$594 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 5/9. 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, 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

Wed, Apr 15 - Wed, Apr 22
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
$836Turkish Airlines
Thu, Apr 23 - Wed, May 6
Turkish Airlines Logo
8:10 pm - 11:50 am
ORD
-
CPT
32h 40m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
4:35 pm - 6:15 pm
CPT
-
ORD
32h 40m
1 stop
$859Turkish Airlines
Sat, Apr 11 - Tue, Apr 21
Turkish Airlines Logo
8:10 pm - 11:50 am
ORD
-
CPT
32h 40m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
4:35 pm - 6:15 pm
CPT
-
ORD
32h 40m
1 stop
$873Turkish Airlines
Fri, Apr 24 - Wed, Apr 29
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:31 am - 3:50 pm
ORD
-
JNB
24h 19m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:15 am - 7:41 am
JNB
-
ORD
61h 26m
2 stops
$904Multiple Airlines
Sun, Mar 8 - Tue, Mar 17
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:04 am - 3:50 pm
ORD
-
JNB
26h 46m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:00 pm - 5:10 pm
JNB
-
ORD
31h 10m
2 stops
$906Multiple Airlines
Fri, Apr 24 - Sat, May 2
Qatar Airways Logo
6:00 am - 10:35 am
ORD
-
DUR
45h 35m
3 stops
Qatar Airways Logo
11:15 am - 3:05 pm
DUR
-
ORD
34h 50m
2 stops
$1,304Qatar Airways
Sun, Apr 12 - Thu, Apr 16
Qatar Airways Logo
7:20 pm - 5:45 pm
ORD
-
PLZ
39h 25m
3 stops
Qatar Airways Logo
7:00 am - 3:05 pm
PLZ
-
ORD
39h 05m
2 stops
$1,512Qatar Airways
Wed, Mar 11 - Thu, Mar 19
Delta Logo
1:10 pm - 7:15 pm
MDW
-
CPT
23h 05m
2 stops
Delta Logo
9:30 pm - 5:54 pm
CPT
-
MDW
27h 24m
2 stops
$1,567Delta
Tue, Mar 10 - Thu, Mar 19
Delta Logo
12:47 pm - 9:55 pm
MDW
-
CPT
26h 08m
2 stops
Delta Logo
9:30 pm - 5:54 pm
CPT
-
MDW
27h 24m
2 stops
$1,619Delta
Mon, Apr 6 - Mon, Apr 13
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 am - 6:05 pm
ORD
-
DUR
24h 50m
2 stops
Ethiopian Air Logo
6:40 pm - 8:15 am
DUR
-
ORD
44h 35m
3 stops
$1,816Ethiopian Air
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 $987 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,713 and $1,531 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 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 7 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$594
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 2% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 16% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Cape Town

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 8238 reviews
7.2Food
8.1Boarding
7.8Entertainment
7.9Comfort
8.5Crew
Airline reviews

2+hrs delay without any reason provided and a cramped flight

2.0 MediocreYogendra Kumar, Feb 2026
DTW - MDT
Read more Delta reviews

2+hrs delay without any reason provided and a cramped flight

We waited an hour on the runway to get a gate in Orlando

Flight was delayed by 3-hours and their fix was… complimentary pretzels.

Flight was delayed due to crew being not on time

Flight crew issues delayed my flight by 2 1/2 hours. Causing me to miss my connection.

The staff on board and gate was nice - a welcome change from the usual. We also arrived early, which was a great benefit, given that it takes 30 minutes plus to get bags at SRQ.

The staff was frielndly. The plane was terrible, it was too small and should be decommissioned. There were no back seat screens at all. The only beverages we had a choice from was coffee, tea or water. The only bathroom in the back was behind the flight attendant's jump seat and wasn't working. And I literally felt like I was sitting on top of the guy next to me. It was terribly hot in the plane and we had to sit on the tarmac in Chicago for 1/2 hour due to congestion in Mpls. Wouldn't they have know that before they even boarded us so that we could have sat in comfort in the terminal?

Never got on it. Was re-routed through Detroit and am still in airports 12 hours later waiting for my connecting plane to arrive.

Delta has too many delays now days. It is 1:06 am now. I was supposed to land in Norfolk at 10:30 pm. I got re-booked through Detroit and I’m still in Detroit. I hope to be landed in Norfolk by 3am. I’ve been in airports for 12 hours as of right now. There is a weather delay now but most delays lately have been maintenance.

Very Very late. Subsequent flights left an hour before ours

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.

