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Find cheap flights from Chicago to South Africa from $751

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 South Africa departing on 10/16. 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
Tue 6/4
Tue 6/11

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Best South Africa Flight Deals

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

Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop$975

Good to know

Low season

July

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$751
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 30% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 16% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Cape Town

FAQs - booking South Africa flights

  • What can I do at the Chicago Airports?

    You can rehydrate at the airport showers at ORD, which are open to all passengers. At Gates D, in the passenger area, there is a Transit Hotel that is open around the clock. Further, there are numerous places where people can get employment. In addition, there are those at the Service Center's parking lot 2 and the Family Services facility at Gates E. On the other hand, at MDW, you can visit the yoga room in Concourse C airside and stretch out your muscles before your trip.

  • Do Chicago airports have USO lounges?

    Military personnel flying out through MDW can use the USO lounge located in Concourse C. On the other hand, if you are flying through ORD, you will find the lounges in Terminals 2 and 3. USO lounges allow the US military and their families to access their services at no extra cost.

  • Can I have access to limited mobility services at South African Airports?

    Passengers with limited mobility arriving at any South African airport can access accessibility services to ease their navigation within the airport. The airports are equipped with elevators, and you can also get extra assistance upon request. However, if you want to access these services, ensure that you contact your airline 48 hours before your travel date.

  • Which airline is ideal when flying from Chicago to South Africa?

    There are multiple airlines offering exceptional flight services along Chicago South Africa route. However, these airlines offer different onboard services at different rates. For instance, Emirates offers inflight assorted meals and sleeping blankets. So, your choice of airline when flying to South Africa from Chicago depends on your budget and preferences.

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

    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 South Africa.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to South Africa 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 South Africa?

    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 South Africa 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 South Africa?

    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 South Africa 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 South Africa

  • Morning departure is around 10% cheaper than an evening flight, on average*.
  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the primary airport serving Chicago. Therefore if you are flying from Chicago to South Africa, it is bound to be your departure airport. Alternatively, you can fly out through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), which also serves international flights in Chicago.
  • You have many options if you are looking for a parking space at any of the Chicago airports. At ORD, you can park at the long-term parking lot, the Economy Parking Lot F, which is located on MMF floors 4 and 5. If you want to park short-term, you can use the parking lots in Terminal 5. On the other hand, MDW has long-term parking lots near the main terminal, while the short-term parking lots are located in Terminal garage levels 2 and 6.
  • The primary South African Airport which serves major international flights is Oliver Tambo International Airport (JNB). From Chicago to South Africa, you can also land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR).
  • When you land in any of the South African airports, it is possible to escape the commotion and clamor of the airport and take advantage of complimentary refreshments, snacks, and sitting in a more relaxed setting. There are many lounges at these airports; some are exclusive to particular airlines, and others are accessible to everyone.
  • When looking for a location to exercise after arriving in South Africa, you can make reservations at your arrival airport onsite hotel. Visitors are welcome to use the airport's onsite hotels' fitness and wellness facilities for their own delight.
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 South Africa

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to South Africa? 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.
8.0
DeltaOverall score based on 10826 reviews
8.6Crew
8.0Entertainment
8.2Boarding
7.4Food
7.9Comfort
Airline reviews

Very frustrated with boarding gate crew. She announced the plane was small and they would be limiting us to one item to carry on. Not a problem for me as I understand the tiny planes have limited space!! Not the case here! It was a rather large plane and had plenty of room for bags! So because I don’t want to be one of “those people” who ignores the request to check a carry on I did so asking if I would be able to pick it up at the bottom of the ramp on arrival in Knoxville to which she responded “yes”! Then I watched as every other passenger held onto their 2 items and boarded!! Then when we arrived in Knoxville our 2 carry ons had been put with all the other luggage and we had to go to baggage pick up and wait for all the big checked bags to come off the carousel! So she lied!! Frustrating. Next time I won’t be so nice!

8.0 ExcellentCynthia, May 2024ATL - TYS
Read more about Delta reviews

Very frustrated with boarding gate crew. She announced the plane was small and they would be limiting us to one item to carry on. Not a problem for me as I understand the tiny planes have limited space!! Not the case here! It was a rather large plane and had plenty of room for bags! So because I don’t want to be one of “those people” who ignores the request to check a carry on I did so asking if I would be able to pick it up at the bottom of the ramp on arrival in Knoxville to which she responded “yes”! Then I watched as every other passenger held onto their 2 items and boarded!! Then when we arrived in Knoxville our 2 carry ons had been put with all the other luggage and we had to go to baggage pick up and wait for all the big checked bags to come off the carousel! So she lied!! Frustrating. Next time I won’t be so nice!

