The period of a journey by air between two main American cities, akin to Chicago, Illinois, and San Francisco, California, is influenced by quite a lot of elements. These elements embody the precise route taken, prevailing wind situations, air site visitors management, and the kind of plane. Whereas a nonstop route sometimes takes between 4 and 5 hours, connecting flights can considerably prolong the general journey period.
Understanding the standard size of this transcontinental journey is essential for vacationers planning itineraries, enterprise journeys, or holidays. Correct estimates permit for efficient scheduling of connecting flights, floor transportation, and appointments. Traditionally, this route has performed a major position in connecting the Midwest and the West Coast, facilitating commerce, cultural change, and private journey. The evolution of plane expertise has considerably decreased journey occasions over the a long time, making such journeys significantly extra handy.
This understanding gives a basis for exploring associated subjects, such because the influence of airline selection on schedules, methods for minimizing journey fatigue, and the environmental influence of air journey.
1. Nonstop Flights
Nonstop flights signify essentially the most time-efficient choice for journey between Chicago and San Francisco. Eliminating intermediate stops considerably reduces general journey time, sometimes leading to a journey of roughly 4 to 5 hours. This direct routing contributes to a extra predictable and dependable schedule, minimizing the potential for cascading delays that may happen with connecting flights. Selecting a nonstop flight permits vacationers to maximise their time at their vacation spot and cut back the general stress related to air journey. For instance, a enterprise traveler can arrive in San Francisco, attend conferences, and return to Chicago inside a single day, minimizing time spent in transit.
The provision and frequency of nonstop flights are influenced by a number of elements, together with airline routes, market demand, and seasonal differences. Whereas main airways sometimes supply a number of nonstop flights day by day, smaller carriers or particular routes may need extra restricted choices. Understanding these variations permits vacationers to make knowledgeable decisions based mostly on their schedules and priorities. As an example, vacationers with time constraints would possibly prioritize a nonstop flight even when it entails the next fare, whereas these with extra flexibility would possibly go for a connecting flight to avoid wasting on prices. The elevated comfort and decreased journey time of nonstop flights usually translate to elevated productiveness and a extra constructive journey expertise.
In abstract, prioritizing nonstop flights for journey between Chicago and San Francisco presents important benefits by way of time administration and predictability. Whereas value concerns stay related, the power to streamline journey and maximize time at one’s vacation spot usually justifies the potential value premium. Cautious consideration of airline schedules and potential seasonal differences can additional optimize journey plans.
2. Connecting Flights
Connecting flights signify a major issue influencing general journey time between Chicago and San Francisco. Whereas probably providing value financial savings, they introduce complexities and potential delays that require cautious consideration when planning journey. Understanding the assorted aspects of connecting flights is important for making knowledgeable choices and managing expectations relating to whole journey period.
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Layover Period and Location
Layover durations, starting from temporary connections to prolonged waits, considerably influence general journey time. A brief layover in a smaller airport would possibly supply a fast switch, whereas an extended layover in a significant hub might permit for exploring airport facilities and even briefly visiting the town. The situation of the layover additionally performs a job; altering planes in Denver, as an illustration, would possibly introduce weather-related delays throughout winter months. Selecting a layover location strategically can both expedite or delay the general journey.
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Potential for Delays
Connecting flights inherently introduce better susceptibility to delays in comparison with nonstop choices. A delayed preliminary flight may cause missed connections, necessitating rebooking and considerably extending the whole journey time. This cascading impact can disrupt subsequent journey plans and create logistical challenges. Components akin to climate, air site visitors congestion, and mechanical points can all contribute to delays, making contingency planning important when choosing connecting flights.
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Airline Issues
Totally different airways keep various schedules and interline agreements. Connecting flights involving a number of airways can complicate baggage switch and introduce potential inconsistencies in service and facilities. Selecting airways with strong interline agreements and environment friendly baggage dealing with procedures can mitigate a few of these challenges. Moreover, frequent flyer packages and airline alliances can supply advantages and streamline the connecting flight expertise.
