Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) means holiday crowds, extended retail hours, and variable weather. Travelers should target early-morning flights for the lowest chance of delay and book on-airport parking or off-site lots in advance to secure the best rates. For cheap ATL to BWI flights in December, monitor fares 6–8 weeks before travel and set price alerts; mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often return lower fares. Nearby cities commonly accessed from ATL include Atlanta city center, Savannah (popular for holiday getaways), Charlotte for connections, Orlando for family travel, and Nashville for music-focused itineraries. CTA: Book your ATL to BWI December flight now and sign up for fare alerts to catch holiday deals.
Security wait times at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December typically increase around holiday travel peaks (mid-December through New Year). Early morning and late-night departures generally see shorter TSA lines, while mid-day and holiday peak days can add 20–60 minutes. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or arrive 90–120 minutes for domestic flights during high-traffic holiday days to avoid stress.
Parking at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) fills faster during December, especially on long-term and economy lots around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Covered hourly and daily garages near the domestic terminal usually remain available with a short shuttle, but book on-airport parking online in advance for the best rates. Consider off-airport Park & Ride or ride-share drop-off for last-minute travel to save time and money.
Yes, several carriers operate nonstop routes between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) throughout December, though frequency rises and falls with holiday scheduling. Early-week and off-peak days tend to have more available nonstop seats. Use fare alerts for "ATL to BWI nonstop flights" to lock in better December fares.
December at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) usually brings cool to cold temperatures with occasional rain or light wintry mix inland, which can cause delays particularly if storms reach the Southeast. While ATL rarely endures prolonged heavy snow, winter storms in the broader Eastern U.S. can cascade and affect connections. Check airline delay notifications and consider travel insurance or flexible fares when booking ATL December flights.
MARTA rail and many shuttle services maintain regular schedules but may operate limited service on major holidays (Christmas Day and sometimes New Year's Day). During December, expect full service most days but check MARTA schedules and airport shuttle providers for holiday hours. Pre-book shuttles and confirm pick-up times to avoid last-minute disruptions when traveling from Atlanta, Savannah, or nearby cities.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) typically features seasonal decorations, extended retail hours in December, and pop-up holiday markets in concourses. Expect increased dining and shopping options with holiday promotions; however, concession hours may vary on major holidays. Check the ATL airport website and sign up for airport alerts to take advantage of seasonal services and promotions.
Arriving at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in December means easy access to Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Washington, D.C.'s holiday attractions, and Annapolis' seasonal traditions. Expect higher demand for taxis and ride-shares around weekend events and plan rail or shuttle transfers in advance. For cheap arrival transfers consider shared shuttles or the BWI Amtrak/Light Rail link for predictable travel times. CTA: Reserve your BWI ground transfer ahead for December arrivals to secure the best rates and travel time.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is approximately 10 miles from downtown Baltimore (about 20–30 minutes by car) and roughly 30–45 miles from central Washington, D.C., depending on traffic and weather. During December, allow extra time for holiday traffic and event-related congestion, especially for Washington holiday events. Consider Amtrak or the BWI Airport Rail Station for a predictable alternative to driving.
In December, Baltimore and nearby Washington, D.C. host holiday markets, light displays, and special performances — highlights include Baltimore Inner Harbor winter events, Annapolis holiday traditions, and the National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. Expect increased hotel rates and busier airports on event weekends. Book accommodations and airport transfers early to avoid last-minute price surges.
To reach Annapolis from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in December, you can rent a car, use a scheduled shuttle service, or book a taxi or ride-share; the drive typically takes 30–40 minutes without heavy holiday traffic. Public transit options may be more limited on holiday days, so confirm schedules in advance. If attending Annapolis holiday events, reserve rides early to secure pick-up times.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) generally keeps terminals and most major concessions open, but individual shops and food outlets may operate reduced hours on major holidays like Christmas Day. Airline lounges and rental car counters typically remain available but can have modified holiday hours. Check the BWI website and your airline's notifications for the latest hour adjustments before traveling.
