$548 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 11/18. 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
Sydney1 stop$950
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$2,617
Sydney
Sydney1 stop$950
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$2,617

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

qua, fev 25 - sex, mar 6
Qantas Airways Logo
7:39 pm - 5:15 pmORD-MEL
28h 36m2 stops
Qantas Airways Logo
12:00 pm - 5:41 pmMEL-ORD
22h 41m1 stop
$942Qantas Airways
Find Deal
qua, fev 11 - qui, fev 26
Qantas Airways Logo
9:02 am - 9:00 amORD-SYD
30h 58m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
7:05 am - 5:41 pmSYD-ORD
27h 36m2 stops
$950Qantas Airways
Find Deal
qui, fev 26 - qui, mar 26
Air Canada Logo
3:40 pm - 4:20 pmORD-ADL
32h 10m2 stops
Air Canada Logo
6:10 am - 7:53 pmADL-ORD
29h 13m2 stops
$1,157Air Canada
Find Deal
qui, fev 26 - qui, mar 26
Air Canada Logo
2:00 pm - 4:10 pmORD-ADL
33h 40m3 stops
Air Canada Logo
6:10 am - 7:53 pmADL-ORD
29h 13m2 stops
$1,164Air Canada
Find Deal
seg, jan 19 - qua, fev 4
Delta Logo
12:48 pm - 8:20 amMDW-BNE
27h 32m2 stops
Delta Logo
11:05 am - 5:32 pmBNE-MDW
22h 27m2 stops
$1,461Delta
Find Deal
qua, dez 31 - qua, jan 14
Delta Logo
9:50 am - 8:00 amMDW-MEL
29h 10m2 stops
Delta Logo
10:10 am - 10:09 pmMEL-MDW
28h 59m2 stops
$1,465Delta
Find Deal
qui, fev 26 - qui, mar 26
United Airlines Logo
12:46 pm - 9:30 amORD-ADL
28h 14m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
6:10 am - 6:51 pmADL-ORD
28h 11m2 stops
$1,558United Airlines
Find Deal
qua, fev 25 - ter, mar 31
Air New Zealand Logo
10:35 am - 10:55 amORD-ADL
31h 50m2 stops
Air New Zealand Logo
2:20 pm - 2:27 pmADL-ORD
39h 37m2 stops
$1,611Air New Zealand
Find Deal
qua, fev 25 - ter, mar 31
United Airlines Logo
8:20 pm - 9:30 amORD-ADL
44h 40m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
7:40 am - 6:48 pmADL-ORD
26h 38m2 stops
$1,646United Airlines
Find Deal
ter, nov 25 - qua, dez 17
Air New Zealand Logo
2:30 pm - 10:55 amORD-ADL
27h 55m2 stops
Air New Zealand Logo
6:35 am - 6:50 pmADL-ORD
28h 45m2 stops
$1,751Air New Zealand
Find Deal
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 August, when tickets cost $851 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and January, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,349 and $1,030 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to Australia?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Chicago to Australia clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

When flying from Chicago to Australia, you should consider leaving on a Saturday and avoid Thursdays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Chicago, you’ll find the best rates on Mondays and the most expensive ones on Sundays.

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 40% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 3 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 23% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 43% increase in price.

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.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Australia?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to Australia is generally in the evening, when round-trip flights cost $1,185 on average. On average, there is no price difference when choosing to fly in the morning or the evening on this flight route. The most expensive time of day to fly to Australia is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,417.

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 526 reviews
8.2Boarding
7.5Entertainment
7.4Food
8.0Comfort
8.5Crew
Airline reviews

Kayak did not propagate my United miles account and I had to manually get credit.

4.0 OkayBruce, Nov 2025TUS - SFO
Read more Air New Zealand reviews

Kayak did not propagate my United miles account and I had to manually get credit.

Like: Aircraft was better than others I've flown in. Crew was great, food was very good. Air New Zealand is now my favorite airline. On our long flight from AKL to YVR there was enough room for those of us in Economy to stretch a bit. My sister is disabled and they took very good care of her and me. Best entertainment offering of all the other airlines. Not so much; Flight from AKL to YRV was delayed BUT they recovered really well so no complaints here. Pretty petty point to complain about. Only negative I have. I will recommend to friends.

Nice friendly staff and crew. Love the 787 flight. Get meals and lots of drinks!

Great entertainment options on the screen. uSB A and C chargers. Free WiFi! Crew were excellent.

Service was excellent and they’re very helpful and nice

Check in crew member was very helpful, nice and excellent service👍

Overall the plane was good and the crew great. The big disappointment was the skycouch. Maybe it would be good if you were a parent with 2 small kids travelling but as a couple it's hopeless. It's impossible for 2 adults to lie down so one ends up sitting. We split our time with one lying and the other sitting. We both got more sleep sitting upright. We will never book one again and don't recommend it to anyone.

Aircon set too high so VERY warm and VERY uncomfortable.

Not a comfortable trip, the seats are not good, and they look old.

Lost my luggage and brought someone else luggage to my airport.

