SJC - CHI

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Everything you should know

Cheapest round-trip
$297
Typical prices: $347-$584
Frontier
Tue 10/16Thu 10/18
SJC - ORD • 1 stop
Cheapest non-stop
$308
Typical prices: $392-$643
Southwest
Wed 10/31Fri 11/2
SJC - MDW • Non-stop
Nonstop flights
You can fly direct with Southwest and United Airlines. Average duration is 4h 13m
Direct flights
+1
Direct flights
+1
Top routes
Cheapest • 7% average savings
Most popular
Insights
Insights
When to book
in advance
Our data shows that travelers who book at least 18 weeks in advance save around 54% compared to booking last minute.
Insights
Insights
When to travel
Cheapest • 14% price drop
Most popular
Good to know
+1
Good to know
+1
Top layover airports
Cheapest • Avg $346 (round-trip)
Shortest trip • 6h 28m (one-way)
Insights
Insights
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Expert advice
Flight Deals

Cheap Flights from San Jose to Chicago (SJC-CHI)

 
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent round-trip flight deals from San Jose to Chicago

Fri, Oct 23 - Sun, Oct 25
Frontier Logo
2:15 pm - 6:34 amSJC  San Jose-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
14h 19m1 stop Los Angeles
Frontier Logo
3:30 pm - 1:20 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SJC San Jose
23h 50m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$297Frontier
Fri, Oct 16 - Sun, Oct 18
Frontier Logo
2:15 pm - 6:34 amSJC  San Jose-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
14h 19m1 stop Los Angeles
Frontier Logo
3:30 pm - 1:20 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SJC San Jose
23h 50m1 stop Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl
$297Frontier
Wed, Nov 4 - Sat, Nov 7
American Airlines Logo
12:58 pm - 9:58 pmSJC  San Jose-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 00m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
American Airlines Logo
5:00 am - 11:06 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SJC San Jose
8h 06m1 stop Dallas/Fort Worth
$305American Airlines
Wed, Nov 25 - Tue, Dec 1
American Airlines Logo
7:26 pm - 5:00 amSJC  San Jose-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
7h 34m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
American Airlines Logo
4:59 pm - 10:46 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SJC San Jose
7h 47m1 stop Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl
$305American Airlines
Sat, Oct 31 - Mon, Nov 2
Southwest Logo
6:40 am - 12:40 pmSJC  San Jose-MDW Chicago Midway
4h 00mnonstop
Southwest Logo
9:15 pm - 11:55 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-SJC San Jose
4h 40mnonstop
$308Southwest
Sat, Oct 24 - Thu, Oct 29
Southwest Logo
11:00 pm - 5:00 amSJC  San Jose-MDW Chicago Midway
4h 00mnonstop
Southwest Logo
9:50 am - 12:25 pmMDW  Chicago Midway-SJC San Jose
4h 35mnonstop
$308Southwest
Thu, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 9
Alaska Airlines Logo
3:11 pm - 11:49 pmSJC  San Jose-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 38m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:57 pm - 9:21 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SJC San Jose
15h 24m1 stop San Diego
$337Alaska Airlines
Mon, Nov 2 - Sat, Nov 7
Alaska Airlines Logo
3:11 pm - 11:49 pmSJC  San Jose-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
6h 38m1 stop San Diego
Alaska Airlines Logo
7:20 am - 2:43 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SJC San Jose
9h 23m1 stop San Diego
$337Alaska Airlines
Wed, Oct 14 - Fri, Oct 16
Delta Logo
11:41 am - 11:47 pmSJC  San Jose-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
10h 06m1 stop Los Angeles
Delta Logo
6:59 pm - 10:46 amORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SJC San Jose
17h 47m1 stop Los Angeles
$383Delta
Wed, Oct 14 - Wed, Oct 21
Delta Logo
11:41 am - 11:47 pmSJC  San Jose-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl
10h 06m1 stop Los Angeles
Delta Logo
7:20 am - 10:08 pmORD  Chicago O'Hare Intl-SJC San Jose
16h 48m1 stop Los Angeles
$383Delta
Booking Insights

Price, demand and travel trends for San Jose to Chicago flights

Use KAYAK data on prices, travel dates, airlines and seasonal trends to compare options and book flights from San Jose to Chicago with more confidence.

