$739 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Australia – Compare and Save

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Cheap Flights from Chicago to Australia

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 5 days
Sort by: Cheapest
Melbourne
22h 16m2 stops
from $1,652per person
Sydney
20h 51m2 stops
from $1,661per person
Brisbane
20h 17m2 stops
from $1,665per person
Perth
25h 35m2 stops
from $1,725per person
Adelaide
25h 30m4 stops
from $1,761per person
Coolangatta
28h 11m4 stops
from $1,838per person
Cairns
25h 52m5 stops
from $1,845per person
Launceston
37h 35m6 stops
from $2,135per person
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Booking Insights

KAYAK's insights & trends for Chicago to Australia flights

Get data-powered insights and trends into flights from Chicago to Australia 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 Australia?

The cheapest month for flights from Chicago to Australia is February, when tickets cost $1,805 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and July, when the average cost of return tickets is $2,402 and $2,300 respectively.

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

To get a below-average price on a flight from Chicago to Australia, you should book around 2 weeks before departure, which saves you about 18% compared to booking last-minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 9 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low season

September

Cheapest flight

$739
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 11% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (18% more expensive on average)
Flight from Chicago O'Hare Airport to Sydney

FAQs - booking Australia flights

  • As a U.S. citizen, do I need a visa to travel to Australia?

    Yes, U.S. citizens need to obtain a tourist visa prior to flying to Australia. This visa is an Electronic Travel Authority that can be applied for online with a small fee. The approval process for an ETA can take up to about one day and you can expect to pay around 20 AUD (15 USD) for this service.

  • Are there non-stop flights from Chicago to Australia?

    Currently, there aren’t any available direct flights between Chicago and Australia. However, Air Canada and Qantas both offer routes with just one layover in either Vancouver or Los Angeles. These flights depart from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and arrive at both Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) and Brisbane International Airport (BNE).

  • Which is the best airport to fly into to go to the Great Barrier Reef?

    The Great Barrier Reef in east Australia is the world’s largest coral reef that attracts plenty of divers from all over. The closest international airport to the Great Barrier Reef is the one in Cairns. However, there are more flight options from Chicago to the city of Brisbane. From there, travelers can take a domestic flight to Hamilton Island or a ferry to see the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Is there public transportation from Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport to the city center?

    Yes, there is public transportation operating from the main Australian airport in Sydney to the city center. Travelers can hop on the AirportLink T8 train that stops at the international terminal and connects with the city loop route. The trip takes under half an hour and you can expect to pay about 20 AUD (15 USD).

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

    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 Australia.

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

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight from Chicago to Australia 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 Australia?

    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 Australia 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 Australia?

    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 Australia 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 Australia

  • For more options, and generally more affordable airfares, consider booking flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to the main hub in Australia, Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD). From here, you’ll be near Australia’s most iconic site, the Sydney Opera House.
  • Long-haul flights like the one from Chicago to Australia can be stressful. Relax or blow off some steam before boarding your flight out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The airport offers a couple amenities, such as a yoga room, as well as a health club with a fitness center and a pool.
  • When traveling to Australia from Chicago, you’ll need to exchange some of your USD into Australian dollars (AUD). You can do this at currency exchange desks at Australia’s main international airports like Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) and Brisbane International Airport (BNE).
  • In Australia, children under the age of seven need to be in an approved child seat restraint in any vehicle. Under the age of four, the child seat must be rear-facing. If you’re planning on renting a car, you can check beforehand to see if the agency provides child seats.
  • If you’re traveling to Australia with a pet or a service animal, there are pet relief areas located throughout the Chicago O’Hare International Airport for your four-legged friend to go to the bathroom before the long flight.

Reviews of the top airline flying from Chicago to Australia

 
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from Chicago to Australia? 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.
7.5
Qantas AirwaysOverall score based on 1091 reviews
7.4Comfort
7.2Entertainment
7.0Food
7.7Boarding
8.1Crew
Airline reviews

Despite having numerous passengers held up by American Airlines delays. Qantas (an AA partner) closed boarding with 0 flexibility

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, Aug 2026
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

Despite having numerous passengers held up by American Airlines delays. Qantas (an AA partner) closed boarding with 0 flexibility

Boarding , crew and meals were all amazing. Couldn't wish for a better LOOONG flight from Dallas to Sydney .

Boarding was effortless, the food was outstanding, the seats in Premium Economy were extremely comfortable, and the staff and crew were excellent.

PREMIUM ECONOMY - excellent !Brilliant new plane. Excellent tv catalogue. Good food. Good communication and service from all friend Australian crew. Good communication from captain. Best travel experience in years.

I couldn't hear all of the announcements. It was nice when they put them on the screen.

I liked boarding the plane. The staff were rude, the food was appalling and the chairs the most uncomfortable I have ever experienced

One of the best Qantas business flights I've had. Quality product

Loved the staff. The economy seats could have been bigger.

The food was terrible. And the flight attendants were very rude. One flight attendant wouldn’t help a passenger lift their carry-on. Another flight attendant wouldn’t give a man an extra blanket. And they walked by not even looking at the passengers to see if they needed a glass of water.

I have flown Qantas multiple times in the past it seemed this flight the plane had less seat room or the seats were way less comfortable than before. Everything else was about the same. Thanks

More options for your flight from Chicago to Australia

Complete your trip to Australia with a hotel stay or car hire