San Francisco to Chicago flights
Direct and connecting flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) — airlines, aircraft types, and the safety record for this route.
Route FAQ
How long does the flight from San Francisco to Chicago take?
Flight time from San Francisco (SFO) to Chicago (MDW) 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
Airline availability for SFO to MDW 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 San Francisco to Chicago?
Direct (nonstop) availability on SFO to MDW 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 involving any operator on this pair in the last 90 days.
- Southwest Airlines40
| Carrier | Sightings / 90d | Safety events |
|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | 3 sightings | No recorded events |
Planning SFO → MDW
SFO to MDW is a medium-haul route of 2,977 km (1,850 mi). See the return MDW → SFO route.
Alternative airports near San Francisco: San Carlos (SQL) — 16 km, Half Moon Bay (HAF) — 16 km, Oakland (OAK) — 18 km.
Alternative airports near Chicago: Chicago (CGX) — 14 km, Chicago (ORD) — 25 km, Gary (GYY) — 34 km.