$616 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to South Africa

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 South Africa departing on 9/3. 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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1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Book Cheap Chicago to South Africa 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 South Africa 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 South Africa

Mon, Aug 31 - Wed, Sep 9
Turkish Airlines Logo
11:25 am - 11:50 am
ORD
-
CPT
41h 25m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
4:35 pm - 9:40 am
CPT
-
ORD
24h 05m
1 stop
$956Turkish Airlines
Sat, Sep 5 - Wed, Sep 9
Turkish Airlines Logo
8:10 pm - 11:50 am
ORD
-
CPT
32h 40m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
4:35 pm - 9:40 am
CPT
-
ORD
24h 05m
1 stop
$965Turkish Airlines
Mon, Apr 27 - Tue, May 26
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:31 am - 3:50 pm
ORD
-
JNB
24h 19m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:00 pm - 2:30 pm
JNB
-
ORD
28h 30m
2 stops
$989Multiple Airlines
Wed, Sep 16 - Sun, Sep 27
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:00 pm - 12:15 am
ORD
-
JNB
52h 15m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:10 pm - 11:47 am
JNB
-
ORD
30h 37m
2 stops
$992Multiple Airlines
Wed, May 6 - Wed, May 13
Kenya Airways Logo
6:04 am - 3:50 pm
ORD
-
JNB
26h 46m
2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
12:10 pm - 12:16 pm
JNB
-
ORD
31h 06m
2 stops
$999Kenya Airways
Wed, Sep 16 - Sat, Sep 26
Kenya Airways Logo
6:00 am - 12:15 am
ORD
-
JNB
35h 15m
2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
12:10 pm - 11:47 am
JNB
-
ORD
30h 37m
2 stops
$1,001Kenya Airways
Mon, Sep 21 - Wed, Sep 30
Qatar Airways Logo
7:20 pm - 10:35 am
ORD
-
DUR
32h 15m
2 stops
Qatar Airways Logo
5:00 pm - 3:05 pm
DUR
-
ORD
29h 05m
2 stops
$1,392Qatar Airways
Mon, Sep 21 - Wed, Sep 30
Qatar Airways Logo
7:20 pm - 10:35 am
ORD
-
DUR
32h 15m
2 stops
Qatar Airways Logo
7:00 am - 3:05 pm
DUR
-
ORD
39h 05m
2 stops
$1,394Qatar Airways
Tue, May 12 - Fri, May 22
Delta Logo
7:13 pm - 5:50 pm
MDW
-
CPT
63h 37m
2 stops
Delta Logo
8:05 pm - 6:33 pm
CPT
-
MDW
29h 28m
2 stops
$2,055Delta
Sat, Apr 25 - Sun, May 3
Delta Logo
5:21 pm - 5:50 pm
MDW
-
CPT
17h 29m
1 stop
Delta Logo
8:05 pm - 4:26 pm
CPT
-
MDW
27h 21m
1 stop
$2,084Delta
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to South Africa flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Chicago to South Africa 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 South Africa?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to South Africa, 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 South Africa is March, when tickets cost $1,020 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,862 and $1,522 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Chicago to South Africa?

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 South Africa, 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 South Africa, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 26% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 17 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$616
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 3% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 3% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Johannesburg

FAQs - booking South Africa flights

  • What can I do at the Chicago Airports?

    You can rehydrate at the airport showers at ORD, which are open to all passengers. At Gates D, in the passenger area, there is a Transit Hotel that is open around the clock. Further, there are numerous places where people can get employment. In addition, there are those at the Service Center's parking lot 2 and the Family Services facility at Gates E. On the other hand, at MDW, you can visit the yoga room in Concourse C airside and stretch out your muscles before your trip.

  • Do Chicago airports have USO lounges?

    Military personnel flying out through MDW can use the USO lounge located in Concourse C. On the other hand, if you are flying through ORD, you will find the lounges in Terminals 2 and 3. USO lounges allow the US military and their families to access their services at no extra cost.

  • Can I have access to limited mobility services at South African Airports?