It was a good experience except when boarding a female flight attendant did not go out of her way to assist my teenage daughters in finding space for their carry-ons after their compartments were full.

On time departure, smooth trip, flight attendant told through passengers the gate we would arrive at and the gate our outbound flight was departing from. Early arrival

Checking in at the airport the agent only booked the first keg of my trip and had my checked luggage going to the airport with a layover! Never was issued a boarding pass for the second leg or received sticker fir my checked bag. All was well in the end! Delta agents helped to resolve the situation!!!

Delayed due to an ill passenger after loading. Not preventable on Delta's part. Was in first class. The seats are becoming worn and detaching from their velcro attachments. Only got snacks on flight. The attendant was not the friendliest.

I would fly again the whole experience was great. The only feed back I can give that they don't do that American Airlines does is the crew there is more humorous with boarding and thank their passengers. It makes it more fun to fly with them. I would however fly Delta again.

Big plane, long flight, absolutely no leg room and basically non existent air! I am 5”4’ and always travel Main Cabin, I was miserable on this plane and could barely move when we arrived in Cabo due to the cramped leg area!

From Atlanta to Cabo I would have hoped on a plane that size I would have been able to breathe and wiggle my feet a little! The leg room in that plane is non existent and I am only 5”4’. And the air vent either wasn’t working very well or just could not blow air from the ceiling to the seat area as I was suffocating through the entire flight! And please don’t say I would have been more comfortable in first class because I cannot afford those rates and have always travelled Main Cabin without issues !

The pilots were good. Disappointing when planes don't have electrical ports

I liked the piloting of the aircraft. Very disappointed about lack of electrical ports. Also, although a short flight. there was enough time to hand out snacks to comfort + seats as was done for first class.

The food from Lagos to Amsterdam was was very poor compared to AMS-YYZ

We left one hour late because of technical difficulties. The economy comfort seats are great for the price. The crew was mediocre, they do not provide a pleasant experience, they just deliver food and drinks and give orders, not very amicable, no service and hospitality focus.

no issues at all... Kudos to the food. This time was really really good

Overall a good experience. We were disappointed when we had to check our carry on due to the plane being full. KLM hadn’t notified us and we had valuable items in the carry on but they still made us check it. Some of the food was great and some was mediocre. Crew is really kind and funny.

Mostly fine. Minor delays departing and arriving. Quite a cramped plane, not so much as regards legroom but very narrow seats. Quiet nice food. Non-working USB charger. Flight attendants were helpful but not particularly proactive — one had to work to get their attention (but all was fine once they notice you), very Dutch style:)

The flight itself it was great nice food the crew were very nice and helpful, Checking in from Birmingham wasn't great long queues for bag dropped, And I had my hand luggage case taken away from me even though I requested to have it with me as I had breakables items. I was told I can not because of the length of the flight with no explanation at all no options was given for me to take my fragile items out of my case it was taken away with hold buggage I find the staff member who was checking me in very unpleasant !! Can we please be advise if the rules have changed about the the carry on hand luggage it will be easier to be advise on booking your tickect if we not allowed to take the hand luggage with me. Overall I had a good flight .

The plane was clean and the staff was friendly. Food and drinks as expected on international flights. The entertainment system was old style, with a pullout controller, and selections not as extensive as on other flights.

I requested wheel chair assistance , it was confirmed via email that inwoood get it but I didn’t get it . The last leg of my trip to Nigeria was the worst.

Amazing KLM service and brilliant economy comfort seats. Well worth the extra.

The boarding was one of the worst I’ve ever experienced. The fault lays on Ohare Airport and not so much the airline. The waiting area by the gate was the size to accommodate a regional flight for 20-30 people and right next to a busy walkway. When you cramped nearly 300 passengers into that space is was unbearable.

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.

Nothing beats ANA customer service on my opinion. Maybe because of their Japanese culture (and food). Arigatō

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.

Flight delayed for 2 hours due to a part. The plane sat waiting for boarding for a long time and during final preflight inspection the issue was found. Why not do the preflight inspection sooner if you know the plane is being used?

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

Aircraft has better leg room than any of United's larger planes. We had requested mobility assistance for this and related flights. United's response to all was superb.

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.

The gate was changed at the very last moment and no one informed us. The flight was one hour late and the screen broken, the remote control not working. One toilet was out of order . the other toilets were also not totally functioning, because the washbasin was plugged and the water couldn't flow away.

The food could be better, the beef was quite tough. The crew were friendly and helpful on this flight, which has not being my experience on other Ethiopian flights.

The crew were extremely unfriendly. The plane was dirty and the entertainment system did not work, so they did not even give out earphones to anyone.

