R11 625 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 10/8. 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 stopR18 566
Durban
Durban2 stopsR21 650
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stopsR22 524
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stopsR41 222
Cape Town
Cape Town1 stopR18 566
Durban
Durban2 stopsR21 650
Port Elizabeth
Port Elizabeth2 stopsR22 524
Hoedspruit
Hoedspruit2 stopsR41 222

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

Fri, Sep 11 - Mon, Sep 21
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:00 - 15:50
ORD
-
JNB
25h 50m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
12:10 - 17:41
JNB
-
ORD
36h 31m
2 stops
R17 082Multiple Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Nov 2
Multiple Airlines Logo
13:00 - 0:15
ORD
-
JNB
52h 15m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
1:35 - 11:56
JNB
-
ORD
42h 21m
2 stops
R17 495Multiple Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Tue, Sep 29
Kenya Airways Logo
6:30 - 15:50
ORD
-
JNB
26h 20m
2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
12:10 - 12:40
JNB
-
ORD
31h 30m
2 stops
R18 270Kenya Airways
Sat, Aug 29 - Mon, Sep 7
Multiple Airlines Logo
7:05 - 0:15
ORD
-
JNB
34h 10m
2 stops
Multiple Airlines Logo
17:00 - 12:41
JNB
-
ORD
26h 41m
2 stops
R18 352Multiple Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Thu, Nov 12
Turkish Airlines Logo
12:50 - 11:50
ORD
-
CPT
39h 00m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
17:15 - 10:05
CPT
-
ORD
24h 50m
1 stop
R18 566Turkish Airlines
Tue, Nov 3 - Thu, Nov 12
Turkish Airlines Logo
12:50 - 11:50
ORD
-
CPT
39h 00m
1 stop
Turkish Airlines Logo
17:15 - 10:05
CPT
-
ORD
24h 50m
1 stop
R18 649Turkish Airlines
Sat, Sep 12 - Tue, Feb 16
Kenya Airways Logo
6:30 - 0:15
ORD
-
JNB
34h 45m
2 stops
Kenya Airways Logo
17:00 - 12:36
JNB
-
ORD
27h 36m
2 stops
R18 797Kenya Airways
Sun, Sep 27 - Fri, Oct 9
Qatar Airways Logo
19:20 - 10:15
ORD
-
CPT
31h 55m
1 stop
Qatar Airways Logo
19:30 - 15:05
CPT
-
ORD
26h 35m
1 stop
R20 644Qatar Airways
Wed, Nov 4 - Wed, Nov 11
Qatar Airways Logo
18:50 - 10:30
ORD
-
CPT
31h 40m
1 stop
Qatar Airways Logo
18:55 - 14:30
CPT
-
ORD
27h 35m
1 stop
R20 891Qatar Airways
Mon, Sep 21 - Wed, Sep 30
Emirates Logo
20:35 - 16:35
ORD
-
DUR
37h 00m
1 stop
Emirates Logo
18:40 - 15:45
DUR
-
ORD
28h 05m
1 stop
R28 608Emirates
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 September, when tickets cost R8 953 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and May, when the average cost of return tickets is R15 335 and R13 867 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 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 7 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonJanuary
Cheapest flightR11 625
Best time to beat the crowds (4% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (8% 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 1001 reviews
6,9Food
7,1Comfort
6,7Entertainment
7,2Boarding
7,6Crew
Airline reviews

It was a good experience - too many times checking at the airport - every time had to remove shoes , belt , laptop etc. that was a bit of exaggerated. The seat had a sharp metal plate -- which torn into my jeans.

8,0 ExcellentAadil, Apr 2026
BOM - ADD
Read more Ethiopian Air reviews

It was a good experience - too many times checking at the airport - every time had to remove shoes , belt , laptop etc. that was a bit of exaggerated. The seat had a sharp metal plate -- which torn into my jeans.

The TV wasn't working No music for the whole flight from JFK to LOS It was too burring.

Flight was delayed by two hours. This really messed things up because I missed my connecting flight in Addis. I had a meeting in Entebbe which was scrapped because my flight from Addis landed later in the day.

To the Ethiopian Airlines Customer Relations Team, I am writing to formally express my disappointment regarding my recent travel experience with Ethiopian Airlines on flight 629/352. Unfortunately, the level of service provided fell significantly short of the standards I expected from your airline. I would like to highlight the following serious issues encountered during the journey: • Cabin Condition and Hygiene: The aircraft cabin was notably poorly maintained. The seating area was dirty, and there was a persistent, unpleasant odor throughout the flight, which made the environment very uncomfortable for passengers. • Inadequate Service: The overall level of service provided by the staff was unsatisfactory and did not reflect a professional passenger experience. • Baggage Loss: Upon arrival, I was informed that my luggage was lost. This is particularly distressing as it has caused significant personal inconvenience and disruption to my schedule. As a frequent traveler, I value reliability and a clean cabin environment. I request that you investigate these matters immediately, provide an update on the status of my missing baggage, and outline how you intend to compensate for these failures in service. I look forward to your prompt response and a resolution to my lost luggage claim. Sincerely, Puguh

I will fly this going forward especially for ORD to EBB and the reverse.

I paid for internet that did not work and had to pay more to have it

Boarding was disorganized. Cabin crew was rude. Food was okay. Baggage was lost in Jeddah. Called airline for the past 5 days, either no response or saying the same thing as always which was "No bag has arrived. It should be here by tonight."

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”

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.