    Passengers with limited mobility arriving at any South African airport can access accessibility services to ease their navigation within the airport. The airports are equipped with elevators, and you can also get extra assistance upon request. However, if you want to access these services, ensure that you contact your airline 48 hours before your travel date.

  • Which airline is ideal when flying from Chicago to South Africa?

    There are multiple airlines offering exceptional flight services along Chicago South Africa route. However, these airlines offer different onboard services at different rates. For instance, Emirates offers inflight assorted meals and sleeping blankets. So, your choice of airline when flying to South Africa from Chicago depends on your budget and preferences.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Chicago to South Africa?

    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 South Africa.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Chicago to South Africa 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 South Africa?

    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 South Africa 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 South Africa?

    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 South Africa up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Africa

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the primary airport serving Chicago. Therefore if you are flying from Chicago to South Africa, it is bound to be your departure airport. Alternatively, you can fly out through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), which also serves international flights in Chicago.
  • You have many options if you are looking for a parking space at any of the Chicago airports. At ORD, you can park at the long-term parking lot, the Economy Parking Lot F, which is located on MMF floors 4 and 5. If you want to park short-term, you can use the parking lots in Terminal 5. On the other hand, MDW has long-term parking lots near the main terminal, while the short-term parking lots are located in Terminal garage levels 2 and 6.
  • The primary South African Airport which serves major international flights is Oliver Tambo International Airport (JNB). From Chicago to South Africa, you can also land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR).
  • When you land in any of the South African airports, it is possible to escape the commotion and clamor of the airport and take advantage of complimentary refreshments, snacks, and sitting in a more relaxed setting. There are many lounges at these airports; some are exclusive to particular airlines, and others are accessible to everyone.
  • When looking for a location to exercise after arriving in South Africa, you can make reservations at your arrival airport onsite hotel. Visitors are welcome to use the airport's onsite hotels' fitness and wellness facilities for their own delight.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Chicago to South Africa

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to South Africa? 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.
7.9
DeltaOverall score based on 8398 reviews
7.2Food
7.8Entertainment
8.1Boarding
7.9Comfort
8.5Crew
Airline reviews

The flight was smooth, the crew was great but the plane was quite old

8.0 ExcellentDimitrina, Apr 2026
BOS - DCA
Read more Delta reviews

The flight was smooth, the crew was great but the plane was quite old

Everything was great until I lost my water bottle and they can’t seem to locate it. I know I left it on the plane though.

WiFi didn’t work most of the time. The usb chargers would work only occasionally for 5 mins and wouldn’t charge after that. Had to keep trying repeatedly at each of the seats in the row.

The crew bent over backwards to thank us for flying and make us comfortable. The food service was quick and efficient. The Captain communicated and said goodbye and thank you as we departed. They really stood out!

Okay considering we had weather delays which the Pilot notified us of immediately!

Generally on time departures and arrivals, clean planes, sky miles membership provides great benefits (complimentary upgrades, etc).

Flight from Fort Wayne to Atlanta was the smallest in terms of cabin space that I've ever seen. A carry on I've used for 20 years BARELY fit in overhead compartment. I'm 5'10" and felt very cramped. Not the best experience.

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with the poor service and unprofessional staff we encountered when traveling with an infant. Our flight was delayed, and the gate staff failed to manage the boarding process appropriately. Due to incorrect, unavailable, or missing 'pink tag' stroller and car seat check-in procedures at the gate, we were forced to board last. Furthermore, the gate staff was rude and dismissive, causing significant distress to our infant. To make matters worse, one of our checked items—an infant sleeper/lounger—was returned to us broken. Given the unsafe handling of essential equipment and unprofessional treatment, I expect a prompt resolution regarding compensation for the damaged items.

We departed and landed early which was a nice surprise. The boarding process was slow.

N Everything was perfect from boarding to assistance to baggage in Tampa

Poor communication, flight was delayed for preventable reasons. I missed my connection.

The boarding timing needs to be improved. The flight was delayed again because it took way too long to board. I was already exhausted from sleeping at the airport and spending all day there due to delay from my previous flight that connected in Chicago.

Great until we got to FRA. The next trip leg we were put in Business Class where seats had minimal padding!!!! They were awful and United Airlines needs to have their Lufthansa partner up their game or I won’t fly with them again!!

