$119 Cheap Flights from Orange County (SNA) to Chicago (ORD)

View $119 flight on Sat, Aug 1, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from John Wayne Airport (SNA) to Chicago O'Hare Intl. Airport (ORD)

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Cheap Flights from Orange County to Chicago (SNA-ORD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $119 for one-way flights and $238 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Frontier Airlines
Sat, Aug 1 - Mon, Aug 10
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$238 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$238
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 1 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Mon, Aug 10, priced at $238 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Thu, Aug 13 - Sun, Aug 16
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$244 Roundtrip, just found
$244
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Thu, Aug 13 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Sun, Aug 16, priced at $244 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Aug 1 - Mon, Aug 10
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$248 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$248
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 1 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Mon, Aug 10, priced at $248 found 1 day ago
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Jun 27 - Thu, Jul 9
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$250 Roundtrip, just found
$250
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Jun 27 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Thu, Jul 9, priced at $250 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sat, Aug 1 - Thu, Aug 6
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$254 Roundtrip, just found
$254
Roundtrip
just found
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, Aug 1 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Thu, Aug 6, priced at $254 just found
Frontier Airlines
Sat, May 23 - Wed, Jun 3
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$260 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
$260
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Select Frontier Airlines flight, departing Sat, May 23 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Wed, Jun 3, priced at $260 found 1 day ago
American Airlines
Tue, Aug 11 - Mon, Aug 17
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$264 Roundtrip, found 4 days ago
$264
Roundtrip
found 4 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Tue, Aug 11 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Mon, Aug 17, priced at $264 found 4 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Wed, May 27 - Sat, May 30
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$280 Roundtrip, found 1 hour ago
$280
Roundtrip
found 1 hour ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Wed, May 27 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Sat, May 30, priced at $280 found 1 hour ago
Delta
Wed, Aug 5 - Mon, Aug 10
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$290 Roundtrip, just found
$290
Roundtrip
just found
Select Delta flight, departing Wed, Aug 5 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Mon, Aug 10, priced at $290 just found
United
Tue, Jul 14 - Sun, Jul 19
SNA
Orange County
ORD
Chicago
$295 Roundtrip, just found
$295
Roundtrip
just found
Select United flight, departing Tue, Jul 14 from Orange County to Chicago, returning Sun, Jul 19, priced at $295 just found

Alternative airports near Chicago

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

Select flight to Midway Intl. MDW. Closest option available. Average driving time to city center is 16 minutes. Flights from $475
MDW
Midway Intl.
Closest
Average driving time to city center16 min
Flights from $475

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $119 and cheap return flights from $238 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights generally range between $199 and $930, and roundtrip flights usually range from $361 to $1319. 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
September is the cheapest month to fly from Orange County (SNA) to Chicago (ORD), with average return fares around $371. This price is about 8% lower than the average throughout the year, as travel demand tends to drop after the summer. Other budget-friendly months to consider are January and April.*Averages based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
Which airlines fly direct from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
There are 2 airlines offering direct flights from SNA to ORD:

  • United operates around 26 direct flights from SNA to ORD every week
  • American Airlines operates around 21 direct flights from SNA to ORD every week

What is the cheapest airline that flies from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
American Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop flights from John Wayne (SNA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD), with round-trip tickets starting from around $267. 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Orange County, CA (SNA) to Chicago, IL (ORD) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. American Airlines offers the most daily flights from SNA to ORD, 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The best times to fly from Orange County, CA (SNA) to Chicago, IL (ORD) are typically in September and January. In September, you can expect average return flight prices around $371, making it a budget-friendly option. January also offers good fares, as travel demand is lower after the holiday season. While these months may not be the most popular for travel, they provide a great balance of price and availability.*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How many flights per day from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
There are approximately 7 nonstop flights per day from John Wayne (SNA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Orange County, CA (SNA) to Chicago, IL (ORD) typically departs at around 6:25 AM local time, operated by American Airlines. This seasonal service is active in November, allowing you to maximize your time in Chicago. 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Orange County (SNA) to Chicago (ORD) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. About 29% of passengers prefer this time window. Many major carriers, including American Airlines and United Airlines, offer flights during this window. This timing is favored because it allows you to arrive in Chicago with plenty of time to start your day.
How long does it take to fly from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from SNA to ORD takes around 4 hours 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 1,722 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 2 hours 40 minutes longer than direct options. 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
First class is available on flights from SNA to ORD. First class cabins are available on:

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

How much is a business class flight from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
A direct, return business class ticket from Orange County, CA (SNA) to Chicago, IL (ORD) typically costs between $1,726 - $2,554. A non-stop, one-way business class flight is usually around $849 - $1,277 per adult. Prices often fluctuate based on seasonality and how early you book. You may also be able to find a cheaper business class journey between Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Chicago from John Wayne (SNA)?
From John Wayne (SNA), you can fly into O'Hare Intl. (ORD) and Midway Intl. (MDW) in Chicago. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Harry Reid Intl. (LAS), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), Oakland Intl. (OAK) before reaching Chicago. 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) Chicago 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 Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
If you booked your Orange County, CA (SNA-John Wayne) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare 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

0
Origin airport
John Wayne
Destination airport
O'Hare Intl.
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$238
Distance
1721 mi

Book with confidence

Orange County to Chicago Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Orange County to Chicago

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 Orange County to Chicago are during the month of August. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Orange County to Chicago with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

 

The best time to book a flight from Orange County to Chicago

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Orange County to Chicago: 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 Orange County to Chicago

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 Orange County to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $119 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 Orange County to Chicago 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 Orange County to Chicago 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.

 

Orange County to Chicago Flights

*Flight schedules are subject to change.

*Available to One Key members.

 

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