Calling All Kiwis! Chicago Dreams and Non-existent Non-Stops
So, you've been bitten by the travel bug, and the Windy City is whispering sweet nothings in your ear. Excellent choice! Chicago's got world-class museums, enough deep-dish pizza to send your arteries into happy retirement, and enough jazz to make your feet tap a rhythm all on their own. But before you start packing your inflatable neck pillow and practicing your best gangster movie impression, there's a teeny, tiny hurdle to jump.
The Great Kiwi Caper: To Direct or Not to Direct, That is the Question
Now, you might be thinking, "Surely there's a direct flight from New Zealand to Chicago, right? It's not exactly Timbuktu we're talking about here." Well, buckle up buttercup, because here's where things get a little...interesting. As of right now (cue dramatic music), direct flights from New Zealand to Chicago are currently on hiatus. That's right, they're about as common as a kumara in Antarctica.
Don't despair, fellow Kiwi travelers! This doesn't mean your Chicago dreams have to go belly-up like a startled tui. There are still ways to get to the land of skyscrapers and blues music, they just might involve a little extra time spent chilling in an airport lounge (duty-free shopping, anyone?).
Here's the Lowdown on Layovers: Your Gateway to Chicago
Airlines like United and (when they get their act together) Air New Zealand offer flights with layovers in other US cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Think of it as a bonus pitstop - a chance to grab some In-N-Out Burger on the West Coast or snag a photo op with the Golden Gate Bridge. Just be sure to factor in the layover time when you're booking your flights, because nobody wants to be sprinting through an airport like a sheepdog chasing a rogue frisbee.
Pro Tip: If you do end up with a layover, use it to your advantage! Explore a new city for a few hours, grab some lunch, or finally crack open that book you've been meaning to read.
So Can You Fly Direct to Chicago From NZ? Not Today, But Soon!
While you can't exactly hop on a plane and be sipping on a Chicago-style hot dog in under 15 hours right now, there's light at the end of the tunnel. Air New Zealand has announced plans to relaunch direct flights in late 2025. So, if you can hold off on your Chicago adventure for a bit, you might be treated to a smooth, nonstop journey across the Pacific.
In the meantime, keep an eye out for deals on flights with layovers, and start planning your Windy City itinerary. Chicago awaits, and when those direct flights do come back, you'll be the first one in line, ready to conquer the city with a smile and an empty stomach (perfect for all that pizza!).
