Find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Chicago in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Chicago (ORD)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 5h 30m – 8h 45m with 1 stop
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | $340 | medium |
| February | $290 | low |
| March | $310 | medium |
| April | $325 | medium |
| May | $355 | high |
| June | $420 | high |
| July | $480 | high |
| August | $450 | high |
| September | $360 | medium |
| October | $330 | medium |
| November | $295 | low |
| December | $380 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- United Airlines (direct): from $320 — United offers the most daily departures on this route. Check United.com directly for their ‘Basic Economy’ fares which are often cheapest, but note no changes or cancellations allowed.
- Southwest Airlines (direct): from $295 — Southwest prices fluctuate rapidly – use their Ding! app or set fare alerts. Their Early Bird check-in automatically gets you a good boarding position.
- American Airlines (direct): from $340 — AA often runs sales on this route in January and September. Check aa.com for their sale fares which can drop below €250 roundtrip.
- Delta Air Lines (direct): from $350 — Delta typically prices highest but offers better on-time performance. Check SkyMiles deals for potential upgrades using points.
- Spirit Airlines (connecting): from $180 — Spirit is cheapest but budget 60+ total in baggage fees. Only worth it if traveling very light with just a personal item that fits under the seat.
Booking Strategy
For the LAX-ORD route, booking 3-6 weeks ahead yields the best deals, with 4 weeks being the sweet spot for most travelers. Tuesday and Wednesday flights are typically 15-20% cheaper than weekend departures. January, February, and November offer the lowest fares due to reduced business travel demand. Use Google Flights to track price trends – set alerts for your specific dates and watch for drops. Southwest Airlines often undercuts major carriers by $40-80 but their seats aren’t assigned until check-in. If flying Spirit or Frontier, calculate baggage fees into your total – basic economy on United or Delta often works out cheaper once bags are included. Avoid booking within 7 days of departure unless necessary – last-minute fares routinely exceed $500. O’Hare (ORD) is the primary airport – Midway (MDW) has limited LAX service and is farther from downtown for most travelers.
Route Tips
- Book the CTA Blue Line from O’Hare to downtown ($5.25) – it’s faster and cheaper than rideshare during rush hour traffic.
- United and AA operate red-eye flights arriving early morning – useful if you want a full day in Chicago upon arrival.
- Check which Chicago airport your flight arrives at – ORD is on the Blue Line, MDW on the Orange Line, both connecting to the L train network.
- Chicago weather is notoriously variable – pack layers year-round and check forecast 48 hours before departure as Midwest storms can delay flights.
- If flying Southwest into Midway, the Orange Line gets you to downtown in 30 minutes – cheaper and often faster than ORD arrivals during peak traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Chicago?
Direct flights from LAX to ORD take approximately 4 hours. This is one of the busiest domestic corridors in the US with over 50 daily departures across all airlines. Connecting flights with one stop typically take 5.5 to 8.5 hours depending on connection time – common layover cities include Denver, Phoenix, and Dallas. United, American, Delta, and Southwest all operate direct service on this route throughout the day.
How much does it cost to fly from Los Angeles to Chicago?
Roundtrip fares range from $180-300 for budget carriers with add-on fees, $290-400 for mainline airlines in economy, and $600-1200 for business class. The cheapest period runs January through March and November, with February offering the lowest average at $290. Peak pricing occurs in summer (June-August) and around major holidays when roundtrip fares easily exceed $450 even for basic economy.
Are there direct flights from Los Angeles to Chicago?
Yes, direct flights are readily available from LAX to O’Hare International Airport (ORD). United Airlines operates the most frequencies with approximately 20 daily departures, followed by American, Delta, and Southwest with 8-12 each. Flight time is 4 hours. All major carriers and several low-cost airlines serve this route, making it one of the most competitive domestic corridors in America.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Chicago?
February is typically the cheapest month with average roundtrip fares of $290, followed closely by November at $295. These months see lower business travel demand, allowing airlines to discount leisure fares. January and March also offer good value around $310-340. The most expensive period is summer (June-August) when family travel drives prices up 40-60% above baseline. Shoulder seasons in April, May, September, and October offer a balance of decent weather and moderate pricing.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Chicago?
Five airlines operate direct flights: United Airlines (most frequent, hub connection), American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines (free checked bags), and Alaska Airlines (seasonal). Budget carriers Spirit and Frontier offer connecting options at lower base fares but with significant add-on fees for baggage. United and American dominate the route with their hub operations at O’Hare, while Southwest operates primarily out of Midway (MDW) with some ORD service.
What airport do I fly into in Chicago?
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the primary destination for LAX flights. It’s located 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Transportation options: CTA Blue Line train (45 minutes, $5.25), rideshare (Uber/Lyft $35-55 depending on traffic), taxi flat rate $58-70 to downtown, or rental cars from multiple agencies. Some Southwest flights arrive at Midway International Airport (MDW), located 10 miles southwest of downtown – take the Orange Line train or rideshare.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles to Chicago flights?
Book 3-6 weeks ahead for optimal pricing. Four weeks before departure typically hits the lowest fare window for this route. Business travelers push prices up 7-14 days out, so last-minute bookings are rarely bargains. January, February, and November bookings can sometimes secure deals 6-8 weeks out as airlines price aggressively to fill planes during low season. Summer travel requires earlier booking – 6-8 weeks recommended as planes fill quickly with families.
Is it cheaper to fly from Los Angeles to Chicago on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday are consistently the cheapest days to fly this route, with average savings of 15-25% compared to Friday through Sunday. Monday falls in the middle. The difference is most pronounced in off-peak months – a Tuesday flight in February might cost $260 while the same route on Saturday costs $340. Thursday is also reasonably priced for return flights given business travel patterns. Use flexible date searches on Google Flights to compare weekday pricing.
Data updated: 2026-03
