$416 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 8/26. 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

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Best Australia Flight Deals from Chicago

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Sydney
Sydney1 stop$1,017
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$2,029
Sydney
Sydney1 stop$1,017
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$2,029

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Australia

 
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

Wed, Aug 6 - Wed, Aug 13
 Logo
6:40 am - 7:05 amORD-SYD
33h 25m1 stop
 Logo
9:10 am - 5:15 pmSYD-ORD
23h 05m2 stops
$1,017
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Wed, Aug 6 - Wed, Aug 13
 Logo
6:40 am - 7:05 amORD-SYD
33h 25m1 stop
 Logo
9:10 am - 6:00 amSYD-ORD
35h 50m1 stop
$1,030
Find Deal
Mon, Oct 27 - Sun, Nov 9
Qantas Airways Logo
3:07 pm - 5:00 amORD-MEL
21h 53m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
4:05 pm - 9:09 pmMEL-ORD
22h 04m1 stop
$1,350Qantas Airways
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Mon, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 28
Qantas Airways Logo
10:00 am - 6:45 amORD-MEL
28h 45m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
12:00 pm - 5:42 pmMEL-ORD
21h 42m1 stop
$1,355Qantas Airways
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Mon, Oct 20 - Tue, Oct 28
Air Canada Logo
2:00 pm - 1:05 pmORD-MEL
31h 05m3 stops
Air Canada Logo
7:00 am - 7:32 pmMEL-ORD
28h 32m3 stops
$1,424Air Canada
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Mon, Nov 17 - Mon, Nov 24
American Airlines Logo
3:24 pm - 7:35 amORD-MEL
23h 11m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
12:00 pm - 5:42 pmMEL-ORD
22h 42m2 stops
$1,434American Airlines
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Wed, Nov 26 - Sun, Dec 7
American Airlines Logo
4:02 pm - 6:30 amORD-BNE
22h 28m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
11:30 am - 5:28 pmBNE-ORD
21h 58m1 stop
$1,448American Airlines
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Sat, Sep 27 - Tue, Sep 30
Air Canada Logo
3:40 pm - 11:05 amORD-MEL
28h 25m2 stops
Air Canada Logo
8:30 pm - 3:00 pmMEL-ORD
33h 30m2 stops
$1,452Air Canada
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Tue, Oct 28 - Mon, Nov 10
United Airlines Logo
2:35 pm - 9:00 amORD-MEL
26h 25m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
1:00 pm - 9:02 pmMEL-ORD
25h 02m1 stop
$1,454United Airlines
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Wed, Oct 15 - Mon, Oct 27
United Airlines Logo
9:00 am - 6:30 amORD-BNE
30h 30m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
10:40 am - 11:10 pmBNE-ORD
27h 30m1 stop
$1,456United Airlines
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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 $857 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and September, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,527 and $1,295 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 4 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 25 weeks before departure.


Good to know

Low seasonApril
High seasonDecember
Cheapest flight$416
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 15% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 42% 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.

  • 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
DeltaOverall score based on 7964 reviews
7.9Entertainment
8.2Boarding
7.3Food
7.9Comfort
8.5Crew
Airline reviews

I like for how they process during check in. It was very smoothly.

10.0 ExcellentAbdulla, Jun 2025CMH - JFK
Read more Delta reviews

I like for how they process during check in. It was very smoothly.

The flight was scheduled for 2:30 PM. Early in the morning we got a text message saying the flight was delayed and rescheduled for 3:00 PM. We got to the airport with that in mind. Then we got a message during check-in at the flight was rescheduled again for 2:30 PM. We almost missed our flight. In fact, our bags Were told that they would not make it. At the end, everything worked out. But it is very stressful.

Overall, aside from the baggage issue, it was as good as one expects.

Most aspects were good however if they assign boarding zones they ought to enforce them or why bother? My luggage from SAN-JFK-MAD was lost in NY so I without my main bag for two days upon arrival in Spain. They were helpful in tracking it and eventually delivered it to my hotel. The flub was because of a delay upon arrival in NYC. I had booked 2 1/2 hours between flights but we had to hold on the taxiway for an hour after landing while waiting for a clear gate which likely caused the baggage error.

I want to single out flight attendant Mitch who was in the Premium Economy section. When my wife’s hearing aide dropped through the cushion under the seat he was able to locate it and return it to her. Food was a different matter. Dinner was fine. Breakfast was another matter. They had a yogurt dish that the ran out of and the alternative was not very good according to those we talked to.

Excellent check-in. Crew was good. Excellent communication from flight deck.

Great overall. There was a bit of turbulence so they could only serve water because too much turbulence for the carts. Was glad they prioritized safety though

Excellent flight, the planes were newer, they did a nice job with boarding, great service overall.

Flight was delayed long enough that I was misding my connecting flight. The agents could not get me on a comparable flight, nor could they get me s Main Cabin seat I had paid for, nor could they get me on a comparable connecting flight. The gate agent would not issue meal vouchers, even though I was delayed over six hours! I had to spend over an hour and 15 minutes with customer service on the phone to See if they could get me on a better flight and get a meal voucher. Customer service was not helpful enough in trying to find alternate flights and it Ended up taking me 24 hours for a 12 hour trip!! Delta does not provide upgrades NOR will they even give you a pass for a few hours to their lounge. They claim that they do not issue daily passes to their lounge anymore. I call BS since this would be no extra cost to them to provide excellent customer service and give you a few hours to relax in comfort when you’re sitting in a crowded airport and your flight has been screwed up for that many hours.

