Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December departures from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) are busiest during mid-December and the week between Christmas and New Year’s. Early-December flights, weekdays, and late-night red-eye departures typically offer the lowest fares and shortest security lines. Book as soon as you finalize dates to avoid fare surges, enroll in airline alerts, and consider TSA PreCheck to speed through security. If combining trips, consider fly-drive itineraries linking Orlando with Tampa or Miami before heading west to Las Vegas, or plan a theme-park day at Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista) early in the month and fly out midweek for better prices. Check MCO’s parking reservations and holiday shuttles, and arrive 90–120 minutes before domestic departures during peak December days.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) maintains holiday hours for many shops and restaurants in December, with extended staffing for winter peak travel. Expect increased security staffing, seasonal retail pop-ups near gates, and more frequent shuttle runs between terminals; plan to arrive earlier than usual, especially around Christmas and New Year. Check airline alerts and MCO’s official website for terminal-specific hours before traveling.
Security wait times at Orlando International Airport (MCO) vary, but during December peak days (mid-December through New Year) average waits can extend to 30–60 minutes during morning and late afternoon peaks. To reduce risk, use TSA PreCheck if enrolled and aim for earlier flights or off-peak departure times. Monitor MCO live wait-time updates and set aside extra time for checked-baggage lines on busy days.
Yes, several carriers operate nonstop flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in December, with frequency increasing on weekends and holiday travel days. Airlines like Southwest and Spirit commonly offer nonstops while legacy carriers may add seasonal nonstop service; book early to secure seats and check for fare spikes around Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Use nonstop flight filters on booking engines to compare options quickly.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers on-site parking garages, economy lots, and ride-share pickup zones with holiday staffing in December; the garages near Terminal A and B are quickest but fill fast on busy days. Consider off-site long-term parking with shuttle service for lower rates, or book airport hotels with park-and-fly packages if traveling over the holiday. For convenience, pre-book parking online and allow extra time for shuttle transfers when returning in peak season.
December in Orlando is usually mild but can bring occasional cold fronts or rain that affect flight schedules; major disruptions are less common than in winter storm-prone regions but still possible. Monitor airline status alerts before heading to Orlando International Airport (MCO), allow buffer time when connecting, and consider refundable fares or flexible change policies during holiday travel. Signing up for airline text alerts and checking MCO status pages can save time if delays occur.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) often features family-friendly amenities in December, including holiday-themed decorations, kid-friendly play areas, and seasonal menu items in restaurants near gates. Priority lanes and family boarding practices may be available by airline; check airline boarding policies and family assistance services at MCO if you travel with young children or seniors. Arrive a little earlier to enjoy decorations and reduce stress before your flight to Las Vegas.
Arrivals at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in December from Orlando International Airport (MCO) require planning for holiday crowds and event-driven traffic. Expect faster daytime transfers to the Strip but slower pick-ups during headline events; reserve car rentals and ride-shares early. Take advantage of December pricing for midweek shows, and use this period to book Grand Canyon or Hoover Dam tours when weather permits. For connections onward to Phoenix or Los Angeles, build in extra transit time to account for holiday road congestion. Keep a flexible itinerary and sign up for LAS notifications to manage any day-of changes.
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) offers taxis, ride-shares, regional buses, and rental cars with holiday staffing in December; ride-share pickup zones and on-site rental counters handle increased demand during peak days. Airport shuttles to the Las Vegas Strip and downtown run frequently, but lines can be long around major events like New Year’s Eve, so pre-book shuttles or reserve a rental car in advance. Always confirm pickup zones on the LAS website and allow extra time to reach hotels on event nights.
December in Las Vegas often features daytime highs near 55–60°F (13–16°C) and chilly nights dropping to around 35–40°F (2–4°C), so pack layers and a warm jacket for evenings. While snow is rare on the Strip, high-elevation day trips like the Grand Canyon or Mount Charleston can be much colder and may require heavier outerwear. Plan outfit layers for daytime sightseeing and warmer clothes for late-night shows or desert evenings.
December brings major holiday programming in Orlando—Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista) and Universal Orlando holiday events—which can increase outbound flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) early in the month and just before Christmas. In Las Vegas, December features major draws like New Year’s Eve on the Strip, headline residencies, and the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in early December, driving arrivals at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). These events create fare surges and limited hotel availability, so book flights and accommodations early, especially for travelers combining Orlando attractions with a Las Vegas holiday itinerary. For quieter travel, target weekdays in early December or the week after NFR.
