How long does it take to fly to Chicago?

Flight times from South Africa to Chicago vary, but if you’re flying out of Johannesburg and flying into Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (one of the most popular routes), then the duration is 22h 40m on average. Another popular route from South Africa to Chicago is flying from Cape Town to Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport, which will take roughly 25h 25m. Keep in mind that layovers or delays could extend your travel time.

What is the cheapest airline that flies from South Africa to Chicago?

Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Egyptair are the most popular carriers operating from South Africa to Chicago

Which airlines fly to Chicago?

United Airlines, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways are the top three most popular airlines that fly to Chicago from South Africa according to our data. United Airlines is the first choice among our users, with 38% of people opting to fly with this airline when travelling to Chicago. Keep in mind that there are 9 different airlines that fly to Chicago on a routine basis, so you have a few additional options to choose from.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from South Africa to Chicago?

Prices for flights from South Africa to Chicago refresh daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from South Africa to Chicago?

As of August 2026, there are 9 operators available to choose from for flights from South Africa to Chicago.

How old do you have to be to fly from South Africa 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 South Africa to Chicago.

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

The necessary travel and health documents for your Chicago trip may vary depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Generally, you should have various documents, such as a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport that is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date. We recommend seeking advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.

R9 681 Cheap Flights from South Africa to Chicago in 2026

Discover deals from 900+ travel sites with momondo.

Find the cheapest flights from South Africa to Chicago

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Recent return flight deals from South Africa to Chicago

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

13:50 - 8:15CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

25h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino

10:15 - 14:10ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

20h 55m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole

R14 481Ethiopian Air

Wed, Sep 23 - Wed, Sep 30

13:50 - 8:15CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

25h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino

10:15 - 14:10ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

20h 55m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole

R15 126Ethiopian Air

Fri, Sep 11 - Sun, Sep 27

22:00 - 12:08JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

21h 08m1 stop Newark

16:00 - 18:30ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

19h 30m1 stop Newark

R16 221United Airlines

Fri, Sep 18 - Fri, Sep 25

22:00 - 23:22JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

33h 22m2 stops Newark Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

21:41 - 18:35ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

36h 54m2 stops Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Newark

R16 301United Airlines

Sun, Dec 20 - Thu, Dec 31

0:20 - 18:20JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

26h 00m1 stop Istanbul

11:45 - 11:00ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

39h 15m1 stop Istanbul

R16 366Turkish Airlines

Wed, Feb 3 - Mon, Feb 8

0:20 - 18:20JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

26h 00m1 stop Istanbul

11:45 - 11:00ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

39h 15m1 stop Istanbul

R16 382Turkish Airlines

Wed, Feb 3 - Mon, Feb 8

7:40 - 14:15CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

37h 35m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol

16:15 - 21:10ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

21h 55m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol

R16 398KLM

Fri, Sep 11 - Sun, Sep 27

7:40 - 14:15CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

37h 35m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol

16:15 - 21:10ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

21h 55m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol

R16 414KLM

Fri, Sep 11 - Sun, Sep 27

9:45 - 15:40JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

36h 55m1 stop Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl

20:25 - 8:15ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

28h 50m1 stop Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl

R16 511Etihad Airways

Thu, Sep 17 - Thu, Sep 24

9:45 - 8:35JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

29h 50m1 stop Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl

14:00 - 8:15ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

35h 15m1 stop Abu Dhabi Zayed Intl

R16 511Etihad Airways

Thu, Sep 10 - Thu, Sep 24

Recent last minute flight deals from South Africa to Chicago

Enter your travel dates to find the best prices.

20:00 - 16:59CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

27h 59m1 stop Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

10:50 - 15:20ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

21h 30m1 stop Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

R16 398United Airlines

Tue, Aug 11 - Mon, Sep 21

20:00 - 16:59CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

27h 59m1 stop Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

7:55 - 15:20ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

24h 25m2 stops New York LaGuardia Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

R16 479United Airlines

Tue, Aug 11 - Mon, Sep 21

20:00 - 16:59CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

27h 59m1 stop Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

10:50 - 15:20ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

21h 30m1 stop Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl

R17 348United Airlines

Tue, Aug 11 - Mon, Sep 21

18:50 - 13:50JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

26h 00m2 stops Paris Charles de Gaulle Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

16:15 - 21:20ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

22h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol

R21 392Multiple Airlines

Fri, Aug 14 - Sat, Sep 12

18:50 - 13:50JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

26h 00m2 stops Paris Charles de Gaulle Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

11:30 - 21:20ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

26h 50m2 stops Boston Logan Intl Amsterdam Schiphol

R21 472Multiple Airlines

Fri, Aug 14 - Sat, Sep 12

19:25 - 18:15JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

29h 50m1 stop London Heathrow

19:07 - 7:00ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

28h 53m2 stops Dallas/Fort Worth London Heathrow

R24 919British Airways

Fri, Aug 14 - Mon, Aug 17

23:15 - 14:15JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

22h 00m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol

16:15 - 21:20ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

22h 05m1 stop Amsterdam Schiphol

R25 451KLM

Fri, Aug 14 - Sat, Sep 12

9:00 - 8:15CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

30h 15m3 stops Johannesburg OR Tambo Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino

