Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December departures from Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) require holiday-aware planning. Early December often offers the best fares and lower airport crowds, while mid-December and the week of Christmas–New Year are peak travel periods with higher prices and longer TSA lines. Check which Houston airport your airline uses—William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) often has more low-cost carrier options, while George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) generally has more legacy carrier frequencies. Reserve airport parking or offsite lots early, subscribe to fare alerts for HOUA→MCO routes, and consider mid-week or red-eye departures to save both time and money. CTA: Compare December flights from Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and book flexible fares to protect your holiday plans.
December is a high-demand month due to holiday travel; airports serving Houston typically see larger crowds around mid-December and the week between Christmas and New Year. Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 2.5–3 hours for international segments or if you have checked bags; add extra time for parking and holiday security lines.
Round-trip fares in December can vary widely: early December often has lower rates (as low as $80–$150), while mid-late December holiday weeks commonly rise to $200–$500+ depending on demand and seat availability. Book early, set fare alerts, and consider mid-week departures for the best deals.
HOUA refers to all Houston-area commercial airports—primarily William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), plus nearby general aviation or low-cost options. When booking, check which airport your carrier uses since each offers different airline options, parking, and ground transportation.
December weather can introduce delays—coastal cold fronts and occasional storms may disrupt schedules, and holiday staffing issues can lead to cancellations. Monitor airline alerts, check FAA and airport advisories, and consider travel insurance or flexible tickets to protect holiday plans.
Both Hobby and IAH increase long-term parking demand in December; reserve offsite lots in advance for the best rates. Rideshares, shuttles, and airport shuttles run frequently, but expect longer wait times during peak holiday hours—book rides early and use curbside pickup zones as directed by each airport.
Pack light layers—Orlando’s December tends to be mild (60s–70s°F) but December nights can be cool; Houston may be similar or slightly cooler if a front passes through. Include rain gear for occasional showers, a portable charger, and game-day or theme park clothing if you plan on visiting Orlando attractions.
Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in December puts you in the center of holiday festivities—expect increased ground transportation demand and fuller luggage services. To streamline arrival, prebook shuttles or rideshares, check for express monorail and shuttle connections where applicable, and select arrival times outside major theme-park event windows. If your itinerary includes Cape Canaveral or Daytona Beach, allow additional transit time; for Disney or Universal visits, reserve park passes and early dining reservations in advance. CTA: Book your December transfer from Orlando International Airport (MCO) now and secure early access to holiday events.
Shuttle services, rideshares, and private transfers are the most direct options from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World, with travel times around 25–40 minutes depending on traffic and exact resort location. Book shared or private shuttles in advance during December to guarantee pickup, and allow extra travel time during peak holiday event days.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) experiences elevated passenger volumes in December because of holiday travel and theme park visitors. While TSA procedures remain standard, expect longer security and customs lines, especially during mid-December and the week between Christmas and New Year; arrive prepared and use TSA PreCheck if available.
Yes—major holiday events at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort and local festivals can increase passenger numbers and ground-transport demand at MCO throughout December. Book ground transfers early, and plan arrivals outside peak park event start/end times to avoid traffic delays.
MCO typically offers luggage services via third-party providers and many hotels provide early check-in or luggage hold for guests—use these services if you arrive before your room is ready. For theme-park days, consider booking luggage transfer or hotel hold services to maximize sightseeing on arrival day.
December in Orlando is generally mild with average daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s°F and cooler nights; occasional cold fronts or rain showers are possible. Pack a light jacket and rain layer and check the 7-day forecast before travel to adjust your itinerary and clothing.
Yes—multiple carriers operate direct flights between Houston airports (HOU/IAH included under HOUA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) in December, with additional frequencies during holiday weeks. Check airline schedules and book early for direct nonstop seats, as they fill quickly during the season.
Orlando December events that increase airport traffic include Holidays at Walt Disney World (including Candlelight Processional and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party), Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade and Grinchmas, and numerous local light shows and festivals. These create peak arrival/departure times at MCO, especially mid-afternoon to early evening when event-goers travel. Houston regional events such as Zoo Lights and seasonal concerts can increase outbound volume from HOUA. When planning your December trip, coordinate flight times to avoid major park event start/end times and book transfers early. CTA: Check event dates and buy park/transfer tickets in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
For December travel from Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO), the best times to fly are early December (before the holiday surge) and mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) when fares and crowds are typically lower. Avoid peak windows around December 20–26 and December 30–January 2 if you can, as those are the busiest and most expensive. If your dates are flexible, consider sunrise/late-night departures and returns to maximize savings and reduce time stuck in holiday traffic. CTA: Use flexible-date search tools to find the cheapest December options for HOUA→MCO.
Nonstop flights between Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) are faster and generally more reliable during December holiday travel, reducing missed-connection risk when schedules are tight. Connecting flights can be cheaper but add time and baggage transfer risk—common connecting hubs include Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Charlotte (CLT). If flying during holiday peak days, choose nonstop when possible; if you opt for a connection, leave generous minimum connection time and book on a single ticket to ensure protection from delays. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting itineraries for your December travel dates and choose the best balance of cost and convenience.
Southwest: frequent HOU↔MCO flights in December, two free checked bags and flexible change policies—good for families with luggage. American Airlines: strong presence from IAH with loyalty benefits and premium options; expect standard checked-bag fees unless elite/status or fare includes it. Delta: reliable service with good connections via ATL; check for winter schedule adjustments and seat selection fees. United: operates from IAH with solid coverage and connections; consider bundled fares for baggage if traveling with family. For holiday travel, evaluate total trip cost (including baggage and seat selection), on-time performance, and change/cancellation flexibility. CTA: Compare fares and baggage policies across carriers to choose the best December option for your HOUA→MCO trip.
Pack light layers for Orlando December weather and include a compact rain jacket for occasional showers. For airport logistics, arrive earlier than usual—2.5–3 hours for holiday travel—reserve parking and prebook shuttles to avoid curbside congestion. Protect bookings with flexible fares or travel insurance, and use mobile boarding passes to minimize queueing. For families, look for direct nonstop flights to reduce travel stress and take advantage of airlines that include checked bags in the fare. CTA: Prepare for December travel now—download your airline app, print or screenshot confirmations, and confirm ground transfers before your arrival at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Average nonstop flight time between Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) is roughly 2 to 2.5 hours gate-to-gate. December schedules typically include multiple daily departures across morning (6–10am), midday (11am–2pm) and evening (4–8pm) windows; additional flights are often added in mid-December and between Christmas and New Year's to meet holiday demand. If you need to minimize travel time, choose nonstop options—connecting itineraries via hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Charlotte (CLT) can add 2+ hours to total journey time. CTA: Check nonstop schedules and reserve a preferred departure window for December travel.
To secure cheap flights from Houston (All Airports) (HOUA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in December, begin searching 6–10 weeks ahead for early-December travel and up to 3 months for holiday travel. Use flexible-date calendars and set fare alerts to capture flash sales from Southwest and legacy carriers. Consider mid-week departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) and red-eye flights to lower fares; also compare routes from Hobby (HOU) and IAH to see price differences. Remember Southwest often includes two free checked bags, which can make an apparent higher fare more economical. CTA: Start a fare alert for HOUA→MCO now to lock in the best December deals.