Travelling from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): What you need to know
Your adventure begins at one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Explore the options for booking a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) departing from either of these bases.
Jump on a direct Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport flight and you'll be in the air for around 4 hours 30 minutes.
Los Angeles International Airport is located in Los Angeles. The city is in the UTC-7 timezone and is two hours behind Chicago.
With 128 direct flights a week between the two airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most popular route. American Airlines operates the earliest flight at 6am. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the latest flight from ORD to LAX is with American Airlines at 10:37pm.
To ensure you catch your flight from Chicago to LAX, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Taking off during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at check-in and security. To be on the safe side, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can find a direct flight from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
At ORD, there's a good selection of airlines operating direct flights from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport, such as:
The airline most travellers choose when flying between ORD and LAX is United Airlines.
Spirit Airlines is the top-ranked carrier for punctuality on this route.
Located around 40 kilometres from central Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
In search of a comfortable hotel close to O'Hare International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
When it comes to the on-time performance of O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% of flights complete their journey on time.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
You can book a direct Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) plane ticket with departures from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Figure out if flying from MDW works better for your plans.
Southwest Airlines has direct flights from Chicago to LAX leaving from MDW. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and reach your destination in a single hop.
Southwest Airlines is the top choice for passengers flying from MDW to LAX.
The most reliable carrier is Southwest Airlines. Its Chicago Midway International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport flights arrive without delay 76.47% of the time.
MDW is about 19 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 45 minutes.
Get a head start on your holiday with an extra night away from home. Before your Chicago to LAX flight, stay in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway International Airport:
77.88% of flights taking off from Chicago Midway International Airport meet their expected arrival time.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
The journey time to RFD from the centre of Chicago is around 4 hours 15 minutes on public transport. If you're planning to travel by car, it'll take you roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to cover the 137 kilometres or so.
Make catching an early Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport flight one of the easiest parts of your trip. Stay at one of these hotels near Chicago Rockford International Airport and get to your departure gate with time to spare:
Flights that leave from RFD make it to their destination on schedule 76.19% of the time.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
About Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near LAX:
Follow your own route with a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and venture far and wide through Los Angeles and beyond.
Get the best deal by reserving your ride around one week before your Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport flight.
You'll find LAX at One World Way.
Getting from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles
Central Los Angeles is around 19 kilometres from Los Angeles International Airport. Journey times by car hire or cab will vary based on time of day, so do some research before you go.
It typically takes 55 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport is R 1,041. For a return flight on this route, the best price is R 2,096. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares may change.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from Chicago to LAX. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely pay.
Affordable Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport tickets are easier to find when your travel dates are flexible. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare fares across each month and then pick the cheapest day.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment a lower fare pops up on plane tickets from Chicago to LAX.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
May is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), while July is the most popular. Pick the ideal time to visit Los Angeles based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
When booking your Chicago to LAX plane ticket, consider what kind of weather works for you. August is the warmest month in Los Angeles, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 32ºC (90ºF).
February has temperatures of between 6ºC (43ºF) and 26ºC (79ºF). Search for cheap tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Los Angeles
Start your Los Angeles trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles International Airport, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory are just a couple of the leading attractions to add to your Los Angeles must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Hollywood Bowl.
Explore more of the United States
San Diego is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Los Angeles. Around 177 kilometres away to the south-east, check out popular attractions including San Diego Zoo, San Diego Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
Around 161 kilometres north of Los Angeles, Bakersfield is another essential stop in the United States. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Kern County Museum, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park and BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
