$147 Find Cheap Flights from Orange County to Chicago

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight to Chicago departing on 1/21. 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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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$269
Overall average: $395
United Airlines
Thu 1/22Mon 1/26
SNA - ORD • Non-stop
Cheapest one-way
$147
Typical prices: $203-$343
Multiple Airlines
Wed 1/21
SNA - MDW • 3 stops
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Flight Deals
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Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from Orange County to Chicago

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from Orange County to Chicago 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 Orange County to Chicago

Thu, Jan 22 - Mon, Jan 26
United Airlines Logo
10:51 am - 5:00 pm
SNA
-
ORD
4h 09mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:48 pm - 10:24 pm
ORD
-
SNA
4h 36mnonstop
$269United Airlines
Sat, Jan 17 - Sat, Jan 24
American Airlines Logo
8:05 am - 2:11 pm
SNA
-
ORD
4h 06mnonstop
American Airlines Logo
7:30 pm - 10:01 pm
ORD
-
SNA
4h 31mnonstop
$270American Airlines
Thu, May 14 - Tue, May 19
Spirit Airlines Logo
7:45 am - 5:31 am
SNA
-
ORD
19h 46m1 stop
Spirit Airlines Logo
8:53 pm - 12:25 pm
ORD
-
SNA
17h 32m1 stop
$273Spirit Airlines
Wed, Jan 21 - Mon, Jan 26
United Airlines Logo
8:00 am - 5:06 pm
SNA
-
ORD
7h 06m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
7:48 pm - 10:24 pm
ORD
-
SNA
4h 36mnonstop
$275United Airlines
Fri, Jan 23 - Mon, Jan 26
Spirit Airlines Logo
4:37 pm - 2:17 pm
SNA
-
ORD
19h 40m2 stops
Spirit Airlines Logo
5:15 am - 12:25 pm
ORD
-
SNA
33h 10m2 stops
$276Spirit Airlines
Thu, Jan 8 - Thu, Jan 15
Frontier Logo
11:37 am - 2:05 pm
SNA
-
MDW
24h 28m1 stop
Frontier Logo
12:57 pm - 6:14 pm
MDW
-
SNA
7h 17m1 stop
$276Frontier
Fri, Jan 9 - Mon, Jan 12
Multiple Airlines Logo
10:30 am - 6:58 pm
SNA
-
ORD
6h 28m1 stop
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:10 pm - 3:42 pm
ORD
-
SNA
23h 32m2 stops
$277Multiple Airlines
Thu, Feb 12 - Sun, Feb 15
Frontier Logo
8:58 am - 9:03 pm
SNA
-
ORD
10h 05m1 stop
Frontier Logo
12:56 pm - 6:35 pm
ORD
-
SNA
7h 39m1 stop
$283Frontier
Fri, Jan 23 - Mon, Jan 26
Southwest Logo
6:45 am - 2:45 pm
SNA
-
MDW
6h 00m1 stop
Southwest Logo
3:40 pm - 7:50 pm
MDW
-
SNA
6h 10m1 stop
$289Southwest
Sun, Jan 18 - Sat, Jan 24
Southwest Logo
8:25 am - 5:15 pm
SNA
-
MDW
6h 50m1 stop
Southwest Logo
8:20 am - 4:55 pm
MDW
-
SNA
10h 35m2 stops
$294Southwest
Useful Info

Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
Cheapest flight$147
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 24% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 1% increase in price.
Flight from John Wayne (Santa Ana) to Chicago Midway Airport

FAQs for booking flights from Orange County to Chicago

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Orange County to Chicago?

    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 Orange County to Chicago.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Orange County to Chicago?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Chicago from Orange County 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 Orange County to Chicago?

    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 to Chicago with an airline and back to Orange County with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Orange County to Chicago?

    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 to Chicago from Orange County up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Reviews of the top 5 airlines serving from Orange County to Chicago

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Orange County to Chicago? 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.
8.0
Alaska AirlinesOverall score based on 11559 reviews
8.5Crew
8.1Boarding
7.1Food
7.0Entertainment
7.8Comfort
Airline reviews

I haven’t flown in over 20 years and had my grandkids, so I had lots of questions. They were very polite and helpful . Thank you.

