Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Charleston (CHS) to Tampa (Any) in December from $98
From $98
Charleston (CHS) to New York (JFK) in December from $127
From $127
Charleston (CHS) to Houston (Any) in December from $135
From $135
Charleston (CHS) to Spokane (GEG) in December from $137
From $137
Charleston (CHS) to San Jose (SJO) in December from $198
From $198
Charleston (CHS) to Philadelphia (Any) in December from $217
From $217
Flights from Other Cities
Phoenix (PHX) to San Diego (SAN) in December from $78
From $78
Tulsa (TUL) to San Diego (SAN) in December from $126
From $126
Dallas (DFW) to San Diego (SAN) in December from $136
From $136
Tulsa (TUL) to San Diego (SAN) in December from $138
From $138
Boston (BOS) to San Diego (SAN) in December from $168
From $168
Seattle (SEA) to San Diego (SAN) in December from $225
From $225
✈️ Flight Guide: Charleston (CHS) → San Diego (SAN)
Complete travel information for your December journey
Travelers departing from Charleston International Airport (CHS) in December should plan for holiday crowds and cooler Lowcountry weather. Book flights 4–8 weeks in advance for better fares, prefer midweek departures to avoid peak weekend demand, and reserve parking early. Popular local activities before departure include a stroll on King Street, holiday carriage rides, and visits to the Holiday Festival of Lights nearby. For connections en route to San Diego International Airport (SAN), common hubs are Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Phoenix (PHX). CTA: Compare CHS to SAN flight prices now and secure your December fare to avoid last-minute price surges.
Departing from Charleston (CHS) FAQs
Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about 15 miles from downtown Charleston; in December expect 20–40 minute drives depending on traffic and holiday events. You can take a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttle, taxi, or rental car. Book airport parking or an off-site lot in advance during holiday weekends to save money and guarantee a spot.
There are rarely nonstop CHS to SAN flights; most itineraries in December require one connection via hubs like Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), or Denver (DEN). Expect total travel times of 6.5–9 hours depending on connection length. Use fare search tools and filter for one-stop options to minimize travel time.
To find cheap CHS to SAN flights in December, search early (6–8 weeks before travel), be flexible on midweek outbound dates, and compare carriers including Southwest, American, Delta, and United. Use alerts, incognito search, and consider flying early December instead of peak holiday weeks. Book now if you see a low fare for desired dates—December holiday demand spikes quickly.
During December, especially around holiday weekends and early-December events, CHS can see heavier parking and security traffic. Reserve terminal or short-term parking ahead of time, arrive at least 90–120 minutes for domestic departures, and use TSA PreCheck if available to speed security. Check CHS parking maps and live security updates before you travel.
Yes, CHS often adds seasonal decorations, extra customer service staff, and extended rental car counters during December. Some airport concessions may have holiday hours, so check restaurant and shop schedules before travel. For large groups or holiday operations, contact your airline in advance for assistance with luggage or seat assignments.
From Charleston International Airport (CHS), travelers commonly access nearby destinations including downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Savannah (GA), Columbia, and Myrtle Beach. These cities are often used as trip extensions before or after flights to San Diego and are relevant for multi-city itineraries in December.
Landing at San Diego International Airport (SAN) in December lets you step into mild winter weather and holiday festivities. After arrival, head to Balboa Park for December Nights, stroll the Embarcadero to see the Parade of Lights, or take a short drive to La Jolla for coastal views. Visitors planning cross-border experiences should allow extra time for Tijuana entry and re-entry to the U.S. CTA: Explore San Diego December event schedules and book your hotel close to San Diego International Airport (SAN) for quick access to holiday attractions.
Arriving at San Diego (SAN) FAQs
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is adjacent to downtown San Diego and most neighborhoods are a short 10–15 minute drive. Options include rideshares, taxis, public shuttles, and shared-ride vans; there is also a nearby trolley connection via bus to the Trolley system. In December, expect mildly cooler evenings and occasional holiday traffic around waterfront attractions, so plan 20–30 minutes during peak evenings.
December in San Diego features events like Balboa Park December Nights (early December), the Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay, Little Italy's Holiday Village, and Old Town's Las Posadas. These seasonal attractions are easy to reach from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and are perfect for holiday visitors. Book event tickets and dining reservations early to secure spots during busy holiday weekends.
San Diego in December typically has mild temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 60s°F (about 7–17°C) with occasional rain. Weather rarely disrupts flights, but check local forecasts for rain or marine layer fog that can affect morning schedules. Pack a light jacket and check airline alerts for any weather-related delays before you head to San Diego International Airport (SAN).
