Complete travel information for your December journey
In December, flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) see increased demand due to holiday vacations and warm Caribbean weather. Nonstop options are rare, so most travelers connect through Miami (MIA) or San Juan (SJU). Expect round-trip fares to range higher during peak holiday weeks—plan and book early, use fare alerts, and consider flexible dates to secure the best prices. For a smooth departure from IAH, arrive 3 hours ahead, monitor TSA lines, and confirm terminal assignments. Nearby destinations commonly accessed from IAH include downtown Houston, Galveston, Austin, and Dallas — consider multi-city itineraries if you want to extend the trip.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) operates five passenger terminals (A, B, C, D, E) with international processing in Terminal D and the international concourses. In December expect extended holiday hours, extra staffing at TSA checkpoints, and seasonal dining and retail options; arrive 3 hours before your international departure to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) to allow time for check-in and security. Check airline terminal assignments and holiday advisories before you travel.
Direct non-stop service between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) is uncommon; most itineraries in December route through Miami (MIA), San Juan (SJU), or other Caribbean hubs. Booking connecting flights often gives more schedule flexibility and lower fares, so compare multi-airline routes and consider short layovers to minimize travel time.
Baggage rules depend on the carrier you choose departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH); most U.S. carriers allow one free carry-on and charge for the first checked bag on basic economy fares. During December holiday travel, airlines may offer promotional waivers or higher fees, so verify baggage allowances and fees with your airline before packing to avoid surprises at the gate.
To find cheap December flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP), search with flexible dates, enable fare alerts, compare connections via Miami (MIA) or San Juan (SJU), and book 6–10 weeks in advance for holiday travel. Use primary keywords like “IAH to PTP December flights” when searching and check midweek departures and red-eye options for lower fares.
You can reach George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) by METRO bus, private shuttle, rideshare (Uber/Lyft), taxis, or personal vehicle with long-term parking. During December holiday traffic, allow extra time for road congestion and consider pre-booking airport parking or an airport shuttle to ensure an on-time departure to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP).
For travel from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) in December, U.S. travelers should carry a valid passport; visa requirements vary by nationality but U.S. passport holders typically do not need a visa for short tourism stays in Guadeloupe. Always check current entry rules, health advisories, and airline policies before departure as requirements can change seasonally.
Arriving at Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) in December is ideal for travelers seeking warm holidays and Creole cultural events. Expect moderate queues during peak holiday days, so pre-arrange transfers or verify rental car bookings. Nearby major destinations accessed from PTP include Basse-Terre, Les Abymes, Saint-Martin, Antigua, and Dominica — excellent for island-hopping itineraries. December is drier than the wet season, which makes it a popular time for beaches and outdoor festivals.
Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) is the main international gateway to Guadeloupe, with efficient immigration and baggage claim areas; in December expect busier immigration lines due to holiday tourism. Visitors will find car rental counters, local taxi services, and shuttle options; plan extra time for customs and consider pre-booking airport transfers for a smoother arrival during the holiday rush.
December in Guadeloupe is warm and generally drier, with daytime temperatures typically between 24–29°C (75–84°F). Pack lightweight tropical clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, a light rain jacket for occasional showers, and comfortable footwear for beach and town exploration. Bring travel adapters and documentation for international travel when arriving at Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP).
From Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP), travelers can take local buses, shared shuttles, taxis, or rent a car to reach Basse-Terre, Les Abymes, or beach resorts; service frequency may be reduced on holidays in December. If arriving on peak holiday days, pre-book transfers or choose a taxi/shuttle to avoid delays and ensure timely transfers to your hotel or nearby islands such as Marie-Galante or Les Saintes.
December in Guadeloupe features Creole Christmas festivities, local markets with artisan crafts, and lively New Year’s Eve celebrations in Pointe-à-Pitre and nearby beach towns. While the major Carnival events occur later in winter, December offers authentic cultural experiences, seafood festivals, and evening music events in Les Abymes and Basse-Terre. These seasonal attractions increase travel demand, so book December flights and hotels early to avoid sold-out dates.
The best time to fly from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) in December is early in the month or in midweek when fares tend to be lower and crowds smaller. Avoid the peak holiday week between December 23–31 if you want the best prices and lowest airport congestion. For weather and outdoor activities, December is favorable in Guadeloupe, making it a great month to travel if you book in advance and target non-peak travel days.
Direct flights are faster and reduce the risk of missed connections, but nonstops between George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) are rare and often seasonal. Connecting flights via Miami (MIA) or San Juan (SJU) offer more schedule options and can be cheaper in December, though they add layover time and potential delay risk. Choose direct flights for convenience and connections for savings and route availability; for December holidays, prioritize shorter total journey times to avoid long airport waits.
Common carriers for the IAH → PTP December route include American Airlines (via Miami), JetBlue (via San Juan or JFK connections), and United (via Newark or other hubs). American Airlines often provides one-stop itineraries with convenient MIA connections and robust baggage policies for premium fares. JetBlue may offer attractive pricing and more legroom in economy, while United can provide alternative connections and loyalty benefits. Regional carriers or code-share partners may provide the final leg to Pointe-à-Pitre. Compare fares, baggage allowances, and total travel time before booking.
Pack light summer clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and a light rain jacket for occasional December showers in Guadeloupe. Carry printed and digital copies of your passport, flight confirmations, and accommodation reservations when flying from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP). December is peak holiday season—expect higher prices and fuller flights, so confirm baggage allowances and pre-book airport transfers. Consider travel insurance for holiday trips to protect against cancellations and delays.
Estimated flight time from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) varies by routing: a hypothetical nonstop would take about 4.5–5.5 hours, but most itineraries include one stop and total travel time typically ranges from 6 to 10 hours including layovers. Common connecting hubs include Miami (MIA), San Juan (SJU), and occasionally eastern Caribbean gateways like Antigua (ANU). In December, airlines often add seasonal frequencies on popular Caribbean routes, so check carrier schedules and consider early morning departures to reduce the chance of day-of delays.
To secure cheap flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet Airport (PTP) in December, use flexible-date search tools and set price alerts to catch dips. Consider flying midweek, using one-stop itineraries via Miami (MIA) or San Juan (SJU), or departing from nearby Houston airports like William P. Hobby (HOU) if schedules and prices are better. Expect round-trip economy fares typically ranging from $450–$850 in December depending on how close to holidays you book; use primary keywords like “IAH PTP cheap flights” to optimize searches. Also compare multi-city routes if you plan to visit other Caribbean islands.
Guadeloupe is a French overseas department; visa requirements are determined by French/EU rules. U.S. citizens usually do not require a visa for short tourist stays, but all travelers need a valid passport. Always verify current visa and entry rules well before your December trip and check for any seasonal health advisories or documentation requirements.
Health entry rules can change, but as of December travelers should review Guadeloupe and French government guidance before departure; ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date and consider travel insurance. Pack any prescription medications, proof of vaccination if required by your carrier, and monitor official sources for last-minute changes.