Find flights
Deals
When to book
FAQs & Tips
Airlines

Find cheap flights from Chicago to California from $53

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Chicago to California departing on 6/11. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
0 bags
Mon 7/1
Mon 7/8

Search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to California

In the last 7 days travelers have searched 42,787,818 times on KAYAK, and here is why:

Save 21% or moreCompare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track pricesNot ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Filter your dealsChoose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Bundle and saveSave money when you bundle your flight + hotel.

Best California Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$111
San Francisco
San Franciscononstop$138
San Diego
San Diego1 stop$131
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$167
Palm Springs
Palm Springs1 stop$296
Fresno
Fresno1 stop$208
Reno
Reno1 stop$160

Good to know

Low season

January

High season

June

Cheapest flight

$53
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 5% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 13% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Los Angeles

FAQs - booking California flights

  • Is ORD accessible to all?

    You can count on having a smooth experience at ORD if you’re disabled, as this airport is accessible to all. To cater to passengers with mobility impairment, it features drop-off areas equipped with curb ranks and mandates each airline that serves flights to California to offer wheelchair assistance. It has also invested in restrooms throughout the airport with wheelchair-accessible facilities. The said restrooms are three in Terminal 1, two in Terminal two, over ten in Terminal 3, and two in Terminal 5.

  • How can I travel to ORD from Downtown Chicago?

    In case you’re set to fly from Chicago’s ORD to California, you can travel to the airport from Downtown Chicago via a Blue Line train, a Metra North Central Service train line, a CTA bus, or a taxi. Boarding a Blue Line train, a Metra North Central service train, or a CTA bus is advisable if you’re on a budget. On the other hand, boarding a taxi is advisable if you value convenience. This is because, unlike its comparisons, a taxi will pick you up at your preferred destination and transport you directly to the airport.

  • Can I breastfeed my baby before my flight to California?

    Regardless of the Chicago airport you’re set to fly out of, you can comfortably breastfeed your baby while waiting for your flight since both transit stations offer nursing rooms equipped with comfortable seats, deep sinks, changing tables, and power outlets. At MDW, the available nursing room is in Concourse C, next to the yoga room. In contrast, at ORD, the rooms are available near gates B4, B10, and C 20 in Terminal 1, between gates E5 and F9 in Terminal 2, the Rotunda and gate L6 in Terminal 3, gate M20 in Terminal 5, and on Level 1 of the Multi-Modal Facility.

  • Is it possible to rent a car at LAX?

    If you want to rent a car once you land at LAX, you’ll be able to do so with ease since the airport features counters for Alamo, Avis, Fox, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Payless, Six, Zipcar, and Thrifty. The counters for these agencies are housed in the airport’s car rental center, accessible through purple Rental Car Shuttles. These shuttles are boarded on the Lower/Arrivals Level islands outside the Baggage Claim.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Chicago to California?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Chicago to California.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Chicago to California?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to California from Chicago is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Chicago to California?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket. You could then fly to California with an airline and back to Chicago with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Chicago to California?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to California from Chicago up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Morning departure is around 22% more expensive than an evening flight, on average*.
  • You can board your flight to California at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) or O’Hare International Airport (ORD). When selecting your flight, choose one that departs at MDW. Doing so is in your best interest because MDW experiences lower passenger traffic than ORD, meaning it has shorter queues.
  • When booking a flight to California, book one that lands at an airport close to your preferred destination. You can land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Diego International Airport (SAN), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Oakland International Airport (OAK) if you’re flying into Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Oakland, respectively.
  • Suppose you intend to fly to California with your pet. If that’s the case, you can let your pet relieve itself at ORD in one of the airport’s Service Animal Relief Areas. They are outside security on the lower levels of Terminals 1, 2, and 5 and inside security in Terminal 3 Rotunda and Main Hall.
  • If a small airport serves your California destination, use LAX as your travel base. This is because it serves commercial flights to nearly all small airports in the state. If you need assistance at MDW, visit the airport’s information desk at the Main Entrance of the Terminal. Here, you’ll find knowledgeable airport staff, always ready to help.
  • If you need assistance at MDW, visit the airport’s information desk at the Main Entrance of the Terminal. Here, you’ll find knowledgeable airport staff, always ready to help.
See more tips
*Average of the lowest prices shown in KAYAK’s search results for departures within the next 30 days

Top 5 airlines serving from Chicago to California

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.3
EVA AirOverall score based on 1499 reviews
8.4Boarding
8.0Food
8.0Entertainment
8.2Comfort
8.6Crew
Airline reviews

Their announcement was not quite clear in Chinese. The rest is pretty good.

