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Illinois

$57+ Cheap flights from California to Illinois

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 11/18. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
LAX — ORD
Nov 29 — Dec 61
Sat 11/29
Sat 12/6
1 adult, Economy
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Cheap flight deals from California to Illinois

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

Most accurate provider

Justfly.com
3 stars

Most trusted provider

Justfly.com
3 stars

Round-trip from

$158
(eDestinos)

One-way from

$57
(Cheapflightsfares)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

September

Average price

$303

Good round-trip deal

$268 or less

Good one-way deal

$139 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Los Angeles-Chicago (CHI) flight deals.
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Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Los Angeles-Chicago (CHI) flights.
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From California to Illinois
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One-way flight from California to Illinois
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 9% potential increase in price ($29 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($5 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 round-trip flight from California to Illinois.
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Price to beat on a one-way flight from California to Illinois.
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Find flight deals from California to Illinois

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

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.
Tue 12/305:31 pmSAN - ORD
Nonstop4h 28mAlaska Airlines
Tue 1/63:37 pmORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 42mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/27$157
This eDestinos 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 eDestinos is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 12/295:31 pmSAN - ORD
Nonstop4h 28mMultiple Airlines
Fri 1/910:01 pmORD - SAN
1 stop16h 37mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/28$158
This Expedia 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 Expedia is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 12/410:57 amSAN - ORD
1 stop7h 46mMultiple Airlines
Thu 12/118:55 amORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 27mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/27$159
This Orbitz 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 Orbitz is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sun 11/167:29 pmSAN - ORD
1 stop11h 04mMultiple Airlines
Wed 11/199:20 amORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 25mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/29$161
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.
Mon 12/86:34 amSAN - ORD
1 stop15h 38mFrontier
Sat 12/131:24 pmORD - SAN
2 stops50h 46mFrontier
Deal found 10/28$162
This Frontier 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 Frontier is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 11/34:42 pmLAX - ORD
Nonstop4h 18mFrontier
Thu 11/136:30 amORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 26mFrontier
Deal found 10/27$162
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 12/65:53 pmSAN - ORD
Nonstop3h 57mHawaiian Airlines
Sat 12/133:05 pmORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 28mHawaiian Airlines
Deal found 10/28$163
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.
Thu 12/412:20 pmLAX - ORD
1 stop6h 23mMultiple Airlines
Tue 12/97:20 amORD - LAX
1 stop7h 41mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/28$163
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.
Thu 11/135:42 pmBUR - ORD
1 stop26h 06mMultiple Airlines
Mon 11/1710:43 pmORD - BUR
1 stop24h 50mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/27$164
This Expedia 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 Expedia is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 11/1711:34 amSAN - ORD
1 stop11h 15mMultiple Airlines
Thu 11/208:59 pmORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 20mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/28$164
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 12/211:44 pmLAX - ORD
2 stops12h 47mMultiple Airlines
Tue 12/99:06 pmORD - LAX
Nonstop4h 46mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 10/28$164
This American 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 American Airlines is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 12/31:25 pmSAN - ORD
Nonstop4h 21mAmerican Airlines
Mon 12/86:10 pmORD - SAN
Nonstop4h 35mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/30$165

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from California to Illinois 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 California to Illinois that are best for you.

Fly from

California

Fly to

Illinois

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Tue 3/3

8:05 am-1:59 pm

Nonstop3h 54m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 3/4

9:00 am-11:25 am

Nonstop4h 25m

$157

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Fri 1/16

8:00 am-2:29 pm

Nonstop4h 29m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 1/21

3:49 pm-6:31 pm

Nonstop4h 42m

$167

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Mon 11/24

5:31 pm-11:32 pm

Nonstop4h 01m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 11/26

3:51 pm-6:15 pm

Nonstop4h 24m

$177

BurbankChicago

BUR - ORD

BURORD

Burbank Bob Hope

Thu 12/4

6:01 pm-11:42 am

1 stop15h 41m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 12/7

12:59 pm-5:53 pm

1 stop6h 54m

$182

Los AngelesChicago

LAX - ORD

LAXORD

Los Angeles

Tue 11/18

1:20 am-7:28 am

Nonstop4h 08m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 11/21

8:18 pm-10:57 pm

Nonstop4h 39m

$200

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Tue 3/3

5:25 pm-5:04 am

1 stop9h 39m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 3/4

9:00 am-11:25 am

Nonstop4h 25m

$201

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Tue 12/30

5:31 pm-11:59 pm

Nonstop4h 28m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 1/6

8:00 am-4:31 pm

1 stop10h 31m

$207

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Fri 11/21

5:21 pm-11:30 pm

Nonstop4h 09m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 11/24

4:20 pm-6:50 pm

Nonstop4h 30m

$210

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Tue 11/18

1:41 pm-7:55 pm

Nonstop4h 14m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 11/20

2:54 pm-5:19 pm

Nonstop4h 25m

$210

San DiegoChicago

SAN - ORD

SANORD

San Diego

Sat 11/22

5:31 pm-11:32 pm

Nonstop4h 01m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 12/3

3:05 pm-5:33 pm

Nonstop4h 28m

$215

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 10/28

Showing 1-10 of 60 results
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Best time to book a flight from California to Illinois

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to Illinois from California 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 California to Illinois

What is the cheapest month to book a flight from California to Illinois?

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from California to Illinois (average of $77). Flying from California to Illinois in July is currently the most expensive (average of $136). 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 CA to IL?

Find hourly flight availability from California to Illinois. 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 typically best to fly out from California to Illinois in the afternoon. Doing so could potentially save you 24% on the flight price compared to flying at noon, which is usually more expensive.

What is the cheapest day to fly from California to Illinois?

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

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their California to Illinois flight should consider departing on Wednesday mornings when fares are most often at their lowest. Monday evenings flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Reviews of airlines servicing Illinois

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Illinois. 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 Illinois. Reviews last updated October 30, 2025.
See what other customers who have flown with Southwest, United Airlines, and American Airlines from California to Illinois have to say. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,243 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

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
4,243 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,243 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

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
8,998 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,243 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

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
11,035 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,243 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

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.
Spirit Airlines
6.3
Okay
8,116 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,243 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

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.
Frontier
5.8
Fair
3,122 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,243 reviews

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Crew

8.6

Boarding

8.1

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 California to Illinois. 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 California to Illinois?

    Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Frontier can get you from California to Illinois in just under 3h 54m. Your travel time can differ by up to 11h 47m. The distance from California to Illinois is about 1719 mi. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

  • What are the cheapest airlines to fly from California to Illinois one-way?

    For one-way options, check prices for United Airlines. According to our data, you can fly for as low as $82. Users have also found prices from $88 and $89 on Southwest and Alaska Airlines, respectively.

  • Can I find deals for flights from California to Illinois that include hotel bookings?

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

  • How can I find direct flights from California to Illinois?

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

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from California to Illinois?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from California to Illinois 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 California to Illinois?

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from California to Illinois (average of $77). Flying from California to Illinois in July is currently the most expensive (average of $136). 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

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

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Alternative routes for California to Illinois

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Top 9 airlines flying from California to Illinois

Discover the top 9 airlines that operate flights from California to Illinois. 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$93Average$233FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
Spirit AirlinesCheapest$103Average$223FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time65%
Hawaiian AirlinesCheapest$108Average$243FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time85%
DeltaCheapest$128Average$365FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
Sun Country AirCheapest$130Average$330FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time83%
United AirlinesCheapest$133Average$466FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
Alaska AirlinesCheapest$149Average$363FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time75%
American AirlinesCheapest$168Average$481FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
SouthwestCheapest$179Average$420FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%

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