Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is a peak travel month from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Faleolo International Airport (APW) because of holiday travel to Samoa. Expect higher fares and reduced seat availability — book 60–120 days in advance for the best prices. Common routing options include connections through Honolulu (HNL), Auckland (AKL) and Nadi (NAN); choose shorter layovers if you want to minimize total trip time but allow time for customs and baggage re-checks on separate tickets. Weather considerations: Samoa enters its wet/cyclone season in December, so carry rain gear, monitor forecasts, and purchase flexible tickets or travel insurance. For packing, include lightweight tropical clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, modest attire for church services (Samoa is Christian-majority), and adapters for Type I electrical outlets used in Samoa. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to find the best December deals; consider midweek departures from LAX to lower costs. Ready to book? Search LAX to APW flights now to lock in holiday routing and preferred connections.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is served by multiple ground-transport options in December, including rideshares, airport shuttles, taxis, Metrolink + FlyAway bus service and private car services. During December holiday peak times allow extra time for traffic and security — aim to arrive 2.5–3 hours before international departures. Book parking or FlyAway seats in advance for the smoothest experience.
There are typically no nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Faleolo International Airport (APW). Travelers usually connect via Honolulu (HNL), Auckland (AKL) or Nadi (NAN) depending on the carrier. In December, schedules can shift for holiday demand, so check airline timetables and book early to secure the best itinerary and connections.
Total travel time from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Faleolo International Airport (APW) varies by routing and layover length, typically between 11 and 18+ hours door-to-door. Common itineraries include LAX–HNL–APW or LAX–AKL–APW; flight legs add up to roughly 9–12 hours of airborne time, plus layovers. For December holiday travel expect longer layovers or less availability, so plan buffer time and check multi-city routing options.
Baggage allowances depend on the operating and marketing carriers; common carriers on the LAX→APW route include Hawaiian Airlines (via HNL), Air New Zealand (via AKL), Fiji Airways (via NAN) and Samoa Airways for regional legs. Economy class standard international checked baggage ranges from 1 to 2 bags (23–32 kg each) but low-cost fares may charge extra. During December peak travel, confirm allowance and fees with each carrier before departure and tag connections to your final destination at check-in.
December is the start of Samoa’s cyclone and wet season (typically November–April), so flights to Faleolo International Airport (APW) can be affected by tropical weather. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) experiences typical winter traffic and occasional coastal storms, but major disruptions are rarer than in the South Pacific. Purchase refundable or changeable fares or travel insurance for holiday travel, and monitor airline advisories closely.
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), travelers often combine trips to Southern California highlights such as Santa Monica, Long Beach, San Diego and even San Francisco before heading to the South Pacific. From Apia (near Faleolo International Airport (APW)), popular regional stops include Auckland (New Zealand), Nadi and Suva (Fiji), and Pago Pago (American Samoa) for extended island-hopping itineraries. Consider multi-city tickets to maximize stopovers.
When arriving at Faleolo International Airport (APW) in December expect a warm welcome and busy holiday operations. Immigration and customs are straightforward for most visitors, though visa rules vary by nationality so verify entry requirements ahead of arrival. Ground transport to Apia includes hotel transfers and taxis (arrange pick-ups in December to avoid waits), and local currency can be limited — withdraw or exchange in Apia if possible. December is great for cultural Christmas and New Year celebrations in Apia, but it is also the beginning of Samoa’s rainy and cyclone season: pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing, a reliable rain jacket and travel insurance. If you plan onward travel, consider stopovers in Auckland or Nadi to combine city and island experiences. Book transfers and accommodations early to secure holiday availability.
Faleolo International Airport (APW) is the main international gateway to Apia and will have standard immigration and customs procedures on arrival. In December, expect higher visitor volumes for holidays and prepare documents such as passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Bring local currency (Samoan tālā) or a card, although ATMs are limited outside Apia — arrange local transport in advance during holiday periods.
Visa requirements for Samoa depend on nationality; many passport holders receive entry permits on arrival for short stays, but rules change and some nationalities must obtain visas beforehand. In December, due to holiday demand, double-check Samoa's official immigration website or contact the nearest consulate to confirm visa and entry health requirements before departure.
December in Apia is defined by Christmas and New Year celebrations, with church services, community feasts (faʻasā) and family gatherings dominating the calendar. Visitors arriving at Faleolo International Airport (APW) can expect decorated churches, market events with local crafts, and seaside celebrations on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. While Teuila Festival occurs in August, December still offers cultural performances, fiafia nights and village ceremonies. Nearby hubs like Auckland often have end-of-year events for travelers choosing to stopover, and Honolulu hosts holiday parades and seasonal activities for those routing via HNL. CTA: Time your arrival to participate in local Christmas services or book a cultural tour in Apia to experience Samoan traditions.
The best time to fly LAX→APW for lower fares is typically outside the December holiday rush — consider April–June and September–early November for better prices and stable weather. December is high season for family and holiday travel to Samoa, so expect peak fares and full flights; book 2–4 months in advance for the best selection. If you must travel in December, prioritize early booking, midweek departures and flexible routing via Honolulu or Auckland to reduce costs. For the best climate balance, travel May–October for drier conditions in Samoa, but note that school holidays can still affect prices. CTA: Use fare prediction tools to set price alerts and lock in preferred December travel dates early.
