CHI - CPT

$643 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Cape Town

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 Cape Town departing on 9/23. 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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These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to Cape Town.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to Cape Town.
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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Cape Town (CHI-CPT)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Chicago to Cape Town 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 Cape Town

Mon, Feb 16 - Tue, Feb 24
Ethiopian Air Logo
9:45 am - 2:35 pmORD-CPT
20h 50m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
1:50 pm - 7:40 amCPT-ORD
25h 50m2 stops
$989Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Mon, Nov 10 - Wed, Nov 19
Ethiopian Air Logo
9:45 am - 2:35 pmORD-CPT
20h 50m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
2:35 pm - 7:40 amCPT-ORD
25h 05m2 stops
$998Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Mon, Mar 2 - Tue, Mar 10
Turkish Airlines Logo
8:20 pm - 11:50 amORD-CPT
31h 30m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 11:05 amCPT-ORD
24h 50m1 stop
$1,003Turkish Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, Nov 26 - Thu, Dec 4
Turkish Airlines Logo
11:50 am - 11:50 amORD-CPT
40h 00m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 10:05 amCPT-ORD
24h 50m1 stop
$1,007Turkish Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, Nov 6 - Thu, Nov 20
Virgin Atlantic Logo
5:09 pm - 7:15 pmMDW-CPT
18h 06m1 stop
Virgin Atlantic Logo
9:30 pm - 4:38 pmCPT-MDW
27h 08m1 stop
$1,381Virgin Atlantic
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Thu, Nov 6 - Thu, Nov 20
Delta Logo
1:48 pm - 7:15 pmMDW-CPT
21h 27m2 stops
Delta Logo
9:30 pm - 12:34 pmCPT-MDW
23h 04m2 stops
$1,385Delta
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Fri, Nov 7 - Thu, Nov 20
Delta Logo
6:23 pm - 5:50 amMDW-CPT
27h 27m2 stops
Delta Logo
9:30 pm - 11:52 amCPT-MDW
22h 22m1 stop
$1,423Delta
Find Deal
Sun, Oct 26 - Tue, Nov 11
Virgin Atlantic Logo
10:35 am - 7:15 pmMDW-CPT
25h 40m1 stop
Virgin Atlantic Logo
9:30 pm - 4:39 pmCPT-MDW
27h 09m1 stop
$1,570Virgin Atlantic
Find Deal
Tue, Sep 30 - Tue, Oct 7
KLM Logo
1:08 pm - 9:25 pmMDW-CPT
25h 17m2 stops
KLM Logo
11:15 pm - 6:25 pmCPT-MDW
26h 10m2 stops
$1,695KLM
Find Deal
Wed, Oct 8 - Wed, Oct 15
KLM Logo
1:08 pm - 9:25 pmMDW-CPT
25h 17m2 stops
KLM Logo
11:15 pm - 6:25 pmCPT-MDW
26h 10m2 stops
$2,038KLM
Find Deal

Everything you should know

Top airlines
Ethiopian Air
Cheapest • from $989 (round-trip)
United Airlines
Best reviews • 7.4 score
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
+1
Airline reviews
Airline reviews
+1
When to travel
April
Cheapest • 21% price drop
December
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
+1
Good to know
Good to know
+1
Cheapest round-trip
$989
Typical prices: $1,175-1580
Ethiopian Air
Mon 2/16Tue 2/24
ORD - CPT • 1 stop
Cheapest one-way
$643
Typical prices: $802-1373
Multiple Airlines
Tue 9/23
ORD - CPT • 3 stops
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We hope you love your trip to Cape Town!
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Cape Town flights

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

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

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

Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to Cape Town on a Wednesday and more expensive on a Friday. On your return trip to Chicago, you should consider flying back on a Friday, and avoid Thursdays for better deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Cape Town?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Cape Town, 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 Cape Town is April, where tickets cost $1,114 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,819 and $1,798 respectively.

