Other Destinations
Houston (IAH) to Miami (MIA) in December from $32
From $32
Houston (IAH) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $54
From $54
Houston (IAH) to Los Angeles (LAX) in December from $66
From $66
Houston (IAH) to Philadelphia (PHL) in December from $104
From $104
Houston (IAH) to Detroit (DTW) in December from $110
From $110
Houston (IAH) to New York (JFK) in December from $138
From $138
Flights from Other Cities
Philadelphia (PHL) to Denver (DEN) in December from $65
From $65
San Francisco (SFO) to Denver (DEN) in December from $97
From $97
Cincinnati (CVG) to Denver (DEN) in December from $139
From $139
Los Angeles (LAX) to Denver (DEN) in December from $145
From $145
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Denver (DEN) in December from $148
From $148
Atlanta (ATL) to Denver (DEN) in December from $198
From $198
✈️ Flight Guide: Houston (IAH) → Denver (DEN)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December departures from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) see higher passenger volumes for holiday travel and winter getaways. Travelers heading to Denver International Airport (DEN) should book nonstop flights early, expect earlier security lines, and monitor weather that can affect national networks. Nearby major cities and top destinations commonly accessed from IAH include Houston city center, Galveston, Austin, San Antonio, and New Orleans; use these as alternative routing or multi-city itineraries. For the best deals on cheap flights IAH to DEN in December, set fare alerts, search flexible dates, and consider midweek departures. Book now to secure holiday seats—check live schedules and buy refundable fares if you need flexibility.
Departing from Houston (IAH) FAQs
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) typically experiences moderate to high security lines in December due to holiday travel. Allow at least 90 minutes for domestic flights and 2 to 3 hours for international departures; use early online check-in and TSA PreCheck to speed up processing. Monitor live wait times on the airport website and consider arriving earlier on peak travel dates around holiday weekends.
Yes, multiple carriers operate direct nonstop flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Denver International Airport (DEN) in December, with increased frequency during holiday travel and ski season. Airlines such as United and Southwest commonly schedule daily nonstop service; book early to lock in the best fares for December travel. Check carrier schedules and set fare alerts to find cheap direct flights from Houston to Denver.
December weather in Houston is usually mild, but Gulf storms and occasional winter systems can cause delays that ripple across the national network. While IAH itself rarely shuts down for snow, strong winds, thunderstorms, or winter storms affecting connecting hubs can delay departures; always check flight status before heading to the airport. Sign up for airline notifications and have flexible connections when traveling in December.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) offers multiple ground transportation options including rental cars, rideshare pickup zones, shuttle services, and public transit to downtown Houston and suburbs. In December, plan for holiday traffic and increased demand for rideshares—book airport shuttles or reserve rental cars in advance to secure the best rates. Many travelers access nearby destinations like Galveston, Austin, and San Antonio via connecting ground transportation from IAH.
To find cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN) in December, compare prices across airlines, set fare alerts, and be flexible with midweek travel dates. Consider booking 6–8 weeks in advance for holiday travel or using nearby airport combinations like Hobby (if applicable) for comparison; use keywords like 'cheap flights IAH to DEN December' in search engines to surface deals. Sign up for airline newsletters and check flash sales for last-minute savings.
Health and entry requirements can change, but as of December travelers should verify airline and destination rules regarding masks, vaccination proof, or testing before departure from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). Check your airline and the CDC or local public health websites for the latest guidance, and carry digital copies of any required documents. Pack hand sanitizer and masks for personal comfort and check airport signage at IAH for current recommendations.
December arrivals at Denver International Airport (DEN) are dominated by winter sport travelers and holiday visitors. Expect shuttle and rental car demand to be high for transfers to mountain destinations including Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, and Keystone—book transfer services early. Use the A Line rail service or pre-book rideshares for downtown Denver access; adjust travel time forecasts for snow maintenance and winter road conditions. For the best experience, verify ski equipment rules with your airline and consider renting at the resort if baggage logistics are tight. Take advantage of DEN amenities and plan connections carefully during December storms.
Arriving at Denver (DEN) FAQs
Denver International Airport (DEN) provides multiple transportation options including the A Line commuter rail to downtown Denver, shuttle services to ski resorts, rental cars, and rideshare pickup zones. In December, expect higher demand for shuttles to Vail, Breckenridge, and Keystone—reserve transfers in advance to guarantee pickup times. Snow and peak-season traffic can increase travel times, so plan extra transit buffer when arriving in December.
December brings winter weather to the Denver region, including snow and icy conditions that can cause delays and occasional ground stops at Denver International Airport (DEN). Airlines and airport operations often adjust schedules during snow events; check flight status frequently on the day of travel and prepare for de-icing delays. Carry warm layers and allow ample connection time when flying into DEN in December.
