Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December is a peak month for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) departures to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) because travelers chase warm beaches and holiday festivities in Puerto Vallarta. Expect increased flight frequencies, higher fares around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, and more nonstop options early in the month; book early to lock in low fares. Typical flight time for nonstops is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes; early-morning flights often have fewer delays. For best airport experience, arrive 2.5–3 hours before departure, use online check-in and TSA PreCheck, and consider parking or transportation reservations in advance. Nearby cities commonly using this route include Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Monica, Pasadena and San Diego. Search and book cheap flights now to secure December seats and avoid last-minute price spikes.
In December, the best options to reach Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) from downtown are rideshare services, airport shuttles, and the Metro + shuttle combinations. Traffic can increase around holiday dates and weekend evenings, so allow at least 90–120 minutes for surface travel during peak holiday periods. For reliable timing, consider the FlyAway bus from Union Station or pre-booked airport shuttles to avoid last-minute delays.
For international routes from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Puerto Vallarta in December, arrive at least 2.5 to 3 hours before departure because holiday travel increases security, customs lines, and check-in times. If you have checked baggage or are traveling with family, add extra buffer time. Use online check-in where possible and enroll in TSA PreCheck to shorten security wait times.
Yes, several carriers operate nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) during December, including seasonal increases for holiday demand. Nonstop options reduce total travel time and are popular for holiday beach travel to Puerto Vallarta. Book early to secure nonstop seats as December is peak travel season.
Baggage rules are set by each airline at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), but in December you should expect stricter carry-on enforcement and fuller flights, which can lead to gate-checking. Typical international allowances include one carry-on and one personal item; checked baggage allowances vary by carrier and fare class. Check your airline’s baggage policy before departure to avoid fees and consider pre-paying for checked bags to save time at the airport.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) experiences increased passenger volumes in December due to holiday travel, leading to longer security lines and busier terminals. This crowding can affect boarding times and domestic-connecting passengers more than nonstop international departures, so plan for additional time and monitor flight status closely. Consider early morning flights for smoother airport experience and fewer delays.
Yes, U.S. and most international travelers must present a valid passport when flying internationally from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR). Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date to avoid entry issues. Check Mexican entry requirements and any holiday travel advisories before departure.
As of December, there are no routine U.S. or Mexican federal COVID-19 testing mandates for most travelers, but requirements can change. At Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) you should check both airline notices and Mexican government advisories before travel and carry proof of vaccination if required by any carrier. Stay updated with airline and official government pages for last-minute policy changes during the holiday season.
December is a top month to arrive at Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) due to pleasant dry-season weather, festive events, and holiday beach demand. Plan transfers in advance—authorized taxis and private shuttles handle peak arrival waves, while car rental desks may have longer waits. Nearby destinations commonly accessed from PVR include downtown Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, Sayulita, Punta Mita, and Guadalajara for longer trips. Book popular activities like whale-watching charters, romantic sunset cruises, and guided city tours early to ensure availability during the Christmas and New Year’s season. For the best arrival experience, have local currency on hand for small purchases and pre-arrange transfer pick-ups where possible.
From Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), the quickest ways to reach downtown Puerto Vallarta are authorized airport taxis, pre-booked private transfers, or car rentals. December is dry season with high tourist volume, so book transfers in advance to avoid queues. Shared shuttles are a budget-friendly option, while private transfers offer convenience for families and holiday travelers.
December in Puerto Vallarta is part of the dry season, with warm days around 26–30°C (78–86°F) and cooler evenings near 18–22°C (64–72°F). Low rainfall and calm seas make it an ideal time for beaches, snorkeling, and outdoor events, but peak tourist numbers can cause longer transfer waits and higher prices. Pack light summer layers and a light jacket for evenings, and book tours and transfers in advance for holiday dates.
Entry requirements for Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in December are set by Mexican immigration authorities; most travelers need a valid passport and may be asked for return or onward proof of travel. Health requirements can change, so verify current rules with airlines and official government sites prior to departure. Expect routine immigration processing times to be longer during December holidays due to increased arrivals.
From Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) you can easily access downtown Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, Sayulita, Punta Mita, and Guadalajara for onward travel. December is perfect for exploring nearby beach towns and Riviera Nayarit day trips; many operators run transfers and tours year-round. Book popular excursions like whale watching and craft market visits in advance as December is a busy month.
