Direct (nonstop) flights from Los Angeles to Chicago

1 airline flys nonstop from Los Angeles International (LAX) to Chicago Midway International (MDW). It's 1,751 miles (2,818 km), about 3h 55m in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

LAX
Los Angeles International
🇺🇸 Los Angeles, USA
MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
3h 55m
Distance
1,751 mi
2,818 km
CO₂/pax
296 kg
−34 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Time Diff
+2h
Operated by Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
LAX → MDW
Flight Time
3h 55m
Distance
1,751 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Los Angeles to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 296 kg CO₂ per passenger

LAX MCI (Kansas City) MDW
Leg 1: 3h 13m (1,363 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (405 mi) Total: ~4h 38m 🍃 330 kg CO₂ (+11% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LAX → MCI
3h 13m · 1,363 mi
View LAX to MCI flights →
Leg 2
MCI → MDW
1h 25m · 405 mi
View MCI to MDW flights →
LAX PSP (Palm Springs) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 3m (109 mi) Leg 2: 3h 35m (1,658 mi) Total: ~4h 38m 🍃 325 kg CO₂ (+10% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LAX → PSP
1h 3m · 109 mi
View LAX to PSP flights →
Leg 2
PSP → MDW
3h 35m · 1,658 mi
View PSP to MDW flights →
LAX ABQ (Albuquerque) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 59m (677 mi) Leg 2: 2h 40m (1,122 mi) Total: ~4h 39m 🍃 340 kg CO₂ (+15% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LAX → ABQ
1h 59m · 677 mi
View LAX to ABQ flights →
Leg 2
ABQ → MDW
2h 40m · 1,122 mi
View ABQ to MDW flights →
LAX STL (Saint Louis) MDW
Leg 1: 3h 35m (1,591 mi) Leg 2: 1h 5m (252 mi) Total: ~4h 40m 🍃 341 kg CO₂ (+15% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LAX → STL
3h 35m · 1,591 mi
View LAX to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → MDW
1h 5m · 252 mi
View STL to MDW flights →
LAX PHX (Phoenix) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 28m (370 mi) Leg 2: 3h 15m (1,443 mi) Total: ~4h 43m 🍃 338 kg CO₂ (+14% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LAX → PHX
1h 28m · 370 mi
View LAX to PHX flights →
Leg 2
PHX → MDW
3h 15m · 1,443 mi
View PHX to MDW flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Los Angeles to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (MDW) takes approximately 3 hours and 55 minutes. The distance is 1,751 miles (2,818 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Los Angeles from Chicago?

The flight distance from Los Angeles to Chicago is 1,751 miles (2,818 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance.

What type of aircraft flies from Los Angeles to Chicago?

At 3h 55m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Roughly 296 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 1,480 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago to Los Angeles also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Los Angeles to Chicago?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Los Angeles International for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.