$525 Find Cheap Flights from South Africa 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 6/18. 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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KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Chicago

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to Chicago, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to Chicago, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Cheap Flights from South Africa to Chicago

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

Sun, Nov 16 - Fri, Nov 21
Ethiopian Air Logo
2:30 pm - 7:40 amJNB-ORD
25h 10m2 stops
Ethiopian Air Logo
9:45 am - 8:10 pmORD-JNB
26h 25m1 stop
$925Ethiopian Air
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Thu, Nov 13 - Thu, Dec 4
Etihad Airways Logo
10:00 am - 8:15 amJNB-ORD
30h 15m1 stop
Etihad Airways Logo
1:10 pm - 8:35 amORD-JNB
35h 25m1 stop
$931Etihad Airways
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Sun, Jun 1 - Thu, Jul 10
Delta Logo
8:05 pm - 12:28 pmCPT-MDW
23h 23m2 stops
Delta Logo
10:30 am - 5:50 pmMDW-CPT
24h 20m1 stop
$986Delta
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Sun, Jun 1 - Thu, Jul 10
Delta Logo
8:05 pm - 6:48 pmCPT-ORD
29h 43m1 stop
Delta Logo
5:35 am - 5:50 pmORD-CPT
29h 15m1 stop
$986Delta
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Thu, Nov 13 - Thu, Dec 4
British Airways Logo
10:05 pm - 5:37 pmJNB-ORD
27h 32m2 stops
British Airways Logo
6:35 pm - 7:30 amORD-JNB
28h 55m2 stops
$986British Airways
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Thu, Nov 13 - Thu, Dec 4
British Airways Logo
10:05 pm - 5:37 pmJNB-ORD
27h 32m2 stops
British Airways Logo
6:35 pm - 7:30 amORD-JNB
28h 55m2 stops
$991British Airways
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Mon, Jun 16 - Mon, Jul 28
United Airlines Logo
7:50 pm - 9:39 amCPT-ORD
20h 49m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
2:24 pm - 3:20 pmORD-CPT
17h 56m1 stop
$1,089United Airlines
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Sun, Jun 15 - Mon, Jul 14
United Airlines Logo
9:20 pm - 2:16 pmJNB-ORD
23h 56m2 stops
United Airlines Logo
10:00 am - 5:45 pmORD-JNB
24h 45m2 stops
$1,102United Airlines
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Sat, Jul 19 - Sat, Jan 17
KLM Logo
3:20 pm - 2:10 pmCPT-ORD
29h 50m2 stops
KLM Logo
1:35 pm - 9:55 pmORD-CPT
24h 20m2 stops
$1,118KLM
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Tue, Jun 17 - Wed, Jul 30
KLM Logo
11:15 pm - 2:10 pmCPT-ORD
21h 55m1 stop
KLM Logo
4:50 pm - 9:25 pmORD-CPT
21h 35m1 stop
$1,186KLM
Find Deal
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KAYAK's insights & trends for flights to Chicago

Get data-powered insights and trends for flights to Chicago to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly and much more.

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for flights to Chicago, 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 to Chicago is February, where tickets cost $974 on average for return flights. On the other hand, the most expensive months are August and December, where the average cost of tickets from South Africa is $1,254 and $1,210 respectively. For one-way flights, the best month to travel is February with an average price of $974.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Chicago?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights to Chicago, 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, you should book around 5 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 20 weeks before departure.

Which is the cheapest airport to fly into in Chicago?

Prices will differ depending on the departure airport, but generally, the cheapest airport to fly to in Chicago is Chicago Greater Rockford Airport (RFD), with an average flight price of $117.


Good to know

Low seasonFebruary
High seasonJune
Cheapest flight$525
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 9% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 1% increase in price.
Flight from Johannesburg to Chicago O'Hare Airport

FAQs - booking Chicago flights

  • Which Chicago airport is closest to central Chicago?

    9 miles away from Chicago’s city center, Chicago Midway Airport is the closest of the 3 major airports in the city. There are 16 miles separating Chicago city center to Chicago O'Hare Airport, and 79 miles to Chicago Greater Rockford.

  • What is the cheapest day to fly to Chicago?

    Based on KAYAK data, the cheapest day to fly to Chicago is Tuesday where round-trip tickets can be as cheap as $967. On the other hand, the most expensive day to fly is Thursday, where round-trip prices are $1,318 on average.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights 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 to Chicago.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to Chicago is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights 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 with another airline.

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

    The cheapest time of day to fly to Chicago is generally in the morning, when round-trip flights cost $1,005 on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Chicago is generally in the afternoon, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,099.

  • How many direct flights to Chicago are there each week?

    Each week there are around 13,434 direct flights from within South Africa to Chicago. The most common day for departures is Thursday, with 15% of flights taking off on this day.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Chicago

  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Chicago flight deals.

