Which airline has the best punctuality record on San Francisco to Chicago flights?

According to our data, United Airlines have had the fewest delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 9% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

How often are flights from San Francisco to Chicago delayed?

Historically, on average around 10% of flights between San Francisco and Chicago have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 182 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for San Francisco to Chicago flights?

Generally, flights departing in the morning tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing in the evening have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Tuesday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Sunday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco to Chicago?

Alaska Airlines and Delta are the most popular carriers operating from San Francisco to Chicago

How many flights depart from San Francisco to Chicago on average per week?

As of December 2025, there are 154 flights per week flying from San Francisco to Chicago. The most common day of the week flights depart is Tue, with 38% of flights taking off on this day.

How many flights depart from San Francisco to Chicago on average per day?

The number of flights available between San Francisco and Chicago is 22 per day as of December 2025. The most frequent departure time is 06:00, with 49% of daily flights leaving at midday.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Chicago?

Prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Chicago were last updated today.

How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Chicago?

Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and stopovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from San Francisco Airport to Chicago.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Chicago?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Chicago can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s licence, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Chicago. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

$190 Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Chicago in 2025/26

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Find the cheapest flights from San Francisco to Chicago

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One-way

Last minute

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Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

23:56 - 06:25

SFO

ORD

4h 29mdirect

16:16 - 19:09

ORD

SFO

4h 53mdirect

$399United Airlines

Tue, 6 Jan - Thu, 8 Jan

06:30 - 16:33

SFO

ORD

8h 03m1 stop

14:05 - 19:19

ORD

SFO

7h 14m1 stop

$400Alaska Airlines

Tue, 17 Mar - Tue, 24 Mar

23:56 - 06:25

SFO

ORD

4h 29mdirect

14:40 - 17:36

ORD

SFO

4h 56mdirect

$402United Airlines

Tue, 6 Jan - Thu, 15 Jan

05:30 - 15:25

SFO

ORD

7h 55m1 stop

16:25 - 21:50

ORD

SFO

7h 25m1 stop

$403Southwest

Wed, 31 Dec - Tue, 6 Jan

22:50 - 05:12

SFO

ORD

4h 22mdirect

08:58 - 12:06

ORD

SFO

5h 08mdirect

$405United Airlines

Mon, 9 Mar - Wed, 11 Mar

06:00 - 16:21

SFO

ORD

8h 21m1 stop

14:20 - 09:35

ORD

SFO

21h 15m1 stop

$406Delta

Thu, 1 Jan - Wed, 7 Jan

22:54 - 09:41

SFO

ORD

8h 47m1 stop

13:50 - 23:28

ORD

SFO

11h 38m2 stops

$414Delta

Wed, 7 Jan - Sun, 11 Jan

20:47 - 14:11

SFO

ORD

15h 24m1 stop

14:05 - 19:19

ORD

SFO

7h 14m1 stop

$415Alaska Airlines

Mon, 16 Mar - Tue, 24 Mar

15:15 - 21:32

SFO

ORD

4h 17mdirect

06:47 - 09:40

ORD

SFO

4h 53mdirect

$420United Airlines

Thu, 8 Jan - Sun, 11 Jan

06:30 - 23:56

SFO

ORD

15h 26m1 stop

15:07 - 23:59

ORD

SFO

10h 52m1 stop

$424Alaska Airlines

Sun, 15 Mar - Tue, 17 Mar

Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Our best Alaska Airlines deals on San Francisco to Chicago flight tickets

Alaska Airlines

17 Mar

SFO11:34San Francisco

10h 22m

1 stop

ORD23:56Chicago O'Hare Intl

24 Mar

ORD14:05Chicago O'Hare Intl

7h 14m

1 stop

SFO19:19San Francisco

$400

Find similar

Alaska Airlines

16 Mar

SFO20:47San Francisco

15h 24m

1 stop

ORD14:11Chicago O'Hare Intl

24 Mar

ORD14:05Chicago O'Hare Intl

7h 14m

1 stop

SFO19:19San Francisco

$415

Find similar

Alaska Airlines

15 Mar

SFO06:30San Francisco

15h 26m

1 stop

ORD23:56Chicago O'Hare Intl

17 Mar

ORD15:07Chicago O'Hare Intl

10h 52m

1 stop

SFO23:59San Francisco

$424

Find similar

United Airlines flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on San Francisco to Chicago flight tickets

