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Find cheap flights from Chicago to Australia from $531

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 8/11. 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
0 bags
Thu 6/27
Thu 7/4

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Best Australia Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Sydney
Sydney1 stop$1,083

Good to know

Low season

April

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$531
Best time to beat the crowds with an average 8% drop in price.
Most popular time to fly with an average 38% increase in price.
Flight from Chicago to Brisbane

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 to Australia from Chicago is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers 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 round-trip ticket. You could then fly to Australia with an airline and back to Chicago 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 to Australia from Chicago up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Australia

  • Morning departure is around 19% more expensive than an evening flight, on average*.
  • 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.
See more tips
*Average of the lowest prices shown in KAYAK’s search results for departures within the next 30 days

Top 5 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.
8.1
Air New ZealandOverall score based on 609 reviews
7.6Food
8.1Comfort
7.9Entertainment
8.4Boarding
8.7Crew
Airline reviews

Can you please process refund. Mum died and dad went to Pakistan to bury her after cancelling flight.

2.0 MediocreAnonymous, May 2024AKL - YVR
Read more about Air New Zealand reviews

Can you please process refund. Mum died and dad went to Pakistan to bury her after cancelling flight.

All was good, the only thing was it didn't run on time.

Great meal. Best seats ever! They need to teach other airlines how to do that.

The staff and crew on board were excellent. Business class however, was very weird. I thought we would have individual pods, but the way it was set up was unexpected. Not very private and If you wanted to lay down, you had to have an entire bed made up for you by the crew, rather than how Delta one works where you could just lie down whenever you feel like it. It was a 16 hour flight. I chose not to have my bed made, and that turned out to be a good idea because everybody who had their bed made had to wait for the crew to roll up their mattresses. So strange!

United flight from SFO to PDX was cancelled. I will ask for a refund. Had to book on Alaska

The recline on the seat in front of me came back so that I was staring at the top of the man’s head in front of me the whole trip. He refused to bring his seat back up twice every time he was instructed to do so and only relented when he had a tray of good in front of him. And then right back in my lap!!! Horrible man!! I complained to the staff multiple times, but no one would address the issue. Otherwise, it would have been a perfect flight.

There was a snafu with confirming seats at check which left us in limbo for the second leg of our trip. I believe the ANZ app is not well integrated with the systems at the terminal resulting in this disconcerting error.

Carring crew, nice ambiance of the cabin, comfortable beds, good food well served. We liked everything.

The pilot tried to make up for lost time due to delays that were out of her control. She communicated the issues openly and clearly and made every effort to do what she could to alleviate issues.

2 of the 6 economy toilets were out of order. Drinks were not offered often enough - you have to order on-screen, which is often unavailable. Snacks and Milo ran out very early. Crew was fine but I think there was a sticking issue

The international flight from Sydney to Dallas had great food. I have travelled a lot over the years and this has been the most memorable in my experience so far.

flight delayed, wait in crowded gate. staff inattentive. had to remind them to get my coat from their closet. not many new movies, media choices were limited (nothing compared to Emirates.) Lounge was crowded

flight delayed, wait in crowded gate. staff inattentive. had to remind them to get my coat from their closet. not many new movies, media choices were limited (nothing compared to Emirates.)

Initial flight was cancelled so moved to an alternative flight. As a result, stuck in a middle seat. Flight then place in holding pattern prior to landing resulting in a very late trip home.

There was nothing I didn’t like, prices a little lower would help

Flight delay was informed at the last minute. Food quality is not up to Qantas standard I was unable to book an online boarding pass on any of my 6 flights.

Following a marathon flight riddled by delays and changes from Santiago, Chile, my flight to Melbourne from Sydney was on schedule but I was transferred to the next flight. The reason by ticketing and the floor manager was I missed the entry to flight by one minute! That's right, the emphasised that if I was 1 minute earlier I would be on the flight. I asked what was the point them emphasising 1minute overdue and how that helped me or the situation. They didn't care at all. Replying that if it was one minute earlier they would've done something and smirking delivering the information. Australian's do call Australia home, Qantas calls Australian's suckers.

Rescheduled after ticket purchased and issued, not 2 or 3 times and not a fourth but by 5 times, by Qantas, that's right, 5 changes! Forcing an overnight stay in Chile and need for visa. Qantas can no longer provide basic services as a national or international service provider. Professionalism is extinct and the provider needs to be mentored and educated in perfecting who to operate as an airline. Qantas is the spirit of Australian dissatisfaction.

Amazing! Was put on the earlier flight and I requested for an aisle seat and was given it. Thanks Qantas!

