R10 423 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 21/10. 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

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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 stopR17 078
Durban
Durban2 stopsR20 335
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stopsR20 476
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stopsR35 406
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stopR17 078
Durban
Durban2 stopsR20 335
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stopsR20 476
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stopsR35 406

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, Sep 22 - Thu, Oct 2
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 - 13:05ORD-JNB
19h 50m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
8:20 - 8:15JNB-ORD
30h 55m2 stops
R16 550Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Thu, Sep 18 - Thu, Oct 9
Ethiopian Air Logo
10:15 - 13:05ORD-JNB
19h 50m1 stop
Ethiopian Air Logo
14:30 - 8:15JNB-ORD
24h 45m2 stops
R16 585Ethiopian Air
Find Deal
Mon, Feb 23 - Wed, Feb 25
Kenya Airways Logo
7:30 - 15:50ORD-JNB
24h 20m2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
1:35 - 17:37JNB-ORD
48h 02m2 stops
R16 779Kenya Airways
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Wed, Nov 19 - Sat, Nov 29
 Logo
7:00 - 0:25ORD-JNB
33h 25m2 stops
 Logo
1:35 - 17:45JNB-ORD
48h 10m2 stops
R16 796
Find Deal
Mon, Oct 20 - Tue, Nov 4
Turkish Airlines Logo
23:45 - 11:50ORD-CPT
29h 05m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
17:15 - 18:25CPT-ORD
33h 10m1 stop
R17 078Turkish Airlines
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Mon, Oct 20 - Tue, Nov 4
Turkish Airlines Logo
23:45 - 11:50ORD-CPT
29h 05m1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
17:15 - 10:05CPT-ORD
24h 50m1 stop
R17 166Turkish Airlines
Find Deal
Sat, Nov 15 - Sun, Nov 23
 Logo
10:30 - 15:50ORD-JNB
45h 20m2 stops
 Logo
17:00 - 12:39JNB-ORD
27h 39m2 stops
R17 377
Find Deal
Wed, Nov 5 - Thu, Nov 13
Kenya Airways Logo
7:00 - 10:55ORD-JNB
43h 55m2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
12:05 - 17:45JNB-ORD
37h 40m2 stops
R18 997Kenya Airways
Find Deal
Mon, Sep 22 - Thu, Oct 2
Qatar Airways Logo
6:20 - 9:35ORD-JNB
44h 15m2 stops
Qatar Airways Logo
16:50 - 14:50JNB-ORD
53h 00m2 stops
R20 177Qatar Airways
Find Deal
Mon, Sep 22 - Thu, Oct 2
Qatar Airways Logo
6:20 - 9:35ORD-JNB
44h 15m2 stops
Qatar Airways Logo
16:50 - 14:50JNB-ORD
53h 00m2 stops
R20 353Qatar Airways
Find Deal
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 February, when tickets cost R16 039 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, when the average cost of return tickets is R26 532 and R26 075 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 17 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonApril
Cheapest flightR10 423
Best time to beat the crowds (6% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (26% 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 R1 128 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 R1 543.

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.
7,4
United AirlinesOverall score based on 8936 reviews
6,6Food
7,7Boarding
8,1Crew
7,3Comfort
7,1Entertainment
Airline reviews

Once we got in the air the pilot made up some of the time of the delay. So that was really nice.

10,0 ExcellentAnonymous, Aug 2025ORD - MEM
Read more United Airlines reviews

Once we got in the air the pilot made up some of the time of the delay. So that was really nice.

We had a layover from YVR to Denver. We bought 4 bottles of Absolut Vodka at the YVR Duty Free for $116.20, after going through security and American Customs Pre Clearance at YVR, Vancouver. When we landed in Denver, United put us behind the American Customs as well as TSA again for some reason. We were forced to go through American Customs and TSA again. TSA confiscated our rightfully owned Duty Free Absolut Vodka bottles. Because United incorrectly forced our flight behind American border and TSA again, we missed the connecting flight. After United put us on a later flight, we eventually arrived in Chicago very late, with hardly any sleep. I am looking for compensation from United for our incorrectly confiscated Absolut Vodka bottles worth $116.20, as well as compensation for incorrectly putting us behind American Customs and TSA again, causing us to miss our connecting flight, making us arrive extremely late in Chicago.

Excellent flight. Boarding was efficient and departure was on time. Smooth flight with on time arrival. Deplaning was also efficient.

It was delayed instead of departing at 9:20pm, we departed at 11pm… putting us in Columbus after 2am! It was awful. Had I known about the delay, I could have spent some time in the United Lounge… I was starving because I started my journey in Budapest… so I was exhausted and hungry. Plus I had to make new arrangements to be picked up at the airport in Columbus, instead of midnight it was 2:30 am after getting luggage and out of airport. Not feasible. I would have just stayed in Chicago for the night and gotten a morning flight.

It was great, I’m very grateful for the pilots and crew flight attendants for everything.

Evidently, my seat had the only broken TV. I couldn’t plug it in, get it to come on, or watch anything, and of course, no one could fix it while we were on the plane. The service was good and the boarding was quick

The boarding of took of late.The presentation of the food was horrable as was the tast of the food was cold and tastless.

Delay and keep changing gates. I have to run around from B to C then to E.

I was charged for my daughters bag when I am supposed to receive two free checked bags with my United Explorer card.

The schedule to Moline changed 5 times. The gate changed 6 times. That is a pathetic way to run an airline. No wonder that no one in our company flies on United Express to or from Moline. Changes happen most of the time. I learned my lesson on this trip…never again!

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.

Good. Crew do seem to be less friendly- management are clearly limiting them or not empowering them as they used to.

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.

I had a comfortable seat that makes my trip wonderful. I appreciate the Ethiopia crew, they were very helpful

The flight itself was fine. The exception is that my luggage was destroyed, and I filed a claim that I haven't heard from anyone.

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.

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