December travelers flying from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) should expect shorter nonstop flights (around 1h20m) and a busy holiday travel period. Book early for the best fares—4 to 8 weeks out is often ideal—and prioritize nonstop Southwest flights for convenience. Weather is mild in Phoenix but cooler and occasionally rainy in Fresno; pack layers and check road conditions if you're coming from nearby mountain destinations like Yosemite. Popular nearby destinations to combine with this route include Scottsdale (for resorts), Sedona (red rock winter hikes), Flagstaff (snow activities), and Tucson (day-trip desert escapes). CTA: Compare December fares now and sign up for fare alerts to secure the best price on FAT to PHX flights.
Arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December is generally smooth, but higher crowds from holiday visitors and special events like ZooLights can increase demand for shuttles and rideshares. Use the PHX Sky Train to reach the light rail for quick downtown access or pre-book a rideshare for Scottsdale or Tempe transfers. If you’re planning to visit Sedona or Flagstaff after arrival, allow additional time for rental car pickup and winter-weather road checks. CTA: Check arrival times and pre-book transfers to avoid delays on your FAT to PHX December trip.
Key December events that can affect FAT–PHX travel include ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, downtown Phoenix holiday markets, Scottsdale seasonal resort activities, and college bowl games which draw visitors to the Phoenix metro. On the Fresno side, winter activities in Yosemite and local holiday markets increase outbound travel. These events increase hotel demand and local ground-transport pressure—book flights, hotels, and transfers early and consider arriving a day before major events to avoid delays. CTA: Check event dates and book your FAT to PHX December travel now.
The best time to fly from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and early morning departures to minimize delay risk and often lower fares. Avoid peak holiday travel days—typically the days immediately before Christmas and the weekend after New Year’s—when prices and crowds spike. If you want maximum flexibility, pick refundable or changeable fares and consider traveling outside peak holiday windows for better deals.
Nonstop flights from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offer the fastest, most convenient option—typically about 1 hour 20 minutes airborne—and reduce the chance of missed connections during December travel. Connecting flights may be cheaper, especially outside weekends, but add layover risk and total travel time. If you prioritize price over convenience, consider vetted one-stop options via Los Angeles or San Francisco; if you value reliability and speed during the busy holiday season, choose nonstop flights when available.
Southwest Airlines: Often the go-to for nonstop, budget-friendly service between Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX); strengths include free checked bags and frequent schedule options. American Airlines: May offer connections via LAX or seasonal nonstop codeshares; good connectivity if you need onward travel. Alaska Airlines/United: Typically provide one-stop service via SFO or other hubs and can be competitive on fares when booked in advance. Compare total travel time, baggage fees, and seat availability when choosing an airline for December travel, and use the airline’s official site for the most accurate fare and policy information.
Pack layers for December travel: Fresno can be cool and rainy while Phoenix remains mild during the day but cooler at night. Keep travel documents and essential meds in carry-on luggage and allow extra time for security and ground transfers during holiday peak days. If you plan to visit higher elevations after arrival—Flagstaff or Yosemite—bring cold-weather gear and verify road conditions. Subscribe to airline notifications for gate and schedule changes, and pre-book rideshares or shuttles during busy event weekends to ensure smoother transfers. CTA: Prepare early, check weather and road updates, and lock in fares for your FAT–PHX December trip.
Nonstop flights from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) usually take about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes airborne, with multiple daily frequencies depending on the carrier. In December, airlines may add capacity for holidays and major events; check real-time schedules as carriers often adjust frequencies. One-stop itineraries via Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Las Vegas (LAS) add 1–3 hours of travel time depending on layover length. For the most reliable travel experience in December, aim for morning flights which typically have fewer knock-on delays.
To score cheap December flights from Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), compare flexible dates and use fare calendars to spot midweek savings. Southwest often posts competitive nonstop fares—check their calendar—and look for connecting deals through Los Angeles or San Francisco with legacy carriers. Use fare alerts, clear cookies or use incognito browsing, and consider booking a refundable or changeable fare if travel plans might shift. Last-minute deals can appear but are less common during Christmas/New Year’s; for best results, book earlier for peak dates.