The staff we fantastic and seemed to work very well with each other

There was no screens on board AND the WiFi didn’t work. My seat was broken and couldn’t recline so I couldn’t even sleep. The flight attendants didn’t offer anything to make it more comfortable. It was such an old cramped plane, when the person in front of me reclined I couldn’t even open my tray table. All the United ads talk about guaranteeing everyone gets a screen!

Standard flight experience, but there is only power at the seat to row 20 on the aircraft, on my initial check in it did not say that was the case

Energetic crew - flight full of swiftied going to Taylor's opening show in Paris! Long lines for bathroom made out kind of suck though

I’ve had a couple flights this week on United that were delayed by an hour or more

Great! The plane was decently sized and comfortable. The staff was nice and there was great in flight entertainment

Last minute gate change nearly caused us to miss our flight. Change was not announced or displayed in the main board at the old gate. Terrible communication. When we landed we had to wait 20 minutes because there was another plane at the assigned gate. Not the crew’s fault, but adding 20 minutes to a 45 minute flight sucked.

Nothing beats ANA customer service on my opinion. Maybe because of their Japanese culture (and food). Arigatō

delay several times and wait extra long to board. no entertainment service because there are problem for some rows. always encounter some delays for the last flight of the day.

Flight delayed for 2 hours due to a part. The plane sat waiting for boarding for a long time and during final preflight inspection the issue was found. Why not do the preflight inspection sooner if you know the plane is being used?

The flight experience was very good! Especially the United Club!

It was spectacular. I had basic Economy and was given so much space and their seats lean back so far. Staff was superb, food was superb, everything was superb, Finnair is Fantastic.

Good flights. Departure and arrivals were on time. DFW was a little problematic in that the Skytrain without prior notice bypassed the Echo terminal so that delayed my arrival at my connecting flight.

Because I can’t stand very long in one place, I was allowed to reword.

We were delayed bc ground crew gave the flight crew the wrong paperwork. We taxiied to the runway then back to the gate to get the correct paperwork that no one bothered reviewing the first time we pushed back. Boarding was rude and stressful like it always is. Gate agents and flight attendants are all over 55 years of age, embittered by years of underpayment From AA leading to their passive agressive bitchiness for no reason.

Boarding time was easy & quick. Crew was excellent. In-flight entertainment was great/easy. Seats are too small and not enough room between rows: felt like a sardine/very cramped.

5 hour flight - full flight - not enough room to use my computer - slightly delayed - Admirals club was excellent quality food, drink made up for flight seating. No food offerred on flight, you ahd to prebook.

Excellent- plan was barely populated. I cannot remember a flight where I was able/encouraged to stretch out!

Great flight. Boarding was efficient and quick. On time departure and smooth flight. Flight arrived early at destination. Good experience.

Had technical issue which delayed the flight period. Flight crew knew there was 5 passengers that the connecting flight was within 15 minutes once at the gate. Rather than identify the 5 passengers to assure they got first. The flight attended mentioned it but didn't assist to assure passengers with connecting flights off first. This caused a hardship and our party of 3 missed the connecting flight.

I don't like that I have to pay if I want extra leg room. The seats are so expensive; I sit in normal seats and my legs and knees cramp the entire flight. I never feel comfortable on AA flights.

Unable to initiate refund/reschedule the ticket #worst experience #lost 900$

Flight was delayed for almost 3 hours. Communication of gate change was poor. Email and screen said one gate and it was a different gate from that. Gate changed first to 64 B and then to 64 C. Originally it was 68B. 64C was not communicated properly!

This was a red eye return, so I doubt there would be anyway to make it better. Other than adding beds.

Direct nonstop flight was great. Flight was delayed and the crew announced a 2h delay on the sound system. 30 min or so later I hear my name on the sound system for immediate board. Several other passangers were late too. Reason: The crew incorrectly announced a 2h delay when in reality they meant a new boarding time at 2pm.

Plenty of room in the exit row. Sat on the plane an hour before taking off.☹️ Landed late and had to wait for gate availability.

Flight was on time early arrival better entertainment good staff.everything was excellent

Delayed leaving. On arrival we were taken to the airstrip and had to get off onto an over crowed bus, not all that passengers fit. Drove around the airport for 20 + minutes. Taken off the bus told to go upstairs 3 flights then all the passengers had to walk a mile or more , those of us old there was no one to direct us to were to go. I asked several people with no answers. Once I got to baggage claim my bags were not on the right bag claim. Once again asked for help and finally someone found my bags on a different carasel. Very frustrating.

