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$164+ 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 12/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SBA — CHI
Oct 17 — Oct 241
Fri 10/17
Fri 10/24
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 September 17, 2025.

Round-trip from

$327
(Delta)

One-way from

$164
(United Airlines)

Popular in

January

Cheapest in

June

Average price

$397

Good one-way deal

$169 or less
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. 5% potential price decrease ($26 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in September 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 September 17, 2025.

This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/16. 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 11/712:40 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop7h 03mDelta
Tue 11/117:47 amORD - SBA
2 stops10h 22mDelta
Deal found 9/16$327
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/16. 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.
Tue 10/148:40 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop6h 33mUnited Airlines
Tue 10/212:53 pmORD - SBA
1 stop8h 12mUnited Airlines
Deal found 9/16$332
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/16. 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.
Tue 10/144:30 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop6h 00mAmerican Airlines
Tue 10/216:45 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 49mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/16$337
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/16. 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.
Wed 10/297:23 amSBA - ORD
1 stop19h 38mAlaska Airlines
Fri 10/315:53 pmORD - SBA
1 stop27h 03mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 9/16$340
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/17. 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.
Tue 10/218:40 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop6h 33mUnited Airlines
Mon 10/276:00 pmORD - SBA
1 stop7h 44mUnited Airlines
Deal found 9/17$343
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/17. 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.
Sat 11/157:23 amSBA - ORD
1 stop19h 38mAlaska Airlines
Wed 11/1910:00 amORD - SBA
1 stop10h 56mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 9/17$347
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/17. 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 11/1512:37 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop6h 48mDelta
Wed 11/197:47 amORD - SBA
2 stops10h 22mDelta
Deal found 9/17$352
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/17. 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.
Tue 10/216:05 amSBA - ORD
2 stops9h 05mAmerican Airlines
Mon 10/273:22 pmORD - SBA
1 stop8h 37mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/17$353
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/17. 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.
Fri 11/146:50 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop8h 10mUnited Airlines
Wed 11/197:10 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 51mUnited Airlines
Deal found 9/17$355
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 9/16. 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 10/3012:30 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop8h 43mAmerican Airlines
Mon 11/35:00 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 38mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 9/16$359

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 September 17, 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

Fri 11/7

12:40 pm-9:43 pm

1 stop7h 03m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 11/11

7:47 am-4:09 pm

2 stops10h 22m

$327

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 10/14

8:40 pm-5:13 am

1 stop6h 33m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 10/21

2:53 pm-9:05 pm

1 stop8h 12m

$332

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 10/14

4:30 pm-12:30 am

1 stop6h 00m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 10/21

6:45 am-11:34 am

1 stop6h 49m

$337

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 10/21

8:40 pm-5:13 am

1 stop6h 33m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 10/27

6:00 pm-11:44 pm

1 stop7h 44m

$343

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 11/15

7:23 am-5:01 am

1 stop19h 38m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 11/19

10:00 am-6:56 pm

1 stop10h 56m

$347

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 11/15

12:37 pm-9:25 pm

1 stop6h 48m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 11/19

7:47 am-4:09 pm

2 stops10h 22m

$352

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 11/7

1:20 pm-12:12 am

1 stop8h 52m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 11/11

1:28 pm-6:09 pm

1 stop6h 41m

$360

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 11/14

4:32 pm-12:12 am

1 stop5h 40m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 11/19

10:25 am-6:10 pm

2 stops9h 45m

$365

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Wed 12/10

6:48 pm-6:02 am

1 stop9h 14m

$164

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 10/14

8:40 pm-5:13 am

1 stop6h 33m

$164

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 9/16

Showing 1-10 of 16 results
1
2

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, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago (average of $245). Flying from Santa Barbara to Chicago in March is currently the most expensive (average of $321). 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 September 17, 2025.

It’s optimal to fly from Santa Barbara to Chicago in the evening. By choosing this option you can save up to 8% on the cost of your flight, compared to a flight in the afternoon.

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 September 17, 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
4,242 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

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
4,242 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

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
8.0
Very good
7,961 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

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
8,926 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

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
10,000 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,242 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Boarding

8.1

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

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 6h. Delta provides one of the quickest options available for as low as $337. 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 American Airlines, with the lowest prices starting at $304 and $311, 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 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 $327.

  • 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, August is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago (average of $245). Flying from Santa Barbara to Chicago in March is currently the most expensive (average of $321). 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
Benton Harbor
Porter
Chesterton

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Alternative routes for Santa Barbara to Chicago

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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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 September 17, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
SouthwestCheapest$218Average$467FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
DeltaCheapest$304Average$356FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$311Average$442FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$318Average$501FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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