R9 716 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to South Africa

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from Chicago to South Africa departing on 23/4. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
1 adult
1 adult, Economy, 0 bags

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to South Africa

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stopR15 628
Durban
Durban2 stopsR24 593
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stopsR21 429
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stopsR25 488
Polokwane
Polokwane2 stopsR23 826
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stopR15 628
Durban
Durban2 stopsR24 593
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stopsR21 429
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stopsR25 488
Polokwane
Polokwane2 stopsR23 826

Book Cheap Chicago to South Africa Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Chicago to South Africa that are departing in the next months. While these flights were available on KAYAK in the last 72 hours, prices and availability are subject to change and deals may expire.
Discover the best prices for you by selecting your travel dates on KAYAK.

Recent return flight deals from Chicago to South Africa

Mon, May 4 - Mon, May 11
Kenya Airways Logo
6:04 - 15:50
ORD
-
JNB
26h 46m
2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
17:00 - 12:41
JNB
-
ORD
26h 41m
2 stops
R13 950Kenya Airways
Mon, Mar 2 - Tue, Mar 17
Kenya Airways Logo
7:00 - 10:55
ORD
-
JNB
43h 55m
2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
17:00 - 12:57
JNB
-
ORD
26h 57m
2 stops
R15 548Kenya Airways
Wed, Apr 15 - Sun, Apr 26
Multiple Airlines Logo
6:00 - 15:50
ORD
-
JNB
26h 50m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 13:35
JNB
-
ORD
27h 35m
2 stops
R15 564Multiple Airlines
Thu, Mar 5 - Wed, Mar 11
Ethiopian Air Logo
9:45 - 20:10
ORD
-
JNB
26h 25m
1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
14:30 - 8:40
JNB
-
ORD
25h 10m
2 stops
R15 580Ethiopian Air
Mon, Mar 2 - Tue, Mar 17
Ethiopian Air Logo
9:45 - 20:10
ORD
-
JNB
26h 25m
1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
14:30 - 8:40
JNB
-
ORD
25h 10m
2 stops
R15 612Ethiopian Air
Wed, Apr 15 - Wed, Apr 22
Turkish Airlines Logo
20:10 - 11:50
ORD
-
CPT
32h 40m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
16:35 - 9:40
CPT
-
ORD
24h 05m
1 stop
R15 628Turkish Airlines
Tue, Apr 21 - Tue, Apr 28
Multiple Airlines Logo
18:21 - 15:50
ORD
-
JNB
38h 29m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 17:41
JNB
-
ORD
31h 41m
2 stops
R15 660Multiple Airlines
Mon, Apr 6 - Fri, May 8
Turkish Airlines Logo
20:10 - 11:50
ORD
-
CPT
32h 40m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
16:35 - 9:40
CPT
-
ORD
24h 05m
1 stop
R15 836Turkish Airlines
Wed, Mar 4 - Fri, Mar 13
Delta Logo
12:45 - 19:15
MDW
-
CPT
22h 30m
1 stop
Delta Logo
21:30 - 15:25
CPT
-
MDW
24h 55m
1 stop
R21 988Delta
Tue, Mar 3 - Tue, Mar 10
Delta Logo
19:20 - 19:15
MDW
-
CPT
39h 55m
2 stops
Delta Logo
21:30 - 17:22
CPT
-
MDW
26h 52m
1 stop
R22 052Delta
Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to South Africa flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Chicago to South Africa to help you find the cheapest flights, the best time to fly, and much more.

What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to South Africa?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to South Africa, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the median of all values for each month.

The cheapest month for flights from Chicago to South Africa is March, when tickets cost R15 564 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, when the average cost of return tickets is R27 102 and R23 666 respectively.

How far in advance should I book a flight from Chicago to South Africa?

To calculate weekly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each week before departure over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to South Africa, removes the top 0.1% to account for outliers, and then takes the average of all the values for each week.

To get a below-average price on a flight from Chicago to South Africa, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 25% compared to booking last-minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 7 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonApril
Cheapest flightR9 716
Best time to beat the crowds (21% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (17% more expensive on average)
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Johannesburg

FAQs - booking South Africa flights

  • What can I do at the Chicago Airports?

    You can rehydrate at the airport showers at ORD, which are open to all passengers. At Gates D, in the passenger area, there is a Transit Hotel that is open around the clock. Further, there are numerous places where people can get employment. In addition, there are those at the Service Center's parking lot 2 and the Family Services facility at Gates E. On the other hand, at MDW, you can visit the yoga room in Concourse C airside and stretch out your muscles before your trip.

  • Do Chicago airports have USO lounges?

    Military personnel flying out through MDW can use the USO lounge located in Concourse C. On the other hand, if you are flying through ORD, you will find the lounges in Terminals 2 and 3. USO lounges allow the US military and their families to access their services at no extra cost.

  • Can I have access to limited mobility services at South African Airports?

    Passengers with limited mobility arriving at any South African airport can access accessibility services to ease their navigation within the airport. The airports are equipped with elevators, and you can also get extra assistance upon request. However, if you want to access these services, ensure that you contact your airline 48 hours before your travel date.