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Value vs. Comfort
Connecting flights usually current a trade-off between value and comfort. Whereas regularly providing decrease fares in comparison with nonstop choices, the prolonged journey time and elevated potential for delays signify important concerns. Evaluating the worth proposition of a connecting flight requires weighing potential value financial savings towards the inconvenience of an extended and probably extra unpredictable journey.
In conclusion, whereas connecting flights could supply value benefits, their influence on general journey time between Chicago and San Francisco can’t be neglected. Cautious consideration of layover period, potential delays, airline decisions, and the steadiness between value and comfort permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices and handle expectations for his or her journey. Understanding these elements contributes to a smoother, extra predictable journey expertise, even when choosing a much less direct route.
3. Wind Situations
Wind situations signify a major affect on flight occasions between Chicago and San Francisco. The prevailing jet stream, a high-altitude air present flowing from west to east throughout North America, performs an important position. Flights touring westward from Chicago to San Francisco usually encounter headwinds, growing journey time and gasoline consumption. Conversely, eastbound flights from San Francisco to Chicago profit from tailwinds, lowering journey time and growing gasoline effectivity. The power and place of the jet stream range all year long and even day-to-day, resulting in fluctuations in flight durations.
Past the jet stream, localized wind patterns close to airports may also influence flight occasions. Sturdy crosswinds at both Chicago O’Hare or San Francisco Worldwide Airport can necessitate changes to takeoff and touchdown procedures, probably resulting in minor delays. Equally, sturdy gusts at cruising altitude can require pilots to change course barely, growing mileage and, consequently, flight time. Airways and flight dispatchers rigorously contemplate wind forecasts when planning routes and scheduling flights, aiming to attenuate the influence of adversarial wind situations on each journey time and gasoline consumption.
Understanding the affect of wind situations on this transcontinental route underscores the dynamic nature of air journey. Whereas scheduled flight occasions present an estimate, precise durations can range as a result of unpredictable nature of wind patterns. This variability highlights the significance of real-time flight monitoring and communication from airways relating to potential delays. Flexibility in journey plans and consciousness of potential wind-related impacts contribute to a extra knowledgeable and adaptable journey expertise.
4. Air Site visitors Management
Air site visitors management (ATC) performs an important position in figuring out flight occasions between Chicago and San Francisco. ATC manages the stream of plane nationwide, guaranteeing secure separation and environment friendly utilization of airspace. Its influence on this particular route stems from the excessive quantity of air site visitors traversing this hall, connecting two main aviation hubs.
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Floor Delays and Departure Sequencing
At each Chicago O’Hare and San Francisco Worldwide Airport, excessive site visitors quantity usually necessitates floor delays previous to departure. ATC assigns departure slots to handle the stream of plane onto runways and into departure corridors, minimizing congestion and potential conflicts. These floor delays straight contribute to elevated whole journey time and are particularly prevalent throughout peak hours or durations of adversarial climate.
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En Route Routing and Altitude Project
As soon as airborne, plane working between Chicago and San Francisco are guided by ATC alongside established airways, which operate as aerial highways. ATC assigns particular altitudes and headings to take care of separation between plane, optimizing site visitors stream and minimizing potential conflicts. Changes to altitude or routing attributable to climate or different plane can influence flight period, generally necessitating longer routes to keep away from congested areas.
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Arrival Sequencing and Strategy Administration
As plane method their vacation spot, ATC manages the sequencing of arrivals, guaranteeing clean and secure integration into the airport’s touchdown sample. Holding patterns, frequent in periods of excessive arrival quantity or inclement climate, can add important time to a flight. Environment friendly arrival administration by ATC minimizes delays and ensures a gentle stream of plane into the vacation spot airport.
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Climate-Associated Rerouting and Delays
Climate techniques, significantly thunderstorms or heavy precipitation, regularly influence air site visitors stream. ATC directs plane round these climate cells to make sure security, usually resulting in deviations from deliberate routes and elevated flight occasions. In circumstances of extreme climate, floor stops is perhaps applied, halting departures and additional impacting scheduled arrival occasions for flights between Chicago and San Francisco.
