$738 Find Cheap Flights from Chicago to Australia

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 Australia departing on 17/1. 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 Australia

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Sydney
Sydney2 stops$1,550
Melbourne
Melbourne2 stops$1,703
Brisbane
Brisbane2 stops$1,876
Perth
Perth2 stops$1,489
Adelaide
Adelaide2 stops$1,747
Coolangatta
Coolangatta2 stops$2,629
Cairns
Cairns2 stops$2,725
Hobart
Hobart2 stops$2,680
Canberra
Canberra2 stops$2,518
Darwin
Darwin2 stops$3,864
Launceston
Launceston2 stops$5,194
Townsville
Townsville2 stops$3,227
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$3,312
Broome
Broome2 stops$5,050
Mackay
Mackay2 stops$2,725
Sydney
Sydney2 stops$1,550
Melbourne
Melbourne2 stops$1,703
Brisbane
Brisbane2 stops$1,876
Perth
Perth2 stops$1,489
Adelaide
Adelaide2 stops$1,747
Coolangatta
Coolangatta2 stops$2,629
Cairns
Cairns2 stops$2,725
Hobart
Hobart2 stops$2,680
Canberra
Canberra2 stops$2,518
Darwin
Darwin2 stops$3,864
Launceston
Launceston2 stops$5,194
Townsville
Townsville2 stops$3,227
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$3,312
Broome
Broome2 stops$5,050
Mackay
Mackay2 stops$2,725

Book Cheap Chicago to Australia Plane Tickets

 
Here are some of the best deals found on KAYAK recently from the most popular airlines for return flights from Chicago to Australia 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 Australia

Thu, 30 Oct - Thu, 6 Nov
 Logo
12:15 - 04:20ORD-PER
51h 05m2 stops
 Logo
05:35 - 08:30PER-ORD
40h 55m2 stops
$1,489
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Mon, 27 Oct - Sun, 9 Nov
 Logo
12:03 - 09:00MDW-SYD
28h 57m2 stops
 Logo
14:05 - 22:03SYD-MDW
24h 58m2 stops
$1,550
Find Deal
Tue, 17 Feb - Tue, 3 Mar
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
14:00 - 19:45ORD-SYD
36h 45m2 stops
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
21:40 - 13:04SYD-ORD
32h 24m2 stops
$1,691Hawaiian Airlines
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Tue, 17 Feb - Tue, 3 Mar
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
14:00 - 19:45ORD-SYD
36h 45m2 stops
Hawaiian Airlines Logo
21:40 - 13:04SYD-ORD
32h 24m2 stops
$1,703Hawaiian Airlines
Find Deal
Mon, 3 Nov - Tue, 18 Nov
ANA Logo
16:25 - 10:30ORD-SYD
25h 05m1 stop
ANA Logo
12:25 - 05:16SYD-ORD
33h 51m2 stops
$1,742ANA
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Tue, 17 Feb - Tue, 3 Mar
ANA Logo
16:25 - 20:15ORD-SYD
34h 50m1 stop
ANA Logo
12:25 - 05:16SYD-ORD
33h 51m2 stops
$1,766ANA
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Mon, 24 Nov - Sun, 14 Dec
Qantas Airways Logo
15:00 - 09:30ORD-MEL
25h 30m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
12:00 - 16:54MEL-ORD
21h 54m1 stop
$2,059Qantas Airways
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Tue, 18 Nov - Tue, 25 Nov
Qantas Airways Logo
13:49 - 05:00ORD-BNE
23h 11m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
19:40 - 23:59BNE-ORD
20h 19m1 stop
$2,064Qantas Airways
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Thu, 26 Feb - Tue, 17 Mar
Air Canada Logo
14:00 - 13:35ORD-MEL
30h 35m3 stops
Air Canada Logo
07:10 - 19:53MEL-ORD
28h 43m2 stops
$2,124Air Canada
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Mon, 20 Oct - Wed, 5 Nov
Air Canada Logo
15:45 - 14:10ORD-CNS
31h 25m2 stops
Air Canada Logo
06:00 - 14:41CNS-ORD
24h 41m2 stops
$2,725Air Canada
Find Deal
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?

To calculate monthly average prices, KAYAK takes all prices for each month over the last year for round-trip flights from Chicago to Australia, 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 Australia is August, when tickets cost $1,277 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and January, when the average cost of return tickets is $2,059 and $1,649 respectively.