Baggage claim at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) can be busier in December due to increased passenger volumes and extra holiday luggage. Allow additional time for curbside pickup and confirm oversized bag policies with your airline. For ground transportation, pre-book shuttles or ride-shares when possible, and consider the MTA Light Rail and Amtrak/BWI Marshall Rail Station as dependable options for reaching Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) usually features seasonal decor, holiday music, and community performances in December, especially near the concourses and main terminal areas. Special volunteer programs and charity drives are common during the month, adding local flavor for arriving passengers. Keep an eye on BWI's event calendar for exact dates and family-friendly activities during your arrival.
December sees several holiday draws that can increase flight and hotel demand near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). In Atlanta, look for Atlanta Botanical Garden's Garden Lights, Holiday Nights and festivals at Atlantic Station. Near BWI, Baltimore's Inner Harbor hosts winter markets and light displays, Annapolis offers holiday boat parades, and Washington, D.C. presents the National Christmas Tree and seasonal museum events. These events create busier weekend traffic—book flights and transfers early and plan for potential peak-day surcharges. CTA: Check event calendars and align your ATL to BWI flight dates to avoid the busiest weekends in December.
For December travel from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), the best time to fly is early morning on mid-week days (Tuesday–Thursday) to reduce the chance of weather- or holiday-related delays and to access lower fares. Avoid peak holiday travel dates (the week before Christmas and New Year's Eve) when possible; if you must travel then, book as early as possible and consider flexible or refundable fares. CTA: Search flexible-date calendars to identify the cheapest mid-week ATL to BWI options for December.
Nonstop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) save time (about 1.5 hours gate-to-gate) and reduce the risk of missed connections in December's unpredictable weather. Connecting flights may offer lower fares but introduce additional risk of delays when storms affect the Northeast or Southeast. If you prioritize saving time and minimizing transfer hassle for December holidays, book nonstop ATL to BWI flights; if cost is primary and you have a generous connection buffer, select connecting options through hubs like Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop fares and choose the option that balances cost and risk for your December travel needs.
Delta Air Lines often offers multiple nonstop flights between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) with advantages in loyalty integration and seat selection; expect standard checked bag fees unless you have status. Southwest Airlines can provide competitive round-trip pricing and two free checked bags, which may make December travel cheaper for families despite fewer seat selection options. American Airlines typically routes some one-stop options via Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) or Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and may offer competitive early-booking discounts. Choose based on priorities: nonstop/time (Delta), baggage savings (Southwest), or specific schedule/connectivity (American). CTA: Compare December ATL to BWI fares for these carriers and factor in baggage and schedule to find the best overall value.
Pack layers for December travel between Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) because Atlanta can be milder while Baltimore is colder and potentially snowy. Carry essential items (medication, chargers, a change of clothes) in your carry-on in case of delays and confirm baggage rules with your airline to avoid unexpected fees. Arrive early at ATL during holiday peaks, pre-book parking or ride-share, and have flexible or refundable tickets if traveling over major December holidays. Monitor weather forecasts and sign up for airline alerts to quickly rebook if a storm affects your itinerary. CTA: Prepare your ATL to BWI December trip now by downloading airline apps and setting flight notifications.
Nonstop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) typically take about 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes gate-to-gate. During December, airlines may add or reduce frequencies based on holiday demand; expect peak outbound times early morning and late afternoon. Common connecting hubs for one-stop service include Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) via partner carriers, which can add 1–3+ hours depending on layovers. For December connections, add at least 90 minutes to your minimum connection time to accommodate potential weather or congestion delays.
To find cheap flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) in December, compare flexible dates and set fare alerts for both nonstop and one-stop itineraries. Aim to book 3–8 weeks in advance for December travel, and prefer mid-week flights (Tuesday–Thursday) to avoid holiday premiums. Use multiple search engines and check low-cost carriers for seat sales; be mindful of baggage fees and change policies when chasing the lowest base fares. CTA: Start a fare alert today for ATL to BWI December flights to capture price drops.
