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$163+ Cheap flights from Chicago (CHI) to Santa Barbara (SBA)

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 9/13. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
CHI — SBA
Aug 25 — Sep 11
Mon 8/25
Mon 9/1
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Chicago to Santa Barbara are usually found in January or September, booked 15 days in advance, depart on a Monday or Friday and return on a Wednesday

Cheap flight deals from Chicago to Santa Barbara

Discover tips and strategies to find the most affordable flight options for your journey from Chicago (CHI) to Santa Barbara (SBA). 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 August 20, 2025.

Round-trip from

$308
(Alaska Airlines)

One-way from

$163
(United Airlines)

Popular in

July

Cheapest in

January

Average price

$451
From Chicago (CHI) to Santa Barbara
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One-way flight from Chicago (CHI) to Santa Barbara
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 6% potential increase in price ($29 potential increase over avg. RT price).
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Cheapest flight prices on average. 2% potential price decrease ($9 potential savings vs. average RT price).
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Average for round-trip flights in August 2025
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Find flight deals from Chicago to Santa Barbara

Cheapest flights from Chicago to Santa Barbara
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on August 20, 2025.

This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/18. 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.
Mon 11/106:00 amORD - SBA
1 stop14h 56mAlaska Airlines
Wed 11/127:23 amSBA - ORD
1 stop19h 38mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 8/18$308
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/18. 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 11/35:00 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 38mAmerican Airlines
Wed 11/510:08 amSBA - ORD
1 stop7h 53mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 8/18$309
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/18. 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 11/31:25 pmORD - SBA
2 stops10h 34mDelta
Wed 11/512:40 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop7h 03mDelta
Deal found 8/18$314
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/19. 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 9/107:34 amORD - SBA
1 stop6h 50mAmerican Airlines
Wed 9/171:17 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop7h 07mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 8/19$317
This United Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/18. 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 10/46:26 pmORD - SBA
1 stop7h 33mUnited Airlines
Wed 10/88:40 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop6h 33mUnited Airlines
Deal found 8/18$321
This Alaska Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/19. 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 9/236:20 amORD - SBA
1 stop14h 21mAlaska Airlines
Sat 10/47:40 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop8h 44mAlaska Airlines
Deal found 8/19$325
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/17. 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.
Tue 9/167:10 amORD - SBA
2 stops10h 55mDelta
Tue 9/234:55 pmSBA - ORD
2 stops13h 45mDelta
Deal found 8/17$326
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/19. 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.
Tue 9/237:10 amORD - SBA
2 stops10h 55mDelta
Sat 10/412:40 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop7h 17mDelta
Deal found 8/19$330
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/18. 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 10/48:25 amORD - SBA
2 stops12h 14mAmerican Airlines
Wed 10/84:45 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop5h 45mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 8/18$331
This American Airlines deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/19. 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 9/189:50 amORD - SBA
1 stop8h 14mAmerican Airlines
Mon 9/224:36 pmSBA - ORD
1 stop5h 51mAmerican Airlines
Deal found 8/19$335

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Chicago to Santa Barbara 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 August 20, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Chicago to Santa Barbara that are best for you.

