Route guide · 1,042 miles
Cheap Flights from Chicago to San Antonio
ORD → SAT · Nonstop 2h 37m · Live round-trip fares
The run from Chicago (ORD) to San Antonio (SAT) is 1,042 miles of sky, and ticket prices on it are anything but steady. One week can cost double the next. Booking about 3–6 weeks in advance — and watching fares with a free Airfare Deal alert — is how regulars on this route keep costs down.
Live fares for ORD → SAT are updating. Use the search below for real-time prices.
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See live fares
Updated daily
Flight time
2h 37m
Nonstop, typical
Distance
1,042 mi
ORD → SAT
Book ahead
3–6 weeks
Best window, typically
Nonstop airlines
2
American Airlines, United Airlines
Nonstop flights from Chicago to San Antonio
Nonstop flights from Chicago to San Antonio are flown by American Airlines, United Airlines. The 1,042-mile trip takes about 2h 37m gate to gate, and nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 3–6 weeks ahead.
Booking insights: Chicago → San Antonio
- Distance: 1,042 miles · nonstop flight time: 2h 37m.
- Cheapest upcoming week in the live data starts around Oct 22, with fares from $183.
- Fares tend to bottom out when you book about 3–6 weeks ahead — earlier than that rarely helps, later usually hurts.
- Midweek departures (Tue–Thu) are consistently cheaper than weekend flights.
- A free fare alert beats daily checking: we watch this route and ping you when prices drop.
Price trend
Cheapest departure weeks ahead
Departing around Oct 22 is currently the cheapest window — about $1 less than the nearest weeks. Based on recent fares found for this route; prices change quickly.
Cheapest month · Chicago → San Antonio
October 2026
Every date's recent round-trip fare, at a glance.
Fares from
$183
Cheapest: Tue, Oct 27 — $183 · Priciest: Oct 22 — $232
Get this fare →Recent fares found for specific dates in October 2026. Blank days had no recent fare in our data — ask our team and we'll check them for you.
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Flying from Chicago to San Antonio: what you need to know
The flight
The nonstop from ORD to SAT runs about 2h 37m over 1,042 miles. It's a comfortable mid-range flight: long enough that seat choice matters a little, short enough that paying up for extras rarely does.
Airlines on this route
American Airlines and United Airlines fly this route nonstop. That matters more than it sounds: the cheapest fare on one carrier is rarely the same product as the cheapest on another. Checked-bag fees, free seat selection and change rules all differ, so compare the full trip cost before you pick a winner. See our airline guides for exactly what each carrier charges — then send an enquiry and we'll confirm the all-in price for your dates.
Leaving from Chicago (ORD)
Plan to be at the airport two hours before a domestic departure — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times, but security lines are the one variable you can't control. If you're checking a bag, add time rather than cutting it close. Our Chicago airport guide covers terminals, parking and ground transport so you can plan the trip to the airport, not just the flight.
Arriving in San Antonio (SAT)
Before you land, know how you're getting from the airport to where you're staying — it's the part of the trip people forget to plan. The San Antonio airport guide lays out your ground options, from transit and shuttles to rideshares and rental cars. Flying back the other way? Check San Antonio to Chicago fares — prices on the return direction often move on a different rhythm.
When to book
For a trip of 1,042 miles, booking 3–6 weeks ahead typically lands you in the sweet spot. Leave it to the final two weeks and prices usually climb as the cheapest seats sell out. If your dates are flexible, midweek departures are where the lower fares hide on most domestic routes.
Good to know before you go
- If you're traveling with only a carry-on, you can skip the bag-drop line entirely with mobile check-in.
- Download the airline's app before you fly; gate changes and delays show up there first.
- Nonstop time on this route is about 2h 37m — a one-stop itinerary needs to be a lot cheaper to be worth the extra hours.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically the cheapest days on domestic routes.
- Screenshot your fare before you enquire — prices move, and a saved fare helps our team match or beat it.
Chicago to San Antonio flight FAQs
How long is the flight from ORD to SAT?
Plan on about 2h 37m in the air for a nonstop from Chicago to San Antonio — the route runs roughly 1,042 miles. Connecting flights typically add 2–4 hours.
Are there nonstop flights from Chicago to San Antonio?
American Airlines, United Airlines typically operate nonstop flights from ORD to SAT. Nonstops are usually cheapest when booked 3–6 weeks ahead of departure.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to San Antonio?
Travelers usually find the gentlest prices away from peak periods — think post-holiday January and the early-fall weeks. Midweek dates inside those windows are cheaper still.
How much are last minute flights from ORD to SAT?
Last-minute flights from ORD to SAT (booked within 7 days of departure) typically cost noticeably more than fares booked 3–6 weeks out. Booking early is the smarter move.
What is a good round-trip deal from Chicago to San Antonio?
A good deal is anything at or below the recent fares shown above. Set a free Airfare Deal alert and we'll ping you the moment fares drop.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to San Antonio?
You'll mainly see American Airlines, United Airlines on Chicago to San Antonio. Checking each against the live fares below is the surest way to find the lowest price for your dates.
How early should I get to Chicago airport for this flight?
Plan on two hours before departure for a domestic flight — ninety minutes can work at smaller airports outside peak times. If you're checking a bag, earlier is better; the bag-drop line, not the flight, is what runs late.
Do the cheapest fares on this route include a checked bag?
Usually not. Basic economy fares on most airlines include a carry-on but charge extra for checked bags, and seat selection can cost more too. Add up the real total before comparing — a slightly higher regular fare sometimes works out cheaper. Our team confirms the full breakdown with you before you pay.
More cheap flights from Chicago
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