Chicago (ORD) to Tel Aviv (TLV) Flight Route Guide
Everything you need to fly Origin to Destination: timing, airlines, and insider tips.
AI flight agent
Prefer a human?
4x weekly Year-Round
Flown by United
The nonstop route between Chicago O'Hare and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion offers a vital link for travelers connecting the American Midwest with the heart of the Middle East. Operated by United Airlines, this long-haul service bypasses the need for coastal connections, providing a streamlined journey for business travelers, pilgrims, and tourists alike.
This service is a primary international artery for United Airlines, running 4 times weekly. Utilizing the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the flight covers thousands of miles across the Atlantic and Europe to reach the Mediterranean coast. It is a year-round service designed to accommodate steady demand from the Chicago metropolitan area.
“As one of the few direct links from the interior United States to Israel, this route is essential for maintaining economic and cultural ties. It significantly reduces travel time compared to connecting through European hubs or New York, making it the preferred choice for those seeking the most efficient path to Tel Aviv.”
Book with Borderly • Powered by Duffel
Fly to Destination, booked directly.
Real-time seat availability, live baggage options, and transparent fares across 400+ airlines.
Airline
United
Region
Middle East
Aircraft
B787-9
Service
4x weekly Year-Round
Airports
Landing and taking off
Departure
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Check-In
International check-in for Tel Aviv usually opens 4 hours before departure; aim to arrive early for enhanced security screening.
Connections
Terminal 1 is the main United hub, offering easy connections from domestic flights.
Security
Expect additional security questions at the gate area, which is standard for all direct flights to Israel.
Arrival
Ben Gurion International Airport (TLV)
On Arrival
Use the automated biometric kiosks to scan your passport and receive your entry slip, which replaces the traditional passport stamp.
Ground Transport
The high-speed train to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv Savidor Center is located on the lower level of Terminal 3.
Planning Ahead
Note that public transport including trains and buses does not run during Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening).
Booking, timing and fares
Timing & Reliability
Schedule. Usually departs Chicago in the late afternoon or evening and arrives in Tel Aviv the following afternoon.
Duration. Westbound return flights are typically longer due to headwinds, often exceeding 13 hours.
Seasonality. Operations remain consistent year-round with occasional schedule adjustments based on daylight savings.
Time Zones. Tel Aviv is 8 hours ahead of Chicago Central Time.
Fares & Booking
Booking Window. 90-120 days out is generally the sweet spot for trans-Atlantic fares to the Middle East.
Cabin Advice. Upgrading to Economy Plus provides valuable extra legroom that makes a 12-hour flight significantly more comfortable.
Peak Pricing. Prices skyrocket during Passover (Spring) and Sukkot (Fall), so book those dates much earlier.
Peak
Summer months and the Jewish High Holiday periods in late autumn.
Shoulder
Late spring and early autumn outside of holiday weeks.
Off-Peak
January and February typically offer the lowest fares but cooler weather.
- Monitor prices 3 to 6 months in advance for the most competitive rates.
- Look for flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays to avoid weekend price premiums.
- Consider joining United MileagePlus to earn significant miles on this long-haul route.
Search Flights
Want tours and activities at either end?
Book vetted tours and experiences through our travel partner.
Best Time to Fly Origin to Destination
Spring (March to May)
Ideal weather for exploring the outdoors without the intense summer heat.
Fall (September to November)
Pleasant temperatures, though flights can be busier during the High Holidays.
Trip Planning
Who this route suits
Best For
Business Travelers
Direct connection between the Chicago financial hub and the Silicon Wadi tech sector.
Pilgrims
Direct access to the Holy Land for religious tours and historical exploration.
Leisure Tourists
Perfect for those wanting to experience Tel Aviv's beaches and nightlife without stopovers.
Connections & Alternatives
Jerusalem
Easily reached via the high-speed rail link directly from the airport.
Haifa
Accessible via direct train service from Terminal 3.
Eilat
Domestic connections are available from Terminal 1 for those heading to the Red Sea.
Travel Tips for the Origin-Destination Route
Good to Know
Visa & Entry
- United States citizens generally do not require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days.
- Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
- Keep the blue entry slip provided at arrival with you throughout your stay.
Airport Transfers
- The train is the fastest way to reach central Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.
- Official taxis are regulated and use a meter; avoid unofficial solicitors.
- Sherut (shared vans) are available 24/7, including during Shabbat, to major cities.
Baggage & Transit
- Ensure your luggage meets international size limits as domestic and international requirements can differ.
- Pack essentials in your carry-on in case of any checked bag delays on the long journey.
- Clearly label your bags with your contact information in both English and Hebrew if possible.
Checklist
- Universal power adapter (Types C, H, and M).
- Modest clothing for visits to religious and holy sites.
- Travel insurance that covers international medical expenses.
- A physical or digital copy of your return flight itinerary.
Airlines Flying Origin to Destination
United
4 flights per week
Exclusively using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Common questions
Does United fly direct from Chicago to Tel Aviv?
Yes, United Airlines operates a direct, nonstop service from Chicago (ORD) to Tel Aviv (TLV).
How long is the flight from ORD to TLV?
The eastbound flight typically takes about 11 hours and 45 minutes, while the westbound flight takes about 13 hours.
What aircraft is used for United flight UA-CHI-TLV?
United typically uses the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this long-haul route.
How many days a week does United fly this route?
United currently operates this route 4 times per week on a year-round basis.
Is food provided on the Chicago to Tel Aviv flight?
Yes, as a long-haul international flight, United provides full meal service, snacks, and beverages.
Borderly
Fly this route? Track it.
Log this flight in your Borderly travel vault, earn badges, and see how your miles stack up.
Explore more
Structured data verifiedAirports
Countries & Layovers
Your Travel Vault
Track United Ord Tlv
Upload your Origin to Destination boarding pass and keep every flight organized in your Borderly travel vault.
- Use the Borderly platform to check historical on-time performance for route UA-CHI-TLV.
- Enable flight notifications in the United Airlines mobile app for gate changes.
- Follow the flight in real-time using live tracking services during the journey.
Keep every boarding pass, route, and milestone in one place.
Saily eSIMBorderly AI