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$458 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Chennai (MAA)

View $458 flight on Sun, Sep 13, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Chennai (ORD-MAA)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $458 for one-way flights and $908 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

British Airways
Thu, Feb 4 - Thu, Feb 11
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$908 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$908
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select British Airways flight, departing Thu, Feb 4 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Thu, Feb 11, priced at $908 found 3 days ago
Cathay Pacific
Mon, Oct 19 - Mon, Nov 2
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$935 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$935
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Cathay Pacific flight, departing Mon, Oct 19 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Mon, Nov 2, priced at $935 found 3 days ago
Emirates
Tue, Aug 18 - Tue, Sep 15
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$984 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$984
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Emirates flight, departing Tue, Aug 18 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $984 found 3 hours ago
Qatar Airways
Thu, Sep 10 - Fri, Sep 25
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$1,001 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$1,001
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Qatar Airways flight, departing Thu, Sep 10 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Fri, Sep 25, priced at $1,001 found 2 days ago
Etihad Airways
Tue, Aug 18 - Tue, Sep 15
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$1,012 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$1,012
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Etihad Airways flight, departing Tue, Aug 18 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Tue, Sep 15, priced at $1,012 found 3 hours ago
Turkish Airlines
Thu, Feb 11 - Mon, Feb 22
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$1,086 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$1,086
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Turkish Airlines flight, departing Thu, Feb 11 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Mon, Feb 22, priced at $1,086 found 1 day ago
Oman Air
Fri, Oct 23 - Wed, Nov 4
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$1,093 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
$1,093
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Oman Air flight, departing Fri, Oct 23 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Wed, Nov 4, priced at $1,093 found 6 days ago
KLM
Wed, Feb 24 - Sun, Mar 7
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$1,213 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$1,213
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select KLM flight, departing Wed, Feb 24 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Sun, Mar 7, priced at $1,213 found 3 hours ago
Air France
Wed, Feb 24 - Sun, Mar 7
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$1,223 Roundtrip, found 3 hours ago
$1,223
Roundtrip
found 3 hours ago
Select Air France flight, departing Wed, Feb 24 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Sun, Mar 7, priced at $1,223 found 3 hours ago
Ethiopian Airlines
Thu, Feb 4 - Thu, Feb 11
ORD
Chicago
MAA
Chennai
$1,235 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$1,235
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Ethiopian Airlines flight, departing Thu, Feb 4 from Chicago to Chennai, returning Thu, Feb 11, priced at $1,235 found 3 days ago

Alternative airports near Chennai

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

Select flight to Chennai Intl. MAA. Cheapest and Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 9 minutes. Flights from $1,051
MAA
Chennai Intl.
CheapestClosest
Average driving time to city center9 min
Flights from $1,051

Find the cheapest month to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Chennai (MAA)

September is typically the cheapest month to fly

From $758 - $1,043 per traveler.

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

Chicago (ORD) to Chennai (MAA) at a glance

Travel from Chicago (ORD) to Chennai (MAA) with a selection of airlines offering international long-haul flights. Compare various options to discover the best itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you prepare to explore the vibrant sights and neighborhoods of Chennai. Get essential details for flights from O'Hare International Airport to Chennai International Airport, and start planning your adventure today.

  • Fastest flight duration: around 17h 30m in-flight, plus roughly 2h 30m layover with one stop
  • Route distance: roughly 8,600 miles (13,840 km)
  • Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
  • Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $375–$1195, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Based on recent booking trends, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Chicago to Chennai, particularly for one-stop and multi-stop journeys. Popular layover options include Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with about a 1 hour 45 minute layover, Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) with a 3 hour 15 minute layover, and Hamad International Airport (DOH) with a 3 hour layover. These choices allow you to mix and match pricing, total travel duration, and cabin class to discover the ideal itinerary for your trip.

  • Etihad Airways: This full-service airline provides one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally between $375 and $2000. It operates about 30% of flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 17 hours 30 minutes and an overall travel time of around 20 hours 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Air India: Another full-service option, Air India offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically falling between $375 and $1755. It accounts for roughly 16% of all departures on this route, with a flight time of 17 hours 30 minutes and a total journey time of about 20 hours 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Emirates: As a comprehensive service provider, Emirates features one-stop itineraries with one-way fares usually ranging from $485 to $1380. It makes up around 13% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 17 hours 30 minutes and a total travel duration of approximately 20 hours 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Qatar Airways: This full-service carrier provides one-stop service, with one-way fares generally priced between $435 and $1375. It constitutes about 12% of flights on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 17 hours 30 minutes and a total journey time of roughly 20 hours 15 minutes, including layover.
  • Lufthansa: A full-service airline, Lufthansa offers one-stop journeys, with one-way ticket prices typically ranging from $425 to $2490. It represents around 9% of departures along this route, featuring an in-flight time of 17 hours 30 minutes and an overall travel time of about 20 hours 15 minutes, including layover.