United Airlines

6 Jan

SFO23:56San Francisco

4h 29m

ORD06:25Chicago O'Hare Intl

8 Jan

ORD16:16Chicago O'Hare Intl

4h 53m

SFO19:09San Francisco

$399

Find similar

United Airlines

6 Jan

SFO23:56San Francisco

4h 29m

ORD06:25Chicago O'Hare Intl

15 Jan

ORD14:40Chicago O'Hare Intl

4h 56m

SFO17:36San Francisco

$402

Find similar

United Airlines

9 Mar

SFO22:50San Francisco

4h 22m

ORD05:12Chicago O'Hare Intl

11 Mar

ORD08:58Chicago O'Hare Intl

5h 08m

SFO12:06San Francisco

$405

Find similar

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Tue 6/1

23:56-06:25

Nonstop4h 29m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 8/1

16:16-19:09

Nonstop4h 53m

$399

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Tue 17/3

06:30-16:33

1 stop8h 03m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 24/3

14:05-19:19

1 stop7h 14m

$400

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Tue 6/1

23:56-06:25

Nonstop4h 29m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 15/1

14:40-17:36

Nonstop4h 56m

$402

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Wed 31/12

05:30-15:25

1 stop7h 55m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 6/1

16:25-21:50

1 stop7h 25m

$403

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Mon 9/3

22:50-05:12

Nonstop4h 22m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 11/3

08:58-12:06

Nonstop5h 08m

$405

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Thu 1/1

06:00-16:21

1 stop8h 21m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 7/1

14:20-09:35

1 stop21h 15m

$406

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Wed 7/1

22:54-09:41

1 stop8h 47m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 11/1

13:50-23:28

2 stops11h 38m

$414

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Mon 16/3

20:47-14:11

1 stop15h 24m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 24/3

14:05-19:19

1 stop7h 14m

$415

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Thu 8/1

15:15-21:32

Nonstop4h 17m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 11/1

06:47-09:40

Nonstop4h 53m

$420

San FranciscoChicago

SFO - ORD

SFOORD

San Francisco

Sun 15/3

06:30-23:56

1 stop15h 26m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Tue 17/3

15:07-23:59

1 stop10h 52m

$424

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from San Francisco to Chicago

Look no further. We've gone through all the searches for this route on momondo so you have the important information and insights to find the cheapest flight ticket for your trip

Prices

Airlines

Delays

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

If you don’t want to visit Chicago in February, then you should wait until September to fly from San Francisco, when ticket prices are also cheap, with an average price of $438.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Chicago?

Our data shows that the cheapest San Francisco to Chicago flights are usually those with departure times in the evening. Our users have found flights to Chicago in the evening for as low as $555. Flights in the morning are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of $653.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to Chicago flight route?

Fly from San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl for the best San Francisco - Chicago flight prices

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

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Chicago from San Francisco when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Chicago for around $559 when searching weeks before you fly. However, flight prices might be lower outside of this timeframe. For example, people recently found flights to Chicago from San Francisco for as low as $441 on momondo.

What cabin class options are available on San Francisco to Chicago flights?

There is only 1 cabin class available to choose from on San Francisco to Chicago flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on San Francisco to Chicago flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between San Francisco to Chicago.

How have San Francisco to Chicago flight prices changed over time?

As of December 2025, prices for San Francisco to Chicago flights are approximately 124% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

When to book flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Are you open to changing your travel dates? Check out the ideal times to fly from San Francisco to Chicago according to our flight data. Find out which month and days have the cheapest flights.

Estimated return price

Cheap San Francisco to Chicago (SFO to CHI) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from San Francisco to Chicago

Fastest flight time	4h 23m
Direct flights	Every day
Airports in Chicago	3 airports

The fastest flight from San Francisco to Chicago takes 4h 23m

Direct flights go from San Francisco to Chicago every day.

There are 3 airports in Chicago. From San Francisco there are direct flights to Chicago O'Hare Intl (ORD).

Search flight deals

How far is San Francisco to Chicago by plane?
The straight-line distance from San Francisco to Chicago is 2981.9 km. A reasonable flight in good conditions will take 4h 23m.
When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Chicago?
Prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Chicago were last updated today.
How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Chicago?
Although the minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UMNR) service may have their own age limits, which could be impacted by factors such as flight length, timing, and stopovers. It is recommended that you verify with the airline you are booking with for travel from San Francisco Airport to Chicago.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Chicago?
The travel and health documents required for your trip to Chicago can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s licence, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Chicago. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.
What is the most popular plane model from San Francisco to Chicago?
Based on momondo bookings for this flight route, the most popular plane model on flight routes from San Francisco to Chicago is Airbus A321neo (19.71% of total bookings). The next most popular plane models are Boeing 757-300 (17.56%), Boeing 737-800 (15.61%), and Boeing 737-900 (10.12%).

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from San Francisco to Chicago?

momondo collates all your flight options in one place and lets you filter them to find the perfect flight from San Francisco to Chicago. momondo saves you time and could save you money on your trip.

