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$135+ Cheap flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) 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 2/23. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
SBA — ORD
Nov 22 — Nov 291
Sat 11/22
Sat 11/29
1 adult, Economy
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Find flight deals from Santa Barbara to Illinois

Cheapest flights from Santa Barbara to Illinois
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Santa Barbara to Illinois. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on October 23, 2025.

This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/23. 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.
Sun 12/77:20 amSBA - ORD
2 stops21h 01mAlaska Airlines
Sun 12/146:00 amORD - SBA
2 stops15h 48mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 10/23$283
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/23. 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 12/226:52 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop8h 42mAmerican Airlines
Wed 12/315:00 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 43mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/23$304
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/22. 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.
Thu 11/208:25 amSBA - ORD
1 stop8h 27mDelta
Thu 11/271:14 pmORD - SBA
1 stop9h 26mDelta
Deal found 10/22$322
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/22. 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 11/148:25 amSBA - ORD
1 stop8h 27mDelta
Sun 11/167:47 amORD - SBA
2 stops10h 22mDelta
Deal found 10/22$328
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/23. 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.
Sun 12/74:32 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop5h 59mAmerican Airlines
Sun 12/148:55 amORD - SBA
1 stop9h 07mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/23$331
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/23. 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 11/76:50 pmSBA - MLI
2 stops13h 25mUnited Airlines
Tue 11/111:00 pmMLI - SBA
2 stops12h 44mUnited Airlines
Deal found 10/23$349
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/20. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 12/131:30 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop7h 05mSouthwest
Sat 12/206:15 pmORD - SBA
1 stop7h 40mSouthwest
Deal found 10/20$352
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/22. 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
Sun 11/167:10 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 51mUnited Airlines
Deal found 10/22$358
This Southwest deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/21. 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 Southwest is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 12/274:10 pmSBA - STL
1 stop7h 35mSouthwest
Sat 1/35:35 amSTL - SBA
1 stop8h 05mSouthwest
Deal found 10/21$461
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/23. 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 11/712:28 pmSBA - MLI
1 stop8h 35mAmerican Airlines
Tue 11/115:46 amMLI - SBA
1 stop7h 52mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 10/23$532
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/22. 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.
Mon 11/106:05 amSBA - STL
1 stop8h 22mUnited Airlines
Thu 11/135:29 pmSTL - SBA
1 stop8h 30mUnited Airlines
Deal found 10/22$543
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 10/20. 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.
Wed 11/55:30 amSBA - MLI
2 stops7h 50mUnited Airlines
Sun 11/95:20 pmMLI - SBA
2 stops22h 29mUnited Airlines
Deal found 10/20$543

Cheap flight deals from Santa Barbara to Illinois

Keep the following information in mind while searching for Santa Barbara to Illinois flight deals. Data was last updated October 23, 2025.

Most accurate provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Most trusted provider

FlightHub
3 stars

Round-trip from

$242
(Alaska Airlines)

One-way from

$135
(Delta)

Popular in

December

Cheapest in

September

Average price

$300

Good one-way deal

$169 or less
Provider with most accurate pricing for Los Angeles-Chicago (CHI) flight deals.
Search Deals
Provider most trusted by Cheapflights users for Los Angeles-Chicago (CHI) flights.
Search Deals
From Santa Barbara to Illinois
Search Deals
One-way flight from Santa Barbara to Illinois
Search Deals
Highest demand for flights based on searches. 9% potential increase in price ($32 potential increase over avg. RT price).
Search Deals
Cheapest flight prices on average. 1% potential price decrease ($4 potential savings vs. average RT price).
Search Deals
Average for round-trip flights in October 2025
Search Deals
Price to beat on a one-way flight from Santa Barbara to Illinois.
Search Deals

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Santa Barbara 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 23, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Santa Barbara to Illinois that are best for you.