10:15 - 14:10ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

20h 55m1 stop Addis Ababa Bole

R29 172Ethiopian Air

Tue, Aug 11 - Mon, Sep 21

13:50 - 8:15CPT Cape Town Intl-ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

25h 25m2 stops Addis Ababa Bole Rome Fiumicino

14:30 - 13:00ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl-CPT Cape Town Intl

39h 30m3 stops Washington, D.C. Dulles Intl Lome Addis Ababa Bole

R34 874Ethiopian Air

Tue, Aug 11 - Mon, Sep 21

23:15 - 18:01JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo-MDW Chicago Midway

25h 46m2 stops Amsterdam Schiphol Minneapolis St Paul

13:25 - 21:20MDW Chicago Midway-JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo

24h 55m2 stops Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Amsterdam Schiphol

R36 275KLM

Fri, Aug 14 - Mon, Aug 17

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United Airlines flights from South Africa to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on South Africa to Chicago flight tickets

United Airlines

Dec 20

JNB22:00Johannesburg OR Tambo

33h 22m

2 stops

ORD23:22Chicago O'Hare Intl

Dec 31

ORD21:41Chicago O'Hare Intl

36h 54m

2 stops

JNB18:35Johannesburg OR Tambo

R16 301

United Airlines

Oct 7

JNB22:00Johannesburg OR Tambo

22h 13m

2 stops

ORD13:13Chicago O'Hare Intl

Oct 16

ORD16:00Chicago O'Hare Intl

19h 30m

1 stop

JNB18:30Johannesburg OR Tambo

R16 350

United Airlines

Aug 11

CPT20:00Cape Town Intl

27h 59m

1 stop

ORD16:59Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sept 21

ORD10:50Chicago O'Hare Intl

21h 30m

1 stop

CPT15:20Cape Town Intl

R16 398

Ethiopian Air flights from South Africa to Chicago

Our best Ethiopian Air deals on South Africa to Chicago flight tickets

Ethiopian Air

Sept 23

CPT13:50Cape Town Intl

25h 25m

2 stops

ORD8:15Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sept 30

ORD10:15Chicago O'Hare Intl

20h 55m

1 stop

CPT14:10Cape Town Intl

R14 352

Ethiopian Air

Sept 23

CPT13:50Cape Town Intl

25h 25m

2 stops

ORD8:15Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sept 30

ORD10:15Chicago O'Hare Intl

20h 55m

1 stop

CPT14:10Cape Town Intl

R14 481

Ethiopian Air

Sept 11

CPT13:50Cape Town Intl

25h 25m

2 stops

ORD8:15Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sept 27

ORD10:15Chicago O'Hare Intl

20h 55m

1 stop

CPT14:10Cape Town Intl

R15 126

Fly from

Fly to

Route

Depart

Return

Price

Cheapest return flight

Cape TownChicago

CPT Cape Town Intl - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

CPTORD

Cape Town Intl

Wed 23/9

13:50-8:15

2 stops25h 25m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Wed 30/9

10:15-14:10

1 stop20h 55m

R14 481

Cape TownChicago

CPT Cape Town Intl - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

CPTORD

Cape Town Intl

Fri 11/9

13:50-8:15

2 stops25h 25m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 27/9

10:15-14:10

1 stop20h 55m

R15 126

Fastest return journey

JohannesburgChicago

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

JNBORD

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Fri 18/9

22:00-12:08

1 stop21h 08m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Fri 25/9

16:00-18:30

1 stop19h 30m

R16 221

JohannesburgChicago

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

JNBORD

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Sun 20/12

22:00-23:22

2 stops33h 22m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 31/12

21:41-18:35

2 stops36h 54m

R16 301

JohannesburgChicago

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

JNBORD

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 3/2

0:20-18:20

1 stop26h 00m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 8/2

11:45-11:00

1 stop39h 15m

R16 366

JohannesburgChicago

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

JNBORD

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Wed 3/2

0:20-18:20

1 stop26h 00m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Mon 8/2

11:45-11:00

1 stop39h 15m

R16 382

Cape TownChicago

CPT Cape Town Intl - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

CPTORD

Cape Town Intl

Fri 11/9

7:40-14:15

1 stop37h 35m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 27/9

16:15-21:10

1 stop21h 55m

R16 398

Cape TownChicago

CPT Cape Town Intl - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

CPTORD

Cape Town Intl

Fri 11/9

7:40-14:15

1 stop37h 35m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Sun 27/9

16:15-21:10

1 stop21h 55m

R16 414

JohannesburgChicago

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

JNBORD

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 17/9

9:45-15:40

1 stop36h 55m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 24/9

20:25-8:15

1 stop28h 50m

R16 511

JohannesburgChicago

JNB Johannesburg OR Tambo - ORD Chicago O'Hare Intl

JNBORD

Johannesburg OR Tambo

Thu 10/9

9:45-8:35

1 stop29h 50m

Chicago O'Hare Intl

Thu 24/9

14:00-8:15

1 stop35h 15m

R16 511

Flights are sorted by cheapest return flights first.