In abstract, air site visitors management exerts a considerable affect on flight occasions between Chicago and San Francisco. Managing the complexities of floor delays, en route routing, arrival sequencing, and weather-related disruptions contributes to each the security and effectivity of this closely trafficked air hall. Understanding the position of ATC gives priceless context for deciphering flight schedules and anticipating potential delays, enhancing the general journey expertise.
5. Airline Alternative
Airline selection considerably influences the general journey expertise between Chicago and San Francisco, impacting not solely the period but additionally the comfort and luxury of the journey. Totally different airways function various plane varieties, supply distinct routes and schedules, and supply numerous ranges of service. Cautious consideration of those elements ensures knowledgeable decision-making aligned with particular person journey preferences and priorities.
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Route Choices and Flight Period
Airways supply varied route choices, together with nonstop and connecting flights, straight impacting general journey time. Whereas some airways prioritize nonstop service on this route, minimizing journey period, others primarily supply connecting flights, probably introducing prolonged layovers and growing susceptibility to delays. Analyzing route maps and schedules permits vacationers to pick out airways providing essentially the most time-efficient choices aligned with their journey wants. As an example, a enterprise traveler would possibly prioritize a nonstop flight on United or American Airways, whereas a leisure traveler would possibly go for a connecting flight on Southwest or Spirit Airways, probably sacrificing time for value financial savings.
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Plane Kind and Facilities
Plane sort influences each consolation and pace. Vast-body plane sometimes supply extra spacious seating and enhanced facilities, significantly on transcontinental flights, however may not essentially translate to sooner journey occasions. Some airways prioritize newer, fuel-efficient plane on this route, which might contribute to barely shorter flight durations in comparison with older fashions. Contemplating plane sort throughout airline choice permits vacationers to prioritize consolation or effectivity based mostly on particular person preferences.
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Scheduled Departure and Arrival Occasions
Airways keep distinct schedules on the Chicago-San Francisco route, providing departures all through the day. Deciding on an airline with a departure time aligned with private preferences minimizes disruption to day by day routines. Early morning flights can maximize time on the vacation spot, whereas late night time flights is perhaps extra budget-friendly however require in a single day journey. Analyzing departure and arrival time choices permits knowledgeable decisions based mostly on particular person schedules and priorities.
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Baggage Insurance policies and Charges
Airline baggage insurance policies can affect each journey time and value. Carriers with stricter baggage allowances or increased charges would possibly necessitate checking baggage, including time for luggage drop-off and retrieval at each airports. Airways providing extra beneficiant baggage allowances can streamline journey, significantly for shorter journeys. Understanding baggage insurance policies throughout airline choice permits vacationers to issue potential delays and prices into their decision-making course of.
In conclusion, choosing an airline represents a pivotal resolution influencing the general journey expertise between Chicago and San Francisco. Evaluating route choices, plane sort, scheduled occasions, and baggage insurance policies permits vacationers to prioritize pace, consolation, or cost-effectiveness, optimizing their journey based mostly on particular person wants and preferences. A radical evaluation of airline choices ensures a extra knowledgeable and satisfying journey expertise on this standard transcontinental route.
6. Time of 12 months
Seasonal differences exert a notable affect on flight occasions between Chicago and San Francisco. Climate patterns, air site visitors quantity, and airline schedules regulate all year long, impacting each the period and predictability of flights on this transcontinental route. Understanding these seasonal influences permits vacationers to anticipate potential variations and plan accordingly.
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Winter Climate Disruptions
Winter months introduce essentially the most important potential for weather-related delays. Snowstorms and ice in Chicago may cause floor delays and flight cancellations, whereas heavy rain and fog in San Francisco can equally disrupt airport operations. These climate occasions can influence each departure and arrival occasions, growing general journey period and necessitating versatile journey plans. For instance, a winter storm in Chicago would possibly delay a departure by a number of hours, impacting connecting flight schedules and probably requiring in a single day lodging.
