Complete travel information for your December journey
Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) refers to the city's primary commercial gateways, primarily George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), both serving flights to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December. Travelers should check which Houston airport a carrier uses because options, schedules, and ground transportation differ between IAH and HOU, especially during holiday travel.
Average round-trip fares from Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December typically range from $180 to $450 depending on booking window, airline, and whether travel coincides with holiday peak dates. To find the best deals, search early, be flexible with dates around Christmas and New Year, and sign up for fare alerts that target 'cheap flights Houston to Los Angeles December' and 'HOUA to LAXA deals.'
Yes, multiple carriers operate nonstop service between Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) and Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December, mainly from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) to Los Angeles International (LAX) and nearby airports. Nonstop flights are convenient during winter travel to avoid weather-related connections, but availability and schedules increase around holiday demand so book early to secure preferred departure times.
Typical nonstop flight time from Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) is about 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on departure airport, winds, and routing. Seasonal weather patterns in December rarely add significant time, although winter storms or busy holiday traffic can create delays, so check real-time status before heading to the airport.
Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) offers taxis, rideshares, airport shuttles, and public transit linking downtown Houston, Sugar Land, and surrounding suburbs to IAH and HOU; rental cars are also plentiful. During December holiday travel, expect heavier demand—book airport shuttles or prearranged rides in advance, and allow extra time for traffic on I-45 and I-10 when traveling to either airport.
In December, airlines often implement higher baggage demand and occasional weather advisories; Houston can be rainy while Los Angeles tends to be milder but can face storms that cause delays. Review carrier baggage policies before booking, check airline travel alerts, and enroll in flight status notifications to stay informed about any December weather disruptions.
Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) commonly includes Los Angeles International (LAX), Long Beach (LGB), Hollywood Burbank (BUR), and Ontario (ONT), plus nearby regional access to Santa Monica and Anaheim for ground connections. For December travel, checking alternate airports can reveal cheaper or less-crowded options and often faster arrival experiences during holiday congestion.
From Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA), travelers can use rideshares, FlyAway bus service to downtown and Westwood, shuttles, car rentals, and public transit. In December, expect heavier traffic on I-405 and I-10—allow extra time for transfers to destinations like Santa Monica, Anaheim, or Palm Springs during holiday events.
December sees high demand around Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, plus seasonal events like Hollywood holiday parades and LA holiday markets that increase local transit usage. If your arrival to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) coincides with these dates, arrive earlier, prepare for longer taxi and rideshare wait times, and consider arriving midweek to avoid peak crowds.
December events in Los Angeles and surrounding areas that affect HOUA–LAXA travel include downtown holiday light shows, Griffith Park holiday events, and seasonal attractions at Disneyland in Anaheim. In Houston, December features holiday parades and seasonal concerts that can influence outbound airport traffic. These events create demand spikes—plan arrival and departure times to avoid event peak hours and check local event calendars when booking.
The best time to fly from Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December is mid-December (early-to-mid month) or just after New Year’s to avoid peak holiday pricing and crowds. Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays often offer lower fares; early morning departures reduce delay risk. If traveling for holiday events, book well ahead and consider flying into alternate LA airports to get better rates and easier ground transfers.
On the HOUA–LAXA corridor, direct (nonstop) flights are faster and reduce the risk of missed connections, making them preferable for December holiday travelers. Connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper or necessary for off-peak times, but they increase exposure to weather or operational delays. Evaluate layover durations and connection airports—short connections at busy hubs during December can be risky.
Major carriers operating HOUA to LAXA in December typically include United, American, Delta, Southwest, and select low-cost carriers offering both nonstop and one-stop options. United often runs multiple daily flights from IAH to LAX; Southwest commonly operates from HOU to LAX and LGB; American and Delta provide broad networks with connecting options. Compare seat availability, baggage fees, and schedule reliability when evaluating carriers for December holiday travel.
December travel between Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) and Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) requires prioritizing flexibility and early planning. Pack for variable weather—light layers for LA and a rain jacket for Houston—and allow extra connection time. Use mobile boarding passes, enroll in real-time flight alerts, and consider travel insurance for holiday trips to guard against cancellations or delays.
Nonstop flight times between Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) and Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) typically range from 3h30m to 4h00m. December schedules increase frequency on major carriers to meet holiday demand, with peak departures early morning and late afternoon. Connecting itineraries vary by routing hub, and total travel time including a single connection often ranges 6–9 hours depending on layover length.
To find cheap flights between Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) and Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December, combine flexible dates, alternate airports, and fare alerts. Primary strategies include flying midweek, choosing off-peak hours, comparing departures from both IAH and HOU, and including nearby LA airports like Long Beach (LGB) or Burbank (BUR) in searches. Use search terms such as 'cheap flights Houston to Los Angeles December', 'HOUA to LAXA deals', and 'discount nonstop HOU-LAX December' when setting alerts.
Most Los Angeles area airports offer luggage storage, baggage services, and porter assistance, though availability can be limited during busy December weeks. Check the specific airport website (LAX, LGB, BUR, ONT) for current holiday-hour schedules and pre-book additional services where available to streamline arrivals.
As of the December travel period, general health advisories may include mask guidance in indoor airport settings and recommended vaccinations; travelers should verify current federal, state, and airline policies before departure. Check airport and carrier pages for the latest December-specific health notices, as advisories can change seasonally or with new public health updates.