$141 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

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 San Francisco Bay Area departing on 9/1. 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

KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to San Francisco Bay Area

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area.
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area.
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Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$297
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$276
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$297
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$276

Book Cheap Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area 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 San Francisco Bay Area 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 San Francisco Bay Area

Thu, Sep 10 - Sun, Sep 13
Frontier Logo
1:02 pm - 1:29 pm
ORD
-
SJC
26h 27m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
2:24 pm - 5:42 am
SJC
-
ORD
13h 18m
1 stop
$276Frontier
Thu, Sep 10 - Mon, Sep 14
Frontier Logo
1:02 pm - 1:29 pm
ORD
-
SJC
26h 27m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
2:24 pm - 5:42 am
SJC
-
ORD
13h 18m
1 stop
$280Frontier
Mon, Aug 10 - Fri, Aug 14
Frontier Logo
7:15 am - 1:17 pm
ORD
-
SJC
8h 02m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
2:12 pm - 5:37 am
SJC
-
ORD
13h 25m
1 stop
$284Frontier
Sat, Aug 1 - Sat, Aug 8
Frontier Logo
7:15 am - 1:17 pm
ORD
-
SJC
8h 02m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
8:23 pm - 6:17 am
SJC
-
ORD
7h 54m
1 stop
$285Frontier
Thu, Jul 23 - Mon, Jul 27
Frontier Logo
9:13 pm - 7:28 pm
ORD
-
SJC
24h 15m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
8:23 pm - 6:17 am
SJC
-
ORD
7h 54m
1 stop
$288Frontier
Tue, Aug 4 - Tue, Aug 18
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 11:24 am
ORD
-
SJC
7h 04m
1 stop
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:02 pm - 1:22 pm
SJC
-
ORD
18h 20m
1 stop
$289Alaska Airlines
Sat, Jul 18 - Sat, Jul 25
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 11:24 am
ORD
-
SJC
7h 04m
1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:12 pm - 5:37 am
SJC
-
ORD
13h 25m
1 stop
$294Multiple Airlines
Mon, Aug 10 - Thu, Aug 13
Frontier Logo
7:15 am - 1:17 pm
ORD
-
SJC
8h 02m
1 stop
Frontier Logo
2:12 pm - 5:37 am
SJC
-
ORD
13h 25m
1 stop
$296Frontier
Sat, Jul 18 - Sat, Jul 25
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:59 pm - 10:41 pm
ORD
-
OAK
6h 42m
1 stop
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:35 pm - 5:00 am
OAK
-
ORD
9h 25m
1 stop
$318Alaska Airlines
Tue, Jul 21 - Sat, Jul 25
Alaska Airlines Logo
6:20 am - 2:10 pm
ORD
-
OAK
9h 50m
1 stop
Alaska Airlines Logo
8:10 pm - 1:21 pm
OAK
-
ORD
15h 11m
1 stop
$349Alaska Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area flight route?

Data is based on round-trip flight searches on KAYAK over the past month.

The cheapest ticket to San Francisco Bay Area from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport found in the last 5 days was to San Francisco, at $269 round-trip. The most popular route is from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) to San Francisco (SFO), and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 5 days was $269.

What is the cheapest time of day to fly to San Francisco Bay Area?

The average price for all round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area depending on the time of departure, clicked by users on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

The cheapest time of day to fly to San Francisco Bay Area is generally in the afternoon, when round-trip flights cost $455 on average. Morning departures are around 25% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to San Francisco Bay Area is generally in the evening, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $608.

Can I save money by flying with a layover from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area?

The average round-trip price for all non-stop flights, flights with one layover, and flights with two layovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.

No, with an average price for the route of $496, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area, 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 O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area is March, when tickets cost $470 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and January, when the average cost of round-trip tickets is $1,179 and $1,021 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

When flying from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area, you should consider leaving on a Thursday and avoid Sundays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Chicago, you’ll find the best rates on Wednesdays and the most expensive ones on Sundays.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area, 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 O'Hare Intl Airport to San Francisco Bay Area, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 47% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 9 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flight$141
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 10% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 8% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to San Francisco

FAQs - booking San Francisco Bay Area flights

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

    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 San Francisco Bay Area.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area 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 San Francisco Bay Area?

    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 San Francisco Bay Area 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 San Francisco Bay Area?

    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 San Francisco Bay Area 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 San Francisco Bay Area

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found tickets from Chicago to the following destinations at these prices or less: San Francisco $219 one-way - $389 round-trip

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area? 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
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 12550 reviews
7.8Comfort
7.1Food
8.1Boarding
8.5Crew
7.0Entertainment
Airline reviews

The plane was delayed almost 3 hours. I had a first class seat and there was no food loaded due to the late night departure (no nuts, not meal and no cookie), and the first class bathroom was out of order. Truly a disappointment all around.

