Cheap Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles | EazAir
Chicago to Los Angeles flight insights
Average flight time
~4h 18m (estimated)
ORD → LAX
Cheapest month
—
Based on cached fare history
Cheapest cached price
$262
Checking live fares…
Last checked Sep 12, 2026
Planning a trip from Chicago to Los Angeles? The average flight time on this route is ~4h 18m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $262 (last checked Sep 12, 2026).
Route Quick Facts
| Origin | Chicago (ORD) |
|---|---|
| Destination | Los Angeles (LAX) |
| Average Flight Time | — |
| Cheapest Month to Fly | — |
| Current Lowest Fare | $262 |
| Fares Last Checked | Sep 12, 2026 |
Flight deals from Chicago to Los Angeles
Direct flights from Chicago to Los Angeles typically cover the 1,744-mile journey in about four hours and fifteen minutes. Passengers traveling from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW) cross two time zones before landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Morning departures from Illinois often arrive in Southern California just in time for an early lunch due to the time difference. Multiple carriers operate daily non-stop routes between Chicago and Los Angeles. United Airlines and American Airlines maintain large hubs at ORD, offering dozens of direct flights to LAX every week. Southwest Airlines provides an alternative for this specific cross-country trip, flying primarily out of Chicago Midway directly into Los Angeles. The busiest travel months for flights from Chicago to Los Angeles are July, November, and December, driven by summer vacations and holiday family visits. Winter travelers escaping the freezing Midwest temperatures for mild Southern California weather also cause ticket demand to spike between January and March. To find lower fares on this specific route, travelers should consider flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays during the shoulder season months of September and October.
About Los Angeles
Popular areas to know in Los Angeles include Santa Monica, Downtown LA, and Silver Lake.
A Mediterranean climate — mild and generally dry year-round, with slightly cooler, wetter weather in the winter months.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a direct flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Which airports serve flights from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Which airlines offer direct flights from Chicago to Los Angeles?
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles?
What are the baggage allowances for a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles?
How far in advance should I book my ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?
What is a good price for a round-trip ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles?
How many daily flights travel from Chicago to Los Angeles?
What time does the earliest flight leave Chicago for Los Angeles?
Are there overnight red-eye flights from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Which LAX terminal will I arrive at when flying from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Airline baggage policies
Baggage allowances differ significantly between fare classes (Basic/Light vs. Standard/Flex) and can change over time. Always verify the exact allowance for your specific fare with the airline before you fly.
| Airline | Cabin bag | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| American Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| United Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Economy and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| Southwest Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 2 checked bags included on every fare — a long-standing, well-known Southwest policy |
| JetBlue Airways | 1 personal item on the cheapest (Blue Basic) fare; a carry-on is added on higher fares | Not included on Blue Basic; typically included from Blue Plus and above |
| Alaska Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main and above; Saver fares usually exclude it |
| Spirit Airlines | 1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-on | Not included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier |
| Frontier Airlines | 1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-on | Not included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier |
Travel tips
Arrive early for domestic flights
TSA generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure, more at larger hub airports during peak travel periods.
Pack a mixed carry-on
Keep a change of clothes, chargers, and any essentials in your carry-on rather than only your checked bag, in case of a delay or a bag that doesn't arrive with you.
Ease jet lag on longer routes
On longer cross-country flights, adjusting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure and staying hydrated in flight can reduce jet lag on arrival.
Screenshot your confirmation
Save a screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation and boarding pass before you travel, in case you lose signal or battery at the airport.
Check in online when it opens
Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — checking in early can help with seat selection and, on some airlines, boarding group assignment.
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