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

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

For Chicago to Australia, Friday is the cheapest day to fly on average and Thursday is the most expensive. Flying from Australia back to Chicago, the best deals are generally found on Monday, with Sunday being the most expensive.

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

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 Australia, 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 Australia, you should book around 3 weeks before departure, which saves you about 30% compared to booking last-minute. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 23 weeks before departure.

Good to know

Low seasonSeptember
Cheapest flight$738
Best time to beat the crowds but there is an average 20% increase in price.
Most popular time to fly (46% 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.

  • What is the cheapest time of day to fly to Australia?

    The cheapest time of day to fly to Australia is generally in the evening, when retur flights cost $1,180 on average. Morning departures are around 100% cheaper than evening flights, on average. The most expensive time of day to fly to Australia is generally at night, which is peak travel time and where the average cost of a ticket is $1,621.

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 airlines 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 905 reviews
8.2Crew
7.7Boarding
7.2Entertainment
7.5Comfort
6.9Food
Airline reviews

A few more inches of legroom is all i ask

8.0 ExcellentTerry, Aug 2025CNS - SYD
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

A few more inches of legroom is all i ask

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

Business class points redemption - good value for points paid, dubious value if out of your own pocket, domestic class business product okay for this length of flight. The flight left and arrived on time, crew were good, aircraft was a bit old and tired, but still miles ahead of their competitors in Virgin and Jetstar.

Airline running better than post Covid, proper boarding process now implemented, some aircraft feeling a bit old and tired, crew fine, online experience better.

Five hour flight instead of four hours due to westerly headwinds which wasn’t the fault of Qantas !

The wifi was out. Otherwise it was great flight. Richard, as CSM, was excellent.

Was bumped to a later flight because of inefficiency on part of the airline.

The Emerits/Qantas flight was cancelled to Wellington. We need a refund. Had to buy another airline ticket. How do we get the refund. Still not in Wellington.

Delayed QF59 flight once again, Qantas doesn't fail in maintaining there delayed departures and arrivals. USB points do not work nor do the power point sockets on the plane, Qantas staff admitted that on the flight. Don't expect to your charge devices. Saving grace, was the ice cream. Bottom line, if you expect to fly to HND and make it on time avoid Qantas and if you're interested in ice cream - visit 7/11.

Pretty excellent. I don’t know what the pilot could have done better with the bumping ( there was a storm) nor what happened to my ears coming down into bendigo. It doesn’t happen coming down into Sydney just the return flight. I wonder why?

For the price, it was a really good experience. There was no entertainment on board, so I couldn't really rate this, and I didn't order a meal. I appreciated that there was a free glass of wine.

Short flight. Everything was fine except the flight was delayed twice for a total of an hour.

There labor disputes cancelled my flight less than 24 hours before my boarding time but there customer service/website was easy enough to navigate and they rebooked me for no upcharge.

Very bad, flight was cancelled due to strike and staff was unable to rebook us

Flight was delayed by 1.5hrs. Once inside, people had their small handbags on the storage. The crew (male guy) was not helpful in making some space in the storage. Instead, he asked few bags to be checked-in and it was not a great experience. No attempt to help but just followed the things with a straight face. People had their literally small bags and he wouldnt not move from one storage to another even if there was space and would not let us do i as well. Once flight was on, they ran out of Orange juice, really running out of orange juice when the temp were 32.degrees outside. didnt made the sense. Onasking for a extra snack, he made a face as if he was giving me out of his pocket. if the flight was delayed, there could have an attempt to provide something extra incase people did asked.

Abandoned me in hallway in a wheelchair… which I asked for because I sprained my back. After waiting in the hallway, I decided to walk the rest of the way since someone respecting me up.. My experience with the united was totally the opposite. Wheelchair access, propped swift and save me a lot of grief. Air Canada totally disorganized.

Terrible confusion btw air Canada and United. Wasn’t able to change ticket because I had purchased on kayak. Rethinking booking tickets on this site, and will try to avoid United and aircanada going forward.

Conflicting information provided about baggage allowance. One screen said I had a carry on and another said I didnt.

I think overall both Air Canada and Air New Zealand did a good job the their flights. It is nice to have movies, music, podcasts etc to watch for the long flights. Just wish the seats were wider and had a foot rest to change my leg positions during the trips.

Miserable staff as it was a late/delayed flight and crew wasn’t in the best spirits. Completely understood as neither was most of the passengers. Still unacceptable l.

Everything you need to know for your flight from Chicago to Australia

Cabin class types available on flights to Australia

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

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