How much is a round-trip flight from San Jose to Chicago?

Round-trip flights from San Jose to Chicago start at $297. Prices are below average for this route right now, with typical round-trip fares ranging from $347 to $584. The lowest price found in the past 5 days was $297 on Frontier.

What is the cheapest San Jose to Chicago flight route?

San Jose (SJC) to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) is the cheapest San Jose to Chicago route, averaging $428 round-trip. Other San Jose to Chicago routes average $496, based on KAYAK data over the past 12 months.

What's the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Jose to Chicago?

Wednesday is the cheapest day of the week to fly from San Jose to Chicago, it is 14% cheaper than the average day. Sunday is the most expensive day with flight prices 53% higher than average. Based on deals found by KAYAK users in the last 12 months.

What is the cheapest month to fly from San Jose to Chicago?

•September is the cheapest month to fly from San Jose to Chicago at $394 round-trip.
•June ($561) and November ($545) are the most expensive months.
•The price difference between flying in the cheapest and most expensive months is 42% on average.
This is based on KAYAK aggregated and averaged internal data over the past 12 months.

When are prices from San Jose to Chicago the cheapest?

Flights from San Jose to Chicago are cheapest 18 weeks before departure. Booking in this window typically costs about 54% less than the average last-minute fare (within 2 weeks of the flight), based on KAYAK data.

Expert advice

Expert advice for your flight from San Jose to Chicago

 
KAYAK teamed up with top travel experts to share the best tips for your journey.
Our travel experts
Blane Bachelor

Blane Bachelor

Expert on Southwest

Blane Bachelor is a journalist and editor specializing in travel and aviation who writes regularly for top global outlets. Born and raised in Florida, Blane has worked and lived in four countries, including the Netherlands, where she’s currently based with her family. Her favorite way to get to know a new destination is by running or riding a bike around town – or hearing a spooky ghost story about local history. She will always choose the window seat.

Stefanie Waldek

Stefanie Waldek

Expert on United Airlines, ORD and MDW

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.

Bill Fink

Bill Fink

Expert on SJC

Bill is an award-winning travel writer with extensive credits covering airlines and the aviation industry for publications including AARP, AFAR, The Points Guy and Yahoo. Based in Portland, Oregon, Bill has traveled to more than 75 countries - and been late for his flight in most of them. He once achieved top-level frequent flier status for all of American, Delta and United Airlines during a single year.

Key details for San Jose to Chicago flights

Low season

January

Cheapest flight

$169
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 6% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 23% increase in price.
Flight from San Jose to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

When to book flights from San Jose to Chicago

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from San Jose to Chicago based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated round-trip price

Your San Jose to Chicago flight questions, answered

Find helpful route details based on KAYAK data, including flight times, airports, airlines and booking questions.

  • Are there exchange rate centers at O'Hare International airport?

    Yes, there is an exchange rate center. Each terminal at O'Hare International Airport has a foreign currency exchange counter operated by Seaway Bank. Seaway is a service that assists passengers in getting ready for their trips to international locations by facilitating the acquisition of foreign currency before departure and currency exchange upon return. There are automated teller machines (ATMs) positioned throughout the airport, both before and after security checkpoints, as well as in each terminal. These ATMs are offered by both local and national financial organizations.

  • Can I have access to a nursing room at San Jose International Airport?

    Yes, you can access a nursing room. The Nursing Rooms may be found just inside the door of the women's toilet (with the exception of the Gate 8 site), and they are furnished with a comfy chair, sink, changing station, and outlets.

  • At O'Hare International Airport, do they provide car rental services?

    Yes, there is car rental services. You don’t have to worry when traveling to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) because there are a variety of car rental services. Car rentals provide flexible rentals with no hidden fees. Rental companies include Alamo, Goldcar, Megadrive, Europcar, Centaura. They are located inside the terminal building, usually in arrivals.

  • What services are available for passengers with reduced mobility?

    When departing from San Jose International Airport, it is feasible to request special assistance to go through security and to your gate in advance. The airport has accessible facilities as well as additional assistance for those with concealed disabilities. O'Hare International Airport, the airport of arrival, also provides accessible services like wheelchairs and adapted facilities.

  • Which airlines offer extra legroom and free seat selection on San Jose to Chicago flights?

