$592 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 1/23. 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

Thu, Feb 26 - Fri, Mar 13
Turkish Airlines Logo
11:50 am - 11:50 amORD-CPT
40h 00m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 11:05 amCPT-ORD
24h 50m1 stop
$972Turkish Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, Apr 20 - Wed, Apr 29
Turkish Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 11:50 amORD-CPT
33h 00m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
4:40 pm - 9:40 amCPT-ORD
24h 00m1 stop
$999Turkish Airlines
Find Deal
Wed, Feb 11 - Tue, Feb 17
Turkish Airlines Logo
8:20 pm - 11:50 amORD-CPT
31h 30m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
5:15 pm - 10:05 amCPT-ORD
24h 50m1 stop
$1,005Turkish Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, Mar 12 - Thu, Mar 26
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 am - 8:10 pmORD-JNB
26h 55m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
8:20 am - 8:40 amJNB-ORD
31h 20m2 stops
$1,017Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Sat, Apr 11 - Sun, Apr 19
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
$1,040Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Sat, Jan 17 - Tue, Jan 27
Delta Logo
11:21 am - 7:15 pmMDW-CPT
23h 54m1 stop
Delta Logo
9:30 pm - 9:53 amCPT-MDW
20h 23m1 stop
$1,372Delta
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Sat, Jan 17 - Tue, Jan 27
Delta Logo
5:31 pm - 7:15 pmMDW-CPT
17h 44m1 stop
Delta Logo
9:30 pm - 6:36 pmCPT-MDW
29h 06m2 stops
$1,376Delta
Find Deal
Sat, Jan 17 - Sun, Jan 25
KLM Logo
1:28 pm - 9:55 pmMDW-CPT
24h 27m2 stops
KLM Logo
11:45 pm - 6:36 pmCPT-MDW
26h 51m2 stops
$1,416KLM
Find Deal
Tue, Dec 9 - Wed, Feb 4
KLM Logo
1:50 pm - 10:05 pmMDW-JNB
24h 15m2 stops
KLM Logo
11:59 pm - 6:36 pmJNB-MDW
26h 37m2 stops
$1,705KLM
Find Deal
Fri, Dec 5 - Tue, May 5
British Airways Logo
8:35 pm - 6:20 pmORD-PLZ
37h 45m2 stops
British Airways Logo
3:45 pm - 11:55 amPLZ-ORD
27h 10m2 stops
$1,829British Airways
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 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 $1,605 and $1,475 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 15 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonApril
Cheapest flight$592
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 21% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 16% 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 9034 reviews
8.1Crew
7.7Boarding
6.6Food
7.1Entertainment
7.3Comfort
Airline reviews

Very nice flight love the small aircraft. We had a wonderful flight attendant. Nice to see someone that really enjoys her job. Don't have her name but had a southern accent.

10.0 ExcellentDenis, Nov 2025ORD - YOW
Read more United Airlines reviews

Very nice flight love the small aircraft. We had a wonderful flight attendant. Nice to see someone that really enjoys her job. Don't have her name but had a southern accent.

Very thoughtful flight attendant offered me water immediately since I had run to make my connection.

Seats in waiting area and on plane hard as rock. Fast internet on the flight was great! Crew was kind.

Always wish for more healthy, gluten free options. We have to bring our own.

Having a long layover, I was very appreciative of the ability to stand by for an earlier flight. Other airlines like Delta have refused this to me in the past, just to be mean (because my ticket class wasn't high enough). United went out of their way to help me get to my destination early, which I really appreciated given that it was the third leg of a 24+ hour journey for me.

Other than a way way too cold cabinets for the entire flight, all was great

One bag is incorrect and not acceptable for an international flight. The food was not just good. I won't fly with them again.

Excellent flight. Smooth, efficient boarding. Quick flight. Arrived early at STL.

Not the fault of United—weather, reroute around weather, time sitting on tarmac, arrived couple hours late, too late for train into city necessitating a much pricier cab but weather…can’t be helped.

I will never book a flight through Cheap fare. They booked me from Portland Main . And would not give me a refund, so I bought 2 tickets one for 299. From Portland Main to ORD. Then I had to buy a ticket from Oregon PDX to ORD that was another 440. So Just so you know they even told me it was there fault but no refund. Bad bussniess. I did inform United but they said they couldn't help me due to the fact I booked through Cheap Tickets. Never again. And I'm spreding the word. I let everyone know at my 50th class reunion

Overall it was good. Food was bad. I ordered gluten free vegetarian meal. But I got gluten free chicken for my long flight from Seattle to Istanbul. I don’t eat any kind of meat. Second meal I got eggplant with meat which I couldn’t eat. I don’t understand why we can’t get gluten free vegetarian meal for a 12 hour flight. I eat the bread and that was it.

