$479 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Australia

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 Australia departing on 8/12. 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
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Australia

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Sydney
Sydney3 stops$1,069
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$1,981
Sydney
Sydney3 stops$1,069
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$1,981

Book Cheap Chicago to Australia Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Chicago to Australia that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to Australia

Mon, Aug 24 - Tue, Sep 8
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:05 am - 11:50 am
MDW
-
SYD
38h 45m
3 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 10:58 am
SYD
-
MDW
43h 43m
3 stops
$1,069Multiple Airlines
Mon, Aug 24 - Tue, Sep 8
Multiple Airlines Logo
9:20 am - 11:50 am
ORD
-
SYD
35h 30m
3 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:15 am - 6:17 am
SYD
-
ORD
39h 02m
2 stops
$1,073Multiple Airlines
Wed, Aug 19 - Wed, Aug 26
Air New Zealand Logo
4:45 pm - 11:05 am
ORD
-
BNE
27h 20m
2 stops
Air New Zealand Logo
12:20 pm - 11:26 pm
BNE
-
ORD
26h 06m
2 stops
$1,279Air New Zealand
Tue, Aug 11 - Tue, Aug 25
Air New Zealand Logo
3:00 pm - 10:55 am
ORD
-
MEL
28h 55m
2 stops
Air New Zealand Logo
12:10 pm - 9:30 pm
MEL
-
ORD
24h 20m
2 stops
$1,312Air New Zealand
Fri, Oct 16 - Sun, Oct 25
Air Canada Logo
8:49 am - 7:05 am
ORD
-
BNE
31h 16m
1 stop
Air Canada Logo
9:45 am - 4:48 am
BNE
-
ORD
34h 03m
2 stops
$1,389Air Canada
Mon, Aug 3 - Wed, Oct 14
Air Canada Logo
3:40 pm - 7:05 am
ORD
-
BNE
24h 25m
1 stop
Air Canada Logo
10:00 am - 9:43 am
BNE
-
ORD
38h 43m
2 stops
$1,391Air Canada
Tue, Oct 13 - Sat, Oct 24
Delta Logo
9:30 am - 7:50 am
MDW
-
SYD
30h 20m
2 stops
Delta Logo
10:15 am - 4:50 pm
SYD
-
MDW
22h 35m
2 stops
$1,610Delta
Fri, Nov 6 - Sat, Nov 21
Delta Logo
6:30 pm - 9:50 am
MDW
-
MEL
46h 20m
2 stops
Delta Logo
12:00 pm - 6:37 pm
MEL
-
MDW
23h 37m
2 stops
$1,611Delta
Sun, Nov 15 - Sun, Dec 6
United Airlines Logo
12:40 pm - 5:10 pm
ORD
-
HBA
35h 30m
2 stops
United Airlines Logo
9:20 pm - 2:36 pm
HBA
-
ORD
34h 16m
2 stops
$1,742United Airlines
Sun, Nov 15 - Sun, Dec 6
United Airlines Logo
12:40 pm - 5:10 pm
ORD
-
HBA
35h 30m
2 stops
United Airlines Logo
9:20 pm - 2:36 pm
HBA
-
ORD
34h 16m
2 stops
$1,744United Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Australia flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Chicago to Australia to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Australia?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Australia, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Chicago to Australia is November, when tickets cost $113 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are April and October, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $716 and $580 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Chicago to Australia?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Australia, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below average price on the flight from Chicago to Australia, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 7% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 19 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$479
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 9% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 29% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Sydney

FAQs - booking Australia flights

  • As a U.S. citizen, do I need a visa to travel to Australia?

    Yes, U.S. citizens need to obtain a tourist visa prior to flying to Australia. This visa is an Electronic Travel Authority that can be applied for online with a small fee. The approval process for an ETA can take up to about one day and you can expect to pay around 20 AUD (15 USD) for this service.

  • Are there non-stop flights from Chicago to Australia?

    Currently, there aren’t any available direct flights between Chicago and Australia. However, Air Canada and Qantas both offer routes with just one layover in either Vancouver or Los Angeles. These flights depart from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and arrive at both Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) and Brisbane International Airport (BNE).

  • Which is the best airport to fly into to go to the Great Barrier Reef?

    The Great Barrier Reef in east Australia is the world’s largest coral reef that attracts plenty of divers from all over. The closest international airport to the Great Barrier Reef is the one in Cairns. However, there are more flight options from Chicago to the city of Brisbane. From there, travelers can take a domestic flight to Hamilton Island or a ferry to see the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Is there public transportation from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport to the city center?

    Yes, there is public transportation operating from the main Australian airport in Sydney to the city center. Travelers can hop on the AirportLink T8 train that stops at the international terminal and connects with the city loop route. The trip takes under half an hour and you can expect to pay about 20 AUD (15 USD).

