$624 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 8/27. 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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Cheap Flights from Chicago to South Africa

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop$925
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stop$925

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.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from Chicago to South Africa

Sun, Sep 28 - Sun, Oct 12
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 am - 1:05 pmORD-JNB
19h 50m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
8:20 am - 8:15 amJNB-ORD
30h 55m2 stops
$877Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Wed, Sep 17 - Sun, Sep 28
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 am - 1:05 pmORD-JNB
19h 50m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
2:30 pm - 8:15 amJNB-ORD
24h 45m2 stops
$885Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Thu, Sep 18 - Thu, Oct 9
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 am - 1:05 pmORD-JNB
19h 50m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
8:20 am - 8:15 amJNB-ORD
30h 55m2 stops
$889Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Wed, Nov 19 - Sun, Dec 7
American Airlines Logo
6:45 pm - 8:05 amORD-CPT
29h 20m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
8:35 pm - 1:50 pmCPT-ORD
25h 15m1 stop
$1,014American Airlines
Find Deal
Tue, Nov 11 - Mon, Nov 17
American Airlines Logo
8:45 pm - 10:20 amORD-CPT
29h 35m1 stop
American Airlines Logo
10:10 pm - 1:50 pmCPT-ORD
23h 40m1 stop
$1,015American Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, Oct 29 - Thu, Nov 6
Turkish Airlines Logo
9:20 pm - 11:50 amORD-CPT
31h 30m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 10:05 amCPT-ORD
24h 50m1 stop
$1,027Turkish Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, Sep 27 - Fri, Oct 10
Turkish Airlines Logo
11:45 pm - 10:35 amORD-JNB
27h 50m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
5:55 pm - 9:40 amJNB-ORD
22h 45m1 stop
$1,035Turkish Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, Nov 13 - Wed, Nov 19
British Airways Logo
8:45 pm - 8:05 amORD-CPT
27h 20m1 stop
British Airways Logo
6:55 pm - 1:50 pmCPT-ORD
26h 55m1 stop
$1,098British Airways
Find Deal
Mon, Feb 2 - Mon, Feb 16
British Airways Logo
6:45 pm - 12:10 pmORD-CPT
33h 25m1 stop
British Airways Logo
6:55 pm - 1:50 pmCPT-ORD
26h 55m1 stop
$1,109British Airways
Find Deal
Mon, Aug 25 - Thu, Aug 28
United Airlines Logo
3:45 pm - 10:20 amORD-DUR
35h 35m2 stops
United Airlines Logo
10:55 am - 11:49 amDUR-ORD
31h 54m2 stops
$2,145United Airlines
Find Deal
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 February, when tickets cost $909 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,493 and $1,478 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 17 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonApril
Cheapest flight$624
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 7% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 18% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago Midway 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 8916 reviews
7.7Boarding
7.1Entertainment
7.3Comfort
8.1Crew
6.6Food
Airline reviews

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

10.0 ExcellentDr. Joseph, Aug 2025ORD - DEN
Read more United Airlines reviews

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!

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

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.

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

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 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.

Food hardly ever changes Videos not often updated for often travel.

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.

Lost suite case and pillow that’s used by senior and they didn’t leave it at the airport

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

There was a slight delay. Otherwise, everything else was satisfactory.

Although the crew were great and the good nice, I might as well have been on Ryanair for the amount of space I had. Not good enough BA. I’d rather pay more and not feel like a human sardine.

The company that I bought my tickets through, Cheapflightsfares, failed to provide my confirmation information in a timely manner, so I was unable to check on at the country and therefore unable to make my flight. As a matter of fact, I STILL have not received the confirmation. After having read more and more reviews about the company, Cheapflightsfares appears to have scammed hundreds of hopeful travelers out of thousands of dollars. Please look into this company and, for the sake of anyone planning their next trip, stop allowing them to do business through you.

Love the A380 - loads of room. Headphone socket on my seat didn’t work. Sounds like a trivial issue? Well when flying long-haul the in-flight entertainment is what keeps you going so when it doesn’t work it’s a disaster. Pay attention to the details please BA. Spoiled what was otherwise an excellent flight with the usual brilliant crew.

Crew were fantastic can’t fault them at all. Couldn’t do enough for us

Crying baby the ENTIRE flight. Not your fault, but I paid 2700 for a premium economy ticket and it wasn't worth it. should have just stuck with coach. flight attendants very mediocre - minimal effort. Plane didn't seem very clean. Didn't have any cleansing wipes - most airlines give you this when you board. Flat screen scrolling didn't work. Toiletry case a joke - why bother at all?

The overall seat and cushion needs to be updated. It was hard and no support. My butt was numb for most of the flight. The food was subpar at best being in premium economy cost. The flight attendants were excellent and attentive during the whole flight. Disappointed I had to select our seats 24 hours prior.

Did not use entertainment Food great Stewards had an attitude, not the best but below average from my other flights with AA or BA

The plane was known to be late in advance of takeoff. My guess is that it was known to be late at 11am or 5 hours before scheduled takeoff time. We were late to leave and with a wheelchair and the a cart, we only made it to gate. We raced! Inside plane, all was great

I enjoyed the comfort of Premium Economy. The Purser on London-Nairobi was a little testy, snappish in his tone. I understand stressed, tired, etc but his tone in addressing passengers I found wanting.

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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