Worse worse worse, i would not recommend this airline to anyone. Istanbul airport maybe State of the Art facility but staff is rude, only works if they get tips, and they push you to give tips even though my family had spent $50 in tips. Airline staff doesn't speak english so you really can't understand them. It was a nightmare travelling with Turkish. Never again.

As a big guy the seats are way too small for me. Would prefer more comfortable seats on these long haul flights.

My flight was canceled 1 minute before boarding. The customer service was owful, no one could tell us what was going happened. I spent 30hrs instead of 15 from Washington DC to Brussels. No apologie or help

Boeing 777 is a bad choice for a such a long flight.

The staff at IST airport could have been more helpful. Too much wasted time and the plane from IST to KHI was just horrible. The plane was not clean and smelled bad!

This is my 2nd time with the Turkish airline. Would definitely recommend. In stability we connected to Indiago would not recommend, very cramped seating. No inflight entertainment..service was inferior.

I wouldn't know what the flight was like. AI canceled my flight reservation!! There's no way to speak to an actual human to fix the issue! NEVER AGAIN! ALWAYS BOOK YOUR FLIGHT DIRECTLY WITH THE AIRLINE NEVER GO THROUGH KAYAK OR JUSTFLY.COM!!

Paying extra for premium seats was wasted. Turkish Airlines takes 2 seats for bassinet. The lady next to me had a baby with bassinet Bassinet was in front of my seat

Rude staff. I would avoid using the word racist but definitely partially or discriminatory. My 72 yrs old mother who is also disabled was traveling on this flight. She was the second passenger boarded to the plane. The First elderly couple ahead of my mother were allowed to use the airplane bathroom but my mother was denied entry stating it was for safety reasons. My mother objected the the couple in front of her were allowed but hostess still stated that due to the flight safety reasons she can’t use it. Even my mother explained that he is using blood pressure medication that’s why she have to use the restroom frequently but the crew continued arguing her. At one point the Mae attendent even suggested that if that’s the case my mother can urinate in her seat. The level of disrespect against an elderly lady is beyond my comprehension. This matter will be taken to the social media to shame the employees involved.

We loved the steward on the plane. He made the night enjoyable

The plane was late, when we did board the plane was as cold as a freezer. I was freezing the entire flight, no blankets. Lost miserable flight I’ve ever had.

My wife and I love to travel, so we fly a lot. We've already logged 381,075 miles and with practically every major airline. But this flight was very disappointing. It started off well, with no delays and a new plane. But when lunchtime approached, all that good impression was ruined. Instead of white tablecloths, we were offered small, dark placemats, which, as it turned out, were perfectly adequate for the food. All the food offered—and my wife and I only took fish, and the meat—was not just bad, it was downright disgusting and not heated enough. The same applies to the appetizers. This was the first time in many years of traveling that we've been offered such disgusting food.

Lost luggage stuck no clothes and no word after 2 days leaving on cruise no stuff or clothes

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

I had a memorable experience. I dont have any comments at this time regarding waht could be better.

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.

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.

Smooth trip no turbulence which is always a bonus for me lol! In cattle class so an element of being a bit squished (but not as bad as other shorter haul airlines) smaller plane than the one we flew out on and entertainment system wasn’t as modern but still definitely passed the time. Lovely crew x

I was attacked in the Miami airport and the staff did nothing. On my flight from London to Miami one of the flight attendants screamed at me and demanded I keep my seat in the upright position at all times during the fight so the man behind me was comfortable for the flight. I will never in my life use British airways again

Airlines have to stop assuming passengers bring entertainment. Provide it like you used to in business class and above!! N

I don't know about the others but the flight attendant that took care of us had the absolute wrong approach "how do we dare asking for water or anything else for that matter"

Flying on the Boeing 787 from Seattle to London was everything that I expected. Every thing was great.

Not my definition of first class. No leg room and barely any recline. The food was good. The crew was great. The comfort for the price I paid for London to Cairo was highway robbery. The Wi-Fi didn't work for me either.

Seat pitch is not enough to eat comfortably. When seat in front is reclined, your screen comes closer to your face. Ryanair seats are actually more comfortable.

The leg from Portland to Heathrow was great for a business class ticket. The BA leg from Heathrow to Lisbon was terrible. Basically coach seating with an empty seat between you and next passenger. Absolutely no leg room. Should not have been charged for business class and it was a 3 hour flight.

The flat beds. Other than that, the place was not clean.

Moved me away from my family and refused to fix it.

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.