Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Orlando (MCO) to Philadelphia (PHL) in December from $35
From $35
Orlando (MCO) to Detroit (DTW) in December from $54
From $54
Orlando (MCO) to Aguadilla (BQN) in December from $68
From $68
Orlando (MCO) to Greensboro / High Point (GSO) in December from $69
From $69
Orlando (MCO) to Mexico City (Any) in December from $69
From $69
Orlando (MCO) to Philadelphia (PHL) in December from $72
From $72
Flights from Other Cities
San Francisco (SFO) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $74
From $74
Minneapolis (Any) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $99
From $99
Dallas (Any) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $138
From $138
Minneapolis (MSP) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $142
From $142
Chicago (MDW) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $144
From $144
New York (JFK) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $145
From $145
✈️ Flight Guide: Orlando (MCO) → Phoenix (PHX)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December travel from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) combines warm Arizona winter days with high holiday demand. Expect peak pricing around mid-December through New Year's and lower midweek fares earlier in the month. For best deals, set fare alerts, be flexible with departure dates, and consider red-eye or non-peak times. Pack for mild desert days and cool nights in Phoenix—layers work best for Scottsdale day trips or a quick Sedona side excursion. CTA: Book early and compare nonstop and connecting options to secure the best December fare from Orlando to Phoenix.
Departing from Orlando (MCO) FAQs
Orlando International Airport (MCO) offers multiple daily flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), including nonstop and one-stop options. December is a peak travel month due to holidays and winter getaways, so expect higher fares and fuller flights; book early for the best prices and seat choices. Nearby destinations you can pair with Phoenix include Scottsdale, Sedona, and the Grand Canyon for winter sightseeing.
For domestic flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December, arrive at least 2 hours before departure for standard economy, and 3 hours if you need to check bags or travel during holiday peak periods. Security lines can be longer during morning and early evening rushes and around Christmas and New Year's, so factor extra time for parking, shuttle transfer, and TSA PreCheck processing if you have it.
December travel from Orlando International Airport (MCO) can face delays due to weather systems in Florida or winter storms affecting connecting hubs, though Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is typically mild and dry. Keep an eye on airline delay alerts, and sign up for text/email notifications; flexible tickets or travel insurance can help if storms disrupt plans.
To find affordable December fares from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), compare prices across airlines, use fare alerts, and be flexible with travel dates—midweek flights often cost less. Consider early-morning or late-night departures, book 6–8 weeks in advance for holiday travel, and check bundled deals (hotel + flight) for additional savings.
Orlando International Airport (MCO) has plentiful ground transport including rental cars, ride-shares, airport shuttles to Kissimmee and Cocoa Beach, and connections to Amtrak and local shuttles. If planning to visit Tampa, Miami, or Cape Canaveral before your flight, allow extra travel time and consider off-site parking or pre-booked shuttle services, especially during December holiday events.
Airline policies for sporting equipment vary, but most major carriers allow checked items like skis, snowboards, and golf clubs for a fee when flying from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Check your airline's baggage policy ahead of time for size, weight, and carriage fees, and consider protective cases—December winter sports and golf trips to Arizona are popular, so pre-book space if required.
December arrivals at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) enjoy pleasant desert weather ideal for outdoor exploration and holiday festivities. Plan transfers to Scottsdale, downtown Phoenix, Sedona, or the Grand Canyon; book rental cars early for best rates. Check local event calendars for ZooLights and holiday markets to maximize your December visit. CTA: Reserve rental cars and tours in advance for a smooth Phoenix winter getaway.
Arriving at Phoenix (PHX) FAQs
Arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December from Orlando International Airport (MCO) usually means cooler desert mornings and comfortable daytime temperatures ideal for outdoor activities. Expect efficient ground transport options—light rail to downtown Phoenix, rideshare zones, and rental car services—and be prepared for holiday crowds on popular routes to Scottsdale, Sedona, and Tucson.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) you can rent a car or take a shuttle/coach service to Sedona (approx. 2.5 hours) and the Grand Canyon (3.5–4.5 hours). Winter driving is generally straightforward but check road conditions for higher elevations near the Grand Canyon and bring chains or winter tires if snow is in the forecast.