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

    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 Australia.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Chicago to Australia 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 Australia?

    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 from Chicago to Australia with an airline and back with another airline.

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

    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 from Chicago to Australia up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Australia

  • For more options, and generally more affordable airfares, consider booking flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to the main hub in Australia, Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD). From here, you’ll be near Australia’s most iconic site, the Sydney Opera House.
  • Long-haul flights like the one from Chicago to Australia can be stressful. Relax or blow off some steam before boarding your flight out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The airport offers a couple amenities, such as a yoga room, as well as a health club with a fitness center and a pool.
  • When traveling to Australia from Chicago, you’ll need to exchange some of your USD into Australian dollars (AUD). You can do this at currency exchange desks at Australia’s main international airports like Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) and Brisbane International Airport (BNE).
  • In Australia, children under the age of seven need to be in an approved child seat restraint in any vehicle. Under the age of four, the child seat must be rear-facing. If you’re planning on renting a car, you can check beforehand to see if the agency provides child seats.
  • If you’re traveling to Australia with a pet or a service animal, there are pet relief areas located throughout the Chicago O’Hare International Airport for your four-legged friend to go to the bathroom before the long flight.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Chicago to Australia

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to Australia? 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
Air New ZealandOverall score based on 646 reviews
8.5Crew
7.4Entertainment
7.9Comfort
7.4Food
8.2Boarding
Airline reviews

Needed more leg room. Leg rest and entertainment system box took up a lot of space and I'm not tall. Breakfast was good. Poor quality of the entertainment options.

6.0 GoodCraig, Apr 2026
AKL - MEL
Read more Air New Zealand reviews

Needed more leg room. Leg rest and entertainment system box took up a lot of space and I'm not tall. Breakfast was good. Poor quality of the entertainment options.

We had difficulty checking in as United didn’t recognize the confirmation number and the agent was not helpful. We went to the United Assistance desk where the agent was able to process our reservation. We also weren’t allowed to choose seats in advance.

Aircon set too high so VERY warm and VERY uncomfortable.

Great! Flight was delayed by 30 mins but all was great. Thanks.

Arriving at Coolangatta, rows 20 forward, took the airbridge across to the terminal. It was suggested to those from rows 21 back, that we take the rear stairs and to be careful crossing the tarmac. That was all well and good. However, when we got across to the terminal we then had to climb three large flights of stairs to meet up with those coming across the airbridge. No elevator! There were people carrying babies and elderly carrying hand luggage that needed assistance from others.. There was no option to turn back.

Flew premium economy, well worth the extra. Much better seat size & space. Meals & snacks were lovely. Crew really pleasant. Internet is not great, not really useful for anything. Couldn't even send messages.

Everything was fine. Wish the wifi was free and included in the ticket price.

Overall, a great experience from food and crew. The only setback was that this was the Second flight from Air New Zealand within a week that was an hour late for boarding.

The air New Zealand employees who assisted us with wheelchair aid on Auckland made our transfer from flight to the next seamless. Also were amazing in helping with our luggage and customs in Brisbane.

All was good, the only thing was it didn't run on time.

Boarding was effortless, the food was outstanding, the seats in Premium Economy were extremely comfortable, and the staff and crew were excellent.

PREMIUM ECONOMY - excellent !Brilliant new plane. Excellent tv catalogue. Good food. Good communication and service from all friend Australian crew. Good communication from captain. Best travel experience in years.

I couldn't hear all of the announcements. It was nice when they put them on the screen.

I liked boarding the plane. The staff were rude, the food was appalling and the chairs the most uncomfortable I have ever experienced

One of the best Qantas business flights I've had. Quality product

Loved the staff. The economy seats could have been bigger.

The food was terrible. And the flight attendants were very rude. One flight attendant wouldn’t help a passenger lift their carry-on. Another flight attendant wouldn’t give a man an extra blanket. And they walked by not even looking at the passengers to see if they needed a glass of water.

I have flown Qantas multiple times in the past it seemed this flight the plane had less seat room or the seats were way less comfortable than before. Everything else was about the same. Thanks

I disliked the fact that they forced people to put up their seats during meal service

Headphone jacks worked poorly, seat recline was broken. Planes were rundown.

Agents at gate were not immediately available to solve problems and once they did they didn’t fix all the fight connections

Great experience. Boarding was fast, staff were very nice and funny, everything at the seat worked well.

Horrible! Several delays and then was cancelled! I spent over 24 hours in the airport and was unable to get a hotel or food voucher.

Smooth travel. Immediate update prior flight delay so I can arrange myself properly without too rush.

Boarded early; and arrived home 40 mins early. After a long flight, it’s nice to be back home early. These flights have no amenities; no snacks. So need to bring your own

A long delay. Don't travel late in the day.

