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$142+ Cheap flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) 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 2/6. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SBA — CHI
Feb 1 — Feb 81
Sun 2/1
Sun 2/8
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Cheapest flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Santa Barbara to Chicago. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on January 2, 2026.

This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 1/3110:02 amSBA - ORD
1 stop8h 03mAmerican Airlines
Wed 2/45:00 amORD - SBA
1 stop8h 46mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 12/31$251
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 1/1. 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 2/215:13 amSBA - ORD
2 stops10h 30mAmerican Airlines
Sat 2/285:00 amORD - SBA
2 stops8h 57mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 1/1$262
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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.
Mon 1/264:59 pmSBA - ORD
2 stops15h 06mDelta
Mon 2/211:15 amORD - SBA
2 stops12h 50mDelta
Deal found 12/31$267
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 1/2. 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 United Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 4/1112:15 pmSBA - ORD
Nonstop4h 00mUnited Airlines
Wed 4/158:45 amORD - SBA
Nonstop4h 30mUnited Airlines
Deal found 1/2$269
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 1/1. 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 1/232:45 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop21h 53mAlaska Airlines
Tue 1/276:06 pmORD - SBA
1 stop21h 47mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 1/1$270
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 12/31. 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 1/2312:26 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop6h 41mAmerican Airlines
Tue 1/2710:19 amORD - SBA
2 stops10h 14mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 12/31$275

Find flight deals from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Santa Barbara (SBA) 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 January 2, 2026.

Most accurate provider

eDreams
3 stars

Most trusted provider

eDreams
3 stars

Round-trip from

$251
(American Airlines)

One-way from

$142
(Delta)

Popular in

November

Cheapest in

January

Average price

$288

Good round-trip deal

$359 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Santa Barbara-Chicago (CHI) flight deals.
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Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Santa Barbara-Chicago (CHI) flights.
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From Santa Barbara to Chicago (CHI)
Search Deals
One-way flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago (CHI)
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 18% potential increase in price ($100 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($12 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in January 2026
Search Deals
Price to beat on a round-trip flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago (CHI).
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Santa Barbara 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 January 2, 2026.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago that are best for you.

Fly from

Santa Barbara

Fly to

Chicago

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 2/21

12:40 pm-9:52 pm

1 stop7h 12m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 2/28

7:15 am-11:55 am

1 stop6h 40m

$251

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 1/28

12:26 pm-9:07 pm

1 stop6h 41m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 2/4

5:00 am-11:46 am

1 stop8h 46m

$251

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 2/18

12:38 pm-10:00 pm

1 stop7h 22m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 2/21

7:05 am-11:57 am

1 stop6h 52m

$251

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 2/21

12:38 pm-11:36 pm

1 stop8h 58m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 2/28

5:00 am-11:48 am

1 stop8h 48m

$251

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Mon 1/26

12:35 pm-9:52 pm

1 stop7h 17m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 2/2

11:15 am-10:05 pm

2 stops12h 50m

$262

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Thu 3/5

4:59 pm-8:35 am

2 stops13h 36m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 3/10

1:57 pm-11:58 pm

2 stops12h 01m

$267

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 4/11

12:15 pm-6:15 pm

Nonstop4h 00m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 4/15

8:45 am-11:15 am

Nonstop4h 30m

$269

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 2/6

12:35 pm-9:52 pm

1 stop7h 17m

$142

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 1/20

4:35 pm-12:23 am

1 stop5h 48m

$145

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Mon 4/13

12:39 pm-9:35 pm

1 stop6h 56m

$145

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 12/31

Showing 1-10 of 17 results
1
2

Compare providers for flights from Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago in January.
ProviderPrice AccuracyTrust Score*
ExpediaPrice Accuracy2 starsTrust Score*3 stars
FlightHubPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*1 star
eDreamsPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 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 Santa Barbara-Chicago flights, users find the pricing of eDreams to be most consistent on Cheapflights vs. eDreams Users can find the same prices on Santa Barbara-Chicago flight deals on Cheapflights vs. eDreams >95% of the time. Price accuracy is based on data collected from Santa Barbara-Chicago flight searches over the past month and is updated monthly.
  • Most trusted provider: When it comes to deals on Santa Barbara-Chicago flights, Cheapflights users trust eDreams the most. eDreams 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 Santa Barbara-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 Santa Barbara to Chicago

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Chicago from Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago

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

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago (average of $77). Flying from Santa Barbara to Chicago in October is currently the most expensive (average of $147). 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 SBA to CHI?