No meal service to the back of the plane as it started late or was too slow to get it out before it was time to land.

Terrible, if possible won't be flying again anytime soon!

Efficient boarding and early departure. Very smooth flight. Early arrival in ATL. Great flight.

Smooth and easy boarding, comfortable for the entire 5 hour flight, and the seat back entertainment was great! I appreciated all the features, from location info and maps, movies, the ability to connect with Bluetooth headphones, and good selection of movies. Food was good, normal airline snacks (I didn’t purchase anything)

Awful. No counter attendants. No dinner offered due to delays.

This trip did not start off well. The inbound flight was delayed about 20 minutes. Then, after initial onboarding, the passengers had to deplane due to a mechanical problem. That took about 30 minutes to fix and be cleared. Then, reboarding was chaotic. It took a long time to sort passengers and two passengers on standby were ticketed but there was no seat. So, they had to deplane. One of the flight crew was trying to help passengers figure out a place to put their carry-on bags and that took more time. In the end, our scheduled 10:30 am departure did not actually take off until about 12:05 pm CST. The flight itself was long but we got to Houston. Some passengers missed their connecting flights and had to rebook. Not the best of flights I've had.

We were delayed for about an hour from taking off due to traffic control procedures at the destination airport. But once in the air, the flight went well. The crew members were great and provided cabin service despite moderate turbulence during much of the flight.

The seats seems abit small and the reclining is too much, the seat in front of me came back too much and made it uncomfortable for me.

As a first time flyer with Turkish Airlines. My experience was very good due to the factor that there were to many passengers on the my first flight compared to my connecting flight. However, I know that nothing is perfect and all companies are trying to accommodate their passengers to the best way possible. I will always say, a FEW INCHES will go LONG WAY. That's something all airliners should consider, and not only the money aspect!!! A long time commitment is better than one time service! Thank you

Flight was delayed. While standing at the gate, a note appeared on the sign saying the gate had changed to a gate far away. No member of the Turkish airlines team got on the microphone to instruct passengers to go to the other gate, to ignore the chiron, etc. Finally, the message disappeared. Eventually, the flight began to board. Very slowly. More slowly than I experience with other airlines. Though Istanbul may just be slow . . . In all other ways, great flight, great entertainment (top notch movies), great service, excellent food, comfortable lie-flat seat, dimmed lights, etc.

Staff at the airport wasn't helpful or friendly. Probably the worst airport experience I have ever had, going and coming. The staff on the plane was better. Still not super friendly or personable. However, they were not rude like airport staff. They ran out of certain menu items. Maybe could have been prepared better? Overall just ok.

It was a pleasant experience. In flight entertainment could have been better

The desk crew at the LAX crew could do better. A girl named Mahesi was very abrasive and unfriendly. She needs a better customer service uproar.

It was peaceful excited We enjoyed it always Turkish peaceful excited

Istanbul to Lahore flight was less than standard for international business class cabins. Seat did not were not flat and it did not operate easily. I had to push buttons hard repeatedly to operate the seat. I was in 5A seat

IAH to Istanbul was outstanding across the board. The flight from Istanbul to Male was good, not great.

the cabin was kept too hot. couldn't sleep as a result

The TV wasn't working No music for the whole flight from JFK to LOS It was too burring.

Flight was delayed by two hours. This really messed things up because I missed my connecting flight in Addis. I had a meeting in Entebbe which was scrapped because my flight from Addis landed later in the day.

To the Ethiopian Airlines Customer Relations Team, I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding my recent travel experience with Ethiopian Airlines on flight 629/352. Unfortunately, the level of service provided fell significantly short of the standards I expected from your airline. I would like to highlight the following serious issues encountered during the journey: • Cabin Condition and Hygiene: The aircraft cabin was notably poorly maintained. The seating area was dirty, and there was a persistent, unpleasant odor throughout the flight, which made the environment very uncomfortable for passengers. • Inadequate Service: The overall level of service provided by the staff was unsatisfactory and did not reflect a professional passenger experience. • Baggage Loss: Upon arrival, I was informed that my luggage was lost. This is particularly distressing as it has caused significant personal inconvenience and disruption to my schedule. As a frequent traveler, I value reliability and a clean cabin environment. I request that you investigate these matters immediately, provide an update on the status of my missing baggage, and outline how you intend to compensate for these failures in service. I look forward to your prompt response and a resolution to my lost luggage claim. Sincerely, Puguh

I will fly this going forward especially for ORD to EBB and the reverse.