From San Diego International Airport (SAN), travelers commonly visit La Jolla, Coronado, Chula Vista, Tijuana (Mexico), Orange County, and Los Angeles as part of multi-stop trips. Cross-border day trips to Tijuana are popular for dining and cultural experiences, but ensure you have required documents for re-entry into the U.S. Always allow time for border crossing when planning same-day travel.
December holiday demand increases car rental reservations and downtown parking usage; book rental cars in advance and compare off-site lots for savings. SAN's rental car center and airport parking may have limited availability on popular December weekends, so reserve early and verify vendor hours for holiday dates. Consider public transit or rideshare if arriving during peak event times.
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December Events & Festivals — Charleston (CHS) to San Diego (SAN) Route Highlights
Charleston December highlights: Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island, Charleston Historic Holiday Tours, and seasonal markets—perfect for pre-trip outings before flying from Charleston International Airport (CHS). San Diego December highlights: Balboa Park December Nights, the Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay, Little Italy Holiday Village, and Old Town Las Posadas. These events are popular with travelers arriving at San Diego International Airport (SAN) and can affect local hotel availability—book early. CTA: Check event dates and purchase tickets before your December trip to avoid sold-out experiences.
Best Time to Fly CHS to SAN — December Travel Recommendations
The best time to fly CHS to SAN in December is typically in the first two weeks of the month or midweek (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) when fares are lower and airports are less crowded. Avoid the week immediately before Christmas and the days after Christmas when prices and passenger volume spike. If traveling for the holidays, consider booking refundable or flexible fares. CTA: Browse flexible December dates to find the best CHS to SAN fares and lock in savings.
Direct vs Connecting Flights — CHS to SAN Analysis for December
While nonstop service between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) is rare, one-stop flights offer more scheduling flexibility and often lower fares. Direct flights (if available seasonally) reduce total travel time and risk of missed connections, but connecting flights through hubs like CLT, ATL, or DFW can save money. For December travel, aim for short yet reasonable layovers (60–90 minutes domestic-to-domestic) and avoid tight connections during holiday weekends. CTA: Search both direct and one-stop options to compare total travel time and price for your December trip.
Airline Comparison for CHS to SAN in December — American, Delta, United & Southwest
American Airlines: Frequent one-stop routes via Charlotte (CLT) or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), competitive schedules but checked bag fees may apply on basic fares. Delta Air Lines: Common connections via Atlanta (ATL) with good reliability and SkyMiles benefits; watch for basic economy restrictions. United Airlines: One-stop service via Denver (DEN) or Houston (IAH) with broad network connections. Southwest Airlines: Often offers competitive fares and two free checked bags with connections via Baltimore, Denver, or other operational nodes; ideal for budget-minded travelers. For December trips, compare total price including baggage and seat selection fees, and book early to secure preferred flights. CTA: Compare December fares across carriers and choose the best balance of price and convenience for your CHS to SAN trip.
Seasonal Travel Tips for December — CHS to SAN Guide
Pack layers for mild San Diego winters and cooler evenings in Charleston; include a light jacket, a compact umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes for holiday events. If planning to visit Tijuana from San Diego International Airport (SAN), carry valid passport and allow additional time for border crossings. For December departures from Charleston International Airport (CHS), reserve parking and rental cars early, and consider TSA PreCheck to avoid long security lines. CTA: Prepare for your December CHS to SAN trip—check documents, pack smart, and book key services online in advance.
Flight Time & Schedules — Charleston International Airport (CHS) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)
Direct nonstop service between Charleston International Airport (CHS) and San Diego International Airport (SAN) is uncommon; most travelers will fly one-stop. Estimated flight times: airborne time would be roughly 5–5.5 hours if nonstop existed, but typical one-stop itineraries take 6.5–9 hours end-to-end, depending on the hub and layover length. Peak scheduling windows in December include early morning departures from CHS for same-day arrivals in SAN, and late-afternoon returns. Popular connecting airports: Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Phoenix (PHX), and Denver (DEN). CTA: Review schedules for flexible one-stop options and book flights with comfortable connection times to avoid missed connections during holiday travel.
Cheap Flights CHS to SAN in December — Deals, Hacks & Booking Tips
Find cheap CHS to SAN flights in December by being flexible with departure dates and airports. Consider midweek travel (Tuesday–Thursday) and early-December windows before Christmas to lower fares. Sign up for fare alerts, compare one-stop itineraries through CLT, ATL, DFW, or PHX, and check Southwest for competitive pricing and two free checked bags. Use incognito mode for searching, set price-drop alerts, and book when you see a fare that meets your budget. CTA: Check today's cheapest CHS to SAN fares and set an alert to lock in December savings.