R9 263 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 4/3. 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 stopR16 173
Durban
Durban2 stopsR19 243
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stopsR29 591
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stopsR24 701
Polokwane
Polokwane2 stopsR29 791
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stopR16 173
Durban
Durban2 stopsR19 243
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stopsR29 591
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stopsR24 701
Polokwane
Polokwane2 stopsR29 791

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

Tue, Mar 3 - Tue, Mar 10
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:41 - 15:50
ORD
-
JNB
43h 09m2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 11:49
JNB
-
ORD
25h 49m2 stops
R15 538Multiple Airlines
Wed, Feb 18 - Sun, Feb 22
Kenya Airways Logo
7:00 - 15:50
ORD
-
JNB
24h 50m2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
17:00 - 13:29
JNB
-
ORD
28h 29m2 stops
R15 588Kenya Airways
Wed, Apr 29 - Thu, May 14
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 - 13:05
ORD
-
JNB
19h 50m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
14:30 - 8:15
JNB
-
ORD
24h 45m2 stops
R16 122Ethiopian Air
Wed, Mar 11 - Wed, Jun 3
Turkish Airlines Logo
21:20 - 11:50
ORD
-
CPT
31h 30m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
16:35 - 18:15
CPT
-
ORD
32h 40m1 stop
R16 173Turkish Airlines
Tue, Feb 10 - Wed, Feb 18
Turkish Airlines Logo
20:20 - 11:50
ORD
-
CPT
31h 30m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
17:15 - 10:05
CPT
-
ORD
24h 50m1 stop
R16 289Turkish Airlines
Wed, Mar 11 - Wed, May 27
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 - 14:35
ORD
-
CPT
21h 20m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
14:35 - 8:15
CPT
-
ORD
24h 40m2 stops
R16 940Ethiopian Air
Mon, Feb 2 - Sun, Feb 15
Delta Logo
12:46 - 19:15
MDW
-
CPT
22h 29m1 stop
Delta Logo
21:30 - 9:54
CPT
-
MDW
20h 24m1 stop
R22 915Delta
Mon, Feb 2 - Sun, Feb 15
Delta Logo
9:53 - 19:15
MDW
-
CPT
25h 22m2 stops
Delta Logo
21:30 - 17:37
CPT
-
MDW
28h 07m2 stops
R22 982Delta
Mon, Jan 19 - Tue, Feb 3
Virgin Atlantic Logo
12:48 - 19:15
MDW
-
CPT
22h 27m1 stop
Virgin Atlantic Logo
21:30 - 17:29
CPT
-
MDW
27h 59m1 stop
R23 332Virgin Atlantic
Sun, Jan 25 - Wed, Mar 25
Virgin Atlantic Logo
18:14 - 19:00
MDW
-
JNB
40h 46m1 stop
Virgin Atlantic Logo
21:55 - 22:31
JNB
-
MDW
31h 36m1 stop
R26 086Virgin Atlantic
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 R16 423 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, when the average cost of return tickets is R27 388 and R24 718 respectively.

What’s the cheapest day of the week to fly from Chicago to South Africa?

The average price of all round-trip flights from Chicago to South Africa clicked on KAYAK for each day over the last 12 months.

When flying from Chicago to South Africa, you should consider leaving on a Wednesday and avoid Mondays if you are looking for the best rates. For your return to Chicago, you’ll find the best rates on Wednesdays and the most expensive ones on Saturdays.

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 the flight from Chicago to South Africa, you should book around 1 week before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 15 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonApril
Cheapest flightR9 263
Best time to beat the crowds (21% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (19% 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.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to South Africa?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to South Africa is generally in the afternoon, when retur flights cost R18 818 on average. Morning departures are around 20% more expensive than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to South Africa is generally in the morning, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is R25 752.

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 airlines 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.
7,3
Turkish AirlinesOverall score based on 4112 reviews
7,4Entertainment
7,8Crew
7,4Food
7,3Boarding
7,3Comfort
Airline reviews

it was like a banya -so hot... They did provide a great experience with special food. one toilet broke midflight In general it was a peaceful and relaxing flight - for business class it was good.

8,0 ExcellentAnonymous, Dec 2025
LAX - IST
Read more Turkish Airlines reviews

it was like a banya -so hot... They did provide a great experience with special food. one toilet broke midflight In general it was a peaceful and relaxing flight - for business class it was good.

Chicago to Istanbul was a much better experience than I expected since I’m more accustomed to Qatar Airways business class. The business lounge in the Istanbul airport was amazing - loved the lockers and phone charging stations, and the bathroom was a spa experience in itself. The onward leg from Istanbul to Karachi was utterly disappointing. Terrible plane, and I felt like I was in economy - the seats don’t come near to lying flat and the food was mediocre. What a sad downgrade - it isn’t as though the ticket on that leg was cheaper. So, on that front, there’s no contest with Qatar airways.

Second leg of Turkish Airline with Indigo is disaster for following reason. 1) You have to carry your cabin bags through ladder to boeing 777 because it was parked somewhere in parking lot and was not given a gate to board passengers and this seems to be people traveling to and fro from those flights and is not issue with flight itself. 2) I choose non vegetarian food on Turkish portal way ahead of checkin to entire trip, However the Indigo flight gave me random veg food saying they code veg food code from Turkish. 3) Indigo did not served any alcoholic beverages stating some weird reason which is non nonsensical. 4)Indigo have TV screens in front of you but it displays nothing except "Welcome Onboard" with annoying white black ground in dark flight. This is the most stupidest and annoying part because you are held hostage for 7 hours and only thing you could do is stare back at white screen which does not have entertainment package or even flight tracker. Such a shame.

nice and clean plane but the seats and the comfort was not what i expected. i expected more based on all the ads and reviews that i've read. I guess you get what you pay for in economy.

Overall it was good. Food was bad. I ordered gluten free vegetarian meal. But I got gluten free chicken for my long flight from Seattle to Istanbul. I don’t eat any kind of meat. Second meal I got eggplant with meat which I couldn’t eat. I don’t understand why we can’t get gluten free vegetarian meal for a 12 hour flight. I eat the bread and that was it.

Worse worse worse, i would not recommend this airline to anyone. Istanbul airport maybe State of the Art facility but staff is rude, only works if they get tips, and they push you to give tips even though my family had spent $50 in tips. Airline staff doesn't speak english so you really can't understand them. It was a nightmare travelling with Turkish. Never again.

As a big guy the seats are way too small for me. Would prefer more comfortable seats on these long haul flights.

My flight was canceled 1 minute before boarding. The customer service was owful, no one could tell us what was going happened. I spent 30hrs instead of 15 from Washington DC to Brussels. No apologie or help

Boeing 777 is a bad choice for a such a long flight.

The staff at IST airport could have been more helpful. Too much wasted time and the plane from IST to KHI was just horrible. The plane was not clean and smelled bad!

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.

Were not told that carryon laggage has to be only 12 kgs but my bag was heavier asked to pay an additional $550.00. I could have upgraded to a bussiness class for that price and no one at the gate to upgrade but able to take money for the extra weight. I felt like this was a setup scam.

Lost suite case and pillow that’s used by senior and they didn’t leave it at the airport

Forgotten Suite inside of the top compartment but went back to ask and they didn’t leave at the lost and found place. Also the checking in was so horrible. I had multi city and one of the passenger saint have visa go go go Dubai. The Ethiopian airlines never had information about requirement for US permanent resident so couldn’t go to Dubai. And when coming back to US we were told we can not use our Addis to Washington ticket and they forced us to get new ticket. Very horrible experience.

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.