Short flight, but no drink/snack service. The flights both going and coming were delayed.

Not being stranded in Chicago for her airport to 11:30 tomorrow morning the 3rd

I was fully checked in the prior night and i was unchecked and then didn’t have a seat when I boarded. Instead of an aisle seat, I was out in the middle seat of the very last row of the plane.

In overall it was a good experience, the only down point was that the entertainment screen was working properly.

They lost my luggage, so, not happy. The crew was nice but my suitcases never made it, still trying to find out what happened!

I understand weather is an issue, but making us chase our plane down at five scheduled gates across three terminals in an airport the size of O'Hare was unfair. They'd have probably been better off to leave gates as TBD until the inbound plane is in final approach instead of running us all over the place. Also, props to the consistently-unprepared ground crew in Richmond for once again leaving my lane parked short of the gate because they couldn't have a crew in place on time with 2 hours notice...

cabin crew was OK, food was OK, the trip from the US to Munich was actually pretty bad comfort wise. Noisy aircraft, lights never dimmed even in Business class (night flight) barely sufficient amenities for the price. I have millions of miles with United but TBH American is gaining ground and Delta has always been marginally better then United although on paper United has more longes and cheaper upgrades.

Essy to get on. The hostess gave very little pop, the plane was late getting in, and we are still waiting for our bags. This sucks. :/

Not United Airlines' fault. It's ORL airport's fault.

Good overall. Seat spacing a bit tight between IST and ISB.

Excellent staff despite some trying passenger situations. Very impressed with their good attitudes and kindness.

Crew were unfriendly, touch screen for movies didn't work very well, seats were tight and uncomfortable

After arriving in Istanbul, the transit information on the electronic board showed a tight departure time, and the gate changed in the middle, making it difficult to make it on time.

Typically good service onboard but baggage delay in airport was significant

My, Syed Zawar Hussein Shirazi frequently flyer membership number was not included on my boarding pass from O’Hare to Istanbul despite my reminder to the attendant at check in. Further she forgot to give me my boarding pass form Istanbul to Lahore and she needs to improve her customer service, please 🙏

Everything about that day was great I was happy with how things went as a first time traveling with the airline thank you for all that you’ve doing by taking us there to our various destinations thanks.

They oversold the tickets by one which was my ticket so I didn’t have a ticket till last second

Not good. I was supposed to be in Mint but got in economy class

Service was slow and checked bag was off last evening when flying business

As previously stated the delay I experienced flying from Wichita to Chicago caused a host of issues. When I finally was able to be booked on the last remaining American flight from Chicago to Cincinnati, the gate changed four times with the last change occurring very near the scheduled boarding time. While I didn't have a problem moving from gate to gate, I did notice and make note of others that had mobility issues and had to move each time for the gate change.

Maintenance took a very long time and then we were in a holding pattern. While a one-off maintenance issue is standard, there were delays on both of my flights for this trip based on maintenance issues with the planes, which delayed both flights over 45 minutes. Thankfully, I didn't have any connections but it wasn't an experience that would make me pick AA if I have other options.

No Snacks or Entertainment. The flight was short, snacks should still be given.

See prior comment about how Kayak mishandled my reservation and delayed my arrival by 6 hours.

Boarding delayed 20 minutes for no reason, no wifi, in flight entertainment, or snacks / waters?

Delayed an hour due to operational issues. Minimal apologies or care for the significant inconvenience caused. Landed at nearly 1am and they still couldn’t find ground staff to get us off the plane promptly.

The aircraft had several problems - from excess fuel to non operational ac. Two hours of delay in Chicago could have been avoided with proper planning and aircraft maintenance.

Crew in Columbia was not prepared for landing. It was a bit of a disaster and getting bags took forever.

We were upgraded to First Class and it was a great flight

We experienced gate changes and a long delay. My seat was dirty when I boarded and I had to use wipes to clean it myself. There was an unpleasant and overpowering cleaning product scent on the plane as well that lingered through the flight.

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.

I have my baggage left either in Jeddah or Addis and undelivered to Abuja

Our first flight was delayed and when we got off that plane, nobody was really helping to direct us to the next gate. It was very frustrating. One staff simply said hurry, which wasn’t helpful. We had to go a long way to get to the next gate. Another issue on the plane itself was the bathrooms were disgusting and filthy and it didn’t seem like anybody was checking on them were cleaning them and it was a long flight. There was urine on the floor and they stunk. Also, the screen in front of my seat did not work, and I tried different headphones and still had no sound. You would think somehow those things are reviewed occasionally for working order.

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.

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

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.