Fly from

Santa Barbara

Fly to

Illinois

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Tue 1/20

7:20 am-11:55 pm

2 stops14h 35m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 1/21

8:00 am-1:57 pm

1 stop7h 57m

$257

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Thu 2/19

5:00 am-2:50 pm

1 stop7h 50m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 2/23

6:31 pm-11:52 pm

1 stop7h 21m

$264

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

10:51 am-5:07 pm

1 stop8h 16m

$273

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sun 12/7

7:20 am-6:21 am

2 stops21h 01m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 12/14

6:00 am-7:48 pm

2 stops15h 48m

$283

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Thu 11/20

8:25 am-6:52 pm

1 stop8h 27m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 11/27

1:14 pm-8:40 pm

1 stop9h 26m

$322

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Fri 11/14

8:25 am-6:52 pm

1 stop8h 27m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 11/16

7:47 am-4:09 pm

2 stops10h 22m

$328

Santa BarbaraSt. Louis

SBA - STL

SBASTL

Santa Barbara

Thu 2/19

7:03 pm-9:27 am

2 stops12h 24m

Lambert-St Louis

Sun 2/22

9:35 am-6:22 pm

2 stops10h 47m

$334

Santa BarbaraMoline

SBA - MLI

SBAMLI

Santa Barbara

Fri 11/7

6:50 pm-10:15 am

2 stops13h 25m

Moline Quad-City

Tue 11/11

1:00 pm-11:44 pm

2 stops12h 44m

$349

Santa BarbaraChicago

SBA - ORD

SBAORD

Santa Barbara

Sat 12/13

1:30 pm-10:35 pm

1 stop7h 05m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 12/20

6:15 pm-11:55 pm

1 stop7h 40m

$352

Santa BarbaraMoline

SBA - MLI

SBAMLI

Santa Barbara

Wed 2/18

1:02 pm-9:14 pm

1 stop6h 12m

Moline Quad-City

Sat 2/21

8:49 am-1:18 pm

1 stop6h 29m

$379

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 10/23

Showing 1-10 of 46 results
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Best time to book a flight from Santa Barbara to Illinois

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

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

Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Santa Barbara to Illinois (average of $77). Flying from Santa Barbara to Illinois in December is currently the most expensive (average of $156). 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 IL?

Find hourly flight availability from Santa Barbara 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 23, 2025.

One of the essential ways to save on airfare from Santa Barbara to Illinois is to remain as flexible as possible. Flights that are in the evening tend to be the most expensive. A flight in the afternoon could potentially save you up to 51% on airfare.

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 23, 2025.
Peruse reviews from past customers who have flown with Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines from Santa Barbara to Illinois to help guide your decision. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,236 reviews

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

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
4,236 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,236 reviews

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

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
7,982 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,236 reviews

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

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
8,995 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,236 reviews

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

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
4,236 reviews

Food

7.0

Entertainment

7.5

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Comfort

8.0

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 Illinois. 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 Illinois?

    Located just 8.0 mi from the city center, Santa Barbara (SBA) is the airport most travelers will use when flying to Illinois from Santa Barbara.

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

    Airlines like Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, and American Airlines fly from Santa Barbara to Illinois in about 7h 50m. The time it takes to get you to your destination can typically vary by up to 6h 45m. There are 1798 mi between Santa Barbara and Illinois. This flight may include one or multiple stops.

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

    The cheapest airlines for a one-way flight from Santa Barbara to Illinois are United Airlines ($135), Delta ($135), and Alaska Airlines ($142).

  • What are the most popular routes from Santa Barbara to Illinois?

    The most popular flight routes from Santa Barbara to Illinois are Santa Barbara - Chicago O'Hare Intl, Santa Barbara - Lambert-St Louis and Santa Barbara - Moline Quad-City.

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

    Looking for the cheapest flight from Santa Barbara to Illinois? While on average our users pay $219, our data indicates the cheapest price to be $169. The most popular route (Santa Barbara - Chicago O'Hare Intl), is priced around $264.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, March is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Santa Barbara to Illinois (average of $77). Flying from Santa Barbara to Illinois in December is currently the most expensive (average of $156). 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.

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Top 4 airlines flying from Santa Barbara to Illinois

Discover the top 4 airlines that operate flights from Santa Barbara 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 23, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
SouthwestCheapest$218Average$467FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
DeltaCheapest$306Average$356FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
United AirlinesCheapest$318Average$497FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%
American AirlinesCheapest$326Average$488FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%

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