CHI - SFO

₹ 7,683 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Francisco

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 departing on 29/5. 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 San Francisco

 
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to San Francisco, as well as popular online travel agencies
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results in flight searches from Chicago to San Francisco, as well as popular online travel agencies
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Cheap Flight Deals from Chicago to San Francisco (CHI-SFO)

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Chicago to San Francisco 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.

Recent return flight deals from Chicago to San Francisco

KAYAK's recommended return flight deals from the most popular airlines that fly from Chicago to San Francisco.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.
Choose your dates
United Airlines Logo
07:20 - 10:11ORD-SFO
4h 51mdirect
United Airlines Logo
00:10 - 06:30SFO-ORD
4h 20mdirect
₹ 15,280United Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, 15 May - Sat, 17 May
Alaska Airlines Logo
19:59 - 22:49ORD-SFO
4h 50mdirect
Alaska Airlines Logo
12:33 - 18:59SFO-ORD
4h 26mdirect
₹ 16,048Alaska Airlines
Find Deal
Thu, 29 May - Tue, 3 Jun
Southwest Logo
18:55 - 00:10ORD-SFO
7h 15m1 stop
Southwest Logo
22:45 - 12:45SFO-ORD
12h 00m1 stop
₹ 19,804Southwest
Find Deal
Fri, 11 Jul - Tue, 15 Jul
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
19:59 - 22:49ORD-SFO
4h 50mdirect
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
19:49 - 05:40SFO-ORD
7h 51m1 stop
₹ 20,316Hawaiian Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, 30 May - Mon, 2 Jun
Southwest Logo
12:40 - 17:55ORD-SFO
7h 15m1 stop
Southwest Logo
06:00 - 15:35SFO-ORD
7h 35m1 stop
₹ 20,572Southwest
Find Deal
Wed, 27 Aug - Sun, 31 Aug
Delta Logo
18:15 - 00:20ORD-SFO
8h 05m1 stop
Delta Logo
06:05 - 15:04SFO-ORD
6h 59m1 stop
₹ 21,938Delta
Find Deal
Thu, 19 Jun - Thu, 26 Jun
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
19:18 - 22:06ORD-SFO
4h 48mdirect
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
19:49 - 05:40SFO-ORD
7h 51m1 stop
₹ 22,450Hawaiian Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, 11 Jul - Mon, 14 Jul
Delta Logo
14:25 - 00:04ORD-SFO
11h 39m1 stop
Delta Logo
21:35 - 08:35SFO-ORD
9h 00m1 stop
₹ 23,560Delta
Find Deal
Tue, 27 May - Fri, 6 Jun
American Airlines Logo
21:00 - 23:49ORD-SFO
4h 49mdirect
American Airlines Logo
06:19 - 15:55SFO-ORD
7h 36m1 stop
₹ 29,962American Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, 16 May - Sun, 18 May
American Airlines Logo
07:40 - 10:36ORD-SFO
4h 56mdirect
American Airlines Logo
00:21 - 10:41SFO-ORD
8h 20m1 stop
₹ 33,376American Airlines
Find Deal
Fri, 16 May - Sat, 17 May

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

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

What is the cheapest Chicago to San Francisco flight route?

The cheapest price for flight routes found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks for round-trip flights from Chicago to San Francisco.
Our data shows that the cheapest route for a return flight from Chicago to San Francisco cost ₹ 13,778 and was between Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) and San Francisco (SFO). On average, the best prices are found if you fly this route. The average price for a return flight for this route is ₹ 13,778.

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

The average price of all round-trip flights from Chicago to San Francisco clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.
Your flight ticket price will generally be cheaper if you fly to San Francisco on a Thursday and more expensive on a Monday. On your return trip to Chicago, you should consider flying back on a Monday, and avoid Saturdays for better deals.

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

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to San Francisco, 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 to San Francisco is September, where tickets cost ₹ 22,962 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and March, where the average cost of round-trip tickets is ₹ 31,840 and ₹ 31,328 respectively.

Can I save money by flying with a stopover from Chicago to San Francisco?

The average return price for all direct flights, flights with one stopover, and flights with two stopovers for the route found by users searching on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks.
Yes, flying with a stopover may cost you more time, but you can also save money on the route, with a 1 stop stopover the cheapest option at ₹ 14,336 on average.

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

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to San Francisco, 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 to San Francisco, you should book around 4 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 20 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

January

High season

May

Cheapest flight

₹ 7,683
Best time to beat the crowds (6% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly and prices are also 6% lower on average.
Flight from Chicago to San Francisco

When to book flights from Chicago to San Francisco

Are your dates flexible? Find out the best times to travel from Chicago to San Francisco based on our flight data from the last year. Discover the cheapest month and even day to fly.
Estimated return price
KAYAK looks at all historical flight data for each date to provide a predicted price for one-way trips or returns 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.

FAQs for booking flights from Chicago to San Francisco

  • Can I fly from Chicago to San Francisco non-stop?

    Yes, you can. Flights from Chicago to San Francisco are quite popular and, as such, there are a great number of non-stop flights between the two cities every week. The flight is also not overly long, as it usually takes a little less than 5 hours.