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

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 Cape Town, 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 Cape Town, you should book around 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 18 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonApril
Cheapest flight$643
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 22% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 28% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Cape Town

When to book flights from Chicago to Cape Town

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Cape Town based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

FAQs for booking flights from Chicago to Cape Town

  • How can I easily get out of Cape Town Airport to the city center?

    After arriving in Cape Town from Chicago through the CPT Airport, one of the most convenient methods of transportation that will easily get you to the city center from the airport is using a taxi. Even though you can easily get around town with public transit, you can consider renting a car.

  • Which neighboring cities close to Cape Town I can easily connect to?

    Upon your arrival in Cape Town, there are various neighboring cities which you can consider visiting to create unforgettable memories. These cities include Bellville, Stellenbosch, Atlantis, Somerset Wes, and Malmesbur, South Africa. Renting a car when in Cape Town will help you easily navigate from one city to another without any restrictions.

  • Which is the popular layover when flying from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Booking with Delta Air Lines for your flight from Chicago to Cape Town generally provides one popular layover along this route. Amsterdam International Airport will be your layover airport along this route. However, the number of layovers you will have for your journey depends on the airline you book your flight with.

  • Which is the suitable airline for the reduced mobility passengers?

    Delta Air Lines is one of the top-rated airlines flying from Chicago to Cape Town that is mobility friendly. It offers wheelchair assistance to passengers with reduced mobility to enhance their movement through the airport and on the plane. It also has an onboard staff that is always ready and willing to offer assistance whenever it is required.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Chicago to Cape Town?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago to Cape Town was $643 for a one-way ticket and $989 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Chicago and Cape Town?

    Yes

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Chicago is served by 2 major airports and there is only 1 main airport in Cape Town. You will leave Chicago from one of these airports: Chicago Midway or Chicago O'Hare Intl. You will be arriving at Cape Town Intl.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Chicago to Cape Town?

    We unfortunately don’t have that data for this specific route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago to Cape Town?

    Star Alliance, and oneworld are the airline alliances operating flights between Chicago and Cape Town, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Chicago to Cape Town, Delta or KLM?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to Cape Town are Delta and KLM. With an average price for the route of $1,755 and an overall rating of 7.9, Delta is the most popular choice. KLM is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $1,666 and an overall rating of 7.8.

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

    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 Cape Town.

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

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

    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 Cape Town 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 Cape Town?

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

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Cape Town

  • If you’re looking for an eco-friendly airline when you’re planning to travel from Chicago to Cape Town, consider RwandAir. This airline is dedicated to upholding trustworthiness, general integrity, and honesty when working with its stakeholders. It is also committed to reducing carbon emissions around the world.
  • For those passengers located in Downtown Chicago who want to connect to the airport for their flight to Cape Town, they have a variety of options to explore according to their personal needs. One of the best transport options you can choose is a train, and not just from the city to the airport. CTA Blue line operates 24 hours a day from downtown to the airport, so you will always be able to catch a train for your flight.
  • When you are planning for your trip from Chicago to Cape Town, you likely start your journey from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT). However, you can still consider departing from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) in Chicago and arrive in Cape Town via Cape Town Winesland Airport.
  • If you want to fly with your pet from Chicago to Cape Town, you will be required to book an airline that allows its passengers to come onboard with their animals. Qatar Airlines allows passengers to come onboard with a pet inside its carrier, and the maximum weight of the carrier with that of the pet should not exceed 165 lbs.
  • When you are traveling from Chicago to Cape Town with special dietary requirements, you need to consider booking Turkish Airline for your flight. It offers various specialized meals like gluten-free meals, vegetarian meals, diabetic meals, and vegan meals.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Chicago to Cape Town

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Chicago to Cape Town. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to Cape Town? 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.
7.4
United AirlinesOverall score based on 8929 reviews
7.3Comfort
8.1Crew
7.7Boarding
7.1Entertainment
6.6Food
Airline reviews

Once we got in the air the pilot made up some of the time of the delay. So that was really nice.