2.0 MediocreAnastacia, Jun 2026
AUS - SAN
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

The plane was delayed almost 3 hours. I had a first class seat and there was no food loaded due to the late night departure (no nuts, not meal and no cookie), and the first class bathroom was out of order. Truly a disappointment all around.

I was very surprised that at the Seattle airport, Alaska's main hub, that the gates were very small and very close together, and it was very hard to discourage between my flight, and the flight next to us going to Boise and the flight next to that going to Denver. Denver. The audio for all three Gates was at the same level, and almost impossible to differentiate unless they actually said their flight number and location. Location. People tried to get on our plane, before they were ready, because they were confused about the Denver announcements. We were on a Boeing 737- 800 00, that must have recently been redone. It actually had USB--c ports which really surprised me. The Apu was out on the plane, so when we got on it was very very hot. A lot of people were complaining. The gate agents were very professional, but it was a lot going on and even though there were two of them, I think they could have used another person to help them. Mandy was particularly helpful in getting me a window seat. Flight crew was up to the usual Alaska airline standard, which is very high. Can we please get another snack then garlic pretzels? It would also be nice, if they knew ahead that the flight was full, to offer to let us check in our bags for free at baggage check, and not at the gate!

On time, good seats, not overly full, up beast positive crew.

People were friendly. Flight was a little delayed. Maybe I missed the reason for it. Overall a nice experience.

The flight itself was great. But we had to wait over an hour to deplane so I missed my train. Not the crews fault. They were wonderful!

Great trip. No complaints. Impressed with the crew’s response to various challenges pre-boarding.

Over all it was great. My original flight was canceled but they quickly rebooked me. I was frustrated because I had to cancel my entire plans for the day but all considered, not bad. The crew tried to keep us calm while we sat in the plane for was felt was an hour or so but they could use a bit of a script. The seats were comfortable and I would give it another try.

Having the internet available while flying was great. Better than having to choose from watching movies from a limited selection.

Not able to get boarding pass for domestic connection flight when check in at international airport. I was told I need to get connection flight boarding pass after I entered US. It us very inconvenient.

I was very impressed at how Alaska Airlines handles people with medical needs.

We sat on the runway for over an hour before departure. That was unwelcome.

Flight delayed four separate times. I’m now one hour hours late to landing.

worst flight ever from Delta, it got delayed and kept on delaying..

Very easy to use and convenient, you can perform any action within the same portal

Everything went smoothly, although the usual gripes about airline travel were still present: the boarding process is inefficient, the snack selection is limited, and so on. Since there was extra space on the flight, the gate agent rearranged many people's seats to put people on the aisles and windows, leaving the middle seats empty, as much as possible, which was pretty great.

While they turned off most cabin lights to allow people to sleep, I was bothered by how bright the side lights still were. It was still quite bright for me in a window seat, when I wish I could have slept!

One of the flight attendants was a little cranky. I appreciated the free wifi and plug to charge my laptop

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!

Horrible! Several delays and then was cancelled! I spent over 24 hours in the airport and was unable to get a hotel or food voucher.

Boarded early; and arrived home 40 mins early. After a long flight, it’s nice to be back home early. These flights have no amenities; no snacks. So need to bring your own

A long delay. Don't travel late in the day.

Super friendly with lots of drink options an entertainment. Friendly crew.

The crew was great. Very friendly and responsive. The plane was old, small and tight. We ran out of overhead space and I had to check. Middle seat was particularly tight.

Several missed and almost missed connections. It felt like everything was being patched together last minute without enough resources and it ended up being an extremely stressful experience that basically ruined our weekend on the west coast. What a waste.

Crew was friendly. Seats are too narrow, particularly when a big person is in the adjacent seat, but I understand this is due to smaller planes usually flight into Lincoln. I have experienced several flight delays going out and coming into Lincoln airport, I say maybe 50% or higher of the flights I've taken out of this airport have been delayed.

Great flight. Boarded efficiently. Arrived early at CLT. There was no in flight entertainment on this aircraft. Great crew.

The seat was comfortable. There was a lot of turbulence. If it weren't for that,it would have been okay.

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

Significant delays on my trip to Chicago and my trip back to NY

Delayed by 5 hours and I had to wit in the airport for more than 6+ hours.

