Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is a peak holiday month for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) departures to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Expect increased flight frequencies around the second and third weeks of December, with fuller flights on Christmas and New Year travel dates. Weather in Amsterdam in December is cold, often damp, with average highs around 6°C (43°F), so pack warm layers and rainproof gear. From Los Angeles, aim for early morning departures to avoid LA rush-hour traffic; Tom Bradley International Terminal is the primary gateway for long-haul transatlantic services. Nearby destinations served from LAX that may affect demand include Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Anaheim (Disneyland), and Long Beach; plan ground transit accordingly. For best fares, search 'cheap flights LAX to AMS December' and set price alerts, consider mid-week travel, and book at least 8–12 weeks in advance. CTA: Search LAX to AMS December flights now to compare nonstop and one-stop options and secure the best rates.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is busier in December due to holiday travel and events. Arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before international departures, enroll or use TSA PreCheck if available, and pack liquids and electronics for quick access. Check LAX live security wait times and consider early morning or late evening flights to avoid peak crowds.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) typically uses Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) and adjacent international gates for nonstop and one-stop services to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). Always confirm your airline and terminal on your confirmation and the LAX website before heading to the airport, as terminal assignments can change during peak December schedules.
Nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) are commonly available in December, generally operated by full-service carriers. Frequency can increase around the holidays; book early for the best nonstop availability and fares. If nonstop options are limited, one-stop flights via major hubs such as London, Frankfurt, or Reykjavik are widely offered.
Ground transportation to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) includes rideshares (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttles, FlyAway buses, taxis, and private car services. During December, build in extra time for LA traffic and holiday events; FlyAway service from Downtown LA can be a reliable budget-friendly option during peak hours. Confirm pickup/dropoff points since LAX curb rules change seasonally.
To find the best December deals from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), monitor fares 2–4 months in advance, set price alerts on search engines, and compare flexible dates including shoulder days around holidays. Use secondary keywords like 'cheap flights LAX to AMS December' and sign up for airline newsletters; booking mid-week often yields savings.
Always verify current travel health requirements before departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). As of December travel cycles, verify passport validity, possible testing or vaccination entry rules, and any airline-specific mandates. Check official sources such as the airline, U.S. Department of State, and the Netherlands government site for the latest entry rules.
December arrivals at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) should expect cool, damp weather and holiday crowds. Schiphol’s international arrivals hall funnels directly to train platforms for fast access to Amsterdam Centraal, Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Haarlem. During December, plan extra time for passport control and baggage claim, especially around holiday weekends. If you’re heading to seasonal attractions like the Amsterdam Light Festival or Christmas markets in Haarlem and Rotterdam, reserve accommodations and check local transport timetables in advance. CTA: Book your transfer from Schiphol to central Amsterdam now and check real-time train schedules for December travel.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) has frequent train connections to Amsterdam Centraal, with journey times around 15–20 minutes and departures multiple times per hour. In December, trains remain reliable but allow a few extra minutes for luggage and winter schedules; taxis and shared shuttles are also available outside the arrivals hall. For cost-conscious travelers, the NS train is usually the fastest and cheapest option to central Amsterdam.
December in Amsterdam is chilly, often cloudy with rain or light snow at times, and temperatures averaging 2–6°C (36–43°F). These conditions can occasionally cause minor flight delays or longer taxi times on runways at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS); airlines and the airport advise extra transfer time during winter months. Pack warm, waterproof layers and transit buffers when planning connections from Schiphol.
December brings festive programming in both regions. In Amsterdam (accessible from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)), the Amsterdam Light Festival, Christmas markets in Haarlem and Leiden, and seasonal museum exhibitions attract visitors. In the Los Angeles area (departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)), holiday concerts, ice rinks in downtown LA, and seasonal attractions near Anaheim (Disneyland) can increase outbound traffic. These events often lead to higher fares and fuller flights around weekends and holiday dates. CTA: Check event dates and book your December LAX–AMS flights early to avoid sold-out itineraries.