Seat in front of my wife was broken so it reclined further than normal and without having to push the recline button so my wife had absolutely no room the entire 17 hour flight. My seat was broken and wouldn't recline at all. Also.. my tray table was sticky and dirty right away before I even used it. Also...the floor in the back of the plane from our row of seats on back was totally soaked and both times we landed water came rushing out of the food/servant area like a flood onto the same already wet carpet. It got everything wet that was placed around our feet...including our shoes and socks.

Flight was smooth but unnecessary long because we had to refuel at FCO Rome. Air hostesses service and response to call light could be better. Both planes were old with broken seat arms and toilets. Why Africans had to be given the farthest Gates is what baffles me and why we have to pay for Aisle seats I found really strange. Is there ever an end to ripping people off even after paying over $2300 for one seat.

On my return flight the TV did not work the entire flight! They knew it wasn’t working but they let me sit there. The guy sitting nièce to me told me he was ok the previous flight and it wasn’t working. This is business class by the way!

The entertainment (movies) blockbuster and classics never change. I am a frequent Ethiopian flyer and this should be addressed. Not much changed from my summer flight and my December flight. It is annoying - surely you can update the selections more often. Same with food options. It becomes extremely boring to be offered the same exact meals from Washington to Addis to Maputo every trip, each time. AS

Entertainment was very poor. Couldn’t watch anything. Ear pieces were the wrong type .

Food was horrible. Our flight was not comfortable due to turbulence, seats was not comfortable, Very tight barely can not move anywhere.

The check in staff was amazing. Best customer service! The plane was old! My entertainment on the first flight didn't work at all, in my seat or in the seat next to me. The bathroom doors were old and troublesome. One of the bathrooms, the whole sink panel was broken. Everything felt old and falling apart. The airline stewardesses were amazing and quite hospitable. When there were delays, they kept us well informed. Transit was GREAT! I wasn't sure how I would make it to my next flight in 1 1/2 hours but the security lines were short and efficient. The C gates in Addis Ababa were CROWDED! That whole space downstairs was too crowded and challenging to manuever. I usually fly Ethiopian within Africa and was interested to see how the experience would be intercontinental. Overall, I would choose it again if it was cheaper than Delta/Air France or Lufthansa/KLM. I wouldn't make it a first choice if the prices were the same because the planes are so old! The food and entertainment also weren't as good. Good selection of movies but as I mentioned, on the first flight they didn't work at all (I slept so it was okay) and the 2nd flight it was glitchy. All in all, I didn't hate it but it would be a first choice only if it's cheaper.

We missed the flight to Barcelona because the flight from Baltimore was delayed. We flew on Vueling VW6653. Our luggage didn’t arrive. Please help us get our luggage. We are staying at Hotel Gran Via in Barcelona

The seats were tiny, being of a fairly petite build, I don’t usually expect to feel crammed and cramped in a seat, but I definitely was on this flight. I couldn’t even bend over to get anything out from under the seat in front and getting up to go to the bathroom at night with the seat backs reclined was nearly impossible. I had to do gymnastics to get over and out. For an airline that does long flights overnight, it’s kind of ridiculous.

Not connecting flights. Missed my flight from Dublin to Liverpool because I arrived at Dublin one hour too late. For this mistake, they offered me a flight from Dublin to Manchester. Thats great and all, but I waste time and money to commute to Liverpool. Be sure to check the time of your connecting flights, because they sure don’t when they sell it to you

Excellent! Great flight attendants, good food (in business class, at least), very comfortable. Touchscreen and remote wasn’t great.

In economy and food was ok, but with limited leg space (and I was in a 2 seat configuration) it was difficult to eat with a tiny seat tray. I spilt wine on my trousers. First time on British Air (I usually fly Turkish Air) and in a 777. Heathrow was pleasant but changing terminals awkward.

Starting with the flight Cairo to London the plain was so poor no entertainment at all uncomfortable seats although it’s 5 hours long,then an American airline plain took me from London to Miami it was a bad experience the crew most of flight time not available and they asked us to help our selves for any snacks if we need. From Miami to London actually was perfect flight with a huge plain and perfect crew but from London to Cairo was horrible plain with stiff fixed seats not movable no entertainment or wi fi very poor Menu which is unacceptable for a business class

I've done hundreds of flights in my life, and this flight was one of the best I've ever taken, From beginning to end, everything went smoothly, professionally, and with a smile and friendly attitude from all employees I interacted with. The food was delicious (and free), as were the drinks. There was just a genial and effective way in the way that British Airways organized the flight -that reminded of days in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, when flying was a fun, and exciting adventure. I enjoyed and had confidence in the abilities of the flight crew, I'll be flying British Airways several more times this summer. Thank you so much for the great experience! Cheryl Olso

