Cheap Flights Chicago → Los Angeles
Or call +1-800-779-8593 24/7 to speak with a travel specialist
Flight time
~4 hrs nonstop
Typical fare
$140–$360 roundtrip
Booking window
4–8 weeks ahead
Support
24/7 by phone
Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles
ORD–LAX is a heavily trafficked domestic route with multiple daily flights on all major carriers. Southwest Airlines operates this route without bag fees or change fees — making it popular for flexible travelers. Flight time is about 4 hours westbound (slightly longer eastbound against the jet stream).
Los Angeles from Chicago is a 4-hour flight to a completely different climate, culture, and way of life. From deep-dish pizza to fish tacos — from the lake to the Pacific — the contrast is the point. LA rewards visitors who rent a car and embrace the sprawl.
Prefer to let a human do the searching? Our specialists can access unpublished fares not always visible online and are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call +1-800-779-8593 and we'll quote every option for Chicago → Los Angeles, then send written confirmation before anything is charged.
Departing from
Chicago
ORD
O'Hare International
Arriving in
Los Angeles
LAX
Los Angeles International
Airlines flying Chicago to Los Angeles
We compare all of the carriers below simultaneously and show you the lowest available fare on each — including business and first class.
Best time to fly Chicago to Los Angeles
Fares shift significantly throughout the year. Here's when to book and when to avoid overpaying on this route.
Post-holiday lowest fares. LA winter (15–20°C) is warmer than Chicago by 20°C. Best time to flee the Midwest.
LA spring at its best — wildflowers, beach weather returning, moderate prices. Book 4–6 weeks ahead.
June Gloom affects coastal LA (marine layer) but inland is sunny. Summer fares are higher.
LA's best season — warm, clear, low humidity. Santa Ana winds in September/October push inland temperatures high. Great value.
💡 Deal tip for this route
Book 3–5 weeks ahead for the best pricing. January and September offer the year's lowest fares. Southwest's no-change-fee policy makes it worth considering for trips where dates might shift. Spirit and Frontier undercut significantly on price but with limited service.
Top things to do in Los Angeles
Planning your trip? Here are the highlights most worth your time in Los Angeles.
Griffith Observatory
Free admission to one of LA's most beloved landmarks — panoramic views of the city, the Hollywood sign visible to the east, and the Pacific shimmering to the west on clear days. Arrive early morning for clear skies and minimal crowds.
The Getty Center
Free entry (pay parking only) to a hilltop complex with a world-class art collection and extraordinary city and ocean views. Richard Meier's architecture is as much of the experience as the art inside.
Malibu & the Pacific Coast Highway
Rent a car and drive north on PCH from Santa Monica — seafood at Malibu Fish Market, swimming at El Matador Beach (wave-carved rock formations), and the Getty Villa (ancient Roman and Greek art in a reproduction Roman villa).
Koreatown (K-Town)
Los Angeles has the largest Korean population outside Korea. Koreatown's Korean BBQ restaurants (Park's BBQ and Quarters BBQ are excellent), karaoke rooms, and late-night bars are among the city's greatest pleasures.
LACMA & Museum Row
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest art museum in the western US — free on select evenings. The Petersen Automotive Museum and Academy Museum of Motion Pictures are both world-class and nearby on Wilshire Boulevard.
Joshua Tree National Park
A 2.5-hour drive from LA — the alien landscape of twisted Joshua Trees, granite boulders, and desert sky makes for a completely different experience than the city. Excellent for rock climbing, stargazing, and day hiking.
Travel tips for Los Angeles
- Rent a car. There is no practical way to see LA without one — the Metro rail serves only a narrow slice of tourist areas.
- LA traffic follows predictable patterns — avoid I-405 (San Diego Freeway) and I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway) between 7–10am and 4–8pm or budget significant extra time.
- The best Mexican food in the United States is in Los Angeles — Guelaguetza in Koreatown (Oaxacan food), Homeboy Industries Bakery in Lincoln Heights, and any taco truck along Cesar Chavez Avenue set the standard.
- Weather varies enormously by neighborhood in LA — coastal areas can be 10°C cooler than the San Fernando Valley on the same day. Bring a light layer even in summer.
- Parking at most LA attractions is expensive. Griffith Park, Venice Beach, and some state beaches have free lots — arrive before 9am.
Local insider tip
Grand Central Market downtown has been LA's working food market since 1917. Breakfast at Egg Slut (eggs and cheese on a brioche bun, ~$12), lunch at Eggslut or Villa Moreliana, and Wexler's Deli for a pastrami sandwich — three of LA's best meals in one building for under $40 total.
Chicago to Los Angeles — frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Typical flight time is ~4 hrs nonstop. Exact duration varies by routing, stops, and wind. Our specialists can confirm times for your specific dates and find the fastest option. Call +1-800-779-8593.
What is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Book 3–5 weeks ahead for the best pricing. January and September offer the year's lowest fares. Southwest's no-change-fee policy makes it worth considering for trips where dates might shift. Spirit and Frontier undercut significantly on price but with limited service. Generally, mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) price lower than weekends, and booking 4–8 weeks ahead captures the best available fares.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Major airlines serving this route include American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines. We compare all of them simultaneously and show the full price — base fare, taxes, and fees — before you commit.
What is the typical roundtrip fare from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Fares typically range $140–$360 roundtrip roundtrip, depending on season, booking window, and cabin class. Book 3–5 weeks ahead for the best pricing. January and September offer the year's lowest fares. Southwest's no-change-fee policy makes it worth considering for trips where dates might shift. Spirit and Frontier undercut significantly on price but with limited service.
Can I book a Chicago to Los Angeles flight by phone?
Yes — a real Trestavia specialist is available 24/7 at +1-800-779-8593 to search, quote, and book Chicago to Los Angeles, including unpublished fares not always visible online. You'll receive written confirmation before any charge.
Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?
~4 hrs nonstop nonstop service is available on American Airlines and United Airlines. One-stop options via connecting hubs are often significantly cheaper. Search above or call +1-800-779-8593 for both options.
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