For a balance of lower fares and fewer crowds on the LAX–AMS route in December, target mid-week travel (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) and avoid the two-week holiday peak around Christmas and New Year. Early morning departures from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) tend to be less susceptible to local traffic delays, while red-eye or overnight flights can maximize daytime hours on arrival in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). If you prefer fewer connections, book nonstop services well in advance. CTA: Compare prices for mid-week December departures to find the best blend of cost and convenience.
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offer the fastest and simplest travel, reducing the risk of missed connections during December’s winter weather. Connecting flights can be cheaper and offer more schedule flexibility but increase total travel time and connection risk, especially when transiting busy hubs or crossing multiple time zones in winter. Consider the trade-off: pay more for convenience and fewer touchpoints with nonstop, or save money with connections but factor in minimum connection times and winter delay buffers. CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop itineraries for December to choose the best fit for your travel needs.
Major carriers operating the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) route in December typically include full-service airlines offering onboard meals, seat selection, and generous baggage allowances. KLM and Delta (codeshare) often provide direct flights; other carriers offer one-stop options via European hubs. Compare seat comfort, included baggage, and cancellation/change policies before booking — during December, flexible ticket options may be worth the premium due to holiday schedule shifts. CTA: View airline comparisons and pick the December flight with the best combination of price, schedule, and onboard service for your LAX–AMS trip.
Pack layered clothing and waterproof outerwear for Amsterdam’s damp December climate and keep essentials in carry-on luggage to prepare for potential baggage delays. Allow extra transit time at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and for connections at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) during peak holiday periods. Use digital boarding passes, enroll in trusted traveler programs like TSA PreCheck, and purchase travel insurance that covers weather-related disruptions. CTA: Prepare your December travel checklist and confirm flight status the day before departure for a smoother LAX–AMS journey.
Nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) average 10 to 11 hours westbound/eastbound depending on winds and routing. December schedules often add frequencies for holiday demand; typical departure windows include late afternoon and overnight flights from LAX to arrive in AMS the following day. Connecting itineraries via hubs such as London (LHR), Frankfurt (FRA), Reykjavik (KEF), or New York (JFK/EWR) can add 2–6 hours via layovers. Verify exact schedules on the airline site and factor in potential winter delays, especially when connecting through northern European hubs in December.
To secure cheap flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in December, book early (8–12 weeks ahead) and be flexible on travel dates outside peak holiday windows. Use fare alerts, compare multi-carrier itineraries, and search for mid-week departures; leveraging keywords like 'cheap flights LAX to AMS December' can surface limited-time deals. Consider one-stop itineraries via London, Reykjavik, or Frankfurt if nonstop fares are premium. For last-minute deals, check airline standby lists and flash sales but prepare for reduced availability. CTA: Set fare alerts now and compare nonstop and connecting options to find cheap LAX to AMS December flights.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) offers easy rail and road access to major Dutch cities such as Utrecht, Rotterdam, The Hague, Haarlem, and Leiden, plus quick train connections into Belgium (Antwerp, Brussels) and France (Paris via Thalys routes from Amsterdam Centraal). In December, regional holiday markets in Haarlem and Rotterdam are popular day trips from Schiphol. Check local train timetables and book peak-time tickets in advance where necessary.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) typically handles baggage efficiently, but December's increased passenger volumes for holidays can lead to longer waits at baggage claim and passport control. For smoother arrival experiences, register for eGates if eligible, keep documentation handy, and consider carry-on only if connecting quickly. Airlines sometimes delay baggage handling during peak seasonal operations, so file any missing baggage reports promptly at the airport.
Entry requirements change; check Netherlands government travel pages and your airline before traveling to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). In December, requirements may include proof of vaccination or testing depending on current policies. Keep digital and printed copies of any required health documents and your passport to expedite entry and avoid delays at Schiphol.
The currency in the Netherlands is the euro (EUR). Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; round up taxi fares and leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good. ATMs and currency exchange counters are available at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), but using an ATM or a card with low foreign transaction fees usually gets better rates than airport exchange booths.
