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Find cheap flights from Chicago to Australia from $505

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 7/24. 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 5/28
Tue 6/4

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Best Australia Flight Deals

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

Sydney
Sydney2 stops$1,035

Good to know

Low season

April

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$505
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 8% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 35% 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 to Australia 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 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 to Australia 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 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 to Australia 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 Australia

  • Morning departure is around 5% more expensive than an evening flight, on average*.
  • 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.
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 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.
8.2
Air New ZealandOverall score based on 647 reviews
8.8crew
7.7food
7.9entertainment
8.4boarding
8.1comfort
Airline reviews

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

8.0 ExcellentDaniel, Apr 2024ZQN - SYD
Read more about Air New Zealand reviews

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

The staff and crew on board were excellent. Business class however, was very weird. I thought we would have individual pods, but the way it was set up was unexpected. Not very private and If you wanted to lay down, you had to have an entire bed made up for you by the crew, rather than how Delta one works where you could just lie down whenever you feel like it. It was a 16 hour flight. I chose not to have my bed made, and that turned out to be a good idea because everybody who had their bed made had to wait for the crew to roll up their mattresses. So strange!

The recline on the seat in front of me came back so that I was staring at the top of the man’s head in front of me the whole trip. He refused to bring his seat back up twice every time he was instructed to do so and only relented when he had a tray of good in front of him. And then right back in my lap!!! Horrible man!! I complained to the staff multiple times, but no one would address the issue. Otherwise, it would have been a perfect flight.

There was a snafu with confirming seats at check which left us in limbo for the second leg of our trip. I believe the ANZ app is not well integrated with the systems at the terminal resulting in this disconcerting error.

Carring crew, nice ambiance of the cabin, comfortable beds, good food well served. We liked everything.

The pilot tried to make up for lost time due to delays that were out of her control. She communicated the issues openly and clearly and made every effort to do what she could to alleviate issues.

2 of the 6 economy toilets were out of order. Drinks were not offered often enough - you have to order on-screen, which is often unavailable. Snacks and Milo ran out very early. Crew was fine but I think there was a sticking issue

Flight attendants are always pleasant and helpful. Pilot kept us updated.

Boarding instructions on one leg of my journey were not well communicated at the gate (Melbourne to Auckland)

The only thing that was less than excellent was the food server at dinner. (I had the chicken.) It wasn't that it was poorly heated or in difficult-to-open containers; it was just that it had a very peculiar taste. And I use that to describe not just the main course but the dessert as well. Very odd flavours for what seemed to be a mainstream item. I did like that the airline offered us a free glass of wine. The breakfast omelette wasn't bad, although it was quite bland.

Flight delay was informed at the last minute. Food quality is not up to Qantas standard I was unable to book an online boarding pass on any of my 6 flights.

Following a marathon flight riddled by delays and changes from Santiago, Chile, my flight to Melbourne from Sydney was on schedule but I was transferred to the next flight. The reason by ticketing and the floor manager was I missed the entry to flight by one minute! That's right, the emphasised that if I was 1 minute earlier I would be on the flight. I asked what was the point them emphasising 1minute overdue and how that helped me or the situation. They didn't care at all. Replying that if it was one minute earlier they would've done something and smirking delivering the information. Australian's do call Australia home, Qantas calls Australian's suckers.

Rescheduled after ticket purchased and issued, not 2 or 3 times and not a fourth but by 5 times, by Qantas, that's right, 5 changes! Forcing an overnight stay in Chile and need for visa. Qantas can no longer provide basic services as a national or international service provider. Professionalism is extinct and the provider needs to be mentored and educated in perfecting who to operate as an airline. Qantas is the spirit of Australian dissatisfaction.

Amazing! Was put on the earlier flight and I requested for an aisle seat and was given it. Thanks Qantas!

The staff we fantastic and seemed to work very well with each other

Business lounge in Melbourne mediocre. Look at Emirates or Qatar, Qantas! Great friendly crew. Food was good but Emirates is a level above. Business seat good. But can’t compare to Qatar. Main reason for booking Qantas is loyalty and terrific connection via Perth to LHR.

It's only a short trip from Sydney to Melbourne, which i have done many times. The trip met my expectations

The crew were amazing - A great job. They made me feel special and valued.

I really appreciated the fact that when I checked my bags at the Quantas counter after arriving from an international flight an hour early, the agent noticed I had a very long layover. He then found an earlier flight that allowed me to get to Cairns several hours earlier than I planned. That was amazing because I had already traveled over 20 hours and wasn’t looking forward to such a long layover. It allowed me to see my daughter and grandchildren much earlier (it had been two years since I visited last).

Qantas cancelled my flight for no good reason and rebooked me into a middle seat.

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.

my seat got changed twice after checking on then boarding it had been given to a family so by the time they found a seat for me no overhead storage left. i ended up losing my Sony Headphones case because i could even access underthe seat in front of my when deplaning.

It was spectacular. I had basic Economy and was given so much space and their seats lean back so far. Staff was superb, food was superb, everything was superb, Finnair is Fantastic.

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.

We were delayed bc ground crew gave the flight crew the wrong paperwork. We taxiied to the runway then back to the gate to get the correct paperwork that no one bothered reviewing the first time we pushed back. Boarding was rude and stressful like it always is. Gate agents and flight attendants are all over 55 years of age, embittered by years of underpayment From AA leading to their passive agressive bitchiness for no reason.

Boarding time was easy & quick. Crew was excellent. In-flight entertainment was great/easy. Seats are too small and not enough room between rows: felt like a sardine/very cramped.

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.

Easy boarding, roomy seats, plenty of good food, very helpful snd friendly staff. Very smooth flight! Only thing that could have been better was to have cranberry juice. Women like this as it helps avoid UTI’s and not as sweet as other juices.

