Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December travel from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) combines mild Houston winter weather with sunny Phoenix conditions, making the route popular for holiday escapes. Expect increased passenger volumes during the second half of December; book early and consider midweek travel for lower fares. Reserve on-site parking or off-airport shuttles ahead of time, enroll in TSA PreCheck to shorten security waits, and check live airport advisories prior to departure. Major nearby cities accessible from IAH include Houston proper, Galveston for beachside holiday stops, Austin and San Antonio for quick Texas getaways, and onward connections to New Orleans. For best results, search and book IAH to PHX flights at least 3–8 weeks before peak holiday dates and sign up for airline fare alerts to capture discounted or added nonstop frequencies.
Nonstop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) typically take about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours depending on winds and routing. December weather is usually stable over the Southwest, but minor delays can occur during holiday travel peaks, so check real-time schedules and arrive early for holiday security screening.
Yes, several carriers operate nonstop service between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) year-round, including in December. During the holiday window (mid-December to early January) airlines often add extra frequencies, so check carrier schedules and book early to secure direct flights.
For domestic flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in December, arrive 2 to 2.5 hours before departure to allow extra time for holiday crowds and TSA lines. Long-term and daily parking garages are available on-site, and off-airport shuttle lots offer savings; reserve parking in advance for December travel to guarantee a spot and avoid last-minute fees.
Security wait times at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) can increase around peak holiday travel days in December, particularly the Friday before Christmas and New Year's Eve. TSA PreCheck and CLEAR significantly reduce screening time—enrolling is recommended if you travel during the holidays. Check the IAH airport website or your airline app for live wait-time updates on travel day.
December at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston is typically mild and cool, with average highs in the 60s°F and lows in the 40s°F, and occasional cold fronts that can cause brief rain or gusty winds. These conditions rarely disrupt flights to Phoenix, but winter storms elsewhere or heavy regional traffic during holidays can cause cascading delays, so monitor weather and flight status close to departure.
From George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) you have easy connections to nearby major destinations including Houston city center, Galveston for coastal trips, Austin and San Antonio for Texas leisure travel, and longer connections to New Orleans. Many travelers route through IAH when heading to Phoenix and then continue to Scottsdale, Sedona, or Tucson via regional connections or rental car drives from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
December arrivals at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) benefit from mild desert weather, efficient ground transport, and close proximity to top Arizona destinations. Expect busy periods around holiday weekends; plan for a short ride-share or rental car queue by scheduling pick-up services and checking terminal maps ahead of time. Use PHX ground transportation options to reach downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Sedona, or Tucson, and consider a short drive to Flagstaff for winter scenery. Book accommodations and rental cars in advance during December to secure the best rates and avoid sold-out inventory, and sign up for airline alerts to stay informed of any last-minute schedule changes.
Arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December typically means mild daytime temperatures and busy terminals due to winter tourism and holiday travel. Expect efficient baggage claim and numerous ground-transportation options; ride-shares, light rail to downtown Phoenix, and rental cars are plentiful. Check airport advisories for gate or baggage changes during holiday service peaks.
Travel time from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Scottsdale or Tempe typically ranges from 15 to 30 minutes by car depending on traffic and time of day. In December, warmer and drier conditions usually mean smoother drives, but allow extra time for evenings when holiday events increase local traffic.
December in Phoenix is generally dry and sunny with daytime highs in the 60s to low 70s°F, so weather-related cancellations are rare. Occasional winter storms in northern Arizona (Flagstaff, Sedona) can affect connecting flights, so monitor flight status and consider travel insurance for holiday itineraries.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) you can quickly access Scottsdale for luxury resorts and golf, Tempe for nightlife and Arizona State University activities, Sedona for red-rock hikes about two hours north, Tucson for cultural attractions, and Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon for cooler, scenic winter day trips. December is ideal for day trips to nearby national parks and scenic drives.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers expanded holiday amenities in December including extended rental car counters, seasonal retail hours, and special event signage for tourist arrivals. Lounges, food courts, and retail shops remain open with some holiday hours; check PHX terminal maps and airline apps for real-time lounge and gate information.
December events accessible from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) include ZooLights at the Houston Zoo, the holiday performances in Houston's Theater District, and nearby Galveston's Dickens on the Strand festival on select weekends. From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), enjoy the Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights, Holiday Boat Parades in nearby Tempe and Scottsdale holiday markets, and seasonal outdoor activities like desert hikes and day trips to Sedona or Flagstaff for snowy scenery. Book event tickets and local transportation in advance during December to secure availability during holiday travel peaks.
The best time to fly from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December is during early December (first two weeks) and midweek (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) when fares and crowds tend to be lower. Avoid the high-demand window from roughly December 20–27 and around New Year's Eve when ticket prices and airport congestion spike. For smoother travel days, aim for early-morning departures that historically have fewer delays. Book 3–8 weeks ahead of peak holiday dates to get competitive fares and preferred flight times.
Choosing between direct and connecting flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) depends on priorities: direct flights offer time savings and lower disruption risk—ideal during December holiday travel—while connecting flights can be cheaper but increase total travel time and the potential for missed connections. Common connection hubs include Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), and Los Angeles (LAX). If you prioritize speed and fewer touchpoints, book a nonstop; if price is the main factor and you have flexible time, consider a one-stop itinerary but allow ample layover cushion during December.
United Airlines operates frequent nonstop service from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) with strong schedule frequency, making it a top choice for business and holiday travelers. Southwest Airlines may offer competitive fares (noting Southwest's primary Houston presence is Hobby/HOU, but route coverage and partner connections can impact pricing) with flexible change policies. American Airlines and Alaska Airlines provide connecting and some nonstop options—check baggage fees and seat selection rules, as budget versus full-service offerings vary. Compare flight times, change/cancellation policies, and loyalty benefits; for December, prioritize schedule reliability and book refundable or flexible fares if travel plans could shift during the holidays.
Pack layered clothing for December travel from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): Houston mornings can be cool, while Phoenix afternoons are typically warm and dry. Allow extra time for holiday security lines, reserve parking and rental cars in advance, and use airline apps for mobile boarding and status updates. Consider purchasing flexible or refundable fares if traveling close to December 24–26 or New Year's, and enroll in TSA PreCheck to expedite screening. CTA: Check your flight status now and confirm airport pickup or rental car reservations to ensure a smooth holiday trip.
Typical nonstop flight time from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is approximately 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours. Airlines often operate multiple daily frequencies; early morning departures (5:30–8:30 AM), midday flights (11:00 AM–2:00 PM), and evening options (5:00–9:00 PM) provide flexible scheduling. During December holidays carriers may add additional flights to accommodate demand, so check airline timetables and book preferred times early. For the fastest option, select a nonstop flight; for lower fares, compare one-stop itineraries which commonly connect through Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, or Los Angeles.
To find cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December, search early and be flexible with your travel dates. The best windows for lower fares are early December (first two weeks) and midweek departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays). Use fare alerts, compare fares across United, Southwest, American, and Alaska, and look for bundled deals that include checked baggage or seat selection. Consider connecting flights if nonstop fares are high, but weigh the time cost; book immediately when a good deal appears to lock in holiday savings. CTA: Set a fare alert now and compare flexible-date calendars for the best IAH to PHX December deals.