The best time to fly from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in December for lower prices is early in the month or midweek; avoid the peak window from December 23 through January 2 when fares and crowds spike. Book flights about 6–10 weeks in advance for December travel to capture early deals, and consider red-eye departures or midweek flights for the lowest fares. If you must travel around the holidays, look for flexible-change fares and travel insurance to protect against unexpected schedule changes. Use fare trackers to monitor price drops and act quickly when a deal appears.
Nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) are fastest—typically around 5 hours—and reduce the risk of missed connections during December holiday operations. Connecting flights via hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), or Charlotte (CLT) can be cheaper but add transfer time and increase exposure to delay cascades, especially during winter travel peaks. If convenience and punctuality matter, prioritize nonstop flights and pay a premium; if lowering cost is the main goal and you have flexible layover tolerance, choose connecting itineraries and pad connection times sufficiently.
Southwest often offers multiple nonstop flights between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in December with two free checked bags, making it a strong value for families and leisure travelers. American and Delta may offer seasonal or connecting options with loyalty program advantages for frequent flyers and more seat-selection choices. Ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit and Frontier can show lower base fares but charge for seat selection and baggage; these fees can offset initial savings. Choose based on priorities: pick Southwest for straightforward value and no per-bag fees on two bags, Delta or American for better hub connections and seat comfort, and Spirit/Frontier only if traveling light and booking all add-ons in advance.
Pack for variable weather: Orlando International Airport (MCO) departures usually enjoy mild December temperatures, while Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) arrivals have cool nights—bring layers and a warm evening jacket. Allow extra time for check-in and security during peak holiday windows, and pre-book parking or reserve off-site shuttles at MCO to avoid wait times. For rental cars at LAS, reserve in advance and compare total fees; consider prepaying to lock in inventory during busy December events. Consider travel insurance or flexible fares to protect against holiday delays, and sign up for airline text alerts to stay updated on gate or schedule changes.
Nonstop flight time between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) typically ranges from 4 hours 45 minutes to 5 hours 15 minutes, depending on winds and routing. December schedules tend to include multiple daily nonstops on weekends and increased seasonal service, with one-stop connections commonly routed through hubs such as Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), or Charlotte (CLT) adding 1.5–3 hours of connection time. Remember the time zone difference: Orlando is Eastern Time and Las Vegas is Pacific Time, a three-hour difference—departing midday from MCO often arrives early afternoon local time in LAS. For connections, allow at least 90 minutes domestic-to-domestic for tight itineraries during holiday crowds.
To score cheap December flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), start searching early (6–10 weeks ahead) and use fare alerts for both round-trip and one-way itineraries. Midweek departures—particularly Tuesdays and Wednesdays—often show lower fares, and late-night or red-eye flights can be cheaper and less crowded. Compare low-cost carriers such as Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit, but factor in baggage and seat fees to determine total cost. Use flexible-date search tools and set multiple alerts; if your dates are firm around holidays, consider alternate nearby airports like Tampa or Miami outbound to expand low-cost options. Book refundable or changeable fares where possible given December schedule volatility.
Travel time from Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to the Las Vegas Strip is typically 10–20 minutes by taxi or ride-share, but can extend to 30–50 minutes during heavy holiday traffic or major events like New Year’s Eve and the National Finals Rodeo. If you arrive during peak event times, allow more time for hotel check-in and traffic delays; consider airport shuttles or monorail options for predictable timing. Check traffic updates and plan transfers ahead of time to avoid missed show reservations.
For domestic arrivals from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), there are no customs or immigration procedures since both airports are within the U.S. However, if you are arriving from an international leg before MCO or have checked baggage routed from abroad, follow airline guidance and proceed to the appropriate re-check or baggage claim desks. Always verify with your carrier if your itinerary includes international connections prior to domestic legs.
On busy December arrival days at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), plan for potential waits at baggage claim and rideshare pickup; move away from the main curb pick-up area to designated zones to speed your exit. Reserve hotels with late check-in options for New Year’s Eve, and prebook shows and dining to avoid sold-out nights. Consider off-peak arrival times, check real-time flight trackers, and use airline and LAS notifications for gate or schedule changes.
From Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) you can quickly reach the Las Vegas Strip, downtown Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and day-trip destinations such as the Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and Hoover Dam. Longer drives can take you to Phoenix or Los Angeles if you plan a road trip; December routes can be scenic but check road conditions for high-elevation winter weather. Many travelers fly into LAS and combine Vegas with nearby national parks and southwestern cities for extended winter escapes.
