ORD
LHR

Route guide · Updated 2026

The best flights from Chicago to London

Pick the best of 9 nonstop flights on American, British Airways and United. But which flights let you stretch out, defy jetlag, and save hours door-to-door?

Our verdict

The best flights from Chicago to London:

Typical flight time
8 hrs 5 mins
Time change
6 hours ahead
Nonstop flights
9 a day

Defy jetlag

Book overnight flights departing after 9pm

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These overnight flights will be easier to sleep through. Your body clock will still be on your Chicago timezone, so getting to sleep will be easier for flights after 9pm. By the time dinner is cleared away, it will be about 11pm and you'll feel naturally tired.

The second big benefit is that the flights will land nearer a time you would typically wake up in Chicago. Your body will have had more chance to rest and recharge without interruption at a somewhat normal time. Earlier flights will leave you sleep deprived. Remember, you'll typically be offered breakfast 1-2 hours before landing too. That will feel easier nearer 6-7am on your body clock than 1-2 am.

If you do have to take an earlier flight, see if you can get the earliest possible flight then get home or to a hotel for a "proper" sleep until lunchtime in London the day you land (your body will want to this anyway). If you can land around dawn, get out the airport quickly, and beat the morning rush hour traffic home, this also works. Your flight then isn't so critical for sleep.

Chicago
8pm10pm12am2am4am6am
London
2am4am6am8am10am12pm
Bedtime in Chicago
Bedtime in London
United
UA938767-300ER
ORD – LHR
British Airways
BA296777-200ER
ORD – LHR
American
AA98787-9
ORD – LHR

Seatmap lottery

Flying Economy? Book the 767 for more space

767s have a twin seat layout (i.e. 2-3-2). These layouts are much better for most travellers - groups, couples, and individuals. With fewer middle seats, and window seats being closer to the aisle, the whole cabin will feel more spacious even with the same seat pitch and width.

Seatmap lottery

Land feeling fresher by flying the 787

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Studies show the effects of lower cabin altitude (more oxygen and humidity) help with feeling less fatigued when you land.

787s, A350s and A380s have lower cabin altitudes than other aircraft. On long flights, like from London to Chicago, you'll notice your skin, mouth, and nose dry through the flight.

Faster door-to-door

Avoid flights departing Chicago between 6pm and 9pm to miss rush hour

Rush hour in Chicago hits around 3pm to 6pm. If you depart Chicago between 6pm and 9pm, you'll hit the traffic on the way to the airport and check-in. Taxis and Ubers will be more expensive too.

Chicago
12pm2pm4pm6pm8pm10pm
London
6pm8pm10pm12am2am4am
Rush hour in Chicago
United
UA929767-300ER
ORD – LHR
British Airways
BA294787-10
ORD – LHR
American
AA86787-9
ORD – LHR
United
UA920767-300ER
ORD – LHR
British Airways
BA298787-10
ORD – LHR
American
AA46787-9
ORD – LHR
United
UA938767-300ER
ORD – LHR
British Airways
BA296777-200ER
ORD – LHR
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When is your trip?

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Every nonstop

When the flights actually go

Chicago
4am12pm8pm4am12pm8pm
London
10am6pm2am10am6pm2am
United
UA929767-300ER
ORD – LHR
British Airways
BA294787-10
ORD – LHR
American
AA86787-9
ORD – LHR
United
UA920767-300ER
ORD – LHR
British Airways
BA298787-10
ORD – LHR
American
AA46787-9
ORD – LHR
United
UA938767-300ER
ORD – LHR
British Airways
BA296777-200ER
ORD – LHR
American
AA98787-9
ORD – LHR
View all flights