Complete travel information for your December journey
December at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) means holiday travelers, seasonal beachgoers heading to Puerto Rico, and added airline frequencies. If you're booking Fort Lauderdale to San Juan flights in December, target early-month weekdays for lower fares and expect higher occupancy closer to Christmas and New Year. Nearby major cities commonly accessed from FLL include Miami, West Palm Beach, Orlando, and Key West; many travelers use FLL as a gateway for Caribbean and Puerto Rico routes. For smoother December travel: enroll in TSA PreCheck, reserve airport parking, and monitor airline schedules for additional holiday flights.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) experiences higher passenger volumes in December due to holiday travel and winter sun seekers, so TSA and security wait times can range from 15 minutes at off-peak hours to 45+ minutes during morning and evening peaks. Arrive at least 90–120 minutes before a domestic departure in December to allow time for checked bags, security screening, and potential holiday crowds. Consider TSA PreCheck to reduce wait times and check FLL's real-time wait time updates on the airport website.
Nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) commonly include carriers such as JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, with seasonal and schedule variations in December. Airlines may add extra frequencies for holiday demand, so check individual carrier schedules and book early for the best fares. Use fare alerts and airline newsletters to capture December promotions on FLL to SJU nonstop routes.
A typical nonstop flight time from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) averages about 2 hours 40 minutes including taxiing, though block times vary by carrier, routing, and weather. Flight duration can be a bit shorter or longer depending on winds and air traffic; always check your airline's published block time. For planning, use 2 hours 30–2 hours 50 minutes as a reliable estimate for scheduling connections or ground transportation.
December can offer both last-minute holiday premiums and early December bargains; expect lowest prices in early December and potential spikes near Christmas and New Year. Sign up for fare alerts, monitor airline flash sales out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and compare budget carrier promotions for the Fort Lauderdale to San Juan route. Booking 3–8 weeks ahead for non-peak December dates often yields the best combination of price and availability.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) offers rental cars, shared shuttles, taxis, ride-hailing services, and public transit connections to downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Miami. In December, expect higher demand for rideshares and shuttles, so pre-book airport transfers for holiday peak days. If you're connecting to Miami or West Palm Beach, consider express shuttles or car rental pickups at FLL to ensure timely transfers.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) provides short-term and long-term parking lots along with covered garages; December holiday demand may fill lots earlier so reserve off-site long-term parking or use pre-bookable airport parking apps. Consider park-and-ride services or hotels with airport shuttles if traveling over key December holiday dates. Check FLL's official parking map and reserve in advance for the best rates and guaranteed spots.
Arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in December brings warm weather and festive holiday energy across San Juan and nearby coastal towns. Travelers from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) should expect standard arrival procedures, slightly busier taxi and ride-hail queues, and active hotel shuttles servicing Condado and Isla Verde. December also offers pleasant sea temperatures and many local holiday markets, but expect peak local transport around Christmas and New Year.
Arrivals at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in December are often busy with holiday visitors and tourists arriving for Christmas and New Year festivities. Expect standard customs and immigration procedures, baggage claim waits, and increased demand for taxis and ride-hailing services; plan 30–60 minutes for baggage and immigration for domestic-to-international transfers. Have your travel documents ready and consider pre-booking ground transportation to Old San Juan, Condado, or Isla Verde.
From Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), you can take taxis, authorized shared shuttles, ride-hailing services, or pre-arranged private transfers to Old San Juan and Condado; travel times are typically 10–20 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. In December, there may be more traffic around popular holiday events, so allow extra time. Many hotels in Condado and Isla Verde offer shuttles—contact your hotel ahead of arrival for pickup options.
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) features several lounges, dining options, and duty-free shopping in terminals; access policies vary by airline and membership. For December arrivals, lounges can be busier during holiday travel times, so check access requirements in advance. If you have a long layover or arrive early, plan to use airport Wi-Fi, restaurants in Isla Verde, or book a day room at a near-airport hotel for rest.
Domestic flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) generally follow U.S. domestic baggage rules; however, if your itinerary continues to Puerto Rican territories or involves checked international connections, verify customs requirements. December holiday gifts may be subject to inspection—declare dutiable items and follow TSA guidelines for carry-on liquids. Check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid holiday overweight fees.
From Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), travelers can easily access Old San Juan, Condado, Isla Verde, Ponce, and ferry connections to Culebra and Vieques; many visitors also arrange transfers to Rincon on the west coast or El Yunque Rainforest tours on the east side. December is high season for beaches and holiday events, so pre-book inter-island ferries or internal flights for popular spots like Culebra. Major nearby cities and destinations commonly accessed include San Juan, Ponce, Arecibo, and Caguas.
In December, plan for holiday crowds, earlier sunset times, and increased demand for taxis and car rentals at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). Carry local cash for small purchases, pre-book hotel shuttles if possible, and monitor local events in Old San Juan that can affect transit times. If you arrive near Christmas or New Year's Eve, confirm transfers in advance as services can sell out.
December brings festive holiday markets, parrandas (Puerto Rican Christmas music parties), and seasonal cultural events in San Juan and tourist-friendly activities near Fort Lauderdale. In San Juan, visitors can enjoy holiday light displays, artisan markets in Old San Juan, and musical performances; in the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area, Art Week and winter arts events may attract travelers. Plan around major holiday dates where transport and hotels may fill quickly.
For the best balance of price and convenience in December, fly in early to mid-December on weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) and avoid the Christmas/New Year holiday week when fares and crowds peak. Early-morning departures can mean shorter security lines at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and calmer arrival times at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU). If you must travel near holidays, book as early as possible and consider flexibility by a day or two to save on fares.
Choosing nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in December minimizes total travel time (typically ~2 hr 30–50 min) and reduces risk of missed connections during busy holiday travel. Connecting options via Miami or Orlando can sometimes lower costs or provide more timing options, but they increase travel time and the chance of delays. For December holiday travel, many passengers prefer nonstop flights for predictability, while budget-conscious travelers weigh savings against longer schedules.
Popular carriers on the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) route in December include JetBlue (full-service with complimentary snacks on some fares and more legroom options), Spirit Airlines (ultra-low-cost carrier with basic fares and add-on fees), and occasionally American Airlines and Caribbean carriers on seasonal or connecting services. JetBlue typically offers more comfort and frequent nonstop schedules, while Spirit can provide lower base fares if you travel light and prepay for extras.
December travel between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) requires a mix of holiday planning and Caribbean preparedness. Pack light breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, evening layers for cooler nights, and a compact umbrella for brief tropical showers. Book airport parking and transfers early for holiday dates, enroll in airline loyalty or priority programs to ease airport experience, and maintain flexible travel days if possible to save on fares.
Nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) typically have block times around 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 50 minutes, depending on carrier and winds. In December, airlines often add frequencies to meet holiday demand, offering multiple daily options with peak departures in the morning and evening. Connectors via Miami International Airport or Orlando may extend total travel time but increase scheduling flexibility.
To find cheap December flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), target early December dates and midweek departures (Tuesdays–Thursdays). Budget carriers such as Spirit and promotional fares on JetBlue can drive prices down; set fare alerts, use flexible-date calendars, and check airline flash sales. Compare roundtrip versus one-way combinations and consider nearby airports (e.g., Miami International) if your schedule and budget allow.