Chicago to Los Angeles flights
Direct and connecting flights from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — airlines, aircraft types, and the safety record for this route.
Route FAQ
How long does the flight from Chicago to Los Angeles take?
Flight time from Chicago (MDW) to Los Angeles (LAX) depends on routing, aircraft type, and whether the flight is direct or connecting. A direct flight typically reflects great-circle distance plus winds, while one-stop options can add several hours depending on the layover airport. The typical block time and frequency we have observed for this route are shown above.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Airline availability for MDW to LAX changes by season and sometimes week to week as carriers adjust capacity. The airlines and aircraft types observed operating this route, both direct and connecting, are listed below based on real flight-tracking data.
Are there direct flights from Chicago to Los Angeles?
Direct (nonstop) availability on MDW to LAX varies by date, day of week, and season. Busy city pairs usually have multiple daily nonstops, while thinner routes may only have direct service a few days per week or only during peak seasons.
No fatal or serious occurrence recorded and attributed to operators on this pair in the last 90 days.
- Southwest Airlines5-yr attributed events: 40Last 90 days: none recorded
| Carrier | Sightings / 90d | Safety events |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | 3 sightings | No recorded events |
Planning MDW → LAX
MDW to LAX is a medium-haul route of 2,812 km (1,747 mi). See the return LAX → MDW route.
Alternative airports near Chicago: Chicago (CGX) — 14 km, Chicago (ORD) — 25 km, Gary (GYY) — 34 km.
Alternative airports near Los Angeles: Hawthorne (HHR) — 7 km, Santa Monica (SMO) — 9 km, Torrance (TOA) — 17 km.