10.0 ExcellentVirginia, Dec 2025
LAX - PDX
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

I haven’t flown in over 20 years and had my grandkids, so I had lots of questions. They were very polite and helpful . Thank you.

Dropping off of the checked bags took way longer than it should have. The agent for the pre-tagged and ready to drop off line was gone and didn't come back for about 15 minutes. The other bag check lines were barely moving. Agents were standing around and not much was getting done. Everything else about the flight was great.

Was notified the departure would be late. Later on it was suddenly on time. Traffic by LAX was horrendous, and I missed the flight.

Flight delayed three times no explanation, left 5 hours after initial time, disrupted my job

The flights were all late and they would not refund my money

I wasn’t able to check in prior to arriving at the airport, I was told by the agent I may not get a seat on the plane as others were waiting for seats, I sat there for 2 hours before being assigned a seat, very stressful. The plane was delayed. Overall not a great travel experience for a 44 minute flight.

The seats were not very comfortable and there were no TV screens. Boarding was pretty fast because there were so few people on such a small plane and I appreciated that they still gave us our snack and drinks, however I really wish they would come up with a good gluten-free snack.

Comfort level was below par. Food selection was non-existent. Paying $35 for 1st bag is never appreciated. I will not fly them again. I am actually trying to change my return flight.

Flight was on time. Crew was helping & seat were comfortable.

Was late but $50 voucher was great benefit of the summit card.

The boarding and seat assignment system no longer works for me, but I know it is being replaced. Otherwise, I am good with the overall experience.

The lead steward kept singing about "San Francisco" and hotel California---more annoying than humorous....needs work. Flight was smooth and on time.

San Diego airport is brand new, spacious, airy and very smooth checkin at SW baggage drop.

It was rough. The staff was unprofessional, the choice of on board drinks terrible, it was cramped in space at every airport, they always ran out of overhead bin space so they pressured people to check bags for free or we couldn’t leave on the plane— so I did check my bag to help, and they nearly lost my bag. My bag did not arrive on the luggage belt, another man on my flight and I had to waste our time going to the baggage office to search for our bags. I would only fly southwest again if it was my last choice. Also, my flights were consistently delayed over and over again— at one point they straight up told us we were waiting for the pilot to arrive.

Crew could have been friendlier, maybe I'm spoiled by SW crews. In flight wifi was good. Would be nice to have more food offerings on a 4 plus hour flight

Ever since Southwest starting charging for bags, passengers don't want to pay to check their bags, so the gate agents have to beg people to check their roller bags now because there's "not enough space". This was a terrible business move by Southwest.

Sacrament staff are always polite and helpful. Airport is easy to maneuver and boarding is straightforward.

Excellent. Would encourage Southwest to keep current boarding procedures with free style seating. Makes for a fantastic experience

As always, the entire Southwest experience was wonderful, from online booking to flight to baggage retrieval. Very grateful.

The weather could have been better. There was a 40 minute ATC delay in SFO because of marine fog and a micro cell storm delayed landing and take-off at Nashville. The gate was changed 5 minutes from boarding from gate B3 to gate C23 at Nashville airport.

They did the one thing that really matters - got to Chicago early.

The flight was on time. I generally don’t drink or eat on short flights and the seats were good and the flight attendants were friendly. That’s all I expect

It was nice to have gotten up upgraded to first class with a meal on a three hour flight

Very bad! They kept delaying my flight and wouldn’t do anything about it

Door to door, the crew and staff were amazing. It was a stressful travel day with delays, but they were focused on customers and doing what they could to get us to our destinations.

Flight was delayed only slightly before takeoff due to traffic control. However, the flight arrived early to ORD. Good flight. United has been very reliable for me.

Another delayed flight. When the delays exceed the duration of the flight, it’s a problem.

After boarding the plane in Chicago, the passengers were told that there was a technical problem with the plane. Passengers remained on the plane as they tried to fix the problem. After what was probably an hour passengers were told that there was a need to change planes as the problem was not solved. Passengers disembarked and boarded another plane. After taxing to the runway and waiting for takeoff, passengers were told that owing to the thunderstorm the flight was unable to take off but would try and reroute. After some time passengers were told there wasn't enough fuel for the new route and the plane had to return to the gate for additional fuel. after another log delay the flight got underway. On the plane there was food, drinks, ice or entertainment. We were a glass of water, which appeared rationed. Flight arrived about 5 hours late. The pilot was fantastic and communicated with the passengers throughout the ordeal.