Excellent host on board. Not so friendly check-in staff. Older plane with no food or entertainment due to short flight. Friendly captain and crew.

I don’t think there was entertainment? No mention of it. It was a good flight. Only complaint was my seat cushion was not attached and kept slipping.

They canceled the flight on us very close to the flight date .

Book cheap flights from Chicago to Australia

Recent round-trip flight deals

11/3Sun
1 stopAmerican Airlines
31h 25mORD-SYD
11/11Mon
1 stopAmerican Airlines
29h 22mSYD-ORD
$1,083
11/6Wed
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
27h 41mORD-SYD
12/4Wed
2 stopsAmerican Airlines
29h 42mSYD-ORD
$1,085
9/3Tue
2 stopsAir New Zealand
27h 10mORD-BNE
9/17Tue
2 stopsAir New Zealand
26h 43mBNE-ORD
$1,189
8/27Tue
2 stopsAir New Zealand
28h 10mORD-MEL
9/10Tue
2 stopsAir New Zealand
26h 48mMEL-ORD
$1,198
7/29Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
24h 11mORD-SYD
8/26Mon
2 stopsUnited Airlines
22h 40mSYD-ORD
$1,378
6/25Tue
1 stopUnited Airlines
24h 11mORD-SYD
7/31Wed
1 stopUnited Airlines
20h 05mSYD-ORD
$1,385
11/4Mon
2 stopsAir Canada
29h 20mORD-SYD
11/12Tue
2 stopsAir Canada
22h 48mSYD-ORD
$1,523
10/27Sun
2 stopsAir Canada
31h 35mORD-SYD
11/24Sun
3 stopsAir Canada
37h 36mSYD-ORD
$1,529
11/14Thu
2 stopsQantas Airways
27h 35mORD-PER
2/18Tue
2 stopsQantas Airways
30h 54mPER-ORD
$2,377
11/7Thu
2 stopsQantas Airways
33h 49mORD-TSV
11/20Wed
3 stopsQantas Airways
30h 47mTSV-ORD
$2,557

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Recent one-way flight deals

8/11Sun
3 stops
45h 20mORD-BNE
$531
9/10Tue
2 stops
35h 28mORD-MEL
$657
6/15Sat
3 stops
57h 33mORD-MEL
$740
8/11Sun
2 stops
34h 40mORD-BNE
$741
8/23Fri
2 stopsSingapore Airlines
47h 30mORD-ADL
$1,117
5/31Fri
1 stopAir Canada
31h 25mORD-SYD
$1,184
6/15Sat
2 stopsAir Canada
28h 55mORD-MEL
$1,193
9/10Tue
2 stopsQantas Airways
25h 25mORD-AVV
$1,257
7/10Wed
1 stopUnited Airlines
26h 20mORD-MEL
$1,593
6/15Sat
1 stopQantas Airways
23h 45mORD-MEL
$1,618

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Last minute flights from Chicago to Australia

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

5/29Wed
multi-stopUnited Airlines
20h 20mORD-SYD
7/24Wed
multi-stopUnited Airlines
19h 35mSYD-ORD
$1,361
5/29Wed
multi-stopUnited Airlines
25h 25mORD-SYD
7/24Wed
multi-stopUnited Airlines
22h 20mSYD-ORD
$1,366
6/2Sun
multi-stopUnited Airlines
23h 55mORD-SYD
6/16Sun
multi-stopUnited Airlines
19h 25mSYD-ORD
$1,379
5/31Fri
multi-stopAir Canada
44h 23mORD-SYD
6/13Thu
multi-stopAir Canada
22h 49mSYD-ORD
$1,876
5/31Fri
multi-stopAir Canada
44h 23mORD-SYD
6/13Thu
multi-stopAir Canada
35h 16mSYD-ORD
$1,889
5/31Fri
multi-stopAir New Zealand
26h 01mORD-SYD
6/7Fri
multi-stopAir New Zealand
27h 09mSYD-ORD
$2,266
6/2Sun
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
45h 00mORD-SYD
6/16Sun
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
41h 43mSYD-ORD
$4,188
6/2Sun
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
33h 25mORD-MEL
6/16Sun
multi-stopSingapore Airlines
41h 03mMEL-ORD
$4,628
5/30Thu
multi-stopAir New Zealand
26h 45mORD-SYD
6/1Sat
multi-stopAir New Zealand
27h 09mSYD-ORD
$9,207
6/2Sun
multi-stopQantas Airways
22h 56mORD-MEL
6/7Fri
multi-stopQantas Airways
23h 25mMEL-ORD
$11,933

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Flights to Australia

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Australia - Chicago

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