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Aug 2025ORD - MEM
Read more United Airlines reviews

Once we got in the air the pilot made up some of the time of the delay. So that was really nice.

We had a layover from YVR to Denver. We bought 4 bottles of Absolut Vodka at the YVR Duty Free for $116.20, after going through security and American Customs Pre Clearance at YVR, Vancouver. When we landed in Denver, United put us behind the American Customs as well as TSA again for some reason. We were forced to go through American Customs and TSA again. TSA confiscated our rightfully owned Duty Free Absolut Vodka bottles. Because United incorrectly forced our flight behind American border and TSA again, we missed the connecting flight. After United put us on a later flight, we eventually arrived in Chicago very late, with hardly any sleep. I am looking for compensation from United for our incorrectly confiscated Absolut Vodka bottles worth $116.20, as well as compensation for incorrectly putting us behind American Customs and TSA again, causing us to miss our connecting flight, making us arrive extremely late in Chicago.

Excellent flight. Boarding was efficient and departure was on time. Smooth flight with on time arrival. Deplaning was also efficient.

It was delayed instead of departing at 9:20pm, we departed at 11pm… putting us in Columbus after 2am! It was awful. Had I known about the delay, I could have spent some time in the United Lounge… I was starving because I started my journey in Budapest… so I was exhausted and hungry. Plus I had to make new arrangements to be picked up at the airport in Columbus, instead of midnight it was 2:30 am after getting luggage and out of airport. Not feasible. I would have just stayed in Chicago for the night and gotten a morning flight.

It was great, I’m very grateful for the pilots and crew flight attendants for everything.

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!

Rude staff. I would avoid using the word racist but definitely partially or discriminatory. My 72 yrs old mother who is also disabled was traveling on this flight. She was the second passenger boarded to the plane. The First elderly couple ahead of my mother were allowed to use the airplane bathroom but my mother was denied entry stating it was for safety reasons. My mother objected the the couple in front of her were allowed but hostess still stated that due to the flight safety reasons she can’t use it. Even my mother explained that he is using blood pressure medication that’s why she have to use the restroom frequently but the crew continued arguing her. At one point the Mae attendent even suggested that if that’s the case my mother can urinate in her seat. The level of disrespect against an elderly lady is beyond my comprehension. This matter will be taken to the social media to shame the employees involved.

my experience was great with Turkish airlines . the problem i encountered was with kayak booking. When I booked . it showed that im allowed a bag . and when I got to the airport, i had to pay $165 for one bag.

Not up to Business Class standards. Two of the three toilets were out of order. The hostesses were aware and didn’t show any responsible act to do something. Food quality was not what we expect from Turkish hospitality. Overall we were not impressed and disappointed.

During mid flight, try to get a flight attendant to help I couldn’t find one Otherwise, everything was perfect

I was not given basinett seat.The connecting flight was missed due to airline fault i was not accomodated for hotel.Drinks were normt served frewuently.Never travelling again on tirkish airlines.I always travel wiyh family by turkish airline but no more.zero stars

The crew were very hospitable and pleasant. The food was pretty good. Unfortunately, there was a flight delay of more than 2 hours. We're not sure why but it appeared to be outside the control of Turkish Airlines.

Bough tickets with luggage, but made me pay at Airport as well

The economy seat was so uncomfortable, had not enough leg room for 13 hours flight, front seat basket was broken and couldn’t hold anything, food quality was horrible( we got food poisoned ) we charged for logged which used to be free. We paid too much for this flight and very disappointed. Turkish air line better to make satisfy and respect people instead of find different way to scam people.

This is really the rating of two flights. JFK to IST then IST to NQZ. New York to Istanbul was good. Good crew and all positives. The flight to Astana was so bad that brought it all down. Crew was nonexistent above the minimum, seats were cramped, and it was hot on the plane. Turkish Airlines seems to be slipping down to US based carriers level.