8.0 ExcellentYue, May 2024IAH - TPE
Read more about EVA Air reviews

Their announcement was not quite clear in Chinese. The rest is pretty good.

The hygiene of the bathrooms were terrible. Urine smells leaked out into the cabin and the seats were really tight, even for a petite woman like myself. Flight attendants did not go through the cabin enough to offer refreshments.

I was expecting that movie selection and food would have been better. Everything else was great.

The type of the food requested (Asian vegetarian) was not properly met with. They have very limited snack items that may compensate for the main meals.

The quality of the food is pretty good. Thank you, EVA Air.

Fast and efficient boarding. Flight was on time. Service was very good for our long flight. First time flying with this airline and I would highly recommend.

Pleasant crew. Very long flight, a bit uncomfortable at times being seated, but not too bad.

No ice for the drinks. Only gave a half a cup of your beverage. Not enough water. I got very dehydrated.

Eva air is a good airline. The seats on the way to Taipei could have certainly been more comfortable, but all in all it was a pretty good experience.

Eva is one of the top airlines in Asia... but often are over priced. Finally found a reasonable rate.

Flighty delayed on boarding - then group 1 had to check their carry on bags but groups 3 and beyond could carry bags on - very inconvenient for weekend business trip with no checked baggage. Then delayed on the runway - before take off. No communication from pilot on why or how long. Wifi/Entertainment didn't work for 4+ flight. Upon arrival, attendants announced wrong carousel for baggage claim - everyone was waiting at the wrong place for their checked bags. This was a mess united!

There was no screens on board AND the WiFi didn’t work. My seat was broken and couldn’t recline so I couldn’t even sleep. The flight attendants didn’t offer anything to make it more comfortable. It was such an old cramped plane, when the person in front of me reclined I couldn’t even open my tray table. All the United ads talk about guaranteeing everyone gets a screen!

I’ve had a couple flights this week on United that were delayed by an hour or more

Great! The plane was decently sized and comfortable. The staff was nice and there was great in flight entertainment

Last minute gate change nearly caused us to miss our flight. Change was not announced or displayed in the main board at the old gate. Terrible communication. When we landed we had to wait 20 minutes because there was another plane at the assigned gate. Not the crew’s fault, but adding 20 minutes to a 45 minute flight sucked.

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

The flight experience was very good! Especially the United Club!

I was not able to buy food in the flight. They refer to include your Credit card in the APP, and if you are not from USA (i have a credit card form Canada) it is not possible

The flight from Ottawa to Chicago took a lot longer due to DC in Ottawa. We got to Chicago and went to our gate to catch our flight. We only had nine minutes I found that very stressful.

Good boarding. Crew started quick with drinks and food. They came around several times for trash which I really liked. Other than turbulence due to storms in the area, flight was great.

My husband and I pre-ordered our food, but they did not have my husband’s order, and my cheese plate was very average. I asked for a blanket and was told they don’t carry blankets on domestic routs. The flight was on time and smooth!

Good flights. Departure and arrivals were on time. DFW was a little problematic in that the Skytrain without prior notice bypassed the Echo terminal so that delayed my arrival at my connecting flight.

Because I can’t stand very long in one place, I was allowed to reword.

5 hour flight - full flight - not enough room to use my computer - slightly delayed - Admirals club was excellent quality food, drink made up for flight seating. No food offerred on flight, you ahd to prebook.

Excellent- plan was barely populated. I cannot remember a flight where I was able/encouraged to stretch out!

Great flight. Boarding was efficient and quick. On time departure and smooth flight. Flight arrived early at destination. Good experience.

Had technical issue which delayed the flight period. Flight crew knew there was 5 passengers that the connecting flight was within 15 minutes once at the gate. Rather than identify the 5 passengers to assure they got first. The flight attended mentioned it but didn't assist to assure passengers with connecting flights off first. This caused a hardship and our party of 3 missed the connecting flight.