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) offers modern passenger facilities including car rental desks, currency exchange, restaurants, and tourist information counters. In December, services are fully operational but can be crowded during peak arrival waves, so allow extra time for car rental pick-ups and baggage claim. Many shops and eateries extend hours during the holiday season to accommodate travelers.
Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) is approximately a 3.5 to 4 hour nonstop flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and serves travelers from surrounding Southern California cities like Long Beach, Anaheim, and San Diego with connecting ground times. Travel times depend on whether you take a nonstop or connecting flight; connecting itineraries from other U.S. cities may add several hours. Always check route options from your origin city and book early for December travel when demand is high.
December in Puerto Vallarta features festive cultural events including the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe celebrations on December 12, lively Christmas markets, and New Year’s Eve fireworks along the Malecón. Art Walks in the historic center and special seasonal performances are common throughout the month, while nearby Sayulita and Punta Mita host boutique holiday events and beach parties. Book accommodations and popular events in advance—holiday festivities draw both international visitors from Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego and regional travelers from Guadalajara and Tepic. CTA: Check Puerto Vallarta event listings and reserve holiday experiences now to secure your December spots.
The best time to fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in December is early December or the weeks immediately after mid-December to avoid the busiest Christmas and New Year’s windows. Early-morning departures typically have fewer delays and attract lower fares; midweek flights (Tuesday–Thursday) also often present savings. If you seek holiday festive experiences in Puerto Vallarta, plan for peak season but expect higher prices and book well in advance. CTA: Compare December dates now to find the best time to fly LAX to PVR and save.
Direct (nonstop) flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) save time—typically cutting several hours compared to one-stop options—and are ideal for holiday travelers prioritizing convenience. Connecting flights can be cheaper, especially if you’re flexible with travel dates, but add risk for missed connections during December when delays are more common. If price is the priority, compare 1-stop itineraries with generous connection windows; if time and simplicity matter, book nonstop flights early. CTA: Pick a nonstop LAX to PVR flight for December for the quickest holiday getaway, or compare connecting options to save.
Major carriers serving Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in December include Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Mexican carriers like Volaris (seasonal routes). Alaska often provides competitive nonstop options with a focus on customer experience and loyalty perks; American and Delta offer frequent connections and larger network points for travelers from other U.S. cities; Volaris and other Mexican low-cost carriers can be price-competitive but may charge for ancillaries like checked baggage. Compare total trip cost including baggage and seat selection, look at baggage policies, and choose nonstop options when time is critical. CTA: Compare airlines and book your preferred LAX to PVR carrier for December today.
Pack lightweight clothing and a light jacket for evenings when arriving in Puerto Vallarta in December—daytime temperatures are warm while nights are milder. Expect busy terminals at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) during the holidays; arrive earlier than usual and use TSA PreCheck if available. For cheaper fares, consider traveling early December or midweek; for holiday experiences book flights and accommodations months in advance. Keep digital copies of important documents, pre-book transfers from Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR), and subscribe to fare alerts to snag last-minute deals. CTA: Prepare your December trip from LAX to PVR with these seasonal tips and book transfers before arrival.
Nonstop flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) generally take about 3 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes, depending on winds and routing. In December, carriers often add frequencies to accommodate holiday travelers, so expect multiple daily nonstops especially earlier in the month. Sample schedule patterns include early morning departures from LAX and afternoon returns from PVR to maximize daylight and connectivity. For exact times and best connections, search 'LAX to PVR flight times December' on airline websites or global distribution systems; booking earlier secures preferable departure windows. CTA: Check current LAX to PVR schedules and book your preferred December flight time today.
To find cheap flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in December, book early—ideally 6–10 weeks before peak holiday weekends. Flexible date search is critical: flying midweek or departing early December often yields the lowest fares. Sign up for airline newsletters and set fare alerts on comparison engines to capture flash sales; consider connecting flights if nonstop prices are premium, but weigh total travel time. Use primary keywords like 'cheap flights LAX to PVR' when searching to surface relevant deals and filter results by baggage inclusion and change fees. CTA: Search cheap flights LAX to PVR now and set alerts to lock in December savings.