SAN - ORD

$131 Find Cheap Flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport - Compare and Save

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Diego to O'Hare Intl departing on 11/7. 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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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$258
Typical prices: $197-$347
Frontier
Mon 10/19Thu 10/22
SAN - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$260
Typical prices: $197-$347
Alaska Airlines
Fri 10/16Mon 10/19
SAN - ORD • Non-stop
Advice from real travelers
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts and KAYAK users. AI can make mistakes.
United Economy Plus adds up to 6 inches more legroom than standard economy.
AA Main Cabin Extra adds early boarding and drinks; Wi-Fi includes 20 free minutes.
Expert advice
Expert advice
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Expert advice
Expert advice
+1
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines. Average duration is 4h 24m
Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
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Direct flights
Direct flights
+1
Avoid delays
Most punctual • 93% on-time
Best time • Fewest delays
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $250 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 33m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 4 weeks in advance save around 48% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 22% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
Good to know
+1
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Good to know
Good to know
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We hope you love your trip to O'Hare Intl!
Flight Deals
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Diego to O'Hare Intl (SAN-ORD)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for round-trip flights from San Diego to O'Hare Intl 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 San Diego to O'Hare Intl

Mon, Oct 19 - Thu, Oct 22
Frontier Logo
8:34 pm - 5:16 amSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 42m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Frontier Logo
8:01 pm - 7:49 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
25h 48m2 stops Los Angeles Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$258Frontier
Sat, Sep 5 - Tue, Sep 22
Frontier Logo
3:45 pm - 1:36 pmSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
19h 51m1 stop Denver Intl
Frontier Logo
6:30 am - 6:19 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
13h 49m2 stops Denver Intl San Francisco
$258Frontier
Tue, Oct 6 - Fri, Oct 9
Multiple Airlines Logo
5:54 pm - 5:38 amSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
9h 44m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
2:21 pm - 5:01 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 40mnonstop
$258Multiple Airlines
Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 14
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:25 am - 12:23 amSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
15h 58m1 stop Denver Intl
Multiple Airlines Logo
8:17 pm - 11:00 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 43mnonstop
$259Multiple Airlines
Fri, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 19
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:46 pm - 11:59 pmSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 13mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:20 am - 9:56 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 36mnonstop
$260Alaska Airlines
Mon, Nov 16 - Mon, Nov 23
Alaska Airlines Logo
5:35 pm - 11:49 pmSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 14mnonstop
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:26 am - 10:07 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 41mnonstop
$260Alaska Airlines
Tue, Dec 8 - Wed, Dec 16
American Airlines Logo
9:26 am - 8:55 pmSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
9h 29m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
American Airlines Logo
4:45 pm - 7:15 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 30mnonstop
$266American Airlines
Wed, Oct 7 - Tue, Oct 13
American Airlines Logo
1:08 pm - 12:35 amSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
9h 27m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
American Airlines Logo
9:00 pm - 11:33 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 33mnonstop
$266American Airlines
Tue, Sep 15 - Tue, Sep 22
United Airlines Logo
2:15 pm - 8:36 pmSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 21mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
8:50 am - 11:25 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 35mnonstop
$277United Airlines
Wed, Sep 9 - Wed, Sep 9
United Airlines Logo
6:41 am - 1:00 pmSAN  San Diego-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
4h 19mnonstop
United Airlines Logo
7:45 pm - 10:10 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SAN San Diego
4h 25mnonstop
$277United Airlines
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for San Diego to O'Hare Intl flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from San Diego to O'Hare Intl to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport?

This analysis is based on the cheapest round-trip price found on KAYAK in the last 12 months by searching for a flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport departing in October.

Flight prices are below average for this route right now.

Flights to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport from San Diego usually cost between $289 and $428 in October.
The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $258 on Multiple Airlines (Oct 6-Oct 9).

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

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

If your flying dates are flexible, you should consider flying to Chicago O'Hare Airport on a Thursday, as we generally find the cheapest rates on that day for this route. On the other hand, Sunday is the most expensive day to fly from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport. For your return ticket, we recommend flying on a Thursday and avoiding Sundays for the best deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport, 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 San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport is January, where tickets cost $247 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are July and June, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is $384 and $369 respectively.

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

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 $354, prices are generally cheapest when you fly direct.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport, 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 San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport, you should book around 4 weeks before departure, which saves you about 48% compared to booking last minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 7 weeks before departure.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Diego to O'Hare Intl

 
AI-powered summary based on content written by travel experts. AI can make mistakes.
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Harriet Baskas

Harriet Baskas

Expert on American Airlines

Harriet is an award-winning journalist who is happiest in an airport or an unusual museum. Her stories about airports, air travel, and the business of travel have appeared on NBC News, CNBC, USA TODAY, The Points Guy and other outlets. She is the creator of the StuckatTheAirport.com blog and the author of nine books. When not out on the road or exploring the latest airport amenities, she’s home in Seattle getting ready for the next adventure.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines and ORD

Stefanie Waldek is a freelance space, travel, and design writer based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Her words have appeared in Space.com, Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Architectural Digest, and House Beautiful, among other publications. An expert in aviation and expedition cruising, Stefanie is frequently up in the air or on the sea, likely en route to Antarctica or the Arctic.

Brandon Schultz

Brandon Schultz

Expert on SAN

Brandon Schultz is an award-winning food and travel writer based in New York City. His work has appeared in Forbes, AAA, Thrillist, Travel + Leisure, and The Daily Meal, among many others, and he is the author of 6 books, including 3 cookbooks.