I don't like that I have to pay if I want extra leg room. The seats are so expensive; I sit in normal seats and my legs and knees cramp the entire flight. I never feel comfortable on AA flights.

Flight was delayed at departure due to weather and the need for de-icing. The flight was smooth but there was a delay at arrival due to weather. We were in a hold for 20 minutes or more. The flight arrived more than 30 minutes late. Airlines have no control over the weather and I'm glad that they follow all safety procedures. Had to wait a long time for my checked luggage. Whole process was slow and the bags arrived wet due to the rain. The onboard wifi and entertainment access was spotty and the signal was dropped several times. Otherwise the crew was great and friendly. They tried to get everyone's bags stowed and seated so we could take off.

Regarding the boarding: it needs more efforts to make it more convenient

The plane was not on time for boarding or departure or arrivals.

Flight expected to leave at 6:40 pm ended leaving at 8:00 am the following day. I slept in a cold airport. Never again Spirit for me…

This was the return leg of my journey with Spirit Airlines. Despite its reputation, I found no issues as it got me from point A to B safely and without delay, especially with no mechanical delays, which is fantastic in my book! The staff, from ground crew to cabin crew, were all pleasant and hassle-free. The flight was smooth from takeoff to landing. I have absolutely no complaints about this no-frills airline!

It was the worst ever, i will be filing a lawsuit to get a refund. Our flight was delayed 4 hours so we would miss our connecting flight, we were not rebooked to our destination the same day, we were not offered any options to get home on the same day despite being clear that we absolutely cannot get stranded at night due to family, we were forced to book our own flights on a different airline to get home, and spririt is refusing a refund because our flight wasn't cancelled, only delayed. oh yeah, and they lost our luggage on the first part of the trip and you cannot get a hold of customer service when anything goes wrong, on hold for 30+ minutes. and their app breaks so you can't use that either.

My flight was cancelled!!! I had to spend 200.00 on another flight!!

They stuck us with multiple extra fees. I will never fly spirit again

The guy with severe body odor sat next to me. For the whole duration of the flight it was a torture. The airline should have better policy on limiting people with bad body odor to board the flight. Passengers should not be the ones to endure bad odor for the whole duration of the flight. The airline should be e the one to ensure decent air quality for ever passenger.

They charged me 212.00 for a heavy check in bag at the gate. The pricing and process was so confusing - as if it was designed to purposefully gouge customers who need to board plane. That experience combined with the outrageous price charged will prevent me from ever flying Spirit again. And I’ll be sure to tell the story to anyone who cares to hear.

The text told me it was changed to Terminal E and Gate D5. But with no one on site to ask questions there was confusion on where to go as all the gates were E's. Then we took the skyline to the D area. We left to get something to eat. No announcement was made but my daughter happened to asked and they told her our gate was moved to D12. I will not fly Spirit again.

The agent at the check in desk was absolutely rude. The rest of the team after that was good, but the check in process at LAS was miserable. The woman at the desk spoke like we were stupid and was rude throughout the process.

Flight was delay 9hrs and nothing was provided at airport, had to go and get a room to sleep in, paid for Uber back and fort with no offers until we landed back home a 1hr later for a $75 voucher for a future flight.

Didn't like anything..entire crew was very rude to everyone on the flight. Plane old and the trays fall down on you the while time you're flying. Charged more for a carry on bag than for the plane ticket itself. Did make it from point a to point b, but worth the extra money to fly with another airline

9 hours of delay!! Was not able to check my luggage that I paid for!!!

It was delayed 9 hours for operational reasons, despite the plane arriving to the airport on time.

9hrs delay and didn’t provided anything until after flight landed $75 voucher for fiuture travel no meals or anything.

They cancelled the flight then did nothing to help us rebook. It was awful - I won’t fly with them again

The truck that was refueling the plane drove away with the hose still connected to the plane and ripped part of the plane off with it

The boarding time. I was in Section 1 the lady in charge just let people in section 3 without see us. Make a line , I have to step out and ask her. We were in the line and she just take my ticket and that’s it, so if I don’t ask her she could leave us at the end! We paid more for that privilege and. She doesn’t care….