The crew was friendly, the seats are too small. Air travel is barely tolerable anymore.

Food was icecold or frozen including breakfast. Hopeless service. Rude crew.

The flight was very uncomfortable and there was no snacks served for the 13 hours international flight. In addition, the flight was delayed 3 hours

Due to a strike taking place with the airline, it negatively impacted my flight in multiple ways. My flight was delayed over 2 hours and the food served was mediocre at best.

Terrible experience! All flights delayed, staff had no idea of what they were doing, and at the end luggage lost for 2 days!

Cabin crew were great. Seats are criminal for tall people

Flight was delayed 1.5 hrs due to problem with a previous flight to mine; I was informed appropriately via Text & Email, however, website did not keep up with messages sent by nearly an hour. When checking-in warm & friendly reception at check-in desk until female Air Canada Rep noticed my flight number and instantly pivoted to a condescending & sarcastic comments about getting my bag checked in since I’m running so late; then tone instantly changed again few minutes later when she muttered, “Oh, they’ve delayed it” another sign systems & worse front line staff, not fully informed or simply not reading their flight status updates. Flight crew were very friendly & did a great job trying to make up lost time due to the delay.

It was great, love the experience and will definitely recommend 👌. Communication was great

My flight was great! Gate attendants and crew were great… pleasant and in good spirits. Flight delayed several hours and we were well informed of the status while on plane. Thank you!

Book cheap flights from Chicago to Australia

Recent round-trip flight deals

5/8Wed
2 stops
35h 43mORD-SYD
5/14Tue
3 stops
35h 09mSYD-ORD
$1,035
5/8Wed
2 stops
35h 43mORD-SYD
5/14Tue
2 stops
31h 45mSYD-ORD
$1,045
8/19Mon
2 stopsAir New Zealand
29h 00mORD-SYD
8/26Mon
2 stopsAir New Zealand
28h 10mSYD-ORD
$1,194
8/19Mon
2 stopsAir New Zealand
23h 30mORD-SYD
8/27Tue
2 stopsAir New Zealand
24h 00mSYD-ORD
$1,213
10/23Wed
2 stopsAir Canada
29h 25mORD-SYD
11/20Wed
2 stopsAir Canada
22h 30mSYD-ORD
$1,401
10/24Thu
2 stopsAir Canada
29h 25mORD-SYD
10/29Tue
2 stopsAir Canada
27h 07mSYD-ORD
$1,444
9/16Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
21h 45mORD-SYD
9/30Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
20h 06mSYD-ORD
$1,576
10/9Wed
1 stopUnited Airlines
21h 49mORD-SYD
10/23Wed
2 stopsUnited Airlines
23h 28mSYD-ORD
$1,580
8/5Mon
1 stopQantas Airways
23h 02mORD-SYD
8/26Mon
1 stopQantas Airways
21h 59mSYD-ORD
$1,676
10/15Tue
1 stopQantas Airways
21h 55mORD-MEL
11/12Tue
2 stopsQantas Airways
24h 44mMEL-ORD
$1,870

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Recent one-way flight deals

7/24Wed
2 stops
41h 05mORD-SYD
$505
7/25Thu
2 stops
41h 05mORD-SYD
$581
7/1Mon
3 stops
59h 05mORD-BNE
$586
5/8Wed
1 stopAir Canada
24h 40mORD-SYD
$1,088
5/13Mon
1 stopAir Canada
24h 40mORD-SYD
$1,096
6/16Sun
2 stopsAir New Zealand
28h 35mORD-SYD
$1,116
5/25Sat
2 stopsAir New Zealand
46h 00mORD-SYD
$1,201
6/23Sun
1 stopQantas Airways
22h 58mORD-SYD
$1,240
5/25Sat
1 stopQantas Airways
43h 46mORD-SYD
$1,381
7/24Wed
1 stopUnited Airlines
31h 15mORD-SYD
$2,574

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Last minute flights from Chicago to Australia

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

4/30Tue
multi-stopCathay Pacific
47h 10mORD-SYD
5/11Sat
multi-stopCathay Pacific
39h 20mSYD-ORD
$1,371
5/2Thu
multi-stopCathay Pacific
27h 45mORD-SYD
5/9Thu
multi-stopCathay Pacific
43h 20mSYD-ORD
$1,389
4/29Mon
multi-stop
35h 35mORD-SYD
5/12Sun
multi-stop
31h 45mSYD-ORD
$1,556
4/29Mon
multi-stop
35h 35mORD-SYD
5/12Sun
multi-stop
32h 25mSYD-ORD
$1,598
4/30Tue
multi-stopAir Canada
31h 25mORD-SYD
5/12Sun
multi-stopAir Canada
20h 09mSYD-ORD
$2,218
4/30Tue
multi-stopAir Canada
29h 20mORD-SYD
5/11Sat
multi-stopAir Canada
37h 41mSYD-ORD
$2,231
4/30Tue
multi-stopAir New Zealand
21h 40mORD-SYD
5/2Thu
multi-stopAir New Zealand
28h 06mSYD-ORD
$2,248
4/30Tue
multi-stopAir New Zealand
25h 45mORD-SYD
5/2Thu
multi-stopAir New Zealand
28h 06mSYD-ORD
$2,347
4/30Tue
multi-stopQantas Airways
25h 05mORD-SYD
5/2Thu
multi-stopQantas Airways
29h 19mSYD-ORD
$2,751
4/28Sun
multi-stopDelta
29h 35mMDW-SYD
5/5Sun
multi-stopDelta
23h 34mSYD-MDW
$2,893

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Flights to Australia

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Australia - Chicago

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