Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is peak holiday travel season, so frequencies increase compared with off-peak months. Expect daily nonstop options on select carriers plus multiple one-stop itineraries via hubs like Miami, Houston, or Dallas; overall seat capacity often climbs during the second and third weeks of December. Book early to secure preferred times and fares for Los Angeles to Panama City December travel.
Nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Panama City (All Airports) (PTYA) may be offered seasonally, with carriers such as Copa occasionally scheduling direct services for the December holiday window. If a nonstop is unavailable, reliable one-stop connections via Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH), or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) are common. Check schedules and book soon, because nonstop availability for LAX to PTYA flights in December sells out quickly.
Nonstop flight time from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Panama City (All Airports) (PTYA) typically ranges from about 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours 45 minutes depending on routing and winds. One-stop itineraries can take 9 to 14+ hours including layovers. For the fastest December travel, search explicitly for nonstop LAX to PTYA flights to minimize total travel time.
To find cheap LAX to PTYA flights in December, compare fares across airlines, set price alerts, and search flexible date calendars for midweek departures. Book 6–10 weeks in advance for holiday travel, consider one-stop routings via MIA or IAH, and check low-fare carriers and bundled deals. Use fare-comparison tools and sign up for airline newsletters to catch last-minute December airfare sales.
Departing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), travelers commonly access nearby major cities like Long Beach, Anaheim (Disneyland), San Diego, Santa Barbara, and Palm Springs before or after international travel. For Panama City connections, LAX offers flights that link you onward to Colón, Bocas del Toro, Boquete, and beach destinations in the San Blas Islands via domestic transfers. Plan regional transfers in advance, especially during December holiday demand.
Airline baggage and change fees can increase during December peak travel. Check your carrier’s holiday policies — many airlines waive some change fees for international itineraries or for elite status members, but baggage allowances remain standard. Purchase checked bag options and travel protection if you expect schedule changes during the busy Los Angeles to Panama City December travel period.
Arrivals in Panama City (All Airports) (PTYA) during December coincide with the start of the dry season and a surge in tourist activity for Christmas and New Year events. Expect airport car services, shuttle options to Colón, Bocas del Toro transfers, and busy immigration queues on peak arrival days. Plan extra time for customs, arrange transfers in advance, and consider booking hotels in Casco Viejo or near Avenida Balboa early.
Visa requirements depend on your nationality; many travelers from the U.S., Canada, EU, and several Latin American countries can enter Panama visa-free for short tourist stays. Verify entry rules well before December travel, as holiday travel often has stricter proof-of-stay and return-ticket checks. Check official Panama immigration resources or your embassy for up-to-date visa policies.
From Panama City (All Airports) (PTYA), travelers can reach Bocas del Toro via short regional flights from domestic terminals or overnight buses plus boat transfers; Boquete is typically accessed by a domestic flight to David followed by a short drive. Colón is reachable by road in about 1.5–2 hours via the Atlantic coast. Book domestic legs early in December to ensure availability during Panama’s holiday high season.
December in Panama City brings holiday markets in Casco Viejo, traditional Christmas processions, and lively New Year’s Eve celebrations along Avenida Balboa with fireworks over the bay. Visitors can enjoy local artisan fairs, seasonal concerts in historic districts, and special holiday dining at top hotels. Nearby destinations like Bocas del Toro and Boquete host smaller festive events and holiday markets ideal for travelers seeking island or highland celebrations. CTA: Plan and book your December itinerary to coincide with Panama City’s holiday events for a memorable Los Angeles to Panama trip.
For December travel, the best balance of weather and crowds is typically early December (first two weeks) when airfares are lower and resorts aren’t yet filled for Christmas. If you prefer festive events in Panama City, plan for December 20–30 but expect higher fares and busier airports. For cheaper LAX to PTYA flights in December, aim for midweek departures and returns in the first week of January. CTA: Choose your December travel window now and compare fares to the recommended weeks.
Direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Panama City (All Airports) (PTYA) are fastest and reduce connection risk, making them preferable for short December trips or tight itineraries. However, nonstop fares in December can be significantly higher; one-stop connections via Miami, Houston, or Dallas are often cheaper and provide multiple departure times. If traveling during the holiday peak, weigh the cost savings of connecting flights against potential delays—for families or tight schedules we recommend direct service when available. CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop LAX to PTYA December options and select the itinerary that best fits your budget and time.
Copa Airlines: Often offers the best direct connectivity to Panama City (Tocumen) and competitive international baggage allowances; a strong choice for December travel if nonstop service is scheduled. American Airlines and United: Typically provide multiple one-stop options via their U.S. hubs (MIA for AA historically, IAH for UA often) with broad schedule coverage; fares can be competitive with advanced purchase. Delta: Offers one-stop options via its hub network and can be a good option when loyalty status or alliance connections are factors. For cheap December fares, one-stop itineraries on legacy carriers are frequently the best value; for shortest travel time, prioritize Copa nonstops when available. CTA: Compare prices and baggage rules across carriers to pick the best December LAX to PTYA flight for your needs.
Pack lightweight clothing for Panama’s warm, early-dry-season weather, plus a light rain jacket for occasional showers in early December. Expect heavier traffic at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Tocumen in the days surrounding Christmas and New Year’s — arrive at least 3 hours before international departures and allow extra connection time for domestic transfers. Consider travel insurance that covers holiday schedule changes, and confirm baggage limits and carry-on rules before flying. CTA: Prepare your packing list and check-in online to streamline your December LAX to PTYA journey.
Nonstop LAX to PTYA flights (when offered seasonally) usually take roughly 6.5 to 7.5 hours. One-stop itineraries via U.S. hubs such as Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH), or Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) commonly total 9 to 14+ hours depending on layover lengths. In December, carriers may add frequencies around holidays, so check daily schedules and prefer morning departures to minimize missed-connection risk. Typical daily schedule patterns: early-morning departures from LAX connecting through U.S. hubs and evening red-eye options that arrive in Panama in the morning. CTA: Check real-time flight schedules and book confirmed itineraries early for December travel.
December is a high-demand month for LAX to PTYA travel, so cheap flights require proactive strategies. Primary tips: book early (6–10 weeks ahead for holiday travel), use flexible date searches to find midweek savings, and consider one-stop itineraries via Miami (MIA), Houston (IAH), or Dallas (DFW) which often undercut nonstop fares. Sign up for fare alerts and consider flying the first week of December or the first week of January to avoid peak holiday premiums. Use location-based modifiers in searches (e.g., 'flights Los Angeles to Panama City December nonstop') to surface targeted deals. CTA: Set up price alerts and compare carriers now to lock in affordable December LAX–PTYA fares.
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As of December travel norms, routine vaccinations are recommended and some travelers may be asked about yellow fever proof depending on origin. COVID-19 requirements have been fluid, so verify current testing, vaccination, or quarantine rules before travel. Consult official Panama Ministry of Health advisories and your airline for December arrival requirements.
Searching Panama City (All Airports) (PTYA) generally includes Tocumen International Airport (PTY) for international arrivals and regional/dometic airports used for island access and domestic flights. For international December arrivals, Tocumen (PTY) is the primary gateway; for island transfers consider regional airports or charter options depending on your final destination. Choose PTY for international connectivity and domestic terminals for onward logistics.