Was just ok with over selling I guess. A lot of people in a short space and when we finally arrive i20 minutes, waiting to get out from the plain because we were waiting authorization for out boarding? Something like that.

See my previous comment which is mostly about our flight from Phoenix to SFO

Book cheap flights from Chicago to California

Recent round-trip flight deals

7/23Tue
1 stopSpirit Airlines
24h 36mORD-LAS
7/24Wed
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 47mLAS-ORD
$106
9/9Mon
1 stopSpirit Airlines
13h 35mORD-LAX
9/9Mon
nonstopSpirit Airlines
4h 05mLAX-ORD
$111
6/11Tue
nonstopFrontier
4h 03mMDW-LAS
6/14Fri
nonstopFrontier
3h 33mLAS-MDW
$130
6/11Tue
nonstopFrontier
4h 03mMDW-LAS
6/14Fri
nonstopFrontier
3h 33mLAS-MDW
$132
7/31Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 40mORD-SFO
8/7Wed
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 13mSFO-ORD
$177
9/14Sat
nonstopAmerican Airlines
4h 39mORD-SFO
9/21Sat
nonstopAmerican Airlines
4h 15mSFO-ORD
$184
7/30Tue
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 40mORD-SFO
8/6Tue
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 13mSFO-ORD
$198
8/3Sat
1 stopAmerican Airlines
7h 24mORD-ONT
8/6Tue
1 stopAmerican Airlines
5h 39mONT-ORD
$198
8/6Tue
1 stopDelta
9h 55mMDW-LAX
8/13Tue
1 stopDelta
7h 20mLAX-MDW
$236
7/4Thu
1 stopDelta
7h 43mORD-ONT
7/10Wed
1 stopDelta
10h 07mONT-ORD
$236

Search by stops

Search by airline

Search by price

Recent one-way flight deals

6/11Tue
nonstopSpirit Airlines
4h 21mORD-LAX
$53
8/28Wed
nonstopSpirit Airlines
4h 25mORD-LAX
$54
6/11Tue
nonstopFrontier
4h 03mMDW-LAS
$64
6/12Wed
nonstopFrontier
4h 03mMDW-LAS
$67
8/21Wed
1 stopAmerican Airlines
6h 26mORD-BUR
$69
9/3Tue
nonstopAmerican Airlines
4h 13mORD-LAX
$76
8/30Fri
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 27mORD-LAX
$100
11/2Sat
1 stopUnited Airlines
6h 15mORD-SFO
$112
7/3Wed
1 stopDelta
9h 04mMDW-LAX
$118
8/30Fri
1 stopDelta
9h 06mORD-LAX
$118

Search by stops

Search by airline

Search by price

Last minute flights from Chicago to California

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

6/6Thu
nonstopFrontier
4h 03mMDW-LAS
6/7Fri
nonstopFrontier
3h 33mLAS-MDW
$133
6/6Thu
nonstopFrontier
4h 03mMDW-LAS
6/11Tue
nonstopFrontier
3h 33mLAS-MDW
$134
6/4Tue
nonstopSpirit Airlines
4h 02mORD-LAS
6/10Mon
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 47mLAS-ORD
$147
6/4Tue
nonstopSpirit Airlines
4h 02mORD-LAS
6/11Tue
nonstopSpirit Airlines
3h 47mLAS-ORD
$148
6/6Thu
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
7h 03mORD-ONT
6/9Sun
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
7h 58mONT-ORD
$260
6/6Thu
multi-stopDelta
11h 15mORD-ONT
6/10Mon
multi-stopDelta
10h 18mONT-ORD
$284
6/5Wed
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
6h 30mORD-BUR
6/9Sun
multi-stopAmerican Airlines
8h 13mBUR-ORD
$304
6/4Tue
multi-stopDelta
6h 13mORD-ONT
6/6Thu
multi-stopDelta
6h 12mONT-ORD
$400
6/2Sun
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 44mORD-SFO
7/6Sat
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 18mSFO-ORD
$579
6/2Sun
multi-stopUnited Airlines
9h 27mORD-SFO
7/6Sat
nonstopUnited Airlines
4h 18mSFO-ORD
$589

Search by stops

Search by airline

Search by price

Flights to California

Return flight deals:

California - Chicago

Cabin classes:

$808
$806
$566
$85

Browse destinations:

View more