Most airlines allow checked ski or snowboard equipment for an additional fee and recommend packing boots in a separate bag; policies vary by carrier flying into Denver International Airport (DEN). In December, reserve space and verify airline size and weight limits for sports equipment, and arrive early since oversized baggage counters can have longer lines. Consider shipping bulky gear ahead or renting equipment at mountain destinations to avoid extra airport handling.
From Denver International Airport (DEN) you can easily access Denver metro, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and mountain resorts like Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, and Keystone. In December these destinations are popular for ski and winter activities, so book lodging and ground transfers in advance. Use location-based searches like 'DEN to Vail shuttle December' or 'rentals near Denver airport' for targeted results.
Most amenities, restaurants, and airline lounges at Denver International Airport (DEN) remain open during December, though hours can be reduced on major holidays like Christmas Day. Check airline lounge access policies and DEN's official website for updated holiday hours and seasonal pop-ups. For a smooth arrival, pre-book lounge access or verify food and restroom availability during early-morning or late-night arrivals.
Travelers arriving at Denver International Airport (DEN) in December should review local and airline health guidelines, including any mask recommendations or testing requirements in effect at the time of travel. While rules have relaxed in many areas, some carriers or destinations may have specific advisory notices—check official public health websites and your airline before departure. Carry digital proof of vaccination or test results if your itinerary or onward travel requires it.
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December Events and Festivals Near Denver and Houston for Travelers on the IAH–DEN Route
December travelers on the IAH–DEN route can time trips to enjoy seasonal attractions like the Denver Parade of Lights, Christkindl Market Denver, and winter concerts in downtown Denver. Houston visitors may enjoy the Houston Weihnachtsmarkt, holiday lights at Moody Gardens in Galveston, and seasonal performances at the Houston Theater District. These events can drive demand for flights and lodging, so book transportation early and include event keywords like 'Denver Parade of Lights tickets December' when searching for packages.
Best Time to Fly from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN)
For December travel from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN), midweek flights (Tuesday through Thursday) and early-morning departures often yield lower fares and fewer weather-related delays. Avoid peak holiday travel windows (the days immediately before Christmas and New Year's Eve) if you want cheaper tickets and smoother airport experiences. If you prioritize reliable connections into ski resorts, fly earlier in the day to reduce the chance of missed transfers due to snow-related late arrivals.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: Choosing Between Nonstop and Connecting IAH-DEN Flights in December
Nonstop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN) minimize connection risk and usually have shorter total travel times—important during December when winter weather may cause ripple delays. However, connecting flights may be cheaper or offer more schedule options; choose connections with longer layovers (90+ minutes) to buffer for delays. If flying with ski gear, direct flights reduce handling complexity. Use filters on booking sites to compare nonstop rates and evaluate total travel time and potential weather exposure.
Airline Comparison for IAH to DEN Flights in December
United and Southwest are among the main carriers offering nonstop service between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Denver International Airport (DEN). United often provides more early morning and late evening options with extensive connecting networks, while Southwest can offer competitive pricing and free checked bags on many fares. In December, evaluate baggage allowances—especially for ski equipment—and check each airline's winter operations reputation. Compare flight times, upgrade options, and loyalty benefits when choosing your carrier for December travel.
Seasonal Travel Tips for December: IAH to DEN
Pack layers, include a small winter emergency kit, and label your ski equipment with contact information when traveling from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN) in December. Allow extra time for connections and de-icing delays, and consider travel insurance or refundable fares during active winter periods. Reserve rental cars with snow-capable tires if driving to mountain destinations, and pre-book shuttles to ski resorts. Use search terms like 'IAH to DEN December travel tips' to find up-to-date packing lists and local advisories.
Flight Time and Schedules: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN) in December
Typical nonstop flight times from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN) average between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours depending on winds and routing. In December, airlines may add extra buffer to schedules to account for de-icing and winter weather delays. Frequency increases around the Christmas and New Year holidays and weekend ski travel; check daily schedules on airline websites and use live tracking apps to monitor real-time departures. For connections, allow at least 90–120 minutes when traveling through hubs in winter months.
How to Find Cheap Flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN) in December
Finding cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Denver International Airport (DEN) in December requires a mix of timing and tools. Use fare alerts, search flexible calendars, and compare both nonstop and single-connection itineraries from carriers like United and Southwest. Midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often show lower prices, and booking 4–8 weeks ahead of holiday weekends can yield savings. Consider nearby airports for departure or arrival, bundle hotel and car deals, and check airline flash sales. Start tracking 'cheap flights IAH to DEN December' now and set alerts to capture price drops.