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South Lake Tahoe

$65+ Cheap flights from Chicago (CHI) to South Lake Tahoe, CA

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 9/10. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel.
CHI — SMF
Aug 19 — Aug 261
Tue 8/19
Tue 8/26
1 adult, Economy
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Cheapflights Tip: The best prices from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe are usually found in April or May, booked 45 days in advance, depart on a Saturday or Friday and return on a Wednesday

Cheap flight deals from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe

Keep the following information in mind while searching for Chicago to South Lake Tahoe flight deals. Data was last updated August 14, 2025.

Round-trip from

$194
(Frontier)

One-way from

$65
(Cheapflightsfares)

Popular in

June

Cheapest in

April

Average price

$436
From Chicago (CHI) to South Lake Tahoe
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One-way flight from Chicago (CHI) to South Lake Tahoe
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Highest demand for flights based on searches. 9% potential increase in price ($44 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 South Lake Tahoe

Cheapest flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe
Explore the most affordable flight options available from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe. Find the lowest fares from popular airlines and budget airlines, with prices last updated on August 14, 2025.

This Frontier deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/13. 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.
Fri 9/126:00 amORD - RNO
1 stop6h 59mFrontier
Mon 9/227:16 pmRNO - ORD
2 stops13h 24mFrontier
Deal found 8/13$194
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/12. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Wed 9/1011:15 amORD - RNO
1 stop14h 29mSpirit Airlines
Mon 9/226:30 amRNO - ORD
1 stop13h 02mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 8/12$195
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Sat 8/307:09 pmORD - RNO
2 stops17h 52mSpirit Airlines
Sat 9/68:13 amRNO - ORD
1 stop11h 19mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 8/14$196
This Cheapflightsfares deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/12. 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 Cheapflightsfares is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 9/26:00 amORD - RNO
1 stop7h 01mSpirit Airlines
Wed 9/311:56 amRNO - ORD
1 stop14h 54mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 8/12$197
This FlightHub deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 9/410:42 amORD - RNO
1 stop26h 17mMultiple Airlines
Mon 9/88:13 amRNO - ORD
1 stop11h 19mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/14$199
This FlightHub deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/12. 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 FlightHub is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 9/911:15 amORD - RNO
1 stop14h 29mSpirit Airlines
Fri 9/128:13 amRNO - ORD
1 stop6h 46mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 8/12$200
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/13. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Mon 8/255:35 pmORD - RNO
1 stop7h 18mSpirit Airlines
Tue 9/26:25 amRNO - ORD
2 stops21h 15mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 8/13$201
This Orbitz deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/14. 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.
Thu 9/410:42 amORD - RNO
2 stops9h 49mMultiple Airlines
Tue 9/96:30 amRNO - ORD
1 stop13h 02mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/14$202
This Kiwi.com deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/12. 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.
Wed 9/1011:15 amORD - RNO
1 stop14h 29mMultiple Airlines
Fri 9/127:16 pmRNO - ORD
1 stop14h 35mMultiple Airlines
Deal found 8/12$204
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/13. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Thu 9/412:54 pmORD - RNO
2 stops20h 24mSpirit Airlines
Tue 9/96:30 amRNO - ORD
1 stop13h 02mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 8/13$205
This Mytrip deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/12. 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 Mytrip is selected, and click “Compare selected” under the list of providers to see comparable flight deals.
Tue 9/911:15 amORD - RNO
1 stop14h 29mSpirit Airlines
Thu 9/118:13 amRNO - ORD
2 stops25h 46mSpirit Airlines
Deal found 8/12$206
This Delta deal was found by Cheapflights users on 8/12. 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 10/49:35 amMDW - RNO
2 stops8h 55mDelta
Sat 10/1110:40 pmRNO - MDW
1 stop9h 00mDelta
Deal found 8/12$262

Cheapflights Fare Finder

 
Customize your flight search to find flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe 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 14, 2025.
Use the filters below to find and compare flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe that are best for you.