My baggage did not arrived with me. Took 3 days to get it after so may calls and follow up

Terrible! I missed my flight to my final destination and British airlines and American Airlines keep pointing fingers on each other’s. Nobody wants to take responsibility

Terrible. Flight was 3 hours delayed and I missed my other flight to my final destination

Book cheap flights from Chicago to South Africa

Recent round-trip flight deals

10/6Sun
1 stopEthiopian Air
26h 45mORD-JNB
10/23Wed
2 stopsEthiopian Air
24h 35mJNB-ORD
$769
9/13Fri
1 stopEthiopian Air
26h 45mORD-JNB
9/28Sat
2 stopsEthiopian Air
24h 35mJNB-ORD
$815
5/27Mon
1 stopBritish Airways
29h 10mORD-JNB
6/3Mon
1 stopBritish Airways
23h 40mJNB-ORD
$946
10/25Fri
1 stopBritish Airways
33h 40mORD-JNB
11/3Sun
1 stopBritish Airways
26h 10mJNB-ORD
$983
8/27Tue
1 stopUnited Airlines
20h 25mORD-JNB
9/3Tue
1 stopUnited Airlines
23h 00mJNB-ORD
$994
8/27Tue
2 stopsUnited Airlines
23h 35mORD-JNB
9/3Tue
1 stopUnited Airlines
27h 00mJNB-ORD
$999
5/19Sun
1 stopKLM
22h 00mORD-JNB
5/26Sun
1 stopKLM
22h 20mJNB-ORD
$1,364
5/19Sun
2 stopsKLM
24h 18mORD-JNB
5/26Sun
2 stopsKLM
26h 02mJNB-ORD
$1,379
5/18Sat
1 stopDelta
20h 15mMDW-JNB
6/2Sun
2 stopsDelta
30h 17mJNB-MDW
$1,403
5/18Sat
2 stopsDelta
26h 28mMDW-JNB
6/2Sun
2 stopsDelta
30h 17mJNB-MDW
$1,407

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Recent one-way flight deals

10/16Wed
1 stopEthiopian Air
21h 15mORD-CPT
$751
10/26Sat
1 stopEthiopian Air
21h 15mORD-CPT
$814
5/25Sat
1 stopBritish Airways
34h 00mORD-CPT
$928
9/13Fri
1 stopBritish Airways
32h 50mORD-CPT
$988
6/17Mon
1 stopTurkish Airlines
31h 00mORD-JNB
$993
6/15Sat
1 stopTurkish Airlines
30h 50mORD-JNB
$1,031
9/13Fri
2 stopsDelta
25h 20mMDW-CPT
$1,125
6/15Sat
1 stopDelta
23h 30mORD-JNB
$1,152
7/7Sun
2 stopsKLM
24h 55mORD-JNB
$1,153
7/7Sun
2 stopsKLM
23h 56mMDW-JNB
$1,153

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Last minute flights from Chicago to South Africa

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

5/8Wed
multi-stopEthiopian Air
26h 45mORD-JNB
5/22Wed
multi-stopEthiopian Air
24h 35mJNB-ORD
$856
5/7Tue
multi-stopEthiopian Air
19h 50mORD-JNB
6/10Mon
multi-stopEthiopian Air
24h 35mJNB-ORD
$891
5/8Wed
multi-stopEthiopian Air
21h 15mORD-CPT
5/15Wed
multi-stopEthiopian Air
24h 30mCPT-ORD
$1,000
5/8Wed
multi-stopUnited Airlines
18h 41mORD-JNB
5/22Wed
multi-stopUnited Airlines
21h 35mJNB-ORD
$1,419
5/8Wed
multi-stopKLM
21h 40mORD-CPT
5/15Wed
multi-stopKLM
22h 00mCPT-ORD
$1,864
5/10Fri
multi-stopKLM
24h 05mMDW-JNB
5/20Mon
multi-stopKLM
25h 52mJNB-MDW
$1,879
5/10Fri
multi-stopDelta
27h 15mMDW-JNB
5/20Mon
multi-stopDelta
27h 12mJNB-MDW
$1,881
5/10Fri
multi-stopDelta
27h 15mMDW-JNB
5/20Mon
multi-stopDelta
30h 17mJNB-MDW
$1,903
5/7Tue
multi-stopBritish Airways
31h 30mORD-JNB
5/11Sat
multi-stopBritish Airways
29h 55mJNB-ORD
$14,057
5/7Tue
multi-stopBritish Airways
30h 40mORD-JNB
5/11Sat
multi-stopBritish Airways
42h 54mJNB-ORD
$14,166

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Flights to South Africa

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South Africa - Chicago

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