Showing 1-10 of 20 resultsSorted by cheapest first

How to get the cheapest flight ticket from South Africa 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

Other information

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

The month of February is, on average, the cheapest month to fly to Chicago from South Africa, with most prices found around R15 673. If you are unable to visit Chicago during the month of February, then departing from South Africa during the month November is also very affordable. Most momondo users find prices during this month for around R16 189.

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

You are more likely to see cheaper flights to Chicago from South Africa when booking weeks ahead of your departure date. In general, you can expect to find flights to Chicago for around R18 889 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 South Africa for as low as R15 061 on momondo.

Can stopping save me money on South Africa to Chicago flights?

You could potentially save up to 6% on your flight if you consider stops on a South Africa to Chicago flight.

Cheap South Africa to Chicago flight deals and tips

Find info about flight duration, direct flights, and airports for your flight from South Africa to Chicago

Fastest flight time	20h 32m
Direct flights	None

The fastest flight from South Africa to Chicago takes 20h 32m

There are no direct flights from South Africa to Chicago. There are no popular flight routes from South Africa to Chicago.

Search flight deals

Frequently asked questions about flying from South Africa to Chicago

When did momondo last update prices for flights from South Africa to Chicago?
Prices for flights from South Africa to Chicago refresh daily.
How many operators does momondo search for flights from South Africa to Chicago?
As of August 2026, there are 9 operators available to choose from for flights from South Africa to Chicago.
How old do you have to be to fly from South Africa 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 South Africa to Chicago.
What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Chicago?
The necessary travel and health documents for your Chicago trip may vary depending on your travel plans and individual circumstances. Generally, you should have various documents, such as a national ID card or driver's licence and a passport that is valid for six months beyond your scheduled arrival date. We recommend seeking advice from your airline or a trusted third party, such as IATA.

Best airlines flying from South Africa to Chicago

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from South Africa to Chicago with momondo

Airline	Rating	Free Cancellation	Price
Ethiopian Air	PriceFrom R5 564	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,2 1 022 reviews	Search Ethiopian Air flights
Etihad Airways	PriceFrom R12 883	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,3 1 500 reviews	Search Etihad Airways flights
Turkish Airlines	PriceFrom R13 304	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,4 4 478 reviews	Search Turkish Airlines flights
United Airlines	PriceFrom R14 901	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,4 10 097 reviews	Search United Airlines flights
Lufthansa	PriceFrom R15 595	Free Cancellation	Rating 6,8 8 176 reviews	Search Lufthansa flights
British Airways	PriceFrom R15 932	Free Cancellation	Rating 6,7 8 153 reviews	Search British Airways flights
KLM	PriceFrom R16 272	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,8 1 555 reviews	Search KLM flights
Qatar Airways	PriceFrom R16 413	Free Cancellation	Rating 7,4 3 739 reviews	Search Qatar Airways flights
Emirates	PriceFrom R20 015	Free Cancellation	Rating 8,1 3 648 reviews	Search Emirates flights

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Why should I use momondo to find a flight deal from South Africa to Chicago?

To find the flight that best suits your needs, momondo gathers a range of flights from a large pool of different airlines and agents; you can then use our insights and filters to find and book the right flight to Chicago from South Africa.

Can I find flights from South Africa to Chicago with flexible booking policies on momondo?

All flight searches from South Africa to Chicago on momondo can be filtered to show those which offer flexible booking policies.

How can momondo help me find flights from South Africa to Chicago?

momondo provides multiple filters to help you find the best flight to Chicago from South Africa. Filter by price, airline, airports, cabin, aircraft, payment method, number of stops and more.

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

Yes. momondo can track prices for South Africa to Chicago flights and alert you when they change. Perform a search to set up the price alert. All that is required is a valid email address.

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Cheap flights from South Africa to Chicago from R9 681

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a momondo user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from South Africa to Chicago departing on 5/10. 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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United Airlines flights from South Africa to Chicago

Our best United Airlines deals on South Africa to Chicago flight tickets

Ethiopian Air flights from South Africa to Chicago

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How to get the cheapest flight ticket from South Africa to Chicago

What is the cheapest month to fly to Chicago?

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

Can stopping save me money on South Africa to Chicago flights?

What is the cheapest airline that flies from South Africa to Chicago?

Which airlines fly to Chicago?

How long does it take to fly to Chicago?

Cheap South Africa to Chicago flight deals and tips

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Frequently asked questions about flying from South Africa to Chicago

Best airlines flying from South Africa to Chicago

Compare and see reviews for airlines that fly from South Africa to Chicago with momondo

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Why use momondo?

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

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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

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