Chicago (ORD) to Istanbul (IST): Award Flights with Points & Miles
Also see: Istanbul → Chicago
The 5,474-mile flight from Chicago to Istanbul takes about 10h 40m nonstop on Turkish Airlines. Below is the full award chart for this route across 24 frequent flyer programs — the lowest published one-way price in each cabin, so you can see exactly which miles get you there for the least.
Chicago to Istanbul Award Chart: All 24 Programs
Lowest published one-way award price per cabin. “Dynamic” means the program prices this route based on cash fares rather than a fixed chart.
| Program | Economy | Prem. Economy | Business | First | Bookable Airlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 20,000 | 40,000 | 66,500 | — | Air France, KLM, SAS |
| Flying Blue | 25,000 | 40,000 | 60,000 | Dynamic | Air France, Etihad, KLM +1 more |
| ANA Mileage Club | 27,500 | — | 50,000 | 82,500 | EgyptAir, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines +2 more |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 30,000 | 40,000 | 57,500 | 85,000 | British Airways, Etihad, Qatar Airways +1 more |
| Finnair Plus | 33,500 | — | 90,500 | — | British Airways, Royal Jordanian |
| Eva Air Infinity MileageLands | 34,000 | — | 65,000 | 85,000 | EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +1 more |
| Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards | 35,000 | 45,000 | 70,000 | 105,000 | British Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian |
| Emirates Skywards | 35,000 | 89,000 | 99,000 | 188,000 | Emirates |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | 37,000 | 46,000 | 60,000 | 90,000 | Air France, British Airways, Emirates +2 more |
| Avianca Lifemiles | 39,000 | — | 69,000 | 120,000 | EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +1 more |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 40,000 | 55,000 | 93,000 | 135,000 | British Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 40,000 | — | 65,000 | 100,000 | EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +1 more |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 42,500 | — | 75,000 | 120,000 | Air Serbia, EgyptAir, Emirates +4 more |
| British Airways Executive Club | 42,500 | — | 85,000 | 85,000 | British Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian |
| Iberia Plus | 42,500 | Dynamic | 114,750 | — | British Airways, Royal Jordanian |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 42,500 | 103,000 | 85,000 | 85,000 | British Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 43,500 | 85,000 | 108,000 | 155,200 | Air France, British Airways, Emirates +2 more |
| United MileagePlus | 44,000 | — | 88,000 | 140,000 | EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +1 more |
| TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go | 50,000 | — | 100,000 | 125,000 | EgyptAir, Etihad, LOT Polish Airlines +2 more |
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus | 55,000 | 75,000 | 82,500 | 100,000 | EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +1 more |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 60,000 | — | 114,500 | 137,000 | EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa +1 more |
| Etihad Guest | 67,000 | 74,000 | 120,000 | 240,000 | Air France, Air Serbia, Etihad +2 more |
| Delta Skymiles | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | — | Air France, KLM, SAS |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Dynamic | Etihad, Qatar Airways |
Prices are published saver-level award chart rates and exclude taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges. Programs update charts without notice — verify with the program before transferring points.
Booking Tips: Chicago to Istanbul on Points
- 1Best business class value: ANA Mileage Club at 50,000 miles one-way (transfer from Amex Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy).
- 2Cheapest economy award: 20,000 miles with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Compare cash fares before redeeming — short on points value, economy is sometimes better paid in cash.
- 3Prices shown are the lowest published one-way saver rates. Peak dates, partner surcharges, and taxes/fees vary by program — always compare the final out-of-pocket total.
- 4Delta Skymiles, JetBlue TrueBlue price this route dynamically — their cost tracks cash fares, so watch for flash sales and off-season dates.
- 5Award space at saver level is limited on most airlines. Booking 3–11 months ahead, flying midweek, and checking nearby airports all improve your odds.
See live award options for Chicago to Istanbul
The table above shows published chart rates. Run a search to compare every program and routing for your dates — including transfer bonuses.
Search This RouteFrequently Asked Questions
How many miles do I need to fly from Chicago to Istanbul?
One-way economy awards from Chicago to Istanbul start at 20,000 miles with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Business class starts at 50,000 miles with ANA Mileage Club. Exact pricing depends on the program, airline, and travel dates.
What is the cheapest way to book Chicago to Istanbul in business class with points?
ANA Mileage Club has the lowest published business class rate at 50,000 miles one-way. You can top up this program by transferring from Amex Membership Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy. Award availability at saver levels is limited, so flexible dates help.
How many points is first class from Chicago to Istanbul?
First class awards on this route start at 82,500 miles one-way via ANA Mileage Club. First class award space is scarce — book as soon as schedules open when possible.
Which airlines fly from Chicago to Istanbul?
Airlines with nonstop service between Chicago and Istanbul include Turkish Airlines. The flight covers about 5,474 miles and takes roughly 10h 40m nonstop. Additional partner airlines serve the route with one connection.
Which credit card points can I use to fly from Chicago to Istanbul?
Most major transferable currencies work for this route. Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards each transfer to multiple programs listed in the award chart above — compare the programs your points transfer to before booking.