I’ve got 31F seat and window seat . My 2 co passengers was AA crew members and they were very rude attitude and when I was going to use bathroom their gestures was very different and awkward and the guy beside me completely occupied the hand rest and I was really uncomfortable

It was so much better than expected, Ohare is not such a pleasant experience but American Airlines with the new, clean aeroplane and free Wi-Fi was outstanding and the crew so pleasant and helpful.

It wa sort of on time; the cab was left with some trash

American Airlines II: Delay Boogaloo. Multiple gate changes, delays, boarded and then MORE delays. I hate to say this won’t matter, but posting stuff about major corporations in 2026 is a post-modern “scream into the void.” Was multiple hours late coming home, so there you go.

The airplane was an old model, the overhead didn’t have enough room for people’s items and made boarding and boarding disappointing and stressful. Crew allowed passengers to bring more than the permitted baggage sizes.

Original flight was on time, then late, then changed gates...4 times. Once our newest plane came in, it was fine.

I almost missed my flight and they helped me out enormously

Delays experienced in boarding/take off due to incoming plane delayed. However, the boarding time/depart time in the app was significantly delayed in providing these updates. Usually not updated until an hour after we should have already boarded. Poorly managed.

There weren't enough employees at check in took awhile to get bags checked. There wasn't a wheel chair for me, I was sent to someone who turns out to work for a different airline, if My flight hadn't been delayed I probably would have missed my flight as it was, by the time I arrived at my gate, they started boarding in about 15 minutes. I don't know who took me to my gate, definitely was not the normal people who take passengers to the gate. I'm guessing she may have been in a management position. I wish I knew her name, she went beyond to help me. With that said everyone was kind, and were doing the best they could. So, I choose to say it was an Adventure, stressful start, but good. In the end went well. The situation was not only difficult for passengers but the employee's.

The staff at the check in counter was so rude. Made you feel Incompetent

Frontier scheduled a 40 minute connection in DEN. What they failed to mention was that they “close the doors” 20 mins prior to departure, which means you only have 20 mins. Not enough time. Possibly against DOT regulations. Filing complaint.

Flight was scheduled at 9:40pm. Got delayed to 10 am, the next day. crazy

The bag check, flight check-in, and onboard experience convinced my wife and me that we will actively go out of our way to avoid flying Frontier Airlines in the future. At bag check, we were informed that check-in could only be completed via the Frontier mobile app. Unfortunately, the app was extremely frustrating—sending us through repetitive, confusing loops that repeatedly forced us to decline add-on services with nearly every click. While most airline apps upsell, this one felt intentionally exhausting. As the process dragged on, we became genuinely concerned that my phone battery would die before check-in could be completed. We approached the bag check staff—who were standing together talking—and explained both our frustration and our predicament. They laughed. Later, my wife described the interaction as “gaslighting,” which felt accurate. We were then informed it would cost $25 per person simply to have our boarding passes printed. From that point forward, the tone of the experience was consistently hostile. The bag check employees were condescending and combative, behaving more like bullies than customer service staff. Unfortunately, that same attitude continued onboard. One flight attendant argued with me when I attempted to stow my backpack in the overhead bin. I explained that we had each paid $75 to check our bags specifically so we would not need to use carry-on space and could have adequate legroom. She demanded to see my ticket, pointed out that it said “no carry-on”—which I acknowledged—and I reiterated that this was precisely why we paid to check our bags. Her response was, “I don’t make the rules.” She then walked away, but not before asking if I “truly wanted to fly back to Chicago today?”—an unnecessary and unmistakable threat. It is also worth noting that despite booking our tickets together in the same transaction, we were not seated together. Upon our return to Chicago—where we could once again sit together—we compared onboard experiences. We both remarked on how unhappy the flight attendants appeared and how each of us was separately asked whether we would like to purchase a beverage. We declined. At no point was water mentioned as an option, leaving us with the clear impression that even water came at a cost—or that complimentary water, if available at all, was deliberately left unmentioned. Overall, the experience was shocking and deeply disappointing, but it was also a profound learning experience—one we will not forget and will not repeat. -Steve

Plane was hot and miserable and the crew was rude!

12 hour delay required getting on and off plane 3 times - would have at least liked to have been offered a snack or drink

They didn’t offer a water, even after I asked

They switched our terminal 3 times and we were delayed for four plus hours!!!

Flight was canceled. Most upsetting was message from Kayak, stating that the flight was canceled and click with Kayak for details regarding rebook, refund details. THERE'S NO INFORMATION PROVIDED BY KAYAK EXCEPT THAT FLIGHT IS CANCELED. AND NOW THIS SURVEY TO FIND OUT HOW WAS THE FLIGHT !!!!!!!

Everything you need to know for your flight to San Francisco Bay Area

Information on your arrival and departure airports