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$157+ 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 11/24. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SBA — CHI
Nov 27 — Dec 41
Thu 11/27
Thu 12/4
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap 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 October 28, 2025.

Most accurate provider

eDreams
3 stars

Most trusted provider

eDreams
3 stars

Round-trip from

$280
(United Airlines)

One-way from

$157
(United Airlines)

Popular in

January

Cheapest in

June

Average price

$492

Good one-way deal

$169 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)
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One-way flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago (CHI)
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 12% potential increase in price ($65 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 6% potential price decrease ($27 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in October 2025
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago (CHI).
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Find 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 October 28, 2025.

This American 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 11/224:32 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop5h 40mAmerican Airlines
Mon 11/245:00 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 38mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/28$324
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/26. 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.
Mon 12/1512:30 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop7h 48mAmerican Airlines
Wed 12/245:00 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 35mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/26$342
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/26. 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.
Wed 12/1712:39 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop6h 42mDelta
Fri 1/27:25 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 40mDelta
Deal found 10/26$353
This American 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 11/201:13 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop5h 51mAmerican Airlines
Sun 11/235:18 amORD - SBA
1 stop8h 20mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/27$363
This Delta 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 Delta is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 12/1512:39 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop6h 42mDelta
Wed 12/241:35 pmORD - SBA
2 stops11h 10mDelta
Deal found 10/28$406
This Orbitz deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/26. 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 Orbitz is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Fri 11/147:44 pmSBA - ORD
2 stops31h 17mAlaska Airlines
Mon 11/175:53 pmORD - SBA
2 stops27h 59mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/26$414

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 October 28, 2025.
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 2/14

5:00 am-2:50 pm

1 stop7h 50m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 2/17

8:45 am-1:18 pm

1 stop6h 33m

$280

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 2/14

12:39 pm-11:40 pm

2 stops9h 01m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 2/17

1:30 pm-6:23 pm

1 stop6h 53m

$290

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 1/13

7:20 am-11:55 pm

2 stops14h 35m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 1/17

8:00 am-1:57 pm

1 stop7h 57m

$299

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 2/13

5:00 am-2:50 pm

1 stop7h 50m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 2/17

4:05 pm-9:16 pm

1 stop7h 11m

$319

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 1/24

7:20 am-11:55 pm

2 stops14h 35m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 2/4

8:00 am-1:57 pm

1 stop7h 57m

$328

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 2/24

7:15 pm-1:04 pm

1 stop15h 49m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 2/27

10:00 am-4:52 pm

2 stops32h 52m

$338

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 3/10

12:45 pm-9:55 pm

1 stop7h 10m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 3/11

11:19 am-8:27 pm

1 stop11h 08m

$343

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Thu 12/18

8:25 am-6:43 pm

1 stop8h 18m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 1/2

7:25 am-12:05 pm

1 stop6h 40m

$353

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 12/17

4:59 pm-8:39 am

2 stops13h 40m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 1/2

7:25 am-12:05 pm

1 stop6h 40m

$358

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Mon 12/15

5:40 am-7:55 pm

2 stops12h 15m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/24

3:00 pm-10:45 pm

1 stop9h 45m

$406

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 10/27

Showing 1-10 of 19 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 October.
ProviderPrice AccuracyTrust Score*
ExpediaPrice Accuracy2 starsTrust Score*3 stars
eDreamsPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*3 stars
FlightHubPrice Accuracy3 starsTrust Score*1 star

*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 December is currently the most expensive (average of $155). 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 October 28, 2025.

It’s optimal to fly from Santa Barbara to Chicago in the afternoon. By choosing this option you can save up to 29% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the evening.

How much does it cost to fly round-trip from Santa Barbara to Chicago?

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 28, 2025.
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
4,240 reviews

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,240 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,240 reviews

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
Delta
7.9
Good
7,994 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,240 reviews

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
United Airlines
7.4
Good
9,001 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,240 reviews

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.
American Airlines
7.2
Good
11,032 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,240 reviews

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Overall

8.0

Reviews

1 / 20
8.0
Excellent

Walter,Aug 2025

OAK - SAN

Dozens of flights and I've never seen a row's beverages forgotten. I even went back and asked the attendant to check on them and nothing. I really hope it didn't have something to do with the Black mother with her kid in the row. Otherwise it was a typical Southwest flight, rapid boarding, tolerable leg room.

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 7h 50m. United Airlines provides one of the quickest options available for as low as $280. 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 $304 and $318, respectively. You may be able to fly from Santa Barbara to Chicago for 52% less than the average price by searching for these airlines.

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

    The cheapest airlines for a one-way flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago are United Airlines ($157), American Airlines ($171), and Alaska Airlines ($171).

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

    On average you can expect to pay $219 for a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago. The cheapest flight overall is $169 while the most popular route, (Santa Barbara - Chicago O'Hare Intl) is currently priced at $280.

  • 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 December is currently the most expensive (average of $155). 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

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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 October 28, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
SouthwestCheapest$218Average$467FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
DeltaCheapest$304Average$356FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
United AirlinesCheapest$318Average$499FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
American AirlinesCheapest$326Average$493FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%

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