    Among airlines operating San Jose to Chicago flights:

    • United Airlines: offers extra legroom; offers free seat selection
    • Southwest: offers free seat selection

    Extra legroom and free seat selection availability depends on fare class and route.

  • What airlines are available from San Jose to Chicago?

    2 airlines operate flights between San Jose and Chicago. The airlines offering nonstop flights on this route include:

    • Southwest
    • United Airlines

  • Which airports can I use when flying from San Jose to Chicago?

    Flights from San Jose to Chicago usually depart from San Jose (SJC) and may arrive at several airports in Chicago area, including Chicago Midway (MDW), Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD) and Chicago Greater Rockford (RFD).

  • Which airlines include bags at no extra cost on San Jose to Chicago flights?

    Here are some options for this route, based on selected ticket types and cabin classes:

    • United Airlines: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • Southwest: a cabin bag and a checked bag in Economy Class
    • JetBlue: a cabin bag in Economy Class class

    Bag allowance can vary by ticket type, cabin class, route and airline, so travelers should check the fare details before booking.

  • What cabin classes can I book on flights from San Jose to Chicago?

    Three cabin classes are available on flights from San Jose to Chicago:

    • Economy Class
    • Premium Economy Class
    • First Class

  • How much can I save by taking a layover when flying from San Jose to Chicago?

    On this route, layover flights are cheaper than nonstop options on average. Layover fares average $346 round-trip via Seattle/Tacoma Intl (SEA), compared to $495 for nonstop.

  • What is the standard checked-bag allowance on flights from San Jose to Chicago?

    There is no standard. Checked-bag policies vary by airline on this route. Most carriers charge $40–$90 for the first checked bag in economy. Premium fares and elite-status bookings typically include a free checked bag.

  • Which airports do connecting flights from San Jose to Chicago pass through?

    One-stop flights from San Jose to Chicago most commonly connect through:

    • San Diego (SAN) - 43% of one-stop connections
    • Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl (LAS) - 19% of one-stop connections
    • Denver Intl (DEN) - 11% of one-stop connections
    • Salt Lake City (SLC) - 11% of one-stop connections

    San Diego (SAN) handles the largest share of one-stop connections on this route.

  • Can I save money by using flexible dates for flights from San Jose to Chicago?

    Yes. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you up to 44% on the San Jose to Chicago route. Wednesday is the cheapest departure day at $395 round-trip on average, while Sunday is the most expensive at $702, a difference of $307. KAYAK's flexible dates feature shows options up to 3 days before and after your selected dates, making it easier to compare nearby fares.

  • How are flight departures from San Jose to Chicago spread across the day?

    Morning is the busiest departure period on San Jose to Chicago flights, with 50% of flights leaving in that window. Afternoon departures account for 25%, night flights for 25%, and evening flights for 0%.

  • What popular places can I visit in Chicago?

    Some of the most popular sights in Chicago are Magnificent Mile, Grant Park and River North. These are among the most viewed places in Chicago on KAYAK.

  • What are the earliest and latest flights from San Jose to Chicago?

    These are the earliest and latest flight times available from San Jose to Chicago:

    • Earliest: departs at 6:00 am and lands at 10:13 am
    • Latest: departs at 11:00 pm and lands at 3:13 am.

    The flight takes about 4h 13m.

  • How expensive are last-minute San Jose to Chicago flights?

    Last-minute fares on this route - booked within 2 weeks of departure - run 53% above the route average of $457. Book 18 weeks before departure for the lowest fares.

  • How long is a flight from San Jose to Chicago?

    A nonstop flight from San Jose to Chicago takes 4h 13m, covering 1,838 miles.

  • Do I need a passport to fly from San Jose to Chicago?

    No, a passport is not required for this domestic route, but you will need a real ID-compliant driver's license, a state ID, or another TSA-accepted form of identification.

  • Have flight prices from San Jose to Chicago changed much recently?

    Yes. Based on fares seen in the past 5 days, round-trip prices on this route showed a wide range, from about $297 to $1,847. That means the highest observed fare was about 6x higher than the lowest one.

  • How are flight prices from San Jose to Chicago looking right now?

    One-way fares from San Jose to Chicago are currently lower than usual. Average one-way flight prices are about $177, which is 29% below the typical average for this route.