Top 4 airlines serving from South Africa to Chicago

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying to Chicago. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline from South Africa to Chicago. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with 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
DeltaOverall score based on 7951 reviews
7.9Entertainment
7.9Comfort
8.5Crew
8.2Boarding
7.3Food
Airline reviews

Delta changed our flight a few months prior to our trip and we couldn’t get as good of seats on the new flight. Because of that we couldn’t sit together which was very disappointing. On the flight after a few hrs the bathrooms were filthy. The seats were comfortable - we were in comfort plus. The food was not good. The dinner was average but the morning snack was uneatable with horrible coffee. We have always preferred Delta comfort plus for our overseas travel and usually the food is decent, but not this trip.

6.0 GoodAnonymous, May 2025MAD - ATL
Read more Delta reviews

Delta changed our flight a few months prior to our trip and we couldn’t get as good of seats on the new flight. Because of that we couldn’t sit together which was very disappointing. On the flight after a few hrs the bathrooms were filthy. The seats were comfortable - we were in comfort plus. The food was not good. The dinner was average but the morning snack was uneatable with horrible coffee. We have always preferred Delta comfort plus for our overseas travel and usually the food is decent, but not this trip.

They boarded very early. We rushed to transfer and got to the gate 5 minutes after boarding was scheduled to start, however they were making a last call and holding signs for “all customers” to board. They were helpful at the gate, but I was surprised to see that we were some of the last to board at 5 minutes after scheduled boarding was to begin.

Subject: Complaint Regarding Disrespectful Behavior by Delta Air Lines Staff at Boarding Gate Dear Delta Air Lines Team, I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding the behavior of a staff member at the boarding gate today, May 14, 2025, at Las Américas International Airport. While we were preparing to board flight DL-1829 to New York, scheduled for 2:28 PM at gate T-11, we were informed that the aircraft was experiencing water system issues and that passengers were advised to use the restroom before boarding. I politely approached one of the Delta staff members to ask whether the lavatory would be partially or completely unavailable during the flight, as I am traveling with a baby in my arms. The employee’s response was extremely rude and arrogant. He replied, in an unnecessarily hostile tone, something along the lines of: “It’s either that or we cancel the flight — do you want us to cancel the flight?” This response lacked any empathy or professionalism. I understand that technical issues can arise, but that does not excuse such inappropriate treatment of passengers. I felt deeply disrespected and disappointed by the interaction. I sincerely hope appropriate measures are taken, and that all staff members receive the necessary training to treat passengers with courtesy, especially in delicate situations like this one.

Good flights. On time. They had a gluten free snack option which was nice

Take this flight once or twice a month. Just don’t cut it from the schedule.

737-800 in first class was pretty dumpy. Seat had an uncomfortable angle, storage under the seat was blocked so even my very modest backpack didn't fit, power outlet was flaky. Weird tiny seat pockets that couldn't hold a gallon ziploc bag, emesis bag missing, etc. etc. No in-flight service due to turbulence. Crew was excellent, boarding was smooth despite a full flight.

This is speaking of the original flight leaving on April 30th(DL 1957) not the rebooked the following morning DL 9887. On April 30th, it was unusually crowded at Sangster International Airport (MBJ) the morning my mother and I arrived for our flight. She had to exceedingly long time for a wheelchair, once a wheelchair attendant arrived to take us to thru immigration and security then to go to gate the flight was boarding. We stayed on board for 3 1/2 hrs until the flight crew notified the passengers that flight indefinitely delayed so we had to stay by gate area. Before that my mom had to wait an additional 20-30 mins to deboard the plane. Was given food vouchers, by the time I came back the gate agents said the flight was gonna to reboard, so all the wheelchair passengers lined up. We waited an additional 45 mins, while I received a notification from kayak that the flight was cancelled. And on my delta app updated that flight was being detoured to Miami then from Miami back to JFK. We boarded the plane started to eat, then the flight crew notified us the flight was indeed being detoured & that how come the gate agents didn’t notified the passengers. We stayed on board for another 30-40 mins then was told by the captain that they tried all avenues to get the passengers back to JFK but the crew couldn’t continue the journey and the flight was cancelled. So we deboarded the plane again. Was told that we were going to be setup in hotels for the night. The hotel that we setup to go to wasn’t suitable for my mother’s needs and requested one nearby we were located in Jamaica. So any we had called a taxi to come to take us back where we stayed in Jamaica, that we had to pay out of own pockets.

Food from the flight from Atlanta to Santiago was very poor..

Flight was delayed due to weather. Crew did a nice job of making us comfortable. No complain complaints.

Fine except the person next to me took up her seat had raised the arm divide so she spilled into my seat. because of her size. Fortunately no one was in the seat on my right so I could use part of it.

The service was great. However the lounge only gets passing grade

Cabin crew professional, polite and friendly, boarding was seemless, but come on KLM surely you can do better than a pack of cheesy biscuits as an inflight snack

Cabin crew were excellent, very proffesional, polite and friendly, in flight snack was underwhelming, a packet of cheese biscuits, im sure KLM could run to a sandwich!

Legroom not all it could be, especially when the seat in front is reclined. Otherwise it was good, food and beverage were nice.

This portion of the flight was through Indigo. A local carrier. So all economy seating. No real service some refreshments for purchase standard economy stuff.

