from San Jose, California to Chicago is about 1824 mi. When browsing for deals, the options you’ll see will be for both nonstop flights and flights with stops.

  • What are the cheapest airlines flying from San Jose, California to Chicago round-trip?

    Frontier, at $98, was found to be the cheapest airline from San Jose, California to Chicago.Alternate airlines to your destination round-trip include Spirit Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Users have found that Frontier is 76% cheaper than the other options available to this destination.

  • What are the most popular routes from San Jose, California to Chicago?

  • What are the cheapest flights from San Jose, California to Chicago?

    Looking for the cheapest flight from San Jose, California to Chicago? While on average our users pay $698, our data indicates the cheapest price to be $168. The most popular route (San Jose - Chicago O'Hare Intl), is priced around $189.

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

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

  • How can I find direct flights from San Jose to Chicago?

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

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

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from San Jose 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 San Jose, California to Chicago?

    Currently, December is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from San Jose, California to Chicago (average of $110). Flying from San Jose, California 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
Chesterton

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Alternative routes for San Jose to Chicago

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.

Top 7 airlines flying from San Jose to Chicago

Discover the top 7 airlines that operate flights from San Jose 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 13, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
FrontierCheapest$98Average$259FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
Spirit AirlinesCheapest$140Average$271FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time65%
Alaska AirlinesCheapest$170Average$331FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time75%
DeltaCheapest$236Average$370FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$253Average$353FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$302Average$524FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
SouthwestCheapest$331Average$506FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%

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