  • How much time can I save by choosing a different layover airport from San Jose to Chicago?

    Flying via Salt Lake City (SLC) gives the shortest average 1-stop total travel time at 6h 28m, compared with 6h 30m via Minneapolis St Paul (MSP) and 6h 45m via Long Beach Municipal (LGB).

  • What is the time difference between San Jose and Chicago?

    Chicago is 2 hours ahead of San Jose (Central Time vs Pacific Time). Plan for the time shift when scheduling connections or first-day activities.

  • What car rental options are available in Chicago?

    Since Chicago is served by multiple airports, car rental options and rates can vary depending on which one you fly into.
    Near Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD) — daily rates from around $17:

    • Routes Car & Truck Rentals
    • Europcar
    • Hertz
    • Dollar
    • Ace

    Near Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) — daily rates from around $32:

    • Hertz
    • Dollar
    • Budget
    • Alamo
    • Rent-A-Wreck

    Near Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD) — daily rates from around $30:

    • Alamo
    • Enterprise Rent-A-Car
    • Budget
    • Avis
    • National

  • How much should I expect to pay for a San Jose to Chicago flight?

    Round-trip flights from San Jose to Chicago range from $347 to $584, with an average of $457 over the past 12 months. Anything below $347 counts as a good deal.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi on San Jose to Chicago flights?

    JetBlue is the only airline on the San Jose to Chicago route offering in-flight Wi-Fi. Pricing depends on fare class.

Your guide to booking San Jose to Chicago flights

Get tips on when to book, when to fly and what to know before your trip.
  • If your dates can be flexible, aim for a Wednesday departure instead of Sunday. On this route, Wednesday flights average $395 - about $307 less than Sunday (44% savings) based on the last 12 months.
  • For the best chance at a low fare, aim to book around 18 weeks before you fly. On this route, that window historically saves about 54% versus last-minute pricing (KAYAK booking data, last 12 months).
  • If you can choose when to travel, plan your San Jose to Chicago trip for September. Fares historically average $394 round-trip in that month - typically $167 less than the most expensive month, which is June (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you have the time, taking a 1-stop flight through Seattle/Tacoma Intl Airport (SEA) can be cheaper than flying direct. The cheapest layover option averages $346 round-trip on this route - about $149 less than direct flights (based on the last 12 months).
  • If you're arriving late at night and need somewhere to stay, check out these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport.
    - DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
    - Holiday Inn Chicago - Midway Airport S by IHG
    - Skylark Motel
  • You can use Terminal 2 United Club at San Jose International Airport (SJC) if you want to refresh or even take a shower before starting your flight to Chicago. You may purchase a day ticket for around $50 or be invited by a member to have access to free Wi-Fi and an open bar.
  • There is Public Transit and Scheduled/Charter Buses websites for the most up-to-date schedule information on ground transportation (including Valley Transportation Authority [VTA] bus and light rail services) at San Jose International Airport.
  • Free Wi-Fi is accessible for a short period in all O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) terminals. Terminal 3 of the O’Hare Airport has a Yoga Room for passengers who need to relieve tension after a flight delay.
  • At San Jose International Airport (SJC) there is discounted airport parking which one can book online before you even leave your home and there is ample space.
  • Arrive up to 2h before your domestic flight's departure time and 3h before your international flight's departure time at San Jose International Airport. Prepare in advance, a valid ID and boarding pass are required. Avoid carrying too much in your carry-on and consider checking luggage wherever possible.
  • At San Jose International Airport (SJC), there is a pet relief stations available both outside and within the airport. Constant changes are made to airline legislation regulating animals in cabins.

Prefer to fly direct from San Jose to Chicago?

 
Find which airlines fly direct from San Jose Airport to Chicago, which days they fly and book direct flights.

Direct departures

San Jose to Chicago

Monday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Tuesday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Wednesday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Thursday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Friday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Saturday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Sunday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

See more direct flights

Direct returns

Chicago to San Jose

Monday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Tuesday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Wednesday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Thursday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Friday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Saturday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

Sunday

Southwest,United Airlines

Southwest,United Airlines

See more direct flights

More options for your flight from San Jose to Chicago

Complete your trip to Chicago with a hotel stay or car rental