Flying from Los Angeles to Chicago: what you need to know
Start your trip planning by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. Explore the options for setting off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY), two of the city's main airports.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the major arrival points in Chicago.
4 hours 4 minutes is the average duration of a direct flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. Operating on the UTC-5 timezone, Chicago is 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles.
With 163 flights a week between the two airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from Los Angeles to Chicago with American Airlines at 00:15. If you prefer to get more out of your day before taking off, the last departure from LAX to ORD is with American Airlines at 23:59.
To ensure you catch your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Planning to travel during a peak period like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. To give yourself peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of domestic departures.
Once you've booked your cheap flights from Los Angeles to Chicago, get your travel documents ready. A visa or passport isn't required since you're travelling within United States. As long as you have another valid form of identification, like an ID card or driver's licence, you're ready to go.
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Take off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. From LAX, you can travel directly to O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
You'll have your pick of airlines that operate direct flights from Los Angeles to Chicago departing from LAX. Book your ticket with one of these:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Los Angeles International Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these airports:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
Travelling from central Los Angeles to LAX takes approximately 54 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 32 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a handy hotel near Los Angeles International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you want to do, here's where you can stop between Los Angeles International Airport and Chicago:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
VNY is about 32 kilometres from central Los Angeles. It'll take you 34 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago? Check in to a hotel near Van Nuys Airport before your trip officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from central Chicago. With your own car rental or if you take a cab, the drive is around 35 minutes.
It'll take around 54 minutes when travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is about 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 21 minutes.
You can also opt for public transport, which will take about 46 minutes.
There are some comfortable hotels to park your luggage (and yourself) near MDW. Settle in after your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago at any of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Chicago
RM137 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Chicago. Return flights start at RM328. These fares can change based on availability and demand.
To score cheap tickets from Los Angeles to Chicago, reserve your trip 9 months before your departure.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Los Angeles to Chicago. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
Locking in a cheap ticket from Los Angeles to Chicago couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Los Angeles to Chicago. Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. August is the busiest month to visit Chicago. If you want a more peaceful vibe, go in February.
Lock in your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago for July if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC to 29ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Los Angeles to Chicago around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, explore our range of hotels including:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just two of the popular attractions to put on your Chicago to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
Finding you a cheap flight from Los Angeles to Chicago isn't the only thing we're good at. Check out our car rentals in Chicago and see the sights your way. We search for deals from trusted car rental providers and put them all in one place. You can instantly compare offers and then book with no fees.