$54 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Popular airlines from Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX)

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles (ORD-LAX)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $54 for one-way flights and $115 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Delta
United
American Airlines
Sun Country Airlines

Alternative airports near Los Angeles

Prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices and availability are subject to change.

What you need to know for your flight from O'Hare Intl. to Los Angeles Intl.

Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX) at a glance

Travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) with a range of airlines offering options for your journey. Whether you're seeking cheap flights from Chicago or prefer a full-service experience, you can evaluate various itineraries to suit your budget and schedule. As you plan your visit to explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Los Angeles, gather all the essential details for your upcoming flight from Chicago to Los Angeles.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 4h 30m non-stop
  • Route distance: roughly 1,700 miles (2,740 km)
  • Flights per week: around 110+ flights with multiple daily departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $80–$450, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Considering recent traveler preferences, here are the top airlines flying from Chicago to Los Angeles, favored for their non-stop and one-stop options. Popular layover spots include Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with a typical layover of about 2 hours and 30 minutes, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) at approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, and Denver International Airport (DEN) with a layover of around 2 hours and 15 minutes. These choices allow you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class.

  • American Airlines: This major airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way tickets typically priced between $90 and $460. It represents around 46% of departures on this route, with a standard non-stop flight duration of about 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  • United: Another prominent carrier, United offers non-stop and one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $90 to $470. Approximately 44% of flights on this route are operated by United, with a typical non-stop travel time of 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Frontier Airlines: As a budget-friendly airline, Frontier provides both non-stop and one-stop services, with one-way prices usually between $80 and $290. It accounts for about 7% of departures on this route, and the typical non-stop flight duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Alaska Airlines: This full-service carrier offers one-stop and multi-stop flights, with one-way fares typically ranging from $120 to $290. Alaska Airlines makes up around 1% of departures on this route, with a standard one-stop journey lasting 6 hours and 15 minutes, totaling about 8 hours and 30 minutes.
  • Southwest Airlines: Known for its low-cost fares, Southwest provides non-stop and one-stop service, with one-way prices generally falling between $115 and $480. It comprises about 1% of flights on this route, with a typical one-stop journey of 6 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of around 8 hours and 30 minutes.

Travelers flying from Chicago to Los Angeles have the option to enhance their experience by upgrading their flight. Major airlines include United, which provides both first class and premium economy service; American Airlines, featuring first class; and Delta, offering both first class and premium economy options.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Los Angeles are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Los Angeles reach up to 74.3°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider September, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 75°F. For better deals, August usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $181. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 136 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 97 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $181, roughly 10% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: June, July, and September typically offer average one-way fares of around $184.
  • Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Los Angeles, with approximately 136 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Average97$221
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Average105$216
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Moderately High116$233
April62.6°F (17.0°C)Moderately High110$197
May65.3°F (18.5°C)Moderately Low125$193
June69.8°F (21.0°C)Average133$182
July74.3°F (23.5°C)Moderately High136$184
August75.7°F (24.3°C)Average133$181
September75.0°F (23.9°C)Moderately Low123$185
October69.6°F (20.9°C)Average133$193
November62.6°F (17.0°C)Moderately Low125$197
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Average132$245

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative routes from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

  • Chicago to Los Angeles (MDW-LAX): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located about 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). One-way economy tickets for this route generally fall between $90 and $460, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Travelers can choose from both non-stop and one-stop flights. Major airlines operating on this route include budget-friendly options like Southwest Airlines and Frontier Airlines.
  • Chicago to Burbank (ORD-BUR): Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is approximately 18 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The one-way economy fares for this journey typically range from $120 to $350, varying based on the season and booking timing. This route offers both one-stop and direct flight choices, with common layover points at Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Denver International Airport (DEN). Leading airlines on this route include United and American Airlines, with first-class service also available.

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago to Los Angeles is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

  1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are typically found when booking 2 to 8 weeks in advance, which aligns with when most travelers make their reservations. Morning departures, between 5 AM and 12 PM, tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Saturday usually results in cheaper fares, although Friday remains the most popular travel day.
  2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
  3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
  4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
  5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
  6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport from O'Hare International Airport

Los Angeles welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Los Angeles efficiently:

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Los Angeles, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Los Angeles International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Los Angeles International Airport on Expedia.
  • Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
  • Public transportation: From Los Angeles International Airport, Aviation/Century Station, a metro station, is located about 1.8 miles away by car, providing convenient access to public transport options for travelers.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $54 and cheap return flights from $115 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights usually range from $113 to $1247, and return flights typically cost between $288 and $1608. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX), with average return fares around $249. This price is approximately 20% lower than the average fare for the year, as travel demand typically decreases after the summer. Other affordable months include May and August.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
There are 5 airlines offering direct flights from ORD to LAX:

  • United operates around 92 direct flights from ORD to LAX every week
  • American Airlines operates around 73 direct flights from ORD to LAX every week
  • Spirit Airlines operates around 17 direct flights from ORD to LAX every week
  • Delta operates around 21 direct flights from ORD to LAX every week
  • Frontier Airlines operates around 7 direct flights from ORD to LAX every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Spirit Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from O'Hare Intl. (ORD) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX), with round-trip tickets starting from around $201. This is a great option for travelers looking for a quick and direct route to Los Angeles. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Frontier Airlines typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from ORD to LAX, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
When flying from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX), September and August are your best options. Return flights during these months average about $249, providing a great balance of price and travel experience. August is perfect for summer fun, while September offers milder weather and fewer crowds.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
On average, there are around 26 nonstop flights per day from O'Hare Intl. (ORD) to Los Angeles Intl. (LAX). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) usually departs at around 12:00 AM, operated by American Airlines. This is a seasonal service available in December, giving you a chance to maximize your time in Los Angeles. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
For flights from Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX), the most popular departure times are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This time window accounts for around 32% of total traffic, indicating that a significant number of passengers prefer to travel during these hours. Major airlines like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines operate flights during this time, giving you plenty of options.
How long does it take to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Direct flights from ORD to LAX usually take about 4 hours 50 minutes, traveling roughly 1,741 miles. If you opt for a connecting flight, expect to add around 4 hours to your journey. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the ORD to LAX route with American Airlines.First class cabins are available on:

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • United Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines

How much is a business class flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX) typically costs between $1,475 - $2,175. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $780 - $1,083. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) if you opt for a connecting flight.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Los Angeles from O'Hare Intl. (ORD)?
From O'Hare Intl. (ORD), you can fly into Los Angeles Intl. (LAX) to reach Los Angeles. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), Portland Intl. (PDX), San Diego Intl. (SAN) before reaching Los Angeles. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) Los Angeles Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)?
If you booked your Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Los Angeles, CA (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
O'Hare Intl.
Destination airport
Los Angeles Intl.
Roundtrip price
$115
Distance
1740 mi
Average flight time
2 hours 27 mins

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