I paid for internet that did not work and had to pay more to have it

Boarding was disorganized. Cabin crew was rude. Food was okay. Baggage was lost in Jeddah. Called airline for the past 5 days, either no response or saying the same thing as always which was "No bag has arrived. It should be here by tonight."

The crew was unfriendly and very rude to name a few (Helina). I felt unsafe due to most of the cabinets were open while on flight. All in all the flight was ok, but the crew needed more training on customer service most of all for international flights.

Delay not posted, only departure time listed- not boarding time. We left an hour late and arrived 45 min late. Restrooms had backed up sinks and toilets not flushed ) passenger error). Lots of screen for entertainment didn’t work. But we arrived with our luggage

The plane was old and the luggage racks above us were visibly shaking during turbulence. Water was dripping on our heads during landing. Our flight was over 2 hours late departing but we were not updated or told what to expect as the screen at the gate continued to read “on time”

Check in took over an hour because printer was not working. Attendant did not know how to give free layover Addis Ababa hotel vouchers or update frequent flyer number. After repeated attempts, got voucher emailed. However hotel wanted printed voucher hence more delay. Bus time from hotel back to airport was printed 4:50 hours, but hotel reception called at 3 pm saying bus will leave at 4 pm. Then hotel reception called again saying 4:15 pm. We rushed at 4:15 pm and bus was not ready until 4:40 pm. Many audio outlets were not working in planes.

Nice aircraft. Good crew. Delayed departure from Houston, but arrived on time in London. Main thing I don’t like about flying BA is having to transit through security in London Heathrow. A major pain!

The gate agent made me check my carry-on in Denver, even though I've traveled all over taking this case on the plane. Beware folks. Food in Premium Economy was quite good - excellent blanket! Flight attendants on the Heathrow-to-Budapest flight on 3-27-2026 were quite snappy. I got a frown when asked to unscrew the water bottle cap for me (I had a cast on my right arm). Also woke up right when they were handing out biscuits. She had given my rowmates one and was in the process of giving water when I asked for a biscuit. She scolded me and said, "You snooze, you lose". She did give me one, but I thought that comment was uncalled for.

Wish the food and overall service was better. They treat Business class passengers same as economy

WiFi wasn’t available to economy until the end of the flight.

Very good staff members with sincere passion and responsibility in their job.

We paid for Business Class seats, but system did not have us and they were not available.

Very please with the seating that the Kayak staff booked for us!

Worth every penny to upgrade to BC. Treated and felt more like First Class

I paid for a very expensive Business Class seat to and from Cairo Egypt from Charleston SC. There was partnership from states to London using American Airlines. That leg was amazing. The British Airlines leg was a joke. They used the standard no leg room 3 by 3 seats. A tray was put on the middle seat. The trip was 5 hours, from London to Cairo, thus my BC purchase. There was no screen proving tv/movie options, only a small device plug. The fold down tray and the bag of peanuts were typical of normal short run flying. The one toilet was located in the galley. We all got to know each other well. This was my first and last trip with British Airlines. I now understand why they would NEVER give me a seat chart so that I could make a selection.prior to departure. It honestly would not have made a difference, there were less than 50% of occupied seats. Apparently everyone got the memo but me. I have never felt so cheated as with that trip, got to so another going back to London, yeah. I will be sending a letter to customer service and asking for a refund. I will be photos comparing the two BC legs. OH, one more thing. The FC ticket holders got bulkhead and exit row seats. I know they had to be thrilled

Good service, food and comfort in World Traveller Plus. Entertainment was poor - no wifi on the way out and barely working on the way back. Not a great choice of entertainment on the seat back tv.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to South Africa

Cabin class types available on flights to South Africa

Cabin classes available on flights to South Africa. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.