CHI - LAX

$132 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles - Compare and Save

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 Los Angeles departing on 10/14. 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.
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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$197
Typical prices: $180-$349
Frontier
Sat 8/22Tue 8/25
ORD - LAX • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$132
Typical prices: $124-$273
Frontier
Wed 10/14
ORD - LAX • 2 stops
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with American Airlines, Delta and others. Average duration is 4h 26m
Direct flights
Direct flights
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Direct flights
Direct flights
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Top routes
Cheapest • 21% average savings
Most popular
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Avoid delays
Most punctual • 85% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
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Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $145 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 5h 50m (one-way)
Insights
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When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 35% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
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Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 25% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles (CHI-LAX)

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

Sat, Aug 22 - Tue, Aug 25
Frontier Logo
9:20 pm - 12:04 am
ORD
-
LAX
4h 44mnonstop
Frontier Logo
11:59 pm - 6:17 am
LAX
-
ORD
4h 18mnonstop
$197Frontier
Sat, Aug 22 - Mon, Aug 31
Frontier Logo
9:20 pm - 12:04 am
ORD
-
LAX
4h 44mnonstop
Frontier Logo
11:59 pm - 6:17 am
LAX
-
ORD
4h 18mnonstop
$197Frontier
Tue, Sep 1 - Tue, Sep 8
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 2:37 pm
ORD
-
LAX
10h 37m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:59 pm - 6:17 am
LAX
-
ORD
4h 18mnonstop
$233Multiple Airlines
Sat, Aug 29 - Sat, Sep 5
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 12:27 pm
ORD
-
LAX
8h 27m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
11:41 pm - 5:59 am
LAX
-
ORD
4h 18mnonstop
$238Multiple Airlines
Thu, Sep 10 - Thu, Sep 17
American Airlines Logo
3:20 pm - 5:47 pm
ORD
-
LAX
4h 27mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
5:12 pm - 11:30 pm
LAX
-
ORD
4h 18mnonstop
$245American Airlines
Tue, Sep 8 - Tue, Sep 15
American Airlines Logo
6:00 am - 8:19 am
ORD
-
LAX
4h 19mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
5:12 pm - 11:30 pm
LAX
-
ORD
4h 18mnonstop
$246American Airlines
Tue, Sep 22 - Tue, Sep 29
United Airlines Logo
5:55 am - 8:22 am
ORD
-
LAX
4h 27mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
8:15 am - 2:36 pm
LAX
-
ORD
4h 21mnonstop
$247United Airlines
Fri, Oct 9 - Mon, Oct 12
United Airlines Logo
6:06 pm - 8:39 pm
ORD
-
LAX
4h 33mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
11:35 pm - 5:45 am
LAX
-
ORD
4h 10mnonstop
$247United Airlines
Mon, Nov 9 - Sat, Nov 14
Delta Logo
7:40 am - 10:18 am
ORD
-
LAX
4h 38mnonstop
Delta Logo
3:00 pm - 8:55 pm
LAX
-
ORD
3h 55mnonstop
$247Delta
Sat, Nov 7 - Thu, Nov 12
Delta Logo
9:30 am - 11:58 am
ORD
-
LAX
4h 28mnonstop
Delta Logo
7:35 am - 1:32 pm
LAX
-
ORD
3h 57mnonstop
$247Delta
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Los Angeles flights

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

How much is a round-trip flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles departing in August.

Flight prices are typical for this route right now.

Flights to Los Angeles from Chicago usually cost between $194 and $345 in August.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $197 on Frontier (Aug 22-Aug 25).

What is the cheapest Chicago to Los Angeles flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The absolute cheapest return flight from Chicago to Los Angeles costs $182 on the route between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX). However, over the past month, flights between Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) and Los Angeles (LAX) were, on average, 21% cheaper than other Chicago-Los Angeles routes. The most popular route is between Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX).

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

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

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Los Angeles on a Thursday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Monday is the most expensive day to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Wednesday and avoiding Sundays for the best deals.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles is September, where tickets cost $243 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are June and March, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $419 and $371 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Chicago to Los Angeles?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $343, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

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

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 Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 35% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 7 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, ORD and LAX

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$132
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 10% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 10% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Los Angeles

When to book flights from Chicago to Los Angeles

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to Los Angeles 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.

Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from Chicago to Los Angeles 
MarkFlew with American Airlines
ORD
-
LAX
Jun 2026
Get there early, only one TSA line open and thew queue was very long.
MikeFlew with American Airlines
ORD
-
LAX
Sep 2024
Arrive early, grab a bottle of soda before getting on the plane and open it in the terminal. If you wait until flying the pressure will decarbonize the drink.

FAQs for booking flights from Chicago to Los Angeles

  • Does Los Angeles International Airport have any animal relief areas?

    If you are traveling with a pet or service animal, take note of the different animal relief areas that are located in Los Angeles International Airport. There is currently one located in an indoor room in every terminal, as well as 3 outdoor areas that are located in the pre-security zones of the airport.

  • What are some good hotels near Los Angeles International Airport?

    The Four Points by Sheraton is a casual choice located just over half a mile from Los Angeles International Airport and an 8-minute drive to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The Sheraton Gateway is a 4-star hotel that is a 2-minute drive from the airport and a 10-minute drive from the popular Venice Beach.

  • How far is Chicago Midway International Airport from Chicago’s city center?

    Chicago Midway International Airport is located approximately 11 miles from Chicago’s city center. When driving between these two destinations, it should take approximately 20 minutes. However, if there is heavy traffic, this trip can take upwards of 45 minutes. Public transportation takes approximately an hour or less.

  • Does O'Hare International Airport have a spa?