Find hourly flight availability from Santa Barbara 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 January 2, 2026.

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

What’s the top layover airport for flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Share of 1-stop round-trip flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago chosen by Cheapflights users in the past 12 months, using the same layover each way.

Las Vegas (LAS) – chosen by Cheapflights users on 75% of 1-stop itineraries from Santa Barbara to Chicago on Cheapflights.

What’s the cheapest layover airport for flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Average round-trip fare for 1-stop flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago, chosen by Cheapflights users in the past 12 months, with the same layover each way.

Los Angeles (LAX) is the most affordable 1-stop option, with an average round-trip price of $765.

What’s the fastest layover option from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Shortest average travel time for 1-stop one-way flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago, based on itineraries clicked by Cheapflights users over the past 12 months, grouped by layover airport.

Flights via Las Vegas (LAS) have the shortest average one-way travel time for 1-stop routes: 6h 05m.

Which airport typically offers the quickest layover for flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

Average layover duration for 1-stop one-way flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago, chosen by Cheapflights users in the last 12 months, grouped by stopover airport.

Flights via Las Vegas (LAS) offer the fastest connection on this route, with an average layover time of 1h 08m.

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 January 2, 2026.
Read reviews from past customers who have flown Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines from Santa Barbara to Chicago. 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
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

William Drew,Nov 2025

SJC - HNL

Flight crew was amazing! Usually they're very good on Southwest, but this crew went above and beyond. I have never ever seen so many rounds of drink service on a flight before.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

William Drew,Nov 2025

SJC - HNL

Flight crew was amazing! Usually they're very good on Southwest, but this crew went above and beyond. I have never ever seen so many rounds of drink service on a flight before.
Delta
7.9
Good
8,021 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

William Drew,Nov 2025

SJC - HNL

Flight crew was amazing! Usually they're very good on Southwest, but this crew went above and beyond. I have never ever seen so many rounds of drink service on a flight before.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
9,132 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

William Drew,Nov 2025

SJC - HNL

Flight crew was amazing! Usually they're very good on Southwest, but this crew went above and beyond. I have never ever seen so many rounds of drink service on a flight before.
American Airlines
7.2
Good
11,074 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,254 reviews

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Entertainment

7.5

Reviews

1 / 20
10.0
Excellent

William Drew,Nov 2025

SJC - HNL

Flight crew was amazing! Usually they're very good on Southwest, but this crew went above and beyond. I have never ever seen so many rounds of drink service on a flight before.

Related info for your journey

Find useful and relevant information for your journey from Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    If you book a flight to Chicago from Santa Barbara, you will be flying from Santa Barbara, which is the city’s only airport. Santa Barbara (SBA) is located 8.0 mi from the center of Santa Barbara. There are 0 flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago per day from 4 different airlines.

  • How long is the flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    A quick flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago can take about 8h 03m. American Airlines provides one of the quickest options available for as low as $251. The distance from Santa Barbara to Chicago is about 1798 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago round-trip?

    Flying on Southwest is currently your cheapest option to Chicago, with prices starting at $218. Additional round-trip tickets that might be worth considering are offered by Delta and United Airlines, with the lowest prices starting at $250 and $299, respectively. You may be able to fly from Santa Barbara to Chicago for 49% less than the average price by searching for these airlines.

  • What are the cheapest flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    On average you can expect to pay $497 for a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago. The cheapest flight overall is $269 while the most popular route, (Santa Barbara - Chicago O'Hare Intl) is currently priced at $251.

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

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

  • How can I find direct flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

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

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

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara to Chicago?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago (average of $77). Flying from Santa Barbara to Chicago in October is currently the most expensive (average of $147). 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
Lansing
Merrillville
Hammond
Porter
Benton Harbor

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Top 4 airlines flying from Santa Barbara to Chicago

Discover the top 4 airlines that operate flights from Santa Barbara 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 January 2, 2026.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
SouthwestCheapest$218Average$511FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
DeltaCheapest$250Average$356FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
United AirlinesCheapest$299Average$458FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
American AirlinesCheapest$344Average$530FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%

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