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CA $243 Cheap Flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Chicago (ORD)

View CA $243 flight on Thu, Oct 15, 2026Opens in a new window

Popular airlines from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

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Cheap flights from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Chicago (ORD)

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at CA $243 for one-way flights and CA $503 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $503 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
CA $503
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at CA $503 found 2 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $503 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
CA $503
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at CA $503 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Sun, Sep 27
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $505 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
CA $505
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at CA $505 found 6 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $508 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
CA $508
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at CA $508 found 2 days ago
Delta
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $510 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
CA $510
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Delta flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at CA $510 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $515 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
CA $515
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at CA $515 found 2 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $516 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
CA $516
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at CA $516 found 2 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Fri, Sep 25 - Sun, Sep 27
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $518 Roundtrip, found 6 days ago
CA $518
Roundtrip
found 6 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Fri, Sep 25 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Sun, Sep 27, priced at CA $518 found 6 days ago
Alaska Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $530 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
CA $530
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Alaska Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at CA $530 found 2 days ago
American Airlines
Thu, Oct 22 - Mon, Oct 26
SBA
Santa Barbara
ORD
Chicago
CA $539 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
CA $539
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select American Airlines flight, departing Thu, Oct 22 from Santa Barbara to Chicago, returning Mon, Oct 26, priced at CA $539 found 2 days ago

Find the cheapest month to fly from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Chicago (ORD)

February is typically the cheapest month to fly

From CA $313 - CA $646 per traveller.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from CA $243 and cheap return flights from CA $503 SBA to ORD with Expedia. Return flights often range between CA$497 and CA$1542. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when SBA to ORD ticket fares go up or down.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
January is typically the cheapest month to fly from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to Chicago O'Hare Intl. (ORD), with average return fares around CA$501. January often sees lower prices because it falls after the busy holiday travel season, when demand tends to decrease and airlines offer more competitive fares. February and May are also good months to find deals on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
Only one airline offers direct flights from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD).United operates 7 direct flights from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD) every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
United is one of the cheapest airlines offering nonstop return flights from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD), with tickets starting from around CA$357 for flights that can be booked for departure within the next year. For connecting flights, American Airlines is one of the cheapest, with return tickets starting from around CA$367. These prices are for economy/coach class per adult. Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
How do I find cheap flights from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, United offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, United typically offers the lowest fares. Alaska Airlines offers the most daily flights from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.), which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The best time to fly from Santa Barbara (SBA) to Chicago (ORD) is typically January. This month offers a great balance, as it's both one of the cheapest months to fly, with return flights averaging around CA$501, and it's also a popular time to travel, meaning you'll have plenty of flight options to choose from. If you're flexible, January gives you both affordable fares and excellent flight schedules to work with.
How many flights per day from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
There is 1 nonstop flight per day from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD). For even more choices, look at flights that include layovers, as there are around 18 connecting flights per day. Some common connection points include Portland Intl. (PDX), Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX), and San Francisco Intl. (SFO).
What is the earliest flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) typically departs around 5:00 AM. This flight is operated by United. This is a seasonal service, active in July and August. An early departure like this can help you make the most of your time at your destination. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What day of the week has the most flights from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
You'll find the most flights from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) on Mondays, with around 22 flights available. This gives you a good selection of options for your travel plans. Major airlines on this route include United, American Airlines, and Alaska Airlines. Flight schedules are quite consistent throughout the week, so you'll have plenty of choices no matter which day you choose to fly.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA) to O'Hare Intl. (ORD) are between 12pm and 3pm. Many major carriers, including United, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, offer flights during this window. Many travellers prefer this time as it allows for a full morning before heading to the airport and an afternoon arrival at your destination.
How long does it take to fly from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
When flying from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.), you have a few options. A non-stop flight typically takes around 4 hours 30 minutes. If you opt for a one-stop flight, the journey usually extends to about 9 hours. For flights with two or more stops, you can expect a total travel time of approximately 12 hours 20 minutes. The distance covered on this route is about 2895 kilometres. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to factors like wind patterns and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
Yes, you can fly business class or first class between SBA and ORD. You can fly business class with Delta.First class cabins are available on Alaska Airlines, United, Delta, and American Airlines.
How do I earn miles on a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Chicago, IL (ORD) from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA)?
If you're planning to travel to Chicago from Santa Barbara Municipal (SBA), you can fly directly into O'Hare Intl. (ORD). Some flights may connect through major hubs like Portland Intl. (PDX), Seattle - Tacoma Intl. (SEA), or Sky Harbor Intl. (PHX) before reaching Chicago. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight and hotel package is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.)?
If you booked your Santa Barbara, CA (SBA-Santa Barbara Municipal) to Chicago, IL (ORD-O'Hare Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.

Travel information

Origin airport
Santa Barbara Municipal
Destination airport
O'Hare Intl.
Roundtrip price
CA $503
Distance
2877 km
Average flight time
8 hours 9 mins

Book with confidence

Goleta to Chicago Flights

The easy way to book your flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago 

With Expedia, it’s simple to find and book flights to Chicago from Santa Barbara whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure. Enter your travel dates, hit search, and choose your flight from 20 airlines that cover this route. There are nonstop flights to O'Hare Intl., too.  

Choose your preferred carrier and cabin class with the advanced search tool and select your ideal departure time. Then, if you want, you can see just nonstop or refundable flights. And if you’re traveling last minute, just enter the date to check out flights from Santa Barbara to Chicago today, tomorrow, or this week.  

 

Save dollars with cheap flights from Santa Barbara Municipal, SBA to O'Hare Intl., ORD 

Sort your search results by price to find great deals on your flight from Santa Barbara to Chicago—you get all your cheapest options first. Grab yourself a bargain now—the lowest price on flights to Chicago from Santa Barbara currently is just CA $503 rising to CA $539.  

Here are more money-saving tips: 

  • Fly in October when flight prices are normally at their lowest 
  • Book about a month to 6 weeks before you travel for the best prices to Chicago  
  • Avoid peak season and weekends when flights can cost more
  • Early morning and late-night flights are sometimes cheaper, so try varying your travel times 
  • One surefire way to save money on your flight is to book your flight and hotel together with Expedia. Sometimes, the savings are so large that the flight is basically free! 

 

Reasons to choose Expedia for your flight to Chicago from Santa Barbara 

Whatever your destination, budget, or reason to travel, in just one quick search, you can choose from loads of flights, airlines, and cabin classes. The filters make it quick and easy to find your ideal flights, and if you choose one of the flexible options, you won’t be charged to change your flight. So book your flight to Chicago with Expedia today.

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