Fly from

Chicago

Fly to

Santa Barbara

Route

Depart

Return

Price

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 11/10

2:05 pm-7:52 pm

1 stop7h 47m

Santa Barbara

Wed 11/12

7:23 am-5:01 am

1 stop19h 38m

$308

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 11/3

5:00 am-9:38 am

1 stop6h 38m

Santa Barbara

Wed 11/5

10:08 am-8:01 pm

1 stop7h 53m

$309

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 11/3

1:25 pm-9:59 pm

2 stops10h 34m

Santa Barbara

Wed 11/5

12:40 pm-9:43 pm

1 stop7h 03m

$314

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 9/16

11:10 am-6:39 pm

1 stop9h 29m

Santa Barbara

Tue 9/23

1:17 pm-9:05 pm

1 stop5h 48m

$317

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 9/10

7:34 am-12:24 pm

1 stop6h 50m

Santa Barbara

Wed 9/17

1:17 pm-10:24 pm

1 stop7h 07m

$317

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 10/4

6:26 pm-11:59 pm

1 stop7h 33m

Santa Barbara

Wed 10/8

8:40 pm-5:13 am

1 stop6h 33m

$321

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 9/16

7:10 am-4:05 pm

2 stops10h 55m

Santa Barbara

Tue 9/23

12:40 pm-9:57 pm

1 stop7h 17m

$321

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 10/1

6:15 am-12:08 pm

1 stop7h 53m

Santa Barbara

Mon 10/6

8:40 pm-5:13 am

1 stop6h 33m

$321

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 10/15

7:37 am-4:11 pm

2 stops10h 34m

$163

ChicagoSanta Barbara

ORD - SBA

ORDSBA

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 9/13

7:00 am-2:39 pm

1 stop9h 39m

$163

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 8/18

Showing 1-10 of 19 results
1
2

Best time to book a flight from Chicago to Santa Barbara

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

How far ahead should I book a flight from Chicago to Santa Barbara?

Use this chart to determine the optimal time to book a round-trip flight from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Price data was last updated on August 8, 2025.

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Chicago to Santa Barbara, you should look to book at least 15 days in advance of your intended travel date. The price of your flight may increase if you delay and leave booking until a week or so before departure.

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

Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Chicago to Santa Barbara (average of $353). Flying from Chicago to Santa Barbara in June is currently the most expensive (average of $474). 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 CHI to SBA?

Find hourly flight availability from Chicago to Santa Barbara. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated August 20, 2025.

It’s typically best to fly out from Chicago to Santa Barbara in the morning. Doing so could potentially save you 4% on the flight price compared to flying in the afternoon, which is usually more expensive.

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

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

Las Vegas (LAS) – chosen by Cheapflights users on 89% of 1-stop itineraries from Chicago to Santa Barbara on Cheapflights.

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

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

Denver (DEN) is the most affordable 1-stop option, with an average round-trip price of $426.

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

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

Flights via Denver (DEN) have the shortest average one-way travel time for 1-stop routes: 6h 25m.

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

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

Flights via Denver (DEN) offer the fastest connection on this route, with an average layover time of 1h 23m.

Reviews of airlines servicing Santa Barbara

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to Santa Barbara. 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 Santa Barbara. Reviews last updated August 20, 2025.
Get a feel of what it's like to fly with Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines from Chicago to Santa Barbara by reading reviews from past customers. Users have also rated airlines in terms of entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Food

7.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Comfort

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
4,246 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Food

7.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Comfort

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
7,982 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Food

7.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Comfort

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
8,928 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Food

7.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Comfort

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
4,246 reviews

Overall

8.0

Food

7.0

Boarding

8.1

Crew

8.6

Entertainment

7.5

Comfort

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 Chicago to Santa Barbara. 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 into for flights to Santa Barbara from Chicago?

    For a flight from Chicago to Santa Barbara, you will be flying into Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara (SBA) is just 8.0 mi from the center of the city. Santa Barbara is the only Santa Barbara airport and it handles 0 inbound flights from Chicago per day. 4 airlines have flights to Santa Barbara from Chicago on a regular basis.

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

    Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta can get you from Chicago to Santa Barbara in just under 6h 38m. Your travel time can differ by up to 3h 56m. There are 1798 mi between Chicago and Santa Barbara. 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 Chicago to Santa Barbara round-trip?

    Southwest, at $312, was found to be the cheapest airline from Chicago to Santa Barbara.Alternate airlines to your destination round-trip include Delta and American Airlines. These flights start at 31% lower than the current average price 3 months from now.

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

    To fly one-way, consider booking your trip with Delta, which is currently one of the cheapest options available, starting at $163. United Airlines flights start at $163 while deals on Alaska Airlines start at $164 one-way.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Currently, January is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Chicago to Santa Barbara (average of $353). Flying from Chicago to Santa Barbara in June is currently the most expensive (average of $474). 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 Santa Barbara?

Book flights to Santa Barbara if you plan to visit one of these locations
Buellton
Santa Ynez

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Alternative routes for Chicago to Santa Barbara

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Top 4 airlines flying from Chicago to Santa Barbara

Discover the top 4 airlines that operate flights from Chicago to Santa Barbara. 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 August 20, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
SouthwestCheapest$312Average$511FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
DeltaCheapest$318Average$417FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
American AirlinesCheapest$334Average$462FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
United AirlinesCheapest$346Average$531FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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