Super friendly with lots of drink options an entertainment. Friendly crew.

The crew was great. Very friendly and responsive. The plane was old, small and tight. We ran out of overhead space and I had to check. Middle seat was particularly tight.

Several missed and almost missed connections. It felt like everything was being patched together last minute without enough resources and it ended up being an extremely stressful experience that basically ruined our weekend on the west coast. What a waste.

Crew was friendly. Seats are too narrow, particularly when a big person is in the adjacent seat, but I understand this is due to smaller planes usually flight into Lincoln. I have experienced several flight delays going out and coming into Lincoln airport, I say maybe 50% or higher of the flights I've taken out of this airport have been delayed.

Very turbulent flight, no drinks, very little service, unorganized boarding, gate changed multiple times

The flight was delayed significantly. Communication during the flight was abrupt and caused some panic as we were navigating turbulence. It was also too loud and every announcement felt startling. The flight attendants did not offer any assurances and I felt unsettled most of the flight. The seats, floor and tray table was very dirty. The seat next to me was broken and the passenger sitting there was very uncomfortable. He had a spring in his back and his seat made terrible squeaking noises through the flight.

Significant delays on my trip to Chicago and my trip back to NY

Delayed by 5 hours and I had to wit in the airport for more than 6+ hours.

I’ve got 31F seat and window seat . My 2 co passengers was AA crew members and they were very rude attitude and when I was going to use bathroom their gestures was very different and awkward and the guy beside me completely occupied the hand rest and I was really uncomfortable

It was so much better than expected, Ohare is not such a pleasant experience but American Airlines with the new, clean aeroplane and free Wi-Fi was outstanding and the crew so pleasant and helpful.

It wa sort of on time; the cab was left with some trash

My pillow had a shoe print on it, when I asked if I can have another pillow, I was told “I’m sorry but it is one pillow per guest, do YOU want to turn it inside out” to which I responded , no thanks I will go without. This is generally not ok, but For the price tag I paid flying business this is absolutely unacceptable. Hopefully American Airlines can update their accommodations to bedding that is not tossed on the ground and stepped on, or at least have a couple of extra pillows in hand, incase someone had decided to step on the pillows for what ever reason

American Airlines II: Delay Boogaloo. Multiple gate changes, delays, boarded and then MORE delays. I hate to say this won’t matter, but posting stuff about major corporations in 2026 is a post-modern “scream into the void.” Was multiple hours late coming home, so there you go.

Our flight was cancelled while we are on our way to the airport. So, no notice. We were rescheduled to another airline with a 2 hour later takeoff and so arrived at our destination on time. We pre-paid American Airlines $190 to upgrade our seats. No refund. So no use for AA or Kayak.

I'm 6'8" (2.03m) so more legroom would alwqys be appreciated, especially on long international flights. The food choices were underwhelming.

Didn’t make it on the flight. Delayed then had to be rebooked, which in turn had me waiting at the airport for another 8 hours before next flight

the check-in lady at ORD was extremely rude and unprofessional. very disappointed as it was supposed to be a celebration for my wife's birthday and it really put a damper on things. if i wanted to be treated like trash, i would have flown Economy! (as opposed to business class)

Short flight. Everything was fine except the flight was delayed twice for a total of an hour.

There labor disputes cancelled my flight less than 24 hours before my boarding time but there customer service/website was easy enough to navigate and they rebooked me for no upcharge.

Very bad, flight was cancelled due to strike and staff was unable to rebook us

Flight was delayed by 1.5hrs. Once inside, people had their small handbags on the storage. The crew (male guy) was not helpful in making some space in the storage. Instead, he asked few bags to be checked-in and it was not a great experience. No attempt to help but just followed the things with a straight face. People had their literally small bags and he wouldnt not move from one storage to another even if there was space and would not let us do i as well. Once flight was on, they ran out of Orange juice, really running out of orange juice when the temp were 32.degrees outside. didnt made the sense. Onasking for a extra snack, he made a face as if he was giving me out of his pocket. if the flight was delayed, there could have an attempt to provide something extra incase people did asked.

Abandoned me in hallway in a wheelchair… which I asked for because I sprained my back. After waiting in the hallway, I decided to walk the rest of the way since someone respecting me up.. My experience with the united was totally the opposite. Wheelchair access, propped swift and save me a lot of grief. Air Canada totally disorganized.

Terrible confusion btw air Canada and United. Wasn’t able to change ticket because I had purchased on kayak. Rethinking booking tickets on this site, and will try to avoid United and aircanada going forward.

Conflicting information provided about baggage allowance. One screen said I had a carry on and another said I didnt.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to Australia

Cabin class types available on flights to Australia

Cabin classes available on flights to Australia. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.