As of December, most domestic flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) follow federal and state health guidelines which may change; check airline policies and PHX updates before travel. Travelers should verify mask and testing requirements with their carrier and monitor CDC or Arizona Department of Health guidance for any last-minute advisories.
Arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December puts you close to festive events like Phoenix Festival of the Arts, ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, and holiday markets in downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale. These seasonal attractions pair well with desert hikes, spa retreats, and day trips to Sedona or the Grand Canyon.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers car rentals and shuttle services for the 1.5–2 hour drive to Tucson; intercity bus options are available but less frequent in winter peak travel times. If planning a December trip to Tucson from PHX, reserve ground transportation in advance and allow extra time during holiday weekends.
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December Events & Festivals Near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
December in the Phoenix metro offers festive experiences like ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo, Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden, and holiday markets in Old Town Scottsdale. Day trips from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to Sedona unveil scenic red-rock winter landscapes, and nearby Tucson hosts its own holiday light displays. These events pair well with outdoor activities—golf, hiking, and scenic drives—making Phoenix a top winter-break destination for travelers departing Orlando International Airport (MCO). CTA: Check event dates and book tours early for December availability.
Best Time to Fly from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December
The best time to fly from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) outside of the two-week holiday peak. Early December mornings often yield cheaper fares and more seat availability, while avoiding travel on or around December 23–26 and December 30–January 2 reduces the risk of congestion and delays. If flexible, target flights in the late morning or early afternoon for a balance of reliability and lower crowds. CTA: Use fare calendar tools to pinpoint the cheapest December travel dates for your Orlando to Phoenix itinerary.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December
Nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offer the fastest and most convenient option—about 4.5 hours—but can be more expensive in December. Connecting itineraries can save money, especially with long-haul carriers running sales, but add risk of missed connections during busy holiday travel windows; typical layovers are 1–3 hours at hubs like Dallas or Atlanta. Choose nonstop for convenience during tight holiday schedules, or connect if price savings are substantial and you have buffer time. CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop options before booking to balance cost and travel time.
Airline Comparison for MCO → PHX (December): Which Carrier Is Best?
Major carriers operating the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) route in December include American Airlines, Southwest, Delta, and occasionally United for connecting itineraries. Southwest often offers competitive fares and two free checked bags, which can be advantageous for winter travelers with gear. American and Delta provide robust schedules and loyalty perks but may charge for checked baggage on basic economy fares; check upgrade availability and change fees for holiday flexibility. For the fastest option, pick nonstop flights; for cheapest, compare connecting itineraries while accounting for baggage and change policies. CTA: Compare total trip cost (fare + fees) across carriers to find the best December flight.
December Seasonal Travel Tips for Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Pack layers for daytime warmth and cooler desert nights in Phoenix, bring a light jacket for early mornings and evenings, and include sunscreen for sunny midday outings. During December holiday travel from Orlando International Airport (MCO), allow extra time for lines, confirm ride-share pickup locations, and consider pre-booking rental cars. For the return leg, check holiday traffic patterns into Orlando and keep flexible booking options where possible. CTA: Prepare for seasonal conditions and book critical services (cars, tours, airport transfers) ahead of time to secure December availability.
Flight Time & Schedules: Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) typically take between 4 hours 20 minutes and 4 hours 45 minutes depending on winds and routing. Airlines commonly run 1–3 daily nonstop flights and multiple one-stop options via hubs such as Dallas (DFW), Charlotte (CLT), or Atlanta (ATL). In December, morning and early-evening slots see the most demand; consider midday departures for potential lower fares and fewer delays. CTA: Check live schedules and pick an itinerary that balances price, duration, and connection reliability.
Cheap Flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December
To find cheap December flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), start monitoring fares 6–10 weeks ahead, set multi-source price alerts, and be flexible with travel dates—Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares. Consider budget or basic economy fares but compare total costs including baggage fees. Use location-based modifiers in searches like "Orlando to Phoenix December nonstop deals" or "cheap MCO to PHX red-eye" to surface targeted offers. CTA: Compare prices across major carriers and book as soon as you see a dip in fares to lock in December savings.