Complete travel information for your December journey
For December travel, especially around holiday weeks, arrive at Orlando International Airport (MCO) at least 2.5 to 3 hours before your domestic or Puerto Rico flight. Security lines and parking demand increase in December, so allow extra time for shuttle transfers, airport traffic, and holiday crowds. Consider checking in online and using TSA PreCheck if available to speed the process.
Baggage fees vary by airline; major carriers on the MCO–SJU route like JetBlue, American Airlines, Southwest, and Delta have different first-bag rules and fees. Expect fees for checked bags on basic economy fares, but Southwest often includes two free checked bags. During December holiday travel, confirm baggage allowances and weight limits on your carrier's website and consider pre-purchasing checked bags to avoid counter fees.
Yes, direct flights operate seasonally and year-round between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in December, with multiple daily nonstop options on carriers such as JetBlue, Southwest, and American Airlines. Flight frequency increases around holidays, so book early for the best schedules and prices.
Typical nonstop flight time between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is about 2 hours and 20 minutes to 2 hours and 40 minutes. Seasonal winds and routing can alter times slightly, but December generally provides stable winter schedules with predictable flight durations.
From Orlando International Airport (MCO) you can use MCO Shuttle, ride-hailing services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, rental cars, and shared shuttle buses to reach downtown Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, and nearby resorts. In December, allow extra time for traffic to theme parks and holiday events; pre-book transfers when possible to ensure timely arrival for your flight to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU).
December brings holiday crowds, earlier security lines, and higher fares for Orlando International Airport (MCO) departures. Book MCO–SJU flights early, arrive sooner than usual, and sign up for flight alerts. Consider refundable or flexible fares and travel insurance during the December holiday window.
Upon arrival at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in December, expect quick immigration and baggage procedures for U.S. citizens, but holiday crowds may slow transit times. Ground transportation options like taxis, ride-hailing, car rentals, and shuttles are readily available; plan extra time for peak holiday traffic to Condado, Old San Juan, or Isla Verde.
In December, standard entry procedures apply at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU): U.S. citizens do not need a passport for flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO), but a valid government ID is required. COVID-19 protocols are relaxed, but travelers should verify the latest requirements from Puerto Rico health authorities and airlines prior to travel in December.
From Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), taxis, Uber/Lyft, airport shuttles, and rental cars provide reliable access to Old San Juan, Isla Verde, Condado, and El Yunque. During December, pre-book transfers for holiday peak days and check hotel shuttle availability to avoid delays.
December in San Juan is warm and relatively dry, with average daytime temperatures in the mid-70s to low-80s°F and cooler evenings. Bring light clothing and a light rain jacket for occasional showers; humidity is lower than summer and hurricane season has ended, making December ideal for beach excursions and outdoor tours.
December can offer deals on midweek stays and package bundles combining flights and hotels in San Juan. For arrivals, check hotel shuttle options and prebook car rentals early to secure inventory and holiday rates. Use fare comparison tools for cheap flights to SJU and sign up for airline newsletters ahead of December travel.
San Juan celebrates Christmas and holiday traditions throughout December with parrandas (musical house-to-house visits), festive decorations, and public concerts. Arriving at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU), travelers can enjoy seasonal markets, special restaurant menus, and holiday lights in Old San Juan and Condado—plan reservations for popular restaurants and tours.
December highlights on the MCO–SJU route include holiday events both in Orlando and San Juan. Orlando offers seasonal attractions like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and holiday events at Universal Orlando and SeaWorld. In San Juan, December brings traditional Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations, parrandas, holiday concerts, and festive markets in Old San Juan and Condado. These events boost demand for flights and hotel rooms—book flights into Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) and reserve event tickets early for December dates.
The best time to fly from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in December for a balance of price and convenience is early December (first two weeks) and midweek departures. Avoid the week between December 23–27 and the New Year’s holiday surge for lower fares and less crowded airports. For better seat selection and nonstop availability, book 6–10 weeks ahead and consider red-eye or early-morning departures.
Choosing between direct and connecting flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) depends on priorities: direct flights save time (about 2.5 hours) and reduce the risk of missed connections, which is valuable during December holiday travel. Connecting flights may offer lower fares or broader schedule options but increase total travel time and the chance of delays. Use keywords like 'direct Orlando to San Juan December' for users prioritizing speed and 'connecting flights MCO to SJU cheap' for bargain hunters.
Compare main carriers on the MCO–SJU December route by price, frequency, baggage policy, and onboard amenities. JetBlue often offers multiple daily nonstop flights with competitive fares and more legroom in standard economy. Southwest provides flexible change policies and two free checked bags, which can reduce total trip cost for families. American Airlines and Delta provide broad network connectivity for travelers seeking premium status benefits or reliable connections. Use 'JetBlue Orlando to San Juan December', 'Southwest MCO SJU baggage', and 'American Airlines nonstop MCO to SJU' as targeted search phrases.
December travel between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) is generally smooth but busier due to holidays. Pack layers for air-conditioned terminals and warm daytime clothing for San Juan. Reserve accommodations early, pre-book airport transfers, and monitor flight status via airline apps. For family travel, choose airlines with generous baggage policies (e.g., Southwest) to avoid extra fees during gift and gear transport.
Nonstop flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) typically take between 2 hours 20 minutes and 2 hours 40 minutes. Schedules vary by carrier and day of week, with multiple daily nonstop options on JetBlue, Southwest, and American Airlines during December. Time zone considerations: Orlando (Eastern Time) and San Juan (Atlantic Standard Time) are one hour apart—San Juan is usually one hour ahead, so a 9:00 AM MCO departure arrives around 12:20 PM SJU local time on typical routings.
Find cheap flights from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in December by searching flexible dates, using fare alerts, and targeting midweek travel. Primary strategies include booking 6–10 weeks in advance for holiday travel, monitoring fare sales from JetBlue and Southwest, and comparing bundled hotel+flight packages. Use location modifiers like 'Orlando to San Juan December cheap flights' and LSI terms such as 'discount Puerto Rico airfare' and 'last-minute San Juan deals' to optimize searches. Consider red-eye or early-morning departures to secure lower fares and more seat availability.