Travelers have the option to enhance their journey from Chicago to Chennai with an upgrade. Top carriers include Etihad Airways with its business class, British Airways offering both business class and premium economy, and Air India featuring business class as well.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Chennai (MAA)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Chennai are January, March, and December, when peak temperatures in Chennai reach up to 82.6°F in March. If you prefer quieter travel, consider August, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 85.6°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $572). Flight availability peaks in December, with approximately 17 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. July has the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

  • Cheapest time to fly: August usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $572, roughly 28% cheaper than the yearly average.
  • More budget-friendly months to fly: February and October typically offer average one-way fares of around $607.
  • Most flight options: December has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Chennai, with approximately 17 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.
calendar iconMonthtemperature iconTemperaturecrowd level iconDemandflights iconWeekly Flightsprice iconAverage one-way Fare
January77.4°F (25.2°C)Moderately High10$784
February78.8°F (26.0°C)Average10$607
March82.6°F (28.1°C)Moderately High10$699
April86.5°F (30.3°C)Average10$801
May89.6°F (32.0°C)Average11$786
June88.9°F (31.6°C)Average14$839
July86.9°F (30.5°C)Moderately Low9$925
August85.6°F (29.8°C)Moderately Low10$572
September84.7°F (29.3°C)Moderately Low12$729
October83.1°F (28.4°C)Average11$607
November79.7°F (26.5°C)Average13$987
December77.7°F (25.4°C)Moderately High17$1198

*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 Chennai (MAA)

  • Chicago to Chennai (MDW-MAA): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
  • Chicago to Tirupati (ORD-TIR): Tirupati Airport (TIR) is about 61 miles distant from Chennai International Airport (MAA).
  • Aurora to Tirupati (AUZ-TIR): Aurora Municipal Airport (AUZ) lies roughly 32 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), while Tirupati Airport (TIR) is situated around 61 miles from Chennai International Airport (MAA).

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Chennai (MAA)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago to Chennai 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 available when booking at least two months in advance, although most travelers tend to book 2 to 8 weeks ahead. Morning departures (5 AM to 12 PM) usually offer lower prices, while afternoon flights (12 PM to 6 PM) are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday often provides cheaper options, even though Friday remains the busiest 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 Chennai International Airport from O'Hare International Airport

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

  • Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chennai, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
  • Car rental: Renting a car from Chennai International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Chennai 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 Chennai International Airport, travelers will find Chennai International Airport Metro Station (a metro station) about 0.1 miles away and Chennai Tirusulam Station (a train station) approximately 0.2 miles away, both accessible on foot. Meanwhile, Chennai Seaport (a seaport) is located about 5.8 miles from the airport and is best reached by car.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $458 and cheap return flights from $908 Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $624 and $6363, and return flights often range between $1169 and $8673. 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from ORD to MAA is February when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Enter ORD to MAA and your travel dates, then apply the 'Nonstop' filter to see only direct flights.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Ethiopian Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from O'Hare Intl. (ORD) to Chennai Intl. (MAA) with a layover in Washington Dulles Intl. (IAD) starting from around $1,196. 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 time to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
What is the earliest flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Chennai International Airport (MAA) typically departs at around 12:30 AM local time, operated by EVA Airways and Air India. This is a seasonal service active in March, April, June, July, August, September, and October. An early departure like this can help you maximize your time in Chennai. 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Chicago, IL (ORD) to Chennai (MAA) are in the late afternoon, from 3pm to 6pm. About 31% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including Lufthansa, American Airlines, and United, offer flights during this window. This timing works well because it allows you to arrive in Chennai in the morning, ready to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
A flight from ORD to MAA with a layover takes around 25 hours, with the route covering approximately 8,565 miles. 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
Business class seats are offered on the ORD to MAA route. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:

  • Lufthansa
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • Etihad Airways
  • Emirates
  • Qatar Airways
  • American Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • British Airways
  • United Airlines
  • Royal Jordanian

First class cabins are available on:

  • Emirates
  • Lufthansa
  • Swiss International Air Lines

How do I earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 Chennai from O'Hare Intl. (ORD)?
From O'Hare Intl. (ORD), you can fly into Chennai Intl. (MAA) to reach Chennai. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Pearson Intl. (YYZ), Liberty Intl. (EWR), John F. Kennedy Intl. (JFK) before reaching Chennai. 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.) Chennai 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 Chennai (MAA-Chennai Intl.)?
If you booked your Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) to Chennai (MAA-Chennai 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
Chennai Intl.
Airlines serving
Air Canada, Air France, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, IndiGo, Japan Airlines, KLM, LOT-Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, Turkish Airlines
Roundtrip price
$908
Distance
8563 mi

Book with confidence

Chicago to Chennai Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chicago to Chennai

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Chicago to Chennai are during the month of February. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chicago to Chennai with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Chennai

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago to Chennai: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

 

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Chicago to Chennai

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Chicago to Chennai in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $458 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

 

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Chicago to Chennai flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

 

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Chicago to Chennai airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

 

*Terms apply.

 

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.

 

Chicago to Chennai Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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