  • How do I get from downtown Chicago to O’Hare International Airport?

    To get to O’Hare International Airport from downtown Chicago you can use the Amtrak connections available (Blue Line) or the bus (there are a great number of lines serving the airport). Alternatively you can take one of the shuttle buses operated by many hotels in the area, or else just hail a cab.

  • Are there on-site hotels at Chicago Midway Airport?

    While there are no hotels located inside Chicago Midway Airport, there are a number of them located just outside, many of which include shuttle services to and from the airport in addition to comfortable rooms and a tasty breakfast spread. These include the Chicago Marriott Midway Hotel, the Courtyard Chicago Midway Airport Hotel, and the Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Midway Airport Hotel.

  • What is there to do in O’Hare International Airport?

    If your flight to San Francisco is running late, take a chance to relax and stretch at the airport’s yoga room or work up a sweat at the Hilton Athletic Club, open even to non-guests for a small fee. You can also spend the time pampering yourself at the spa, getting a haircut at the barber shop, or enjoying some local art featured in the many displays scattered throughout the airport.

  • What is the cheapest flight from Chicago to San Francisco?

    In the last 3 days, the lowest price for a flight from Chicago to San Francisco was ₹ 90 for a one-way ticket and ₹ 179 for a return.

  • Which airports will I be using when flying from Chicago to San Francisco?

    On your way to San Francisco, you’ll fly out from Chicago O'Hare Intl. You’ll be landing at San Francisco.

  • Which airlines offer Wi-Fi service onboard planes from Chicago to San Francisco?

    American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines offer inflight Wi-Fi service on the Chicago to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which aircraft models fly most regularly from Chicago to San Francisco?

    The Airbus A321neo is the aircraft model that flies most regularly on the Chicago to San Francisco flight route.

  • Which airline alliances offer flights from Chicago to San Francisco?

    oneworld, and Star Alliance are the airline alliances operating flights between Chicago and San Francisco, with oneworld being the most commonly used for this route.

  • On which days can I fly direct from Chicago to San Francisco?

    There are direct flights from Chicago to San Francisco on a daily basis.

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

    The two airlines most popular with KAYAK users for flights from Chicago to San Francisco are Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. With an average price for the route of ₹ 28,221 and an overall rating of 8.0, Alaska Airlines is the most popular choice. American Airlines is also a great choice for the route, with an average price of ₹ 34,035 and an overall rating of 7.2.

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

    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.

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

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

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to San Francisco with an airline and back to Chicago 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?

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

See more FAQs

KAYAK’s top tips for finding a cheap flight from Chicago to San Francisco

  • Looking for a cheap flight? 25% of our users found flights on this route for ₹ 10,970 or less one-way and ₹ 22,789 or less round-trip.
  • Flights from Chicago to San Francisco usually depart either from Chicago O’Hare International Airport or from Chicago Midway Airport. Although the former is larger and more popular than the latter, it is also furthest away from downtown Chicago, located as it is just 17.5 miles northwest of the city. Though less often used, Chicago Midway Airport is only 10.8 miles south of the city center.
  • If you are flying from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and you are traveling with children, head to Terminal 2, where you can find the children’s play area. Fun and colorful, Kids On The Fly is an aviation-themed playground that has been voted “Most Awesome Airport Play Area”.
  • If San Francisco is just one leg of your trip and you are worried about what to do on your stopover there, don’t! San Francisco International Airport is simply full of things to do: hit the shops for some retail therapy, enjoy the local cuisine at the dozens of cafés scattered throughout the airport, or learn something new at the Aviation Museum or at the various exhibits on art & culture, history, and science organized in the various terminals.
  • If your flight from Chicago to San Francisco has arrived late and you don’t want to travel into the city at night, why not sleep at the airport? Located inside the International Terminal, FreshenUp offers travelers a small number of basic yet comfortable ensuite rooms; alternatively, if you don’t find place there, there are a number of hotels located just minutes from the airport, many of them offering shuttle services to their guests.
  • Once you get to San Francisco Airport, to get downtown you can use the city’s rich transportation network, which includes a number of bus lines and Amtrak connections running between the airport and various important locations within the city multiple times a day.
See more tips

Prefer to fly direct from Chicago to San Francisco?

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

Direct departures

Chicago to San Francisco

Monday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights

Direct returns

San Francisco to Chicago

Monday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Tuesday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Wednesday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Thursday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Friday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Saturday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

Sunday

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, +1 more

Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, +2 more

See more direct flights
See more direct flights

Top 3 airlines serving from Chicago to San Francisco

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying from Chicago to San Francisco. 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? 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 9935 reviews
7.9Comfort
8.2Boarding
8.5Crew
7.1Entertainment
7.1Food
Airline reviews

Flight attendant took my carefully folded coat and flung it across the aisle to the bin across the way. Where one of the passengers rescued it for me, because that just wasn’t right!!

8.0 ExcellentJudy, Apr 2025SNA - SFO
Read more Alaska Airlines reviews

Flight attendant took my carefully folded coat and flung it across the aisle to the bin across the way. Where one of the passengers rescued it for me, because that just wasn’t right!!

the flight was delayed twice and then delayed from taking off.