Better WiFi. I cannot understand that in 2025, United is so behind on a technology that is now a necessity and still painfully unreliable, slow and keeps disconnecting.

Trip was great. A wild landing in Ottawa with the wind and rain, but the pilot did a great job. Always love flying United.👍

The boarding process needs to be fixed. The zone don't work, especially when there is hardly anyone in zones 3, 4,and 5, leaving the majority of the passengers backed up in the aisle, especially because passengers seated near the front are blocking passengers who are seated in the rear of the plane. It would also help if the size of carry on bags was more strictly enforced.

Awful. They won’t help me with anything. I booked on American but they abdicated to Iberia. The ticket was overpriced. Everything negative

I enjoyed the extra leg room compared to other airlines. The first stewards made my daughter’s birthday special by giving her an extra snack. Then the last one coming home from Chicago to Appleton made our night really enjoyable Thanks for making our trip enjoyable

It was good..clean, comfy seat. Friendly warm welcoming crew. Was able to check my cabin luggage at the gate which I was able to pickup in a decent time from baggage claim. The app gave all updates from delays to baggage claim info. Overall smooth flight.

It was a typical flight. We had a delay which seems to be the normality now. And we had no in flight service due to conditions.

After we landed we sat on the tarmac for 1.5 hours waiting to get to our gate. Ridiculous.

Terrible. Flight delayed for more than 8 hours with only a $12 meal voucher provided for the inconvenience. The airplane did not have breaks on arrival yet they still made us go through the motions and board on time knowing we could not take off then sit for 40+ minutes before having to get of the time. A complete waste of my time. I cannot believe they can stay business with these shenanigans. I’ll avoid this company like the plague moving forward as the lack of accountability is disgraceful.

This was the best 2 flights I have had with American out of SGF. Great crew both flights.

Excellent - explanations were clear staff was nice and flight was comfortable

Lost bag and 2 days no word leaving for cruise no clothes or stuff

I waited for 4+ extra hours to even board when i was fighting off a cold. So i was sitting there in the airport with a fever and chills while spirit wasted my time. Then once on the plane we had at least an extra hour of taxiing before and after takeoff. Really poor airline, no amenities to speak of, and a lack of organization that will just ruin your experience.

Got to LAX at 3:20 am, the counter personnel did not start to check in bags till 3:40 am. I patiently waited at the priority check in line as they started to take people from the general line. After about 15 minutes of waiting, I approached the lady exactly in front of the priority line and asked her if they would be taking people from the priority line or if I would need to switch to waiting in the general line. She responded “yes”, I then asked her yes to what? And she yelled back at me loudly “I SAID YES!” Needless to say, I waited at the end of the line of the general line. I could have been told the priority line would not be called upon and could have queued in the general line ahead of many people that arrived to cue after I did

Terrible. They cancelled the flight at the last minute after I had checked in at the airport and then told me they could only put me on a flight after 7 days. Pathetic.

Terrible they canceled the flight very sheepishly and ended up costing me 1200 dollars and kayak and xcover are doing nothing

Flight was on time. Friendly crew. Gate agents in the other hand were very unfriendly.

Bought round trip tickets. Ended up upgrading to first class. Both flights were new planes but hadn’t been equipped with WiFi and there were no charging ports at my seat despite it being new and first class accommodations.

Like: seats that don't move; fast boarding; engaging crew; low-prices; individual gate at LGA; access to restrooms at the gate Dislike: no water on the flight

To be Honest they canceled my flight and didn't have other options. Until 4 says later and I have a 2yr old very disappointed.

The whole thing everything was poorly managed poorly handled spirit doent deserve to be in business period.

Nothing. It was delayed three times and then canceled and we had to drive 15 hours to get home and rent a car.

Traveling to a place near Chicago?

Book flights to Chicago if you plan to visit one of these locations
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Everything you need to know for your flight to Chicago

Cabin class types available on flights to Orange County

Cabin classes available on flights to Chicago. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.