You should not have to pay for WiFi in business class

Transfer at Amsterdam airport is very convenient and the airport is easy to navigate. Boarding was also quick and easy. Cabin crew were excellent and the meals were good, although lacking in options.

This fight left ahead of time which meant it arrived early which was great. Staff were very professional, but as with all these Short hop Flights the food was a disappointing snack There was no entertainment on this flight, but I did not expect any

I flew premium economy and this was a good option. Although the seats didn’t recline much, I was able to get some sleep with my head propped against the window. The food was good and the entertainment was wonderful The staff were very attentive and professional

They only had vegetarian food left on the flight which I wasn’t happy about. I didn’t get any food to eat at all.

All flight attendants could benefit by taking an international flight on Qantas Airline. Qantas attendants are much more hospitable in every way. Much superior than and attendants on any US airline.

While the staff was pleasant and helpful, the following observations are for your awareness. There was some delay on the tarmac on take off and landing. The paid lunch/food offerings were limited. Entertainment was only available on WiFi at a cost.

The first flight was better in terms of the aircraft.

So far so good but food and entertainment are not available for this flight

Smooth flight. Boarding was chaotic. Could not hear the gate agent over the intercom. People were lined up in the wrong lines. Groups one and two were told to board through line one and group 3 through line 2. All very confusing. Once in the air, the flight was smooth. There was no entertainment option on this aircraft, even though it was a larger aircraft.

Overall poor for me I paid extra for seats with leg room and my regional flights exit row seats have less leg room then the others that's money that could have been saved and on my final flight home the flights air was not operating it was unbearably hot in the cabin I will be contacting United and filing a DOT complaint

It was my first time with United Airlines and I would say it was very good experience and best of all the flights were on time. Will definitely fly with United Airlines next time.

Very modern plane. Good seat spacing. Meals were good. Screens had tons of movies and worked

There's just no way to sit fully upright and comfortably in these seats. There needs to be 2 more inches of room, and that's not something that only one person on the flight needs - the whole flight needs 2 more inches of room. If that means you sell 6 less seats, so be it. It's too close for anyone. Forcing people to pay for "premium" economy just to get "barely enough space to breathe" isn't really an answer to that.

The crew were very nice. The Chocolate is good and v there’s no entertainment. Thanks

Boarding was fairly chaotic. One of your employees clipped my ankle as he was passing with an empty wheelchair and not only did not apologize but stated something to the effect of “oh forGod’s sake.” There was plenty of room for him to pass. otherwise, everything was excellent.

Not good. First time flying AA in years and won’t be doing so again. We departed late and missed our connecting flight to Barcelona. As a result we missed the first two days of a Mediterranean cruise. No reason given for the delay. Got rerouted from JFK to Heathrow and then to Barcelona. Flight to Heathrow was delayed causing us to miss the flight to Barcelona again. Routed then to Palmero where we had to purchase transportation and a 2 night hotel stay to pick up the cruise there. Probably cost us $2k plus.

Fantastic! Great seats! Friendly staff! Amazing selection of shows and movies! Smooth ride! I don’t know what more I could have asked for honestly. They made flying a breeze this time around.

Had a very bad experience flying out of London. Our initial flight was cancelled without notice and the next flight had a layover of 8 extra hours. Me, my husband and my 8-year-old were already sick, and this further added to our problems. We paid extra for the seats: I was not even given our chosen seats which we paid for months before the trip. We were shoved into the available seats which were middle ones in the back (we had paid for front window, aisle, aisle). The seats were so uncomfortable and getting out of middle seats every so often (with a sick child) was a task. We had initially chosen British Airways because of the short layover, however, that went out of the window. Although unexpected things happen all the time and I understand customers have to adjust for the unplanned, however, how the airlines react and make the passengers comfortable during that time is the real test. We were not given any compensation for food or any arrangement to stay comfortable during that time. In fact, our paid seats were taken away as well.

The whole experience was very disappointing. Drinks could have been served and offered more frequently. The seats were reasonable but considering I paid for premium economy, I felt cheated. I flew premium economy with Japanese Airlines ANA 5 years ago and their service was by far, superior. We had access to the club lounge, better seats and excellent service. Out of 10, I would rate the experience as 4. Everything felt cheap and the Airbus aircraft are far better and more comfortable

Flight was okay however bags were left in London even though we had a 7 hour layover. Bags are yet to be confirmed to reach final destination. Horrible work.

Quiet and comfortable aircraft, pretty smooth flight. Very comfortable business class cabin with decent entertainment. Good service from the crew. All in all a good experience.

Why does a reputable airline like BA allow a miserable domestic airline like AA to operate its flights? There is no comparison between the two

Boarding is a mess. They never check group # so lots of people crowding in. Comfortable seats this flight. I had an empty seat next to me, very convenient. Food was really not good, but I was starved. The pizza snack thing was horrible. Crew was grand. They really make it enjoyable.

Too much long line at the TSA and Security. Prepare for long walk for baggage claim.

Everything you need to know for your flight to Chicago

Cabin class types available on flights to Chicago

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