$697 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 26/8. 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

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Best Australia Flight Deals from Chicago

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours
Sydney
Sydney1 stop$1,604
Melbourne
Melbourne2 stops$1,816
Brisbane
Brisbane2 stops$1,747
Perth
Perth2 stops$1,913
Adelaide
Adelaide2 stops$2,029
Coolangatta
Coolangatta2 stops$1,862
Cairns
Cairns2 stops$2,307
Hobart
Hobart2 stops$2,441
Canberra
Canberra2 stops$2,016
Darwin
Darwin2 stops$2,636
Maroochydore
Maroochydore2 stops$2,511
Launceston
Launceston3 stops$2,369
Townsville
Townsville2 stops$2,812
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$2,897
Mackay
Mackay3 stops$2,943
Broome
Broome2 stops$2,927
Sydney
Sydney1 stop$1,604
Melbourne
Melbourne2 stops$1,816
Brisbane
Brisbane2 stops$1,747
Perth
Perth2 stops$1,913
Adelaide
Adelaide2 stops$2,029
Coolangatta
Coolangatta2 stops$1,862
Cairns
Cairns2 stops$2,307
Hobart
Hobart2 stops$2,441
Canberra
Canberra2 stops$2,016
Darwin
Darwin2 stops$2,636
Maroochydore
Maroochydore2 stops$2,511
Launceston
Launceston3 stops$2,369
Townsville
Townsville2 stops$2,812
Proserpine
Proserpine2 stops$2,897
Mackay
Mackay3 stops$2,943
Broome
Broome2 stops$2,927

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Australia

 
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

Wed, 2 Jul - Thu, 17 Jul
 Logo
07:42 - 07:30ORD-SYD
32h 48m1 stop
 Logo
17:45 - 06:03SYD-ORD
27h 18m2 stops
$1,604
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Tue, 21 Oct - Sun, 2 Nov
 Logo
06:00 - 07:30ORD-SYD
33h 30m2 stops
 Logo
11:15 - 06:01SYD-ORD
34h 46m2 stops
$1,613
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Tue, 12 Aug - Tue, 19 Aug
Fiji Airways Logo
18:20 - 10:25ORD-BNE
25h 05m2 stops
Fiji Airways Logo
11:35 - 20:57BNE-ORD
24h 22m2 stops
$1,747Fiji Airways
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Tue, 25 Nov - Thu, 25 Dec
Air Canada Logo
09:00 - 08:40ORD-BNE
31h 40m2 stops
Air Canada Logo
10:45 - 14:39BNE-ORD
19h 54m1 stop
$1,798Air Canada
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Tue, 25 Nov - Thu, 25 Dec
Air Canada Logo
09:00 - 08:40ORD-BNE
31h 40m2 stops
Air Canada Logo
05:35 - 19:32BNE-ORD
29h 57m3 stops
$1,842Air Canada
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Tue, 12 Aug - Wed, 20 Aug
Fiji Airways Logo
18:20 - 10:25ORD-BNE
25h 05m2 stops
Fiji Airways Logo
11:35 - 21:03BNE-ORD
24h 28m2 stops
$1,870Fiji Airways
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Wed, 22 Oct - Wed, 12 Nov
Qantas Airways Logo
15:07 - 05:00ORD-MEL
21h 53m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
12:00 - 15:52MEL-ORD
20h 52m1 stop
$2,072Qantas Airways
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Tue, 2 Sep - Tue, 14 Oct
Qantas Airways Logo
19:03 - 07:30ORD-SYD
21h 27m1 stop
Qantas Airways Logo
10:10 - 17:02SYD-ORD
22h 52m1 stop
$2,094Qantas Airways
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Sun, 12 Oct - Tue, 28 Oct
United Airlines Logo
15:47 - 09:15ORD-MEL
25h 28m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
12:00 - 19:40MEL-ORD
23h 40m1 stop
$2,232United Airlines
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Sun, 10 Aug - Sun, 17 Aug
United Airlines Logo
08:50 - 06:30ORD-BNE
30h 40m1 stop
United Airlines Logo
10:30 - 20:11BNE-ORD
24h 41m1 stop
$2,237United Airlines
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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 $1,320 (return) on average. On the other hand, the most expensive months are December and September, when the average cost of return tickets is $2,344 and $1,988 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 the flight from Chicago to Australia, you should book around 4 weeks before departure. For the absolute cheapest price, our data suggests you should book 25 weeks before departure.


Good to know

Low seasonApril
High seasonDecember
Cheapest flight$697
Best time to beat the crowds (15% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (41% 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.

Top 3 airlines serving 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 854 reviews
8.2Crew
6.9Food
7.4Comfort
7.1Entertainment
7.7Boarding
Airline reviews

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

4.0 OkayAnonymous, May 2025SYD - ADL
Read more Qantas Airways reviews

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?

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

Airport and crew experience was excellent. We had to queue for the runway - no one’s fault, but it did mean we were 30 minutes late leaving

Overall good experience with flight and airport wheelchair staff. Also got Indian food in the flights

I liked the service, the menu, and the comfort of the seats! Even tho we were seated by the bathrooms, the reclining seats and movie selection was very good, my husband and I didn’t mind at all

Very good as always, stand out airline. The passengers whom choose to stuff baggage that otherwise should be checked-in is a real bother but that's not the airlines doing. A real frustration that passengers just don't want to check-in luggage. This is a pet hate unfortunately.

It’s a two prop flight so I had problems with my ears on re- entering ! But otherwise fine

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!

Flight was great. Efficient boarding. Short flight. Early arrival. Friendly flight crew. The entertainment system did not work well. Could not access it until the aircraft reached 10K feet or more. Lots of glitches.

A bit rush for transit. Food and entertainment are not available

Boarding was a little difficult. The gate area at O'Hare was very small and crowded due to multiple gates in the area. Could not hear the intercom, so had to rely on signage to see when my group was boarding and the signage was blocked by passengers standing in the gate. Flight was great and we arrived in Montreal on time.

Smooth boarding process. Early departure, smooth flight, early arrival. The entertainment package has very good recent movie options. The flight crew were friendly and professional.

I do prefer to fly United and have always had excellent service, except for bad weather. Flights are on time and staff is alway curtious and helpful

They switched out gate from terminal 1 to terminal two ten minutes before boarding. So we had to make a 20 min crazy fast walk to a different terminal. Then we boarded the plane and waited for over 40 minutes until push back. Brutal

Flight was delayed but the real issue is how long we sat after boarding. Space very limited for an overnight flight and seatbacks didn’t recline so it was almost impossible to sleep.

The staff made sure I was comfortable, moved me to a better seat with more leg room

Easy boarding and comfortable seating were plusses. Enjoyed the experience and good service from the captain and crew. Many thanks...!

Somehow, my booking was under my preferred name instead of my legal name so they almost didn’t let me board the plane at LAX. This problem should have been notified to me when I was still in Toronto.

Great overall. Quick boarding, attentive staff - great experience in premium class.

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.

It was a short flight, and no entertainment. That was not a problem for us, but there is no option for "not applicable". There was a bit of turbulence, so there was no food service.

All was good except for the seats, not very comfy.

2.5 hour delay sitting in the plane on the tarmac, you tell me how the experience was

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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