This was my first trip in years with Alaska. I don’t think I’ll do it again. The planes are old and tired looking. The seats are small with zero legroom. The JFK terminal is one of the worst I’ve been in. On this flight the pilot had to abort the landing and circle the Bay before trying again. I think I’ll stick with the usual suspects …

Changed flight from San Fran to Seattle Then with a Delayed takeoff barely made my connection Waited over an hour for luggage 😜

Alaska no longer allows customers to print boarding passes at the airport. They only use mobile phones for boarding passes. Try getting on an Alaska plane with a dead phone and no boarding pass! Great customer service Alaska!

Flight was delayed twice, I was forced to check my bag, and the only offered water or apple juice on the flight

Appreciate efficiency and early arrivals. Missed video on such a long flight (DCA to SFO).

I paid $49 to select my seat---6A a window seat just behind first class. When I started to get on the plane I was told that my seat had been given to someone else and I now had a middle seat. They finally gave me an aisle seat. When I told them I wanted my $49 back, I was told I would need to call alaska and fight with them to get my money back. And when i was on the flight people going by kept hitting me with their bags. I have tried calling alaska twice to talk about a refund but never got thru to the right person!

All 4 members of my family found the seats terribly uncomfortable. 2 of us suffered from back issues the next few days.

Delays, delays, delays.... (and) Told no room for carry on after boarding B Group and told to drop off our carry on at door to be checked in instead. There was plenty of room left in the overheads above our seats right up to the end of boarding!!!!

I have long legs, my foot was out in the aisle and when a flight attendant came walking by and I didn't notice, instead of saying "excuse me" or anything like that, she kicked my foot. Extremely rude

Excellent! The gate agents were kind enough to rebook me on an earlier flight saving me from a 6 hour layover. Even my luggage made it despite the fact that the connection was technically too narrow. The flight itself was very comfortable, roomy, and clean. Plenty of space for my carryon items with plugs to charge my phone. After a long international flight of 14 hours, this was an excellent way to end my travels!

Great experience. Flight boarded easily. Departed early. Smooth flight. Great arrival in DC--almost no taxing! Almost direct to gate from runway. Crew was terrific. Same cookies and beverages in main cabin. I did not use the entertainment system on this flight.

Extraordinary service in business class, and very good breakfast and snacks. A really lovely flight.

This flight didn’t happen because AA agents didn’t let us board the flight

Most of the delay was due to weather which is not what was at issue here. One delay was due to a missing flashlight and in the end the flashlight was actually found on the plane. The entertainment system is very limited. Live TV options offer only a few channels that are not very appealing. Boarding and deplaning are always difficult. It just takes too much time to get on and off the plane. On the plus side, I missed my connecting flight, but was easily able to book a later flight from the app while enroute.

We boarded after several delays due to mechanical failure and a gate change. The seat cushion in the exit row was very compressed and offered no cushion, making the four-hour journey reasonably uncomfortable. The WiFi worked for a few people, but for most, it did not, and you cannot get entertainment unless you can connect—American Airlines flights do not have seatback screens, and you must use your mobile phone.

You were more on time than United. I'm so over united delays.

The meals were mediocre and the alcohol selection was poor. I enjoyed the selection of movies and other entertainment.

I chatted with the captain before the flight, and similarly during the welcome announcement, he warned of a turbulent flight that may impact the in-flight service. However, once at altitude, he announced that the weather changed and he immediately turned off the seatbelt sign. But it appeared the cabin crew had already decided to take off this flight. They remained seated and then just chatted in the galley. The flight was fully catered, but only first class received service.

My costume jewelry was stolen out of my bag. Got to airport and my bag weighed 45 pounds- 5 pounds over cost me $100 Long lines in tier one. No entertainment No WiFi no free drinks or snacks

Not very good. Paid in excess of $400 for assigned seating for my family and that was not provided. I want that money back.

The seats were hard molded plastic covered in plastic vinyl. And the scam to charge people extra to sit together. Don’t they know we can just ask someone to trade seats. And watching the staff separate young children from parents… super classy. We had to guilt them into offering up our seats. This companies policies suck. Don’t give them your money.

The seats were awful, hard plastic covered in sheet vinyl. The airline tries to scam you into paying extra to get seat together when the flight wasn’t full. They were going to separate a family with young children but my wife who had a row to herself gave up her seat so the young mom could be with her young boys. I’m never giving this airline my money again.

It was a short flight so no food or entertainment….

Seats are uncomfortable but price is good. Guess I can put up with misery for four hours.

Everything went as planned. Crew was great. Seats were still not that comfortable.

No frills for sure. No gate announcements about flight delay, not even water to drink on the flight.

The plane was clean, the crew was friendly and helpful. It’s a low cost airline so there was no food, drinks or in flight entertainment but we didn’t expect any of these things. In the room for improvement department, they should install USB ports in seats to charge mobile devices.

I was surprised that all baggage, including carry on, were charged. Each additional bag went up in cost. Really disappointed in the additional costs.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to San Francisco

Information on your arrival and departure airports

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