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Peak Journey Seasons and Elevated Site visitors
Summer season and vacation durations expertise considerably elevated air site visitors quantity. This surge in demand can result in longer taxi occasions, elevated holding patterns, and better potential for delays. Airways usually add flights throughout peak seasons to accommodate elevated demand, however even with extra capability, air site visitors congestion can contribute to prolonged journey occasions. Reserving flights throughout shoulder seasons, akin to spring or fall, can usually mitigate these challenges.
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Seasonal Airline Schedule Changes
Airways regularly regulate flight schedules based mostly on seasonal demand and climate patterns. Sure routes is perhaps decreased or suspended through the winter months attributable to decreased demand or elevated danger of weather-related disruptions. Conversely, airways usually add flights throughout peak summer season and vacation seasons to accommodate elevated passenger quantity. Consulting up-to-date airline schedules is essential for correct planning, significantly in periods of seasonal transitions.
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Wind Sample Variations
Whereas the jet stream usually flows from west to east, its power and place shift all year long. Winter usually experiences stronger jet stream winds, intensifying headwinds for westbound flights and tailwinds for eastbound flights. These intensified wind patterns can additional influence flight occasions, significantly on this transcontinental route.
In abstract, the time of yr considerably influences the dynamics of air journey between Chicago and San Francisco. Understanding seasonal climate patterns, air site visitors variations, and airline schedule changes permits vacationers to anticipate potential challenges and make knowledgeable choices. Flexibility in journey planning and consciousness of seasonal influences contribute to a smoother and extra predictable journey on this route.
7. Airport Departure/Arrival Occasions
Airport departure and arrival occasions signify essential elements influencing the general period and effectivity of journey between Chicago and San Francisco. Strategic choice of these occasions can considerably influence not solely time spent in transit but additionally the potential for encountering delays and disruptions. Cautious consideration of departure and arrival occasions permits vacationers to optimize their journeys and decrease potential travel-related stress.
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Peak vs. Off-Peak Journey Durations
Departure and arrival occasions throughout peak hours, sometimes coinciding with enterprise journey or vacation durations, usually end in elevated congestion at each airports. This congestion can manifest as longer taxi occasions, potential holding patterns earlier than touchdown, and elevated competitors for gate availability. Deciding on off-peak departure and arrival occasions, akin to early morning or late night time flights, can usually mitigate these challenges, streamlining the journey course of and probably lowering general journey period. For instance, a late-night departure from Chicago would possibly keep away from the night rush hour site visitors each on the bottom and within the air, resulting in a faster boarding course of and probably a extra on-time arrival in San Francisco.
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Connecting Flight Issues
When reserving connecting flights, departure and arrival occasions change into much more essential. Tight connections, whereas probably minimizing layover period, improve vulnerability to delays. A delayed departure from Chicago can lead to a missed connection, necessitating rebooking and considerably extending the whole journey time to San Francisco. Conversely, longer layovers, whereas offering a buffer towards delays, add to the general journey period. Strategic choice of departure and arrival occasions, along side life like layover durations, contributes to a smoother, much less worrying connecting flight expertise.
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Airport Operations and Curfews
Airport working hours and noise restrictions, significantly at San Francisco Worldwide Airport, can affect possible departure and arrival occasions. Late-night arrivals or early morning departures is perhaps restricted attributable to noise abatement procedures, limiting scheduling flexibility. Understanding these operational constraints throughout flight choice prevents potential reserving conflicts and ensures life like journey expectations. As an example, sure residential areas surrounding SFO have strict noise rules, which might influence flight schedules throughout in a single day hours.
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Floor Transportation and Accessibility
Arrival occasions considerably influence floor transportation choices and accessibility at each airports. Late-night arrivals would possibly restrict public transportation availability, necessitating reliance on costlier taxi or ride-sharing companies. Equally, early morning departures would possibly require pre-arranged transportation to make sure well timed arrival on the airport. Contemplating floor transportation choices throughout flight choice ensures a seamless transition between airport and last vacation spot.