Direct nonstop service between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Faleolo International Airport (APW) is rare or non-existent; connecting flights are the norm. Common stopovers include Honolulu (HNL) for Hawaiian Airlines routings, Auckland (AKL) for Air New Zealand, and Nadi (NAN) for Fiji Airways. Pros of connecting: more routing options, potentially lower fares and the ability to add stopovers; cons: longer total travel time and greater chance of missed connections during December holiday congestion or tropical weather. To minimize risk, choose connections with at least 2–3 hours for inter-terminal transfers or book through-tickets on the same carrier alliance when possible. CTA: Compare connecting options now and select itineraries with reasonable layovers for December travel.
Hawaiian Airlines (via Honolulu): Great option for Los Angeles travelers who prefer a U.S. carrier for the first leg; comfortable domestic-style service LAX→HNL and regional partners for HNL→APW; convenient for U.S. passport holders and those who prefer U.S. ground connections. Air New Zealand (via Auckland): Offers connectivity through Auckland with full-service international experience, good inflight service and the ability to combine a city stopover in New Zealand; often commoditized for Pacific island connections. Fiji Airways (via Nadi): Routes via Nadi are a strong option when combining Fiji or Vanuatu stopovers; service tends to be full-service with island-friendly schedules. Samoa Airways (regional): Operates regional legs into APW and helpful for final connections across Samoa and nearby islands; may require partnerships for full LAX–APW itineraries. Baggage and seat options differ by carrier and fare class — expect economy basic fares to limit checked baggage and add fees, while premium economy/business classes include more generous allowances. For December travel, compare total travel time, layover reliability and change/cancellation policies. CTA: Check each airline’s December schedules and book the best combination of price, layover and baggage rules for your needs.
Pack for warm, humid conditions and potential heavy rain during Samoa’s start of the wet/cyclone season in December: quick-dry clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, waterproof bag or dry sacks, a reliable rain jacket and some warm layers for airplanes. Purchase travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations and look for policies including medical evacuation if you plan remote island activities. Allow extra connection time for December holiday congestion at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and plan flexible arrival days in Apia to account for potential weather delays. Respect local customs — modest attire for church and cultural sites — and carry cash for small purchases in Apia. CTA: Book flexible fares, buy travel insurance, and prepare a weather-aware packing list before your December LAX→APW trip.
There are usually no nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Faleolo International Airport (APW). Typical routing options include LAX→HNL→APW, LAX→AKL→APW, or LAX→NAN→APW. Airborne time across segments commonly totals 9–12 hours, with door-to-door travel frequently ranging from 11 to 18+ hours depending on layover duration. In December, airlines may adjust schedules for holiday peaks, so verify exact departure and connection times when booking. Time difference in December: Samoa (APW) is typically 21 hours ahead of Los Angeles (LAX, PST), so plan for significant jet lag and calendar shifts when scheduling arrival activities. CTA: Check up-to-date schedules on airline websites and compare multi-city options to choose the shortest total travel time.
Finding cheap LAX to APW flights in December is challenging due to holiday demand, but savings are possible with flexible dates, midweek departures, alternate routings and early booking. Primary strategies: (1) Book 8–12+ weeks ahead for the holiday window; (2) Monitor fare alerts for LAX→APW via Honolulu (HNL), Auckland (AKL), or Nadi (NAN); (3) Consider separate tickets (LAX→HNL and HNL→APW) only if you have long layover tolerance and understand connection risks; (4) Use flexible-date searches and +/- 3-day calendars to reveal cheaper options; (5) Search low-cost days (Tues/Wed) and avoid peak holiday travel days like Dec 22–27 or Jan 1–3. LSI keywords to watch for when searching: "Los Angeles to Apia cheap flights," "holiday fares LAX to Samoa," and "LAX APW sale." CTA: Sign up for fare alerts and start a flexible-date search for LAX to APW December routes to lock in deals early.
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From Faleolo International Airport (APW) you can take hotel shuttles, pre-booked transfers, taxis and some local minibuses into Apia. Many hotels offer meet-and-greet transfers which are advisable during December holidays when demand is higher. Expect the 40–60 minute drive to central Apia depending on traffic and stops; confirm pick-up details with your accommodation in advance.
December offers warm tropical weather perfect for beaches and cultural celebrations, but it also marks the start of Samoa’s wet/cyclone season, so conditions can be humid with higher rainfall. If you plan to arrive at Faleolo International Airport (APW) in December, pack rain gear, monitor storm forecasts and consider flexible booking due to potential weather-related disruptions.
After arriving at Faleolo International Airport (APW) you can explore Apia, the Robert Louis Stevenson Museum, Lalomanu Beach, and cross over to nearby islands or countries with connections to Auckland (NZ), Nadi (Fiji) or Pago Pago (American Samoa). December itineraries often include island-hopping in the South Pacific or a stopover in Auckland or Nadi to extend the trip.
Health entry rules can change, but generally Samoa may require yellow fever vaccination certificates for travelers arriving from infected countries and may have COVID-19 testing or vaccination entry requirements depending on global conditions. In December, verify Samoa’s official health advisories and airline notices before travel to Faleolo International Airport (APW) and carry documentation for any required immunizations.
