Chicago (ORD) → San Diego (SAN)
About Chicago to San Diego Flights
Discover the best flights from Chicago to San Diego, covering 2,768 km in approximately 3h 58m. Chicago (ORD) to San Diego (SAN) is one of the popular medium-haul routes within United States. With 4 major airlines operating this route including direct flights, travelers have plenty of options to choose from. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, our comprehensive guide helps you find the best deals, understand seasonal price variations, and choose the right airline for your journey from Chicago to San Diego.
12-Month Price History
Flight prices from Chicago to San Diego vary significantly throughout the year. February typically offers the best deals with average prices around $436, while July sees the highest prices, averaging $723. Savvy travelers can save up to 40% by choosing their travel dates wisely.
Best Time to Fly
Cheapest Month
February
Save up to 40% on average
Most Expensive
July
Peak season pricing
Book in Advance
58 days
For best prices
Booking Tips
For the best prices on Chicago to San Diego flights, we recommend booking 41 days in advance. Domestic flights typically see price increases as the departure date approaches, so early booking is advisable. Tuesday and Wednesday departures often offer the lowest fares, while Friday and Sunday flights tend to be more expensive due to business and leisure travel demand. Consider flying early morning or late evening for additional savings, as these off-peak times usually have lower demand.
Airlines Serving This Route
| Airline | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
United Airlines UA | $760 | $2680 | $4820 |
Kalitta Air K4 | $900 | $2890 | $4800 |
SkyWest Airlines OO | $910 | $2520 | $5080 |
American Airlines AA | $960 | $2920 | $4390 |
United Airlines
UA
Economy
$760
Business
$2680
First
$4820
Kalitta Air
K4
Economy
$900
Business
$2890
First
$4800
SkyWest Airlines
OO
Economy
$910
Business
$2520
First
$5080
American Airlines
AA
Economy
$960
Business
$2920
First
$4390
Prices shown are estimates based on historical data. Actual prices may vary based on dates, availability, and current promotions.
Alternative Flight Options
Milwaukee → San Diego
Milwaukee Mitchell International (MKE) to San Diego International (SAN)
Distance: 2,794 km
Average price: $519
Chicago → San Diego
Chicago Midway International (MDW) to San Diego International (SAN)
Distance: 2,776 km
Average price: $516
Chicago → Los Angeles
O'Hare International (ORD) to Los Angeles International (LAX)
Distance: 2,802 km
Average price: $520
Chicago → Tijuana
O'Hare International (ORD) to Tijuana International (TIJ)
Distance: 2,761 km
Average price: $668
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Chicago to San Diego?
The flight time from Chicago (ORD) to San Diego (SAN) is approximately 3 hours and 58 minutes. This duration is for direct flights and may vary depending on aircraft type, weather conditions, and air traffic.
What is the distance between Chicago and San Diego?
The aerial distance between Chicago and San Diego is 2,768 kilometers (1,720 miles). This is the straight-line distance, which is used to calculate flight times.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to San Diego?
Several airlines operate flights between Chicago and San Diego, including American Airlines, United Airlines, SkyWest Airlines and 1 more airlines. Direct flights are available on this route.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to San Diego?
Based on historical data, February typically offers the lowest airfares for flights from Chicago to San Diego. However, prices can vary based on holidays, events, and airline promotions. We recommend checking our price calendar for the most up-to-date information.
How far in advance should I book my flight to San Diego?
For the best prices on Chicago to San Diego flights, we recommend booking 56 days in advance. Domestic flights can sometimes offer good last-minute deals, but advance booking is usually cheaper.
Do I need a visa to travel from Chicago to San Diego?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Since this is a domestic flight, no visa is required for citizens.
What is the time difference between Chicago and San Diego?
Chicago operates on America/Chicago time zone, while San Diego is in the America/Los_Angeles time zone. For current time differences and to plan your schedule, visit our partner site timezig.com for accurate timezone conversions.