In conclusion, strategically choosing airport departure and arrival occasions types an integral part of optimizing journey effectivity and minimizing potential disruptions between Chicago and San Francisco. Cautious consideration of peak journey durations, connecting flight schedules, airport operational constraints, and floor transportation accessibility permits vacationers to handle expectations and streamline their journeys. Integrating these elements into the planning course of contributes to a extra predictable and in the end, much less worrying journey expertise.
8. Plane Kind
Plane sort performs a delicate but discernible position in influencing flight occasions between Chicago and San Francisco. Whereas the influence of headwinds, air site visitors management, and routing choices usually overshadow the affect of plane sort, particular efficiency traits can contribute to minor variations in general flight period. Cruising pace, whereas seemingly a main issue, usually varies minimally between frequent plane varieties used on this route. Nevertheless, elements akin to climb price and descent profile can contribute to marginal variations in general journey time. As an example, an plane with the next climb price can attain its cruising altitude extra shortly, probably shaving a couple of minutes off the whole flight time in comparison with an plane with a slower climb price. Equally, an plane designed for steeper descent profiles could cut back the time spent in descent, providing a marginal time benefit.
Take into account, for instance, the Boeing 737 and the Airbus A320, each regularly deployed on transcontinental routes. Whereas their cruising speeds are comparable, delicate variations of their aerodynamic design and engine efficiency can result in slight variations in flight occasions below particular situations. Furthermore, newer technology plane, such because the Boeing 737 MAX or the Airbus A321neo, usually incorporate extra fuel-efficient engines and improved aerodynamic designs, probably contributing to marginal reductions in journey time in comparison with their predecessors. Nevertheless, these variations are sometimes measured in minutes relatively than important parts of an hour, and are sometimes overshadowed by different elements like air site visitors management or climate situations. Understanding the nuanced affect of plane sort presents a extra full perspective on the elements contributing to variations in flight durations.
In abstract, whereas plane sort does contribute to variations in flight time between Chicago and San Francisco, its affect is commonly much less pronounced than different operational elements. Specializing in elements akin to airline scheduling, route choice, and time of yr usually yields extra substantial impacts on general journey time. Nevertheless, for vacationers prioritizing even marginal time financial savings or particular in-flight facilities related to explicit plane varieties, understanding these nuances can contribute to a extra knowledgeable and optimized journey expertise. In the end, a complete understanding of all contributing elements empowers vacationers to make well-informed choices aligned with their particular person priorities.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses frequent inquiries relating to flight durations between Chicago and San Francisco. Readability on these factors assists vacationers in making knowledgeable choices and managing expectations.
Query 1: What’s the typical flight time for a nonstop flight between Chicago and San Francisco?
Nonstop flights usually vary from 4 to 5 hours. Nevertheless, precise flight occasions can range attributable to elements akin to wind situations and air site visitors management.
Query 2: How do connecting flights influence general journey time?
Connecting flights add considerably to the whole journey period, relying on the layover location and period. Connecting flights additionally improve the chance of delays.
Query 3: How does the time of yr have an effect on flight occasions on this route?
Winter climate may cause important delays. Peak journey seasons, akin to summer season and holidays, may also result in elevated air site visitors and potential delays.
Query 4: Do totally different airways supply various flight durations for this route?
Whereas plane cruising speeds are comparatively related, airline decisions influence flight durations primarily via route choices (nonstop versus connecting flights) and scheduling.
Query 5: How does wind influence the flight time between Chicago and San Francisco?
Westbound flights sometimes encounter headwinds, growing journey time, whereas eastbound flights profit from tailwinds, usually leading to shorter durations. The power of those winds fluctuates all year long.
Query 6: Can air site visitors management considerably influence flight period on this route?
Air site visitors management performs a major position. Floor delays, en route rerouting attributable to climate, and holding patterns previous to touchdown can all contribute to elevated flight occasions.
