Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
Security wait times at Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA) often increase during December holiday travel, with peak morning and late-afternoon windows. Expect 15–45 minute waits for TSA PreCheck holders and 30–90 minutes for standard lanes on busiest days; arrive at least 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international to be safe. Check live wait times on the airport or airline apps before leaving and consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed your December travel.
Yes — several carriers operate nonstop service between Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA) and Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) year-round, and December typically has multiple daily nonstop options. Frequency can be slightly reduced around Christmas Day, so check schedules and book early for the best fares and preferred flight times. Use fare alerts or airline flexible-date calendars to find the cheapest nonstop options for December.
From downtown Dallas, you can use DART + DFW Airport Transit System connections, taxi, rideshare, or airport shuttle services to reach Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA). December weather is usually mild but can be cold — allow extra time for traffic during holiday shopping and event nights. For reliable timing, book a rideshare or reserve off-site airport parking in advance and check DART schedules if using public transit.
Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA) offers terminal garages, economy lots, and off-site park-and-ride options; rates rise during December holidays with higher demand. Covered hourly and daily garages near terminals are convenient but pricier, while economy lots and off-site shuttles save money. Reserve on-airport or off-site parking in advance for holiday travel to lock in lower rates and secure a spot.
Baggage allowances follow airline-specific rules; some carriers may add higher fees for oversized checked bags or extra pieces during peak December travel. Expect stricter enforcement of carry-on and checked baggage sizes on busy flights, and consider prepaying baggage during booking to avoid higher gate fees. Always review your airline's baggage policy and holiday waiver updates that sometimes apply for weather-related disruptions.
Alternatives include Dallas Love Field (Dallas Love Field (DAL)), Fort Worth Meacham or Alliance-area airports for private flights, and even Austin-Bergstrom (AUS) or San Antonio (SAT) for broader fare searches. Searching nearby airports can reveal cheaper December fares or better schedule options, though factor in drive time and ground transportation. Use multi-airport search filters when booking to compare total travel time and cost.
December in Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) is mild and dry, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to low-70s°F (18–22°C) and cooler evenings in the 40s–50s°F (4–12°C). Pack a light jacket for early mornings and nights; the Sonoran Desert climate means clear skies but chilly nights. If you plan day trips to higher elevations like Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon, bring warmer layers as those areas can see snow.
From Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), use the PHX Sky Train to light rail or taxi/rideshare to reach downtown Phoenix, then connect to Valley Metro for Tempe and downtown areas. For Scottsdale, taxis and rideshares are fast and often preferable; Sedona and the Grand Canyon are best accessed by rental car or shuttle tours, and winter road conditions can vary at higher elevation. Book rental cars in advance for December to secure winter-ready vehicles and better rates.
Yes — December in Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) features holiday light displays, winter farmers' markets, bowl game festivities, and outdoor holiday events in Scottsdale and Tempe. Many golf courses in the Phoenix metro remain open, making it a popular warm-weather holiday escape. Check local event calendars and book popular experiences early as December draws visitors seeking mild winter weather.
December in the Phoenix metro features holiday light displays, the Desert Botanical Garden's Las Noches de las Luminarias, bowl game events in the Valley, and Scottsdale's Old Town holiday markets. Outdoor concerts, winter golf tournaments, and craft fairs also draw visitors seeking mild-weather activities. Book tickets and tee times in advance, as December weekends can sell out quickly. CTA: Explore December event schedules and book your PHX area experiences before seats fill up.
For best prices and fewer crowds in December, fly midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and avoid peak pre-Christmas and New Year’s weekend dates. Book 3–8 weeks ahead for December departures to secure better fares; last-minute bookings near major holidays usually cost more. For shorter lines at Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA) and quicker arrivals at Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), prefer early morning departures which are less prone to cascading delays. CTA: Compare flexible date fare calendars to find the best December travel window for DFWA to PHXA.
Nonstop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) offer the fastest and easiest option, typically saving 1–3 hours compared to itineraries with connections. However, connecting flights can be cheaper in December if booking early and flexible about schedule — just allow ample layover time to absorb delays common during holiday travel. If you prioritize time and lower disruption risk, choose nonstop; if you prioritize cost savings and have flexible timing, a one-stop connection may be a smart option. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting options and filter by price or duration to find the December flight that fits you best.
American Airlines, Southwest, Alaska, and Delta commonly operate between Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA) and Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA). American offers many nonstop options from its DFW hub, with robust connectivity and loyalty perks for AAdvantage members. Southwest often provides competitive fares and free checked bags, a big December savings for families; note their airport operations vary by terminal. Alaska and Delta offer alternative schedules and alliance benefits; check baggage allowances, change policies, and seat selection fees. For holiday travel, prioritize airlines with flexible change/cancellation policies and onboard services that suit your needs. CTA: Compare December fares and baggage policies to pick the best airline for your trip.
Pack layers for varying temperatures — light layers for Phoenix days and warmer jackets for desert nights and high-elevation excursions to Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon. Anticipate longer lines and fuller flights in the week before Christmas and around New Year’s; allow extra buffer time for parking and security at Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA). Keep digital copies of travel documents and track airlines' weather and flight-updates. Consider TSA PreCheck and prepaid parking to shorten December airport procedures. CTA: Prepare now — download your airline app, reserve parking, and check live airport wait times for a smoother December trip.
Nonstop flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) typically take about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on routing and winds. In December, airlines maintain multiple daily departures, with early morning and late-afternoon waves to suit business travelers and holiday flyers. Expect slightly reduced late-December frequencies around Christmas Day and increased frequencies before Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Use airline schedule calendars to view exact December timetables and book flights during non-peak hours for smoother travel.
To find cheap December flights from Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA) to Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), search flexible-date grids and set fare alerts for price drops. Compare nearby airports (Dallas Love Field and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway) for alternate savings and aim for Tuesday–Thursday departures to reduce fares. Consider connecting flights if nonstop prices are high; sometimes a short connection yields meaningful savings. Book early for peak holiday dates and use airline newsletters and credit card travel portals to access exclusive December discounts. CTA: Start a fare alert now to lock in cheap DFWA to PHXA December deals.
Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) terminals typically offer baggage claim, ground transportation desks, rental car centers, and expanded holiday staffing in December; counters may have longer lines on peak travel days. PHX Sky Train provides efficient transfers to off-site rental car and ground transport centers, and many shops/restaurants remain open with seasonal hours. Monitor airline notifications for late arrivals and use mobile apps to speed up baggage and car pickup.
Last-minute December fares can be volatile; while occasional last-minute deals appear, prices generally rise as peak holiday days approach. For the best chance at cheap flights into Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) from Dallas/Fort Worth (All Airports) (DFWA), use fare alerts, check midweek travel windows, and be flexible with dates and nearby airports like Phoenix-Mesa (AZA) or Prescott. Booking a bit earlier usually yields better pricing and seat availability for December travel.