The 2 agents on the check in counter were super nice , helpful and very polite. Boarding was like a 1 2 3, I would recommend Turkish airlines for your next trip.

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

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.

The Boeing 737 MAX on this route, flown in the middle of the night, is an UTTER FAILURE for business travellers. The whole point of business travel is to arrive alert and recover from travel quickly, and this little aeroplane with its quarter recline uncomfortable business seats does nothing for that. It’s a small step up from economy in that you have decent legroom, but that’s it. Absolute margin at the cost of the traveller.

The food was terrible and the seating was uncomfortable, but the airline did a great thing letting us board in Abbis Ababa on our connecting flight after our original flight was very delayed.

Checking in wasn't organized, too many so-called diplomats were jumping line while everyone was waiting in line. They should have their own line not to impede on other passengers that was also waiting to be served. We all paid money and there should be no discrimination because everyone's money should have the same value diplomat or not! If they want to give diplomats some special treatment then let them create their own check in desk and not treat other passengers some that are (elderly, some with children, pregnant women) making them stand longer in line than necessary just because people are jumping line 😡

The flight is packed and it feels like the space per individual has gotten smaller. Excruciating for a 14hr flight.

Were not told that carryon laggage has to be only 12 kgs but my bag was heavier asked to pay an additional $550.00. I could have upgraded to a bussiness class for that price and no one at the gate to upgrade but able to take money for the extra weight. I felt like this was a setup scam.

Forgotten Suite inside of the top compartment but went back to ask and they didn’t leave at the lost and found place. Also the checking in was so horrible. I had multi city and one of the passenger saint have visa go go go Dubai. The Ethiopian airlines never had information about requirement for US permanent resident so couldn’t go to Dubai. And when coming back to US we were told we can not use our Addis to Washington ticket and they forced us to get new ticket. Very horrible experience.

I had a comfortable seat that makes my trip wonderful. I appreciate the Ethiopia crew, they were very helpful

The flight itself was fine. The exception is that my luggage was destroyed, and I filed a claim that I haven't heard from anyone.

United was best airlines I have seen since I got there choose united airlines

It was wonderful best Air lines covert and all very happy with their service they have been very helpful and friendly

The seating has become ridiculous… like a contest to see how narrow and short they can be made- forcing anyone over 5’1 to pay more to not be twisting oneself into a pretzel. Really insane- would have thought BA was better than this. Frankly- it cancels out a lot of the positive aspects.

flight was delayed from BWI to London - missed my connecting flight & then connecting flight (also British Air) was delayed - food is awful, TV & movie selection is great

Three major things that led to my low rating, 1. Internet wasn't available for the whole time, and 2. TV became available way into flight, after numerous system reboots, and 3. Food is not good at all.

Super tight economy class. My knees were hitting the back of seat in front of me (I'm only 5'6"). My small backpack (sized according to their required dimensions) would not fit under the seat in front of me because there is a box (is that the life jacket?) in the way. Over all, extremely uncomfortable. I forgive the tasteless food, but the tight seating was torture

Didn’t fly with them as someone had cancelled my flight

Some how my flight was canceled, neither BA or Justfly.com accepted responsibility. I only found out about this the day before when I tried to check in. I had to book another flight which due to the time ( day before) cost me $300 more. I was still receiving notifications about the flight even when I was on another flight from you. So no my flight to London was not good.

Online check-in 24 hours in advance something seems not so easy to check in to pick seats and to print a boarding pass

I like the crew, very welcoming. Food can be better. The seat arms don’t go up so. I could use the empty seat next to mine to relax better. 3hrs delay 😠

Boarding was efficient and quick, crew was very attentive, seats were comfortable.

Everything was very good! I personally struggled with the heat in the cabin for the first 2 hours

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to Cape Town

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