Understanding these elements permits for life like expectations and simpler journey planning between Chicago and San Francisco. Knowledgeable decision-making minimizes potential travel-related stress and contributes to a smoother journey.
For additional info relating to particular airline schedules, baggage insurance policies, and journey ideas, please seek the advice of particular person airline web sites or respected journey sources.
Suggestions for Managing Journey Time Between Chicago and San Francisco
Optimizing journey time requires strategic planning and consideration of assorted elements. The following tips supply steerage for environment friendly and knowledgeable decision-making associated to air journey between Chicago and San Francisco.
Tip 1: Prioritize Nonstop Flights: Choosing nonstop flights, at any time when possible, considerably reduces general journey time and minimizes the danger of delays related to connecting flights. This technique proves significantly advantageous for time-sensitive journey.
Tip 2: Schedule Strategically: Deciding on off-peak departure and arrival occasions, akin to early morning or late night time flights, can usually mitigate congestion at each airports, probably lowering delays and optimizing general journey time.
Tip 3: Take into account Seasonal Variations: Touring throughout shoulder seasons (spring or fall) can usually decrease weather-related disruptions and cut back potential delays related to peak journey durations. Consciousness of seasonal wind patterns additionally assists in managing expectations relating to flight durations.
Tip 4: Monitor Climate Forecasts: Staying knowledgeable about climate situations at each departure and arrival airports permits for proactive changes to journey plans if needed. Climate-related delays, significantly throughout winter, signify a major issue influencing flight occasions.
Tip 5: Make the most of Flight Monitoring Instruments: Actual-time flight monitoring purposes present up-to-date info relating to flight standing, potential delays, and gate info. This data permits for proactive changes to floor transportation preparations and connecting flight schedules.
Tip 6: Perceive Airline Insurance policies: Familiarization with airline-specific baggage insurance policies, cancellation procedures, and rebooking choices ensures preparedness for potential disruptions. Consciousness of those insurance policies contributes to environment friendly problem-solving and knowledgeable decision-making within the occasion of unexpected circumstances.
Tip 7: Consider Floor Transportation: Allocating adequate time for floor transportation to and from airports, contemplating site visitors patterns and potential delays, ensures clean transitions and reduces the danger of missed flights or connections. Integrating floor transportation time into general journey planning optimizes effectivity.
Implementing these methods promotes environment friendly time administration and minimizes potential travel-related stress. Proactive planning and knowledgeable decision-making contribute considerably to a extra predictable and constructive journey expertise.
These sensible insights supply priceless steerage for vacationers searching for to optimize their journeys between Chicago and San Francisco. By understanding and making use of the following pointers, people can improve their journey experiences and mitigate potential challenges related to variations in flight occasions.
Conclusion
Evaluation of flight period between Chicago and San Francisco reveals a fancy interaction of things. Nonstop flights supply essentially the most predictable journey time, sometimes starting from 4 to 5 hours. Nevertheless, connecting flights, whereas probably providing value financial savings, introduce variability and elevated susceptibility to delays. Wind situations, significantly the affect of the jet stream, exert a major influence on westbound versus eastbound flight durations. Air site visitors management procedures, managing each floor and airborne site visitors stream, additional affect precise flight occasions. Airline selection impacts period via route choices, scheduling, and plane sort, although the latter performs a comparatively minor position in comparison with different operational elements. Seasonal differences introduce weather-related delays and elevated air site visitors quantity throughout peak durations. Strategic choice of departure and arrival occasions can decrease congestion and optimize floor transportation logistics.
Efficient administration of journey time necessitates a complete understanding of those interconnected components. Knowledgeable decision-making, incorporating consciousness of climate patterns, airline schedules, and potential delays, empowers vacationers to navigate this regularly traversed route with elevated predictability and effectivity. In the end, a proactive and knowledgeable method contributes to a extra streamlined and fewer worrying journey expertise between Chicago and San Francisco.
