Other Options for This Route
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 Denver (DEN) in December from $152
From $152
Flights from Other Cities
Durham (RDU) to New York (JFK) in December from $79
From $79
Atlanta (ATL) to New York (JFK) in December from $87
From $87
Los Angeles (LAX) to New York (JFK) in December from $118
From $118
Orlando (Any) to New York (JFK) in December from $118
From $118
San Salvador (SAL) to New York (JFK) in December from $126
From $126
Charleston (CHS) to New York (JFK) in December from $127
From $127
✈️ Flight Guide: Houston (IAH) → New York (JFK)
Complete travel information for your December journey
In December, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) sees increased holiday travel as passengers depart Houston and surrounding cities such as Galveston, Austin, San Antonio, and New Orleans for New York City and the Northeast. Expect higher fares and busy terminals; plan for longer security lines and potential weather-related delays on connecting flights. Use price alerts and book nonrefundable fares only if your plans are firm.
Departing from Houston (IAH) FAQs
In December, the best options to reach George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) from downtown Houston are rideshare (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttle services, and METRO local buses; METRO’s 102 and 194 routes connect downtown hubs with IAH terminals. Allow extra time for holiday traffic—plan to arrive at least 90–120 minutes before domestic departures during peak December travel days. Book rideshares early or reserve airport shuttles to avoid delays.
Holiday demand at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) spikes in December; long-term parking lots and on-site garages can fill early, so reserve a spot online if possible. Use off-site airport parking shuttles in Jersey Village or Greenspoint for lower rates, and check IAH parking map for terminal-specific locations to minimize shuttle time.
TSA wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in December can be longer than average, especially the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve; expect 20–45 minutes at peak times. Enroll in TSA PreCheck to speed up screening, arrive early, and check live IAH terminal status on the airport website before heading to the airport.
Flights between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) operate primarily from Terminals C and E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), depending on the carrier. Check your airline confirmation for the exact terminal and give extra transfer time between terminals if you have a tight connection during December holiday schedules.
December in Houston is mild compared with northern cities, but cold fronts and occasional fog can affect George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) operations; rarely, winter storms along the Gulf can cause delays. Monitor weather forecasts and airline notifications, and opt for refundable tickets or flight protection during peak holiday travel for peace of mind.
Yes—many carriers on the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) route offer paid seat selection, priority boarding, and extra-legroom seats; reserve these during booking to secure options during the busy December travel period. Frequent flyer memberships and airline co-branded credit cards often provide complimentary upgrades or priority access.
December arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) are marked by holiday crowds, winter weather preparedness, and high demand for ground transportation into New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Whether visiting Manhattan for seasonal events or connecting to other Northeast destinations like Boston and Philadelphia, prepare for longer processing times and plan onward travel in advance.
Arriving at New York (JFK) FAQs
Arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in December are typically busier due to holiday travel. Expect longer immigration and baggage claim times if arriving internationally or during peak domestic arrival windows; domestic arrivals between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. and evening peaks near 6–9 p.m. may be crowded. Plan ground transport ahead and consider pre-booking car services into Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Long Island.
From John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Manhattan, use the AirTrain JFK plus subway (E, J, Z lines) or MTA buses for the lowest cost, or choose express buses, shared shuttles, or taxis for convenience. During December, budget for longer travel times due to traffic and holiday events—allow 60–90 minutes to reach Midtown Manhattan depending on method and time of day.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) may have periodic gate changes or terminal construction updates in December; check airline notifications and the JFK airport service alerts before travel. Allow flexibility in your arrival plans since gate reassignments and increased ground traffic during the holidays can add extra walking time between gates and transport hubs.
In December, collect checked baggage at assigned carousels and follow CBP signage for international arrivals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK); expect longer lines and possible secondary inspections during high-volume periods. Ensure documentation is ready, use Mobile Passport Control if eligible, and consider Global Entry for expedited processing if you travel frequently between Houston and New York.
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) hosts multiple lounges across terminals—Admirals Club, Delta Sky Clubs, United Clubs via certain terminals, and independent lounges such as The Club and Plaza Premium. During December, lounges may enforce capacity controls; check access rules, reserve day passes in advance if available, and prioritize lounges in your arrival terminal for recovery from holiday travel.
