$562 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 10/22. 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

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Best South Africa Flight Deals from Chicago

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop$971
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop$971

Cheap Flights from Chicago to South Africa

 
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

Wed, Nov 5 - Tue, Nov 11
 Logo
7:30 am - 3:50 pmORD-JNB
24h 20m2 stops
 Logo
5:25 am - 5:36 pmJNB-ORD
44h 11m2 stops
Wed, Aug 20 - Sat, Sep 13
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 am - 2:35 pmORD-CPT
21h 20m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
1:50 pm - 8:15 amCPT-ORD
25h 25m2 stops
$971Ethiopian Air
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Wed, Nov 12 - Tue, Nov 25
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
$985Turkish Airlines
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Thu, Sep 11 - Sun, Sep 21
Turkish Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 11:50 amORD-CPT
33h 00m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
4:35 pm - 10:00 pmCPT-ORD
36h 25m1 stop
$1,008Turkish Airlines
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Mon, Aug 18 - Mon, Sep 8
British Airways Logo
7:15 pm - 11:00 amORD-CPT
32h 45m1 stop
British Airways Logo
6:55 pm - 6:15 pmCPT-ORD
30h 20m1 stop
$1,015British Airways
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Tue, Nov 11 - Mon, Nov 17
British Airways Logo
5:00 pm - 10:20 amORD-CPT
33h 20m1 stop
British Airways Logo
10:00 pm - 1:55 pmCPT-ORD
23h 55m1 stop
$1,103British Airways
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Fri, Nov 21 - Mon, Dec 1
American Airlines Logo
6:45 pm - 10:20 amORD-JNB
31h 35m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
10:05 pm - 5:00 pmJNB-ORD
26h 55m1 stop
$1,133American Airlines
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Thu, Nov 13 - Mon, Dec 1
American Airlines Logo
5:29 pm - 7:30 amORD-JNB
30h 01m2 stops
American Airlines Logo
10:05 pm - 5:32 pmJNB-ORD
27h 27m2 stops
$1,147American Airlines
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Sat, Oct 4 - Mon, Oct 13
Delta Logo
4:25 pm - 7:40 pmMDW-JNB
20h 15m1 stop
Delta Logo
9:55 pm - 4:23 pmJNB-MDW
25h 28m1 stop
$1,550Delta
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Sat, Oct 4 - Mon, Oct 13
Delta Logo
1:08 pm - 7:40 pmMDW-JNB
23h 32m2 stops
Delta Logo
9:55 pm - 6:36 pmJNB-MDW
27h 41m2 stops
$1,555Delta
Find Deal
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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 February, when tickets cost $906 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and June, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,478 and $1,438 respectively.

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

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

If you are looking for a flight deal from Chicago to South Africa, look for departures on Tuesdays and avoid leaving on a Wednesday, as it's usually the priciest day. When flying back from South Africa, Tuesday is the cheapest day to fly and Friday is the most expensive.

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 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 16 weeks before departure.


Good to know

Low seasonApril
High seasonDecember
Cheapest flight$562
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 3% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 23% 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.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to South Africa?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to South Africa is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $1,111 on average. Morning departures are around 19% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to South Africa is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,377.

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.
7.4
United AirlinesOverall score based on 8849 reviews
8.1Crew
7.7Boarding
7.3Comfort
7.0Entertainment
6.6Food
Airline reviews

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

8.0 ExcellentStacie, Jun 2025ORD - ALB
Read more United Airlines reviews

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

Everything was very good, except that the plane was an hour and a half late

flight with heavy turbulence old boeing 777 rest wasnt clean dashboard doesn’t work

Light and recline did not work on my seat. Very uncomfortable and could not read in the dark

Bad experience; they are not good anymore. They charge too much for luggage seat are so uncomfortable, Flight delays which may miss your next flight, they don’t care if you miss the flight or not. Zero customer services for front desk representatives Istanbul's airport I’m not using this airline any more.

