Chicago to Los Angeles Flight Time & Schedules

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What Is the Average Flight Time from Chicago to Los Angeles?

A nonstop flight from Chicago to Los Angeles generally takes around 6 hours 41 minutes. The scheduled duration can vary slightly depending on the airline, aircraft type, weather conditions, air traffic and the selected route.

Flights with one connection usually take around 7 hours 25 minutes, with options such as routing through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). The total travel time can change depending on the connection schedule and the time spent between flights.

Passengers departing from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) may need to check available routes carefully, as most major nonstop Chicago–Los Angeles services operate from O’Hare International Airport.

Approximate Journey Time from Chicago to Los Angeles

Nonstop flights between Chicago and Los Angeles usually take approximately 6 hours 41 minutes. Flight schedules may differ depending on the airline, aircraft operation, wind conditions and daily air traffic.

For travelers choosing a connecting itinerary, the journey generally takes around 7 hours 25 minutes via Detroit. The final duration includes the additional flight segment and connection time at the transfer airport.

Direct flights from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) generally take around 6 hours 41 minutes.

LAX is the main international airport serving Los Angeles and provides access to destinations across Southern California, including downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica and surrounding areas.

Travelers can also choose connecting flights between Chicago and Los Angeles. A common connecting option is through Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

The total journey time for this routing is approximately 7 hours 25 minutes, although the exact duration can vary depending on the connection schedule and airline timetable.

Estimated Chicago to Los Angeles Travel Time by Airport

Arrival Airport	Route Code	Estimated Flight Time
Los Angeles International Airport	ORD–LAX	Around 6 hrs 41 mins nonstop
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport	ORD–DTW–LAX	Around 7 hrs 25 mins with one stop

These timings are approximate and may vary depending on the airline, aircraft, weather conditions, air traffic and connection duration.

Chicago to Los Angeles Airline Choices

American Airlines

United Airlines

Delta Air Lines

Southwest Airlines

Spirit Airlines

Time Difference Between Chicago and Los Angeles

Los Angeles is normally two hours behind Chicago. Chicago follows Central Time, while Los Angeles follows Pacific Time.

For example, when it is 8:00 AM in Chicago, it is usually 6:00 AM in Los Angeles.

The time difference remains two hours throughout the year, although both locations adjust their clocks during daylight saving time on the same schedule.

Flight departure and arrival times are displayed according to the local time at each airport, so travelers should consider the time zone change when checking their itinerary.

Explore More Flight Times & Routes

Planning beyond this route? Explore more flight times, distances, and travel durations using our tools below.

Start with our Flight Time Calculator to estimate journey times worldwide, or browse average travel times from your departure city using the Chicago Flight Times.