Great service. Flight was delayed while we sat on the runway for a couple of hours. Weather related. Staff made is very bearable. The steward servicing the first class cabin was exceptional. Thank you! 💗

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.

Pretty excellent. I don’t know what the pilot could have done better with the bumping ( there was a storm) nor what happened to my ears coming down into bendigo. It doesn’t happen coming down into Sydney just the return flight. I wonder why?

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

Airport and crew experience was excellent. We had to queue for the runway - no one’s fault, but it did mean we were 30 minutes late leaving

Overall good experience with flight and airport wheelchair staff. Also got Indian food in the flights

I liked the service, the menu, and the comfort of the seats! Even tho we were seated by the bathrooms, the reclining seats and movie selection was very good, my husband and I didn’t mind at all

Very good as always, stand out airline. The passengers whom choose to stuff baggage that otherwise should be checked-in is a real bother but that's not the airlines doing. A real frustration that passengers just don't want to check-in luggage. This is a pet hate unfortunately.

It’s a two prop flight so I had problems with my ears on re- entering ! But otherwise fine

Evidently, my seat had the only broken TV. I couldn’t plug it in, get it to come on, or watch anything, and of course, no one could fix it while we were on the plane. The service was good and the boarding was quick

The boarding of took of late.The presentation of the food was horrable as was the tast of the food was cold and tastless.

Delay and keep changing gates. I have to run around from B to C then to E.

I was charged for my daughters bag when I am supposed to receive two free checked bags with my United Explorer card.

The schedule to Moline changed 5 times. The gate changed 6 times. That is a pathetic way to run an airline. No wonder that no one in our company flies on United Express to or from Moline. Changes happen most of the time. I learned my lesson on this trip…never again!

Flight was great. Efficient boarding. Short flight. Early arrival. Friendly flight crew. The entertainment system did not work well. Could not access it until the aircraft reached 10K feet or more. Lots of glitches.

A bit rush for transit. Food and entertainment are not available

Boarding was a little difficult. The gate area at O'Hare was very small and crowded due to multiple gates in the area. Could not hear the intercom, so had to rely on signage to see when my group was boarding and the signage was blocked by passengers standing in the gate. Flight was great and we arrived in Montreal on time.

Smooth boarding process. Early departure, smooth flight, early arrival. The entertainment package has very good recent movie options. The flight crew were friendly and professional.

I do prefer to fly United and have always had excellent service, except for bad weather. Flights are on time and staff is alway curtious and helpful

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

Excellent! The gate agents were kind enough to rebook me on an earlier flight saving me from a 6 hour layover. Even my luggage made it despite the fact that the connection was technically too narrow. The flight itself was very comfortable, roomy, and clean. Plenty of space for my carryon items with plugs to charge my phone. After a long international flight of 14 hours, this was an excellent way to end my travels!

Great experience. Flight boarded easily. Departed early. Smooth flight. Great arrival in DC--almost no taxing! Almost direct to gate from runway. Crew was terrific. Same cookies and beverages in main cabin. I did not use the entertainment system on this flight.

This particular flight wasn't very full at the back, so there were three seats available for spreading out and getting relatively comfortable

Most of the delay was due to weather which is not what was at issue here. One delay was due to a missing flashlight and in the end the flashlight was actually found on the plane. The entertainment system is very limited. Live TV options offer only a few channels that are not very appealing. Boarding and deplaning are always difficult. It just takes too much time to get on and off the plane. On the plus side, I missed my connecting flight, but was easily able to book a later flight from the app while enroute.

You were more on time than United. I'm so over united delays.

The meals were mediocre and the alcohol selection was poor. I enjoyed the selection of movies and other entertainment.

I chatted with the captain before the flight, and similarly during the welcome announcement, he warned of a turbulent flight that may impact the in-flight service. However, once at altitude, he announced that the weather changed and he immediately turned off the seatbelt sign. But it appeared the cabin crew had already decided to take off this flight. They remained seated and then just chatted in the galley. The flight was fully catered, but only first class received service.

My flight attendant was attentive! The elderly person next to me was flatulent and the flight attendant could see that I was in distress and brought me some face masks

My boarding pass wouldn't pull up in the app very easily and had to really dig through my email. That caused a delay in TSA..

Flight was delayed but the real issue is how long we sat after boarding. Space very limited for an overnight flight and seatbacks didn’t recline so it was almost impossible to sleep.

The staff made sure I was comfortable, moved me to a better seat with more leg room

Easy boarding and comfortable seating were plusses. Enjoyed the experience and good service from the captain and crew. Many thanks...!

Somehow, my booking was under my preferred name instead of my legal name so they almost didn’t let me board the plane at LAX. This problem should have been notified to me when I was still in Toronto.

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.

All was good except for the seats, not very comfy.

2.5 hour delay sitting in the plane on the tarmac, you tell me how the experience was

This flight didn't happen for me because of overbooking.

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.

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