I’ve been traveling for 20 years. I tried Turkish airline for the first time horrible horrible service and it would be my last time even if I get offer for a free ticket, I will not accept it. They have races and the worst Flight attendant

It wasn't good. I didn’t understand. They changed 320 dollars for 2 luggage. My ticket was regular and I paid almost 1200.00 dollars. Why they did charge? I want my money back.. thanks Yılmaz polat

Very punctual, the onboard staff was friendly and correct, the flight was fortunately very calm, the toilets were clean, in short, an excellent experience Thanks

Ordered Vegan meal - it was ok, but not exceptional. Seat ok row 39 middle section aisle. Nearly full flight - crew was busy but they did the best they could. There was a USB A port at the seat. I listened to my own music and only looked at flight information. One nice thing was the connection information was made available in the screen.

Very nice and friendly crew. Boarding system can be improved.

The Etickets had been changed (Why?) without notice ; Hence, that caused troubles when checking in. Not until I contacted my ticket agent and was given correct Etickets could I then check in.

Im if Ethiopian can allow customers to use their mileage for in flight connexion it will be great.

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

No Asian Vegetarian food was available on this sector but only fish and chicken and pasta were offered.

For Vegetarian Food was very poor. Though we had opted for Asian Vegetarian Food they didn’t serve but only what was available was served. We were offered Smoked Salmon!

Flight was delayed an hour. Also, I bought an extra legroom seat online; but the actually plane was a different configuration so I didn't get what I paid for . This happened on the Addis to Lusaka leg of my trip.

The plane was overbooked and the crew was very rude. My luggage was never put on the plane. I got to NY and waited 2 hours just to find out that my luggage was left.

My experience was great. The flight attendants were very helpful and nice, and the food was very good.

Very bad experience flight was over 5 hours delayed 😑 not a chance to be put on another flight we had to stay at the hotel we lost 2 days on our vacation. Never again I will fligh with Ethiopian airlines.

Terrible customer service I lost my bag luggage and I still haven’t received any information

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.

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

Flight was good but seat in 12D was not comfortable, better on the Airbus 321 from Tampa to Charlotte. No breakfast was served before landing in zLonfon only a coffee and orange juice.

I was transferred to an American Airlines flight. The boarding was late and unorganized. The seating was extremely tight and uncomfortable. Will not use AA again.

The entertainment selection was ok, but overall not bad! The crew was great.

Good crew and boarding process. Horrible food and one of the most uncomfortable aircraft seats I have ever sat in. The cabin temperature was warm which made it hard for my family to sleep.

bad, made it to connecting flight and they didnt let me board

We were never able to take this flight because our first flight from Austin to Dallas was cancelled.

Our flight was cancelled on Sunday morning. We were supposed to take a short flight to Dallas from Austin, then a nonstop to Barcelona. We were rerouted from Austin to Miami on American Airlines due to storms we sat at the gate for 2 1/2 hours, pilot announced we needed fuel. In air pilot said we were rerouted to Fort Myers 30 minutes from Zmiami. Sat on tarmac waiting for a gate. Deplaned at 10:09. Pilot gave conflicting info about what to do. Missed Miami flight to Barcelona. Pilot announced crew was timed out and we would have to wait for a new crew. Waited a couple of hours. Got to Miami at 2:30 am. Gate agents at Fort Myers told us to go to D30 for hotel vouchers. No one was there. So we slept a little on the floor. Husband is 80 and I am 74. Rerouted to JFK at 9:54 am on Monday, then flight to Barcelona at 5 pm. We arrived in Barcelona a day late and missed the first night of our Oceania Marina cruise. We feel that we are due a lot of compensation for this trip from hell.

The check-in of my luggage was terrible. When purchased my tickets, one luggage and one carry-on was part of the fight. My flight was switched from British to American Airline. During check-in of luggage at the airport, I was denied and had to pay extra $75. How do I get reimbursed for this extra luggage payment?

More Indian vegetarian food options would have been better Availability of seat selection free of charge 72 hours before departure would be great

This was the second time on BA, food terrible, bathrooms gross,( granted, that was mostly due to the disgusting children urinating all over it)boarding was late and disorganized. No gate issued until last minute st Heathrow, bad system, caused undue stress. Seats were painful, that's what you get for traveling like a poor in economy, right BA? Should have been able to afford business or first class if you want to actually be able to walk upright without back pain after a trip.

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.

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