  • Which airline is ideal when flying from Chicago to South Africa?

    There are multiple airlines offering exceptional flight services along Chicago South Africa route. However, these airlines offer different onboard services at different rates. For instance, Emirates offers inflight assorted meals and sleeping blankets. So, your choice of airline when flying to South Africa from Chicago depends on your budget and preferences.

  • How does KAYAK find such low prices on flights from Chicago to South Africa?

    KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from Chicago to South Africa.

  • How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from Chicago to South Africa?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Chicago to South Africa is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

  • What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from Chicago to South Africa?

    Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly from Chicago to South Africa with an airline and back with another airline.

  • What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from Chicago to South Africa?

    Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying from Chicago to South Africa up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to South Africa

  • Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the primary airport serving Chicago. Therefore if you are flying from Chicago to South Africa, it is bound to be your departure airport. Alternatively, you can fly out through Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), which also serves international flights in Chicago.
  • You have many options if you are looking for a parking space at any of the Chicago airports. At ORD, you can park at the long-term parking lot, the Economy Parking Lot F, which is located on MMF floors 4 and 5. If you want to park short-term, you can use the parking lots in Terminal 5. On the other hand, MDW has long-term parking lots near the main terminal, while the short-term parking lots are located in Terminal garage levels 2 and 6.
  • The primary South African Airport which serves major international flights is Oliver Tambo International Airport (JNB). From Chicago to South Africa, you can also land at Cape Town International Airport (CPT) and King Shaka International Airport (DUR).
  • When you land in any of the South African airports, it is possible to escape the commotion and clamor of the airport and take advantage of complimentary refreshments, snacks, and sitting in a more relaxed setting. There are many lounges at these airports; some are exclusive to particular airlines, and others are accessible to everyone.
  • When looking for a location to exercise after arriving in South Africa, you can make reservations at your arrival airport onsite hotel. Visitors are welcome to use the airport's onsite hotels' fitness and wellness facilities for their own delight.

Reviews of the top airline flying from Chicago to South Africa

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to South Africa? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
7,2
Ethiopian AirOverall score based on 955 reviews
6,9Food
6,7Entertainment
7,2Boarding
7,1Comfort
7,6Crew
Airline reviews

The crew was unfriendly and very rude to name a few (Helina). I felt unsafe due to most of the cabinets were open while on flight. All in all the flight was ok, but the crew needed more training on customer service most of all for international flights.

6,0 GoodEngidagetti, Jan 2026
ORD - ADD
Read more Ethiopian Air reviews

The crew was unfriendly and very rude to name a few (Helina). I felt unsafe due to most of the cabinets were open while on flight. All in all the flight was ok, but the crew needed more training on customer service most of all for international flights.

Delay not posted, only departure time listed- not boarding time. We left an hour late and arrived 45 min late. Restrooms had backed up sinks and toilets not flushed ) passenger error). Lots of screen for entertainment didn’t work. But we arrived with our luggage

The plane was old and the luggage racks above us were visibly shaking during turbulence. Water was dripping on our heads during landing. Our flight was over 2 hours late departing but we were not updated or told what to expect as the screen at the gate continued to read “on time”

Check in took over an hour because printer was not working. Attendant did not know how to give free layover Addis Ababa hotel vouchers or update frequent flyer number. After repeated attempts, got voucher emailed. However hotel wanted printed voucher hence more delay. Bus time from hotel back to airport was printed 4:50 hours, but hotel reception called at 3 pm saying bus will leave at 4 pm. Then hotel reception called again saying 4:15 pm. We rushed at 4:15 pm and bus was not ready until 4:40 pm. Many audio outlets were not working in planes.

I have my baggage left either in Jeddah or Addis and undelivered to Abuja

Our first flight was delayed and when we got off that plane, nobody was really helping to direct us to the next gate. It was very frustrating. One staff simply said hurry, which wasn’t helpful. We had to go a long way to get to the next gate. Another issue on the plane itself was the bathrooms were disgusting and filthy and it didn’t seem like anybody was checking on them were cleaning them and it was a long flight. There was urine on the floor and they stunk. Also, the screen in front of my seat did not work, and I tried different headphones and still had no sound. You would think somehow those things are reviewed occasionally for working order.

The Boeing 737 MAX on this route, flown in the middle of the night, is an UTTER FAILURE for business travellers. The whole point of business travel is to arrive alert and recover from travel quickly, and this little aeroplane with its quarter recline uncomfortable business seats does nothing for that. It’s a small step up from economy in that you have decent legroom, but that’s it. Absolute margin at the cost of the traveller.

The food was terrible and the seating was uncomfortable, but the airline did a great thing letting us board in Abbis Ababa on our connecting flight after our original flight was very delayed.

Food hardly ever changes Videos not often updated for often travel.

The flight is packed and it feels like the space per individual has gotten smaller. Excruciating for a 14hr flight.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to South Africa

Cabin class types available on flights to South Africa

Cabin classes available on flights to South Africa. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.