Yes—taxis, app-based rideshares, shared vans, and private car services are available at designated pickup points outside terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), but December demand can lead to wait times and surge pricing. For predictable travel costs, pre-book a car service or use official taxi stands; for cheaper transfers, use the AirTrain-to-subway option.
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December Events Near JFK | Holiday Festivals & Activities
December events near John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and in New York City attract many visitors; notable happenings include Rockefeller Center Holiday Tree lighting, Bryant Park Winter Village, holiday markets across Manhattan and Brooklyn, and New Year’s Eve celebrations around the city. From George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), many travelers head to New York City for seasonal theater, concerts, and sporting events. Use event-focused search terms like 'IAH to NYC December events' and 'JFK holiday events December' to discover ticketed activities and plan transportation accordingly.
Best Time to Fly IAH to JFK in December | Houston to New York
The best time to fly IAH to JFK in December for value and reliability is mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early-morning departure windows. Primary search phrases to use include 'best time to fly IAH to JFK December' and 'when to fly Houston to New York December.' Early-morning flights are less susceptible to cascading delays from earlier flights, while late-night flights may be cheaper but risk weather disruptions. Avoid peak holiday departure days (the days immediately before Christmas and New Year’s Eve) to reduce stress and potential delays.
Direct vs Connecting Flights IAH to JFK in December
Choosing between nonstop and connecting flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in December balances cost, time, and risk of delays. Nonstop flights are faster (roughly 3h30–4h) and reduce connection risk, which is valuable during holiday weather disruptions. Connecting flights can be cheaper—look for one-stop connections via Charlotte (CLT), Atlanta (ATL), or Dallas (DFW) but schedule longer layovers (90–120 minutes) to protect against delays in December.
Airline Comparison: IAH to JFK Flights in December
Major carriers operating between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) typically include United Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines, each offering different conveniences. Use keywords such as 'United IAH JFK December', 'Delta Houston to JFK December', and 'American Airlines IAH JFK fares' when searching. United often provides multiple daily nonstop flights and convenient connectivity via its Houston hub; Delta may route you via Atlanta or offer premium transcontinental options; American offers connections through Charlotte or Dallas-Fort Worth. Compare baggage policies, change fees, seat selection, and loyalty benefits—especially important for December travel.
Seasonal Travel Tips for IAH to JFK in December
Seasonal tips for traveling between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in December include packing for winter weather, allowing extra time for lines and de-icing delays, and securing refundable or protected fares when possible. Use keywords like 'holiday travel IAH to JFK' and 'winter travel tips JFK' to optimize searches. Keep power banks and warm layers in your carry-on, enroll in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry if eligible, and check airline rebooking policies for snow or storm-related disruptions.
IAH to JFK Flight Time & Schedules in December
Typical nonstop flight time between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is approximately 3 hours and 30 to 4 hours, depending on winds and routing. In December, airlines often schedule multiple daily nonstop flights during morning, midday, and evening windows to accommodate business and leisure travelers. Flight schedules can change around holiday dates—expect added red-eye and early-morning flights to handle holiday demand. Always check live schedules and gate info prior to travel.
Cheap IAH to JFK Flights in December | Fare Tips & Deals
Finding cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in December requires early planning and flexible dates. Primary keywords to target include 'IAH to JFK cheap flights December' and 'Houston to New York flight deals.' Use fare comparison tools, flexible-date search, and set price alerts; consider mid-week departures (Tuesday-Wednesday) and flights during shoulder hours (early morning or late night). Look for fare sales from major carriers and consider nearby departure/arrival airports only after verifying ground transfer times. Consider connecting flights via Charlotte or Atlanta for lower fares, but weigh the risk of winter delays.
Tips
- Set fare alerts for 'IAH to JFK flights December' and watch for flash sales.
- Book 3–6 weeks in advance for domestic December travel to secure lower prices.
- Search private browsing or clear cookies to avoid dynamic price inflation.
- Compare nonstop versus connecting flights; sometimes a single connection reduces cost significantly.
- Check bundled deals (flight + hotel) for holiday stays in New York City.