After already paying for excess luggage prior to flight, i was advised AT check in that i had to pay $816 or forfeit my flight! The lady at the counter was SO rude and had already started offboarding me when i said i would pay it after asking her three times for the exact amount! Have lodged a formal complaint yet heard nothing. Will not ever travel via Qantas again

A few more inches of legroom is all i ask

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

Business class points redemption - good value for points paid, dubious value if out of your own pocket, domestic class business product okay for this length of flight. The flight left and arrived on time, crew were good, aircraft was a bit old and tired, but still miles ahead of their competitors in Virgin and Jetstar.

Airline running better than post Covid, proper boarding process now implemented, some aircraft feeling a bit old and tired, crew fine, online experience better.

Five hour flight instead of four hours due to westerly headwinds which wasn’t the fault of Qantas !

The wifi was out. Otherwise it was great flight. Richard, as CSM, was excellent.

Was bumped to a later flight because of inefficiency on part of the airline.

The Emerits/Qantas flight was cancelled to Wellington. We need a refund. Had to buy another airline ticket. How do we get the refund. Still not in Wellington.

Delayed QF59 flight once again, Qantas doesn't fail in maintaining there delayed departures and arrivals. USB points do not work nor do the power point sockets on the plane, Qantas staff admitted that on the flight. Don't expect to your charge devices. Saving grace, was the ice cream. Bottom line, if you expect to fly to HND and make it on time avoid Qantas and if you're interested in ice cream - visit 7/11.

Always wish for more healthy, gluten free options. We have to bring our own.

Having a long layover, I was very appreciative of the ability to stand by for an earlier flight. Other airlines like Delta have refused this to me in the past, just to be mean (because my ticket class wasn't high enough). United went out of their way to help me get to my destination early, which I really appreciated given that it was the third leg of a 24+ hour journey for me.

Other than a way way too cold cabinets for the entire flight, all was great

One bag is incorrect and not acceptable for an international flight. The food was not just good. I won't fly with them again.

Excellent flight. Smooth, efficient boarding. Quick flight. Arrived early at STL.

Not the fault of United—weather, reroute around weather, time sitting on tarmac, arrived couple hours late, too late for train into city necessitating a much pricier cab but weather…can’t be helped.

I will never book a flight through Cheap fare. They booked me from Portland Main . And would not give me a refund, so I bought 2 tickets one for 299. From Portland Main to ORD. Then I had to buy a ticket from Oregon PDX to ORD that was another 440. So Just so you know they even told me it was there fault but no refund. Bad bussniess. I did inform United but they said they couldn't help me due to the fact I booked through Cheap Tickets. Never again. And I'm spreding the word. I let everyone know at my 50th class reunion

The flight attendants were rude. Seemed like they didn’t want to be there. Except for one girl that was really nice. Seats are sooooo uncomfortable. They give you a piece of paper and a thin cushion for a pillow and blanket that does nothing. Airlines have gone way downhill, especially United international flights. Food was disguting. Definitely flying ANA next time.

Crew and customer service were excellent. This flight also had plenty of leg room and seat mounted screens for entertainment. A very pleasant flight all around!

It would have been better if the crew has supported my husband's reasons for needing to keep the space clear around his feet, rather than insisting that he put his knapsack in that space.

We loved the steward on the plane. He made the night enjoyable

The plane was late, when we did board the plane was as cold as a freezer. I was freezing the entire flight, no blankets. Lost miserable flight I’ve ever had.

My wife and I love to travel, so we fly a lot. We've already logged 381,075 miles and with practically every major airline. But this flight was very disappointing. It started off well, with no delays and a new plane. But when lunchtime approached, all that good impression was ruined. Instead of white tablecloths, we were offered small, dark placemats, which, as it turned out, were perfectly adequate for the food. All the food offered—and my wife and I only took fish, and the meat—was not just bad, it was downright disgusting and not heated enough. The same applies to the appetizers. This was the first time in many years of traveling that we've been offered such disgusting food.

Lost luggage stuck no clothes and no word after 2 days leaving on cruise no stuff or clothes

3 hour weather delay followed by 1 hour (and counting) maintenance delay. UGH!

After we'd boarded , they canceled the flight. The crew didn't even know , we just all received text messages. Then after they deplaned us , AA was just like "too bad, go F your self, we sure ain't gonna help you"

After a two hour delay, my flight was CANCELLED! No pilot available. Such BS.

Amazing food, great staff, with one noticable detail missing ...but no seat entertainment in any of aircraft ...I am not a fan

I wish American Airlines would change the airline industry by loading the plane back to front instead of front to back. Planes would board so much more smoothly and quickly.

I have long legs, my foot was out in the aisle and when a flight attendant came walking by and I didn't notice, instead of saying "excuse me" or anything like that, she kicked my foot. Extremely rude

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.

I think overall both Air Canada and Air New Zealand did a good job the their flights. It is nice to have movies, music, podcasts etc to watch for the long flights. Just wish the seats were wider and had a foot rest to change my leg positions during the trips.

Miserable staff as it was a late/delayed flight and crew wasn’t in the best spirits. Completely understood as neither was most of the passengers. Still unacceptable l.

It was a short flight, and no entertainment. That was not a problem for us, but there is no option for "not applicable". There was a bit of turbulence, so there was no food service.

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.