Other Options for This Route
Las Vegas (LAS) to Sydney (SYD) in December from $6,954
From $6,954
Las Vegas (LAS) to Sydney (SYD) in November from $2,904
From $2,904
Las Vegas (LAS) to Sydney (SYD) in November from $5,979
From $5,979
Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is peak travel month for Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) departures bound for Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) due to U.S. holiday travel and Australians returning for summer. Expect higher demand, fuller flights, and increased prices—book 60–120 days in advance for the best deals on LAS to SYD flights. Popular connecting hubs from LAS include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Honolulu (HNL); nearby U.S. destinations commonly connected from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) include Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix. Use fare alerts, flexible date searches, and airline newsletters to capture price dips. CTA: Search LAS to SYD flights now and lock in December fares early to avoid holiday surges.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is accessible by taxi, rideshare, airport shuttle and RTC public transit. In December expect heavier traffic on the Strip and I-15 due to holiday visitors and conventions, so allow an extra 60–90 minutes from central Las Vegas during peak times. Book a rideshare or airport shuttle in advance and check real-time traffic apps before departing.
For international travel from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) in December, arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. December is peak holiday season with longer security and check-in lines, so this buffer helps with check-in, security screening, and any extra document checks like visas or ESTA/ETA confirmations.
Nonstop services between Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) are limited and often seasonal; most December itineraries route via Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Honolulu (HNL). If a nonstop is available it typically takes about 14–15 hours; otherwise expect total travel time of 16–22 hours depending on connection length.
Baggage allowances depend on the carrier you choose—Qantas, United, Delta and other carriers have different free checked baggage policies for international routes. In December, airlines may enforce stricter weight and size checks due to peak loads; purchase or reserve checked baggage online in advance to avoid higher airport fees and ensure compliance with Australian customs limits.
U.S. citizens must hold a valid passport and obtain an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) or visitor visa prior to arrival in Australia; processing times can take a few days. During December, allow extra time to verify visa status and ensure passport validity (recommend at least six months); check the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the most current entry requirements and COVID-related advisories.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) offers short-term and long-term parking lots and on-site parking garages with shuttle services to terminals. In December expect higher occupancy—book long-term parking in advance or use off-site park-and-ride services for better rates and guaranteed space during the holiday surge.
December arrivals into Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) are in peak summer season—expect bustling international arrival halls and robust biosecurity screening. Popular onward destinations include central Sydney (Circular Quay), Bondi Beach, Manly, Melbourne (via domestic connections), Brisbane and the Blue Mountains. Plan transfers around holiday events such as Christmas, Boxing Day sales and the Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race start. CTA: Book your SYD airport transfer early and check Australian entry requirements before flying.
Arrivals at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) in December take place during the Australian summer and holiday season, so expect busy immigration and baggage claim areas. Customs and Biosecurity screening is strict—declare food, plant material and certain goods. Allow at least 60–90 minutes to clear arrival formalities and consider pre-booked transfers to central Sydney or nearby destinations like Bondi, Parramatta, and the Blue Mountains.
December in Sydney is early summer—expect warm to hot days, average highs around 24–26°C (75–79°F) with increased humidity and occasional thunderstorms. Weather rarely causes long-term flight cancellations, but short delays can occur for thunderstorms or temporary airport holds; check airline notifications and the Bureau of Meteorology forecasts before travel.
Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) offers multiple ground transport choices including the Airport Link train to Sydney CBD, taxi and rideshare services, airport shuttle coaches, and pre-booked private transfers. In December expect higher taxi and rideshare demand around holiday events and New Year's Eve—book transfers in advance for peak arrivals.
All international visitors must present a valid passport and visa/ETA on arrival at Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD). Australia enforces strict biosecurity—declare food, plant, animal products and comply with quarantine inspections. During December holiday travel, staffing is high but queues can be longer, so have documentation ready to speed up processing.
From Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) you can reach central Sydney, Bondi Beach, Manly, the Blue Mountains, Canberra and Newcastle within day-trip distance. December is ideal for beach visits and coastal drives—book local tours and transportation in advance for holiday dates when tours sell out quickly.
December brings summer festivals and major events that affect travel demand at both Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD). In Las Vegas, December features holiday shows, concerts and the National Finals Rodeo (early December in many years), increasing outgoing passenger volumes. In Sydney, December highlights include Christmas celebrations, the Boxing Day Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race (starts Dec 26), Bondi Beach holiday events and New Year’s Eve Harbour fireworks which significantly increase inbound arrivals and accommodation demand. Plan travel and ground transport around these event dates.
December is a prime travel month for Sydney because it is summer in Australia; while this offers great weather, it also drives higher prices and fuller hotels. For lower fares while still enjoying warm weather, consider flying in shoulder months like late October–November or February–March. If December is necessary, choose early-December dates and mid-week departures to reduce cost and avoid peak crowds around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. CTA: Compare early-December vs late-December fares to find the best balance of price and weather.
Choosing between a nonstop and a connecting flight from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) depends on priorities. Nonstop (when available) minimizes total travel time (~14–15 hours) and reduces transfer risk, but can be significantly more expensive and may operate seasonally. Connecting flights via Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or Honolulu (HNL) typically offer more schedule flexibility and lower fares but add transfer time and potential for missed connections. For December travel, weigh cost savings against longer layovers and the likelihood of weather or airport congestion delays.
Major carriers servicing LAS–SYD itineraries include Qantas (partner networks), United, Delta and American through West Coast hubs or partner alliances. Qantas offers strong Australia-focused service and loyalty benefits but limited direct options from LAS; United, Delta and American provide reliable one-stop routing via LAX or SFO and often competitive fares. Air New Zealand can be a competitive alternative via Auckland (AKL) with good connectivity into Australia. When comparing airlines for December travel, evaluate total journey time, baggage allowances, change/cancellation policies, and loyalty program benefits.
December travel between Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) and Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) requires extra preparation: pack sun protection and light clothing for Sydney summer, confirm visa/ETA well in advance, and double-check airline change and cancellation policies for holiday schedules. Book airport transfers and accommodation early, allow extra time for airport processing, and consider travel insurance that covers disruptions during peak season. For smoother travel, use mobile check-in, download airline apps for alerts, and register for Trusted Traveler/Global Entry where applicable to speed U.S. departures.
Typical flight times from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) vary by routing. A nonstop (when available seasonally) takes approximately 14–15 hours. Most itineraries are one-stop via Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or Honolulu (HNL) with total travel time between 16–22 hours depending on connection length. In December, expect increased frequency on major West Coast hubs and possible schedule adjustments for holiday demand. Check airline schedules and allow for extra connection time during busy holiday periods.
To find cheap flights from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) in December, book early—ideally 8–16 weeks ahead—and be flexible with departure dates. Search for mid-week departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) and avoid the immediate pre-Christmas and New Year windows to save. Use fare comparison tools, airline newsletters, price alerts, and consider one-stop connections through Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) or Honolulu (HNL) to lower costs. Consider booking separate segments (e.g., LAS–LAX and LAX–SYD) only if you have time buffers and are comfortable with separate tickets. CTA: Set fare alerts for LAS to SYD December and compare one-stop vs nonstop options.