Can I find flights from San Francisco to Chicago with flexible booking policies on momondo?

momondo does allow users to show only those flights to Chicago from San Francisco which offer a flexible booking policy as well as other useful filters and features.

How can momondo help me find flights from San Francisco to Chicago?

momondo helps you find the best flight between San Francisco and Chicago by providing filters to narrow your choice of flights to those matching your criteria. You can select flights based on numerous factors such as price, departure and landing times, airport and airline.

I’m not ready to book a flight from San Francisco to Chicago right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Yes momondo offers price alerts on flights to Chicago from San Francisco. After performing a search on this page you should be able to see the price alert set up feature. Simply provide a valid email address and momondo will instantly alert you when prices change.

An easier way to manage your Chicago trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.

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Find better results for your trip to the United States

Fly into one of these airports located in Chicago

Chicago Midway Airport

Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport

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Cheap flights from San Francisco to Chicago from $190

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from San Francisco to Chicago departing on 7/1. Fares may change, and may not be available for all flights or travel dates. Click the price to refresh the search for this deal.

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Alaska Airlines flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Our best Alaska Airlines deals on San Francisco to Chicago flight tickets

United Airlines flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on San Francisco to Chicago flight tickets

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Use the filters below to find and compare flights from San Francisco to Chicago that are best for you.

See travel insights to Chicago from

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from San Francisco to Chicago

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

If you don’t want to visit Chicago in February, then you should wait until September to fly from San Francisco, when ticket prices are also cheap, with an average price of $438.

What is the cheapest time of day to depart on your flight to Chicago?

Our data shows that the cheapest San Francisco to Chicago flights are usually those with departure times in the evening. Our users have found flights to Chicago in the evening for as low as $555. Flights in the morning are often more expensive, with an average ticket price of $653.

What is the cheapest San Francisco to Chicago flight route?

Fly from San Francisco to Chicago O'Hare Intl for the best San Francisco - Chicago flight prices

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

What cabin class options are available on San Francisco to Chicago flights?

There is only 1 cabin class available to choose from on San Francisco to Chicago flights. Cabin price and availability will vary by airline so perform a search above to find the right deals for you.

Can stopping save me money on San Francisco to Chicago flights?

No. A direct flight is the cheapest option for a flight between San Francisco to Chicago.

How have San Francisco to Chicago flight prices changed over time?

As of December 2025, prices for San Francisco to Chicago flights are approximately 124% more expensive when compared to flights at the same time last year.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from San Francisco to Chicago?

Alaska Airlines and Delta are the most popular carriers operating from San Francisco to Chicago

How often are flights from San Francisco to Chicago delayed?

Historically, on average around 10% of flights between San Francisco and Chicago have experienced a delay on any given week. The average delay length over the past 12 months has been 182 minutes.

What is the most punctual flight time for San Francisco to Chicago flights?

Generally, flights departing in the morning tend to experience fewer delays. Flights departing in the evening have, in the past, seen delays more frequently in comparison.

What day of the week experiences the fewest flight delays on this route?

Tuesday is statistically the day of the week that experiences the fewest delays on this flight route. Sunday has historically seen more delays on average compared to the rest of the week.

Which airline has the best punctuality record on San Francisco to Chicago flights?

According to our data, United Airlines have had the fewest delays on this route over the last 12 months, with about 9% of their flights experiencing any sort of delay.

How many flights depart from San Francisco to Chicago on average per day?

The number of flights available between San Francisco and Chicago is 22 per day as of December 2025. The most frequent departure time is 06:00, with 49% of daily flights leaving at midday.

How many flights depart from San Francisco to Chicago on average per week?

As of December 2025, there are 154 flights per week flying from San Francisco to Chicago. The most common day of the week flights depart is Tue, with 38% of flights taking off on this day.

When to book flights from San Francisco to Chicago

Cheap San Francisco to Chicago (SFO to CHI) flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from San Francisco to Chicago

Fastest flight time

Direct flights

Airports in Chicago

How far is San Francisco to Chicago by plane?

When did momondo last update prices for flights from San Francisco Airport to Chicago?

How old do you have to be to fly from San Francisco Airport to Chicago?

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Chicago?

What is the most popular plane model from San Francisco to Chicago?

Why use momondo?

Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from San Francisco to Chicago?

Can I find flights from San Francisco to Chicago with flexible booking policies on momondo?

How can momondo help me find flights from San Francisco to Chicago?

I’m not ready to book a flight from San Francisco to Chicago right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

An easier way to manage your Chicago trip

We make it super easy to schedule, organise and travel with friends or family. Trips is free – and available to use no matter where you book.

Get notified when prices go down

Daily price changes in your inbox - only with Price Alerts.

Find better results for your trip to the United States

Fly into one of these airports located in Chicago

Airports listed have a maximum distance of 25.6 km from Chicago