Good to know

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$131
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 22% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 21% increase in price.
Flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport

When to book flights from San Diego to O'Hare Intl

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Diego to O'Hare Intl based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or round-trips with a duration up to 40 days. While we try to provide actual minimum prices for each date, some prices are predictions and actual prices may differ.

Flights from San Diego to O'Hare Intl: the best tips from KAYAK users' own experiences

Insights shared by verified travelers who flew the route from San Diego to O'Hare Intl 
CupcakeFlew with Alaska Airlines-Apr 2026
Please bring a water bottle for hydration during the flight.
RodFlew with United Airlines-Sep 2024
Yes! Don’t reserve a flight with less than 1 1/2 hour connection time or you have a good possibility of missing your connection.

FAQs for booking San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport flights

  • What are the transfer options between terminals at Chicago O’Hare Airport?

    ORD, Chicago’s primary hub, is organized into four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5). You can get across all terminals with either airport shuttles or the ATS train. ORD terminals are linked to Parking Lot 5 by shuttle buses, whereas the Main Parking Garage, the Hilton Hotel, Shuttle Centre on Level 1, and the domestic terminals (Terminals 1, 2, and 3) are linked by the Pedestrian Tunnel Level.

  • Are pets allowed in Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)?

    If you can’t bear to go on your trip to ORD without your pet companion, ORD is welcoming to four-legged companions. The airport features six pet relief zones: the multi-modal facility and the lower levels of Terminals 1, 2, and 5 are your outdoor alternatives, while the Indoor alternatives are available in the Rotunda Area, Terminal 3. ORD's pet policy, like most airports, requires all dogs to be kenneled while in the airport.

  • Which facilities are in San Diego International Airport for passengers traveling with youngsters?

    Lactating moms with flight tickets from San Diego to Chicago O’Hare Airport can take advantage of the three nursing rooms located after security in Terminals 1 and 2, which feature amenities like soothing lighting, cozy lighting, electrical outlets, and washing stations. Older kids will appreciate behind-the-scenes tours of the airport and the walled-off breeding area for the nearly extinct California Least Tern.

  • Where can I park at San Diego International Airport (SAN)?

    Arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport stress-free with the knowledge that your car will be taken care of at San Diego Airport. Short-term parking is conveniently accessible from the Terminal 1 Parking Lot and Terminal 2 Parking Plaza. Long-term parking is cheaper than short-term and is found at the Long-term Lot on Harbor Drive. Passengers will have to board an airport shuttle bus to the airport premises. Access the airport’s Economy Lot off Pacific Highway for the most pocket-friendly pricing.

  • What is the cheapest flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport?

    In the last 5 days, the lowest price for a flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport was $131 for a one-way ticket and $258 for a round-trip.

  • Do I need a passport to fly between San Diego and Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    No, a passport isn't needed to fly from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport. However, local authorities might ask for an official ID.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    San Diego and Chicago O'Hare Airport are both served by 1 main airport. You will leave San Diego from San Diego and will be arriving at Chicago O'Hare Intl.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    The Airbus A321-100/200 is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    Star Alliance, and oneworld are the airline alliances operating flights between San Diego and Chicago O'Hare Airport, with Star Alliance being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    There are nonstop flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport on a daily basis.

  • Which is the best airline for flights from San Diego to Chicago, Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines?

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from San Diego to Chicago are Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. With an average price for the route of $323 and an overall rating of 7.9, Alaska Airlines is the most popular choice. Hawaiian Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of $197 and an overall rating of 7.8.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    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 San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Chicago O'Hare Airport from San Diego 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 San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    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 O'Hare Airport with an airline and back to San Diego with another airline. Booking your flights between San Diego and ORD can sometimes prove cheaper using this method.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

    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 O'Hare Airport from San Diego up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for $201 or less one-way and $327 or less round-trip.
  • Passengers looking for directions or information about San Diego International Airport (SAN) can go to the information center housed in the Baggage Claim of both Terminals. Alternatively, you may approach one of the airport’s personnel wearing green polo shirts found throughout the terminals.
  • Flights with a single stop from San Diego to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) are eco-friendlier and cheaper than direct and double-stop flights. Roughly 798 kg of carbon is released per person on this trip. You can book a flight with either Frontier or Spirit Airlines if you wish to fly more sustainably. The airlines emit 52% and 47% less carbon, respectively.
  • The bus from downtown to SAN is the most convenient transit option. The journey by Metropolitan Transit System bus takes around 15 minutes from the city center to the airport, stopping at Terminals 1 and 2. Other travel options include airport shuttles and taxis.
  • The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel, opposite Terminal 2 of ORD, is accessible via the Pedestrian Tunnel Level and is a good alternative to retreat after your flight from San Diego.
  • To rejuvenate after a long day of traveling, retreat to either the Swissport Lounge between Gates M8 and M7, Terminal 5, or the United Club in Concourse C. The lounges have rejuvenating showers and beverages.

Prefer to fly direct from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Airport?

 
Direct data is based off flight results for the next 60 days. Find direct flights from all airlines flying direct from San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl.
Find which airlines fly direct from San Diego Airport to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Diego to Chicago O'Hare Intl

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago O'Hare Intl to San Diego

Monday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines,United Airlines

Alaska Airlines,American Airlines, +1 more

See more direct flights

Everything you need to know for your flight from San Diego to O'Hare Intl

Information on your arrival and departure airports