Two Incredible Flight Deals from Chicago – But There’s a Catch!
Finding huge discounts on international flights is one of the best parts of hunting for travel deals, and I was pretty excited to find two amazing fares for travel this August:
✈️ Chicago to Phuket for $843 (normally $1,300+)
✈️ Chicago to Sydney for $702 (normally $1,200+)
These flights are both over $500 off their historical averages and the lowest prices I’ve ever seen on these routes! But before you start packing your bags, there’s a catch—and it might be a deal breaker for some.
The Catch: Layovers & Late Arrivals
🔹 Phuket Flight: This deal comes with a 7-hour overnight layover in Bangkok. That’s barely enough time to leave the airport, but the good news is that Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport has hotel options inside and nearby, allowing you to get some rest before your flight home.
🔹 Sydney Flight: The return flight from Sydney lands after 1 AM in Chicago, which isn’t ideal for most travelers. However, if you’re flexible or don’t mind a very late arrival, the savings of $500+ make this an incredible deal.
Why Visit Sydney?
Sydney is a world-class city with a perfect mix of urban adventure, stunning coastal scenery, and bucket-list experiences. If you can work around the late-night return, here are a couple of must-dos in and around Sydney:
Climb the Sydney Harbor Bridge
Get a breathtaking, panoramic view of the city and harbor by taking on the Sydney Harbor Bridge Climb. It’s one of the most iconic experiences in Australia!
Explore the Blue Mountains
A short train or car ride from Sydney, the Blue Mountains feature stunning hiking trails, waterfalls, and dramatic rock formations, including the famous Three Sisters. Perfect for a day trip!
Relax at Bondi Beach & Walk the Coastal Trail
Sydney’s beach culture is legendary, and Bondi Beach is the crown jewel. Take a swim, try surfing, or walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal trail, which offers jaw-dropping ocean views.
Why Visit Phuket?
If you’re willing to deal with the overnight layover in Bangkok, Phuket is an incredible tropical getaway and a perfect jumping-off point for some of the most stunning places in Southeast Asia. Here are some of the jaw-droppingly beautiful spots you can easily reach from Phuket:
Phi Phi Islands
An absolute bucket-list destination, the Phi Phi Islands boast towering limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. Take a boat tour to Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
This stunning bay is home to iconic limestone karsts rising from the sea. You can take a boat or kayak tour through secret caves, explore hidden lagoons, and visit James Bond Island, made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun.
Railay Beach & Krabi
Not far from Phuket, Railay Beach is a dream destination with its towering cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden caves. It’s also a world-famous spot for rock climbing.
Final Thoughts – Worth It?
For most travelers, the late-night return from Sydney or the overnight layover in Bangkok will be a deal breaker—but if you’re flexible and willing to work around these quirks, these prices are too good to ignore.
The Flights
Chicago to Phuket, Thailand
Chicago to Sydney, Australia
