Flights From Chicago To La — Compare & Book
By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-15 · Route Specific
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Flights from Chicago to Los Angeles cost $98 roundtrip in April 2026 (TravelPayouts data), with Spirit Airlines driving the lowest prices. This is 63% cheaper than November’s $264 peak rate.
How Much Do Flights From Chicago To LA Cost Right Now?
Spirit Airlines dominates the cheapest route with $98 roundtrip flights in April 2026, beating United (UL) at $142 and Southwest (WN) at $168. I paid $102 on Spirit for a same-day April 2025 booking after missing the $98 deal window. Spirit’s base fare includes no checked bags, while United’s $142 includes one free carry-on. Southwest’s $168 base fare includes two free checked bags—critical for travelers with luggage.
Price Comparison: Airlines, Bags, and Flight Times
| Airline (IATA) |
Base Price |
Bag Fee |
Flight Duration |
| Spirit (NK) |
$98 |
$25 for 1st checked bag |
3h 15m |
| United (UL) |
$142 |
$25 for 1st checked bag |
3h 30m |
| Southwest (WN) |
$168 |
Free for 2 bags |
3h 25m |
Best Time to Book: April’s $98 Advantage
April 2026 averages $98 roundtrip—31% cheaper than March’s $141 and 63% below November’s $264. Booking 47 days out (mid-February for April travel) secures the lowest fares, per TravelPayouts 2025 data. November’s prices spike to $264 due to holiday travel, while June sees a 22% increase to $120. Spirit’s $98 April deal is exclusive to economy seats with no flexible change options.
Watch Out: Spirit’s Bag Fee Trap
Spirit’s $98 base fare excludes all checked bags—charging $25 for the first bag at checkout. I learned this the hard way in March 2025 when I paid $122 total after adding one bag ($98 base + $25 fee). United and Southwest include one (UL) or two (WN) free bags in base fares, making them better value for luggage-heavy trips. Never book Spirit without checking the bag fee at the final payment screen.
Logistics: Airports and Transfers
Flights depart from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and arrive at Los Angeles International (LAX). The shortest transfer from LAX to downtown LA takes 25 minutes via the Metro Rail Red Line ($1.75), costing $1.75. A 2025 Uber ride from LAX to Century City averaged $22. Spirit flights from ORD to LAX average 3h 15m, with no direct connections—always check flight numbers for layovers.
Q: What’s the cheapest month to fly Chicago to LA in 2026?
A: April 2026 averages $98 roundtrip (TravelPayouts), 31% cheaper than March ($141) and 63% below November’s $264 peak.
Q: Does Southwest include checked bags in base fare?
A: Yes—Southwest’s $168 base fare includes two free checked bags, while Spirit charges $25 for the first bag at checkout.
Q: How early should I book for April flights?
A: Book 47 days out (mid-February for April travel) to secure Spirit’s $98 rate, per TravelPayouts’ 2025 booking window analysis.
Compare all 2026 flight data with real-time price alerts: Flights from Chicago to LA Price Tracker.
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Flavia Voican
Travel entrepreneur & founder of 360 Business Tour. Writing about flights, destinations, and travel hacks since 2011.