Fly from

Chicago

Fly to

South Lake Tahoe

Route

Depart

Return

Price

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 9/2

6:21 pm-10:53 pm

1 stop6h 32m

Reno

Tue 9/9

6:30 am-6:51 pm

1 stop10h 21m

$194

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 9/12

6:00 am-10:59 am

1 stop6h 59m

Reno

Mon 9/22

7:16 pm-10:40 am

2 stops13h 24m

$194

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 10/17

6:50 am-11:06 am

1 stop6h 16m

Reno

Tue 10/21

6:25 am-2:27 pm

1 stop6h 02m

$194

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 9/8

6:05 pm-11:44 pm

1 stop7h 39m

Reno

Wed 9/10

6:30 am-6:51 pm

1 stop10h 21m

$194

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 9/14

6:00 am-11:00 am

1 stop7h 00m

Reno

Mon 9/22

7:16 pm-10:40 am

2 stops13h 24m

$194

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 9/12

6:00 am-10:59 am

1 stop6h 59m

Reno

Mon 9/15

7:16 pm-10:40 am

2 stops13h 24m

$194

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 11/6

5:25 am-6:34 pm

2 stops15h 09m

Reno

Sun 11/9

12:01 pm-11:53 pm

1 stop9h 52m

$194

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 9/6

12:46 pm-11:44 pm

1 stop12h 58m

Reno

Wed 9/10

6:30 am-9:32 pm

1 stop13h 02m

$195

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 8/30

7:09 pm-11:01 am

2 stops17h 52m

Reno

Sat 9/6

8:13 am-9:32 pm

1 stop11h 19m

$196

ChicagoReno

ORD - RNO

ORDRNO

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sat 9/13

7:09 pm-7:18 am

2 stops38h 09m

Reno

Sat 9/20

8:13 am-9:32 pm

1 stop11h 19m

$197

Flights are sorted by cheapest round-trip flights first.

Deals found on 8/12

Showing 1-10 of 42 results
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Best time to book a flight from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe

Have a flexible travel schedule? Discover the best time to fly to South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe

How far ahead should I book a flight from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe?

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

To ensure you get the cheapest price possible for a flight from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe, you should look to book at least 45 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 South Lake Tahoe?

Currently, October is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe (average of $284). Flying from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe in June is currently the most expensive (average of $398). 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 SL9?

Find hourly flight availability from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe. Discover flight options and departure times throughout the day, allowing you to choose a departure time that suits your schedule. Data last updated August 14, 2025.

Regardless of the time of day you decide to fly, the ticket price will remain around the same. Book flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe as you normally would.

What is the cheapest day to fly from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe?

Use this chart to determine the cheapest time to fly round-trip from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe. Price data was last updated on August 10, 2025.

Travelers seeking maximum savings on their Chicago to South Lake Tahoe flight should consider departing on Wednesday at noon when fares are most often at their lowest. Sunday evenings flights should be avoided if possible as fares are typically the most expensive at this time.

Weekly flight availability from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe

Explore weekly flight availability from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe. Discover flights operating on different days of the week, giving you the flexibility to choose a travel day that best fits your plans. Compare info to find the most convenient option for your journey. Data last updated August 14, 2025.

The most flights from CHI to SL9 are scheduled on a Thursday (13 on average). You will have fewer flight options on Tuesday, which is when the least amount of flights are scheduled (4 on average).

Reviews of airlines servicing South Lake Tahoe

Get insights into the airlines that provide service to South Lake Tahoe. 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 South Lake Tahoe. Reviews last updated August 14, 2025.
Read through reviews of airlines operating flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe, such as Southwest, Delta, and United Airlines. Reviews also offer insight into each airline's entertainment options, comfort, food, crew/service, and boarding process.
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

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
4,244 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

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
7,980 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

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
8,916 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

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
4,244 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

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
8,045 reviews
Southwest
8.0
Very good
4,244 reviews

Boarding

8.1

Comfort

8.0

Entertainment

7.5

Food

7.0

Overall

8.0

Crew

8.6

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 South Lake Tahoe. Access travel guides, tips, and recommendations to enhance your travel experience. Get information about local attractions, weather, transportation options, and more.

  • What are the most reliable airlines from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe?

    Before booking your flight to South Lake Tahoe from Chicago, check out the most reliable airlines to get you to your destination on time: Air Canada (76%), United Airlines (68%), American Airlines( 66%).

  • What are the cheapest flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe?

    Looking at all options, your cheapest flight can be booked for $147. While the most popular route (Chicago O'Hare Intl - Reno) can be booked for $174 on average our data indicates $543 when flying from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe.

  • Can I find deals for flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe that include hotel bookings?

    Yes. In addition to deals on Chicago to South Lake Tahoe flights, Cheapflights offers vacation packages that include both flights and hotel.

  • How can I find direct flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe?

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

  • Can I find deals for business class flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe?

    Yes. Cheapflights offers flight deals from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?

    Currently, October is the cheapest month in which you can book a flight from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe (average of $284). Flying from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe in June is currently the most expensive (average of $398). 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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Alternative routes for Chicago to South Lake Tahoe

See prices for flight routes from nearby airports that may be better suited for you.
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Top 7 airlines flying from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe

Discover the top 7 airlines that operate flights from Chicago to South Lake Tahoe. 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 14, 2025.
AirlineCheapestAverageFlexibilityOn-time
FrontierCheapest$95Average$201FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time62%
Spirit AirlinesCheapest$105Average$223FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time65%
DeltaCheapest$268Average$334FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-timeN/A
Alaska AirlinesCheapest$277Average$393FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time75%
American AirlinesCheapest$278Average$400FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time71%
SouthwestCheapest$288Average$474FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time63%
United AirlinesCheapest$288Average$495FlexibilityNo cancel feeOn-time69%

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