✈️ Flight Guide: Los Angeles (LAX) → Memphis (MEM)

Memphis highlights in December: Holiday at Graceland (seasonal decorations and tours), Zoo Lights at the Memphis Zoo, holiday concerts and nightlife on Beale Street, and seasonal performances at the Orpheum Theatre. Los Angeles/area highlights: The Grove and LA holiday light displays, Disneyland Resort’s Holiday celebrations in Anaheim, Hollywood Bowl holiday concerts, and ice skating at Pershing Square. Buy tickets for major holiday attractions in advance, plan transfers from Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and expect weekend events to sell out. CTA: Reserve event tickets and transfer services for December to secure spots at top seasonal performances and attractions.

For December trips from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Memphis International Airport (MEM), aim to fly midweek—Tuesdays or Wednesdays—outside the December 20–27 peak to find lower fares and less crowded airports. Early-morning departures tend to be less affected by delays and are often cheaper than late-afternoon or holiday-adjacent flights. If you must travel around peak dates, consider flying a day earlier or later and use flexible-date searches to compare savings. CTA: Use a flexible calendar search for December LAX to MEM routes and book midweek departures for better prices.

Nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Memphis International Airport (MEM) save time and reduce the risk of missed connections but can be more expensive and are sometimes only seasonal in December. Connecting flights—common through hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), and Denver (DEN)—often offer more schedule flexibility and lower fares but add layover time and potential for delays. For holiday travel, weigh the higher certainty of nonstop travel against savings from one-stop routings, and always allow sufficient connection time at busy hubs. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting options for your December travel dates to choose comfort or savings.

Delta Air Lines: Often routes LAX–MEM with one-stop connections via Atlanta (ATL). Strengths include strong domestic network and award availability through SkyMiles; expect standard checked-bag and onboard service policies. American Airlines: Frequently offers one-stop options via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) with robust schedules and AAdvantage awards; useful for AAdvantage members and those connecting through DFW. Southwest Airlines: Known for competitive fares and free checked bags; may operate seasonal or limited nonstop service on the LAX–MEM route in December. Alaska/United: Typically provide one-stop options via Seattle or Denver depending on routing. For December travel, compare total travel time, baggage fees, and change/cancellation flexibility—especially important during holiday travel. CTA: Check price and schedule comparisons across these carriers for your December LAX to MEM itinerary to find the best balance of price, timing, and perks.

Pack layered clothing for Memphis’s cooler December temperatures—include a medium-weight coat, scarf, and rain protection—as Los Angeles will typically be much milder. Arrive early at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (2–3 hours for domestic) to allow for holiday crowds and secure parking or shuttle transfers. For Memphis International Airport (MEM) arrivals, pre-book rideshares or rental cars during peak event nights and confirm operating hours for hotels and attractions around holidays. Consider travel insurance for holiday travel disruptions and monitor airline change policies; enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to reduce security wait times at LAX. CTA: Prepare a holiday packing checklist and book airport transfers now for a stress-free December LAX to MEM trip.

Typical nonstop flight time from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Memphis International Airport (MEM) is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours. Remember that Los Angeles is in Pacific Time (PT) and Memphis is in Central Time (CT), so you gain two hours on arrival. December schedules often include morning and afternoon departures; late-evening and red-eye flights are more commonly one-stop through hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), or Denver (DEN). Expect longer total travel times for connecting itineraries—plan for minimum 1–2 hour layovers to comfortably transfer during holiday crowds. CTA: Check specific carrier schedules for December to confirm nonstop availability and optimal connection windows.

To find cheap LAX to MEM flights in December, start monitoring fares 8–10 weeks ahead of peak holiday periods and set price alerts for both nonstop and one-stop routings. Use flexible-date searches to compare departure days—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often yield lower fares—while avoiding high-demand windows around December 20–27. Consider nearby airport alternatives (depart LAX or nearby Long Beach; arrive MEM or check nearby Tunica/North MS options for some itineraries) and compare major carriers like Southwest, Delta, and American for sales. Use miles or points to offset holiday premium pricing and book refundable or low-change-fee fares for last-minute adjustments. CTA: Activate fare alerts and compare LAX to MEM December fares across carriers to capture flash sales and holiday discounts.