    Interested in being pampered before your flight from O'Hare International Airport takes off? Pay a visit to one of the airport’s 3 different spas that are located throughout the different terminals. These spas offer a variety of massages, facials, and manicures, making it a luxurious way to start off your travels.

  • Does Los Angeles International Airport provide services for anxious travelers?

    Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) understands that flying can be stressful. The airport’s Pets Unstressing Passengers program (PUP) is tailored to help travelers destress after their flight. The program entails registered service dogs spread throughout the airline hub, and you are welcome to pat them.

  • What are inter-terminal transfer options in Los Angeles International Airport?

    The airport in Los Angeles boasts nine terminals and complimentary shuttles are provided for inter-terminal transfers. These shuttles also service the Economy Parking, LAX City Bus Centre, and the Metro C line at the airline hub. Follow signs at LAX and proceed to the shuttle pick-up points at the Arrival or Lower level of each terminal.

  • Where are the rental car companies at Los Angeles International Airport?

    Rental car agencies are not directly located at LAX. Therefore, you will first proceed to the lower Arrivals Level and exit Baggage Claim. Stand under the purple sign on the middle island reading ‘Rental Car Shuttles’ and board any car rental shuttle of your choice. Rental car agencies like Hertz and Budget have shuttles operating every 5 to 10 minutes and will drop you at their respective rental centers.

  • What are some good hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport?

    To avoid delays before your Los Angeles flight, check into hotels like Hyatt Place, Hilton Garden Inn, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Additionally, they have airport shuttles that will drop you at the airline hub right in time for your voyage.

  • What are some eco-friendly airlines flying this route?

    Roughly 2,683 lbs. of carbon is released on this route. Eco-savvy travelers should book their flights with the most sustainable carriers; Frontier, United, and Spirit Airlines, which release 35%, 34%, and 33% less carbon, respectively.

  • Does Chicago O’Hare International Airport offer any facilities for passengers with special needs?

    Yes. ORD has embraced universal designs and support services to ensure travelers with reduced mobility have a hassle-free travel experience. These facilities include elevators in all terminals and wheelchair-accessible lavatories in Terminal 1 near Gates B10 and B1 and Terminal 2 near Baggage Claim. Wheelchair assistance is also provided for those transferring between gates or traveling.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles was $132 for a one-way ticket and $197 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between Chicago and Los Angeles?

    A passport is not required to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    On your way to Los Angeles, you’ll fly out from one of these Chicago airports: Chicago Midway or Chicago O'Hare Intl. You’ll be landing at Los Angeles.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Chicago to Los Angeles flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    The Airbus A321neo is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Chicago to Los Angeles flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago to Los Angeles?

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

  • On which days can I fly direct from Chicago to Los Angeles?

    There are nonstop flights from Chicago to Los Angeles on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from Chicago to Los Angeles, Southwest or Alaska Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to Los Angeles are Southwest and Alaska Airlines. With an average price for the route of $376 and an overall rating of 8.0, Southwest is the most popular choice. Alaska Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $445 and an overall rating of 7.9.

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

    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 Los Angeles.

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

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

    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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles?

    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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $202 or less one-way and $321 or less round-trip.
  • Hoping to book flights from Chicago to Los Angeles? If so, there are two different airports that you can leave from. While O'Hare International Airport is the largest airport in the city and offers a diverse selection of flights, Chicago Midway International Airport is a smaller choice that is generally less crowded.
  • Interested in relaxing before your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles takes off? Make sure to pay a visit to O'Hare International Airport’s yoga room, which is located on the lower level of Terminal 3 in the Departures wing. This room is free to use for all travelers and provides guests with complimentary mats and TV footage showcasing how to do a variety of yoga positions.
  • If you’re looking for a way to pass the time before your flight takes off from O'Hare International Airport, keep your eyes open for the unique art pieces that are placed throughout the different terminals. The airport has a partnership with the city’s Public Art Program, meaning that they often display different sculptures and paintings from local artists.
  • For travelers that would like to use public transportation to travel between Los Angeles International Airport and the city center, consider using either the local bus or the Metro system. There are several free shuttle buses at the airport that can take you to the city’s major bus hub and metro center, and they can be found outside each terminal’s doors on the lower level.
  • To book a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles that is both direct and affordable, consider purchasing your ticket through United Airlines. United Airlines offers several direct flights between these destinations daily and travelers are able to upgrade their seats to the Economy Plus option in order to receive more legroom.
  • Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a hub for Southwest Airlines. On the other hand, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) serves as the base for American Airlines and United Airlines. Furthermore, it serves as Spirit Airlines’ focus city. Consider traveling with these carriers to Los Angeles for easy connections to other cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia.
  • Traveling US military and their families are welcome to luxuriate at the USO lounge in Concourse C of MDW. This home away from home lounge serves meals, and you can enjoy perks like magazines and TVs.
  • If you are taking your pet to your Los Angeles getaway, you will be glad to know that ORD is pet-friendly. Post-security relief areas are nestled in Terminal 3 Rotunda and Concourse C, Terminal 1, adjacent to Gate C10. Outside relief areas are in Terminal 2, close to Door 2A, and in Terminal 1, close to Door 1A.

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to Los Angeles?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from Chicago to Los Angeles Los Angeles.
Find which airlines fly direct from Chicago to Los Angeles Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

Chicago to Los Angeles Los Angeles

Monday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Wednesday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Friday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Los Angeles Los Angeles to Chicago

Monday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Tuesday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Wednesday

Aer Lingus,American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Aer Lingus,American Airlines, +4 more

Thursday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Friday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Saturday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

Sunday

American Airlines,Delta,Frontier, +2 more

American Airlines,Delta, +3 more

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles

Other airlines flying from Chicago to Los Angeles

Flights from the other most popular airlines that fly from Chicago to Los Angeles according to KAYAK users. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability are not guaranteed.