Lufthansa (Star Alliance) — Strengths: reliable FRA and MUC connections to NUE, frequent schedules to Germany, good winter operations; consider Lufthansa for smooth single-stop itineraries. KLM (SkyTeam) — Strengths: Amsterdam (AMS) hub offers frequent transatlantic flights, convenient connections to NUE via regional partners. Delta/Air France (SkyTeam) — Strengths: U.S. transatlantic options with onward connections via Paris or Amsterdam; watch for multi-carrier itineraries. U.S. legacy carriers (United, American) — Strengths: wide domestic networks for first-leg flexibility, then connect to a European carrier; check baggage and codeshare terms. When comparing in December, evaluate total travel time, guaranteed connections on single PNR itineraries, and winter delay history for each hub. CTA: Compare MCO to NUE December schedules across these carriers and book the itinerary that best balances price, baggage rules, and connection reliability.