Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Chicago (MDW) to Tampa (TPA) in December from $104
From $104
Chicago (MDW) to Fort Lauderdale (Any) in December from $170
From $170
Chicago (MDW) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) in December from $180
From $180
Chicago (MDW) to Jacksonville (JAX) in December from $314
From $314
Chicago (MDW) to Gainesville (GNV) in December from $407
From $407
Chicago (MDW) to Washington, D.C. (BWI) in January from $141
From $141
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
Orlando (MCO) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $131
From $131
Dallas (Any) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $138
From $138
Minneapolis (MSP) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $142
From $142
New York (JFK) to Phoenix (PHX) in December from $145
From $145
✈️ Flight Guide: Chicago (MDW) → Phoenix (PHX)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December travel from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) combines winter departure conditions with sunny Arizona arrivals. Expect increased passenger volumes during mid-December and the holiday peak around Dec 23-26; plan to arrive early, use TSA PreCheck, and monitor flight alerts. Nonstop flights are often the fastest option and popular with families escaping cold weather. Nearby destinations served from MDW include downtown Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, and northern Indiana; on arrival you can easily continue to Scottsdale, Tempe, Sedona, or Flagstaff.
Departing from Chicago (MDW) FAQs
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is typically busier in December due to holiday travel, with earlier security lines and increased gate activity. Expect winter operations like de-icing and occasional weather delays; arrive at least 2 hours before domestic departures and check your airline for flight status. Use TSA PreCheck if available to speed up screening, and consider off-site parking or ride-shares to avoid long curbside waits.
Yes — nonstop flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) operate year-round, with increased frequency during peak travel times; Southwest Airlines commonly offers direct MDW–PHX service. Check schedules and book early for the best nonstop fares in December, as holiday demand can fill flights quickly.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) offers on-airport parking garages and surface lots, off-site long-term lots, hotel shuttles, taxis, ride-share pick-up zones, and CTA Orange Line service to downtown Chicago. In December, allow extra time for pickup/drop-off because curbside traffic increases during holiday travel and special events in the city.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) can experience snow, ice, and blowing conditions in December that may lead to de-icing operations and cascade delays affecting outbound flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX). Phoenix winters are milder, but if a departure from MDW is delayed, downstream connections may be impacted; monitor airline alerts and consider booking refundable or flexible fares during holiday travel.
Baggage policies are set by the carrier, not by Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), but airlines often enforce stricter carry-on monitoring during busy December travel periods. Check your airline’s checked bag fees, size and weight limits, and prepare for possible gate-checking if overhead bins fill; label all bags with contact info and keep weather-appropriate essentials in your carry-on.
Travelers flying from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) often access downtown Chicago, the western suburbs, Milwaukee, Madison, and northern Indiana; many also use MDW when traveling to seasonal Midwest destinations during December. If you’re heading to Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), consider multi-city itineraries that include Scottsdale, Tempe, or Sedona after arrival.
Arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December offers mild, sunny weather and easy access to Scottsdale, Tempe, Sedona, and Flagstaff. Holiday-themed attractions like ZooLights and Las Noches de las Luminarias are highlights — expect higher local traffic on weekends and evenings. Use rental cars or ride-shares for flexible local travel, and verify hotel shuttle availability during December peak nights. For visitors coming from Chicago Midway (MDW), make sure to account for a one-hour time difference (Phoenix is typically one hour behind Chicago in December).
Arriving at Phoenix (PHX) FAQs
December at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is mild and pleasant, with daytime highs typically in the 60s to low 70s °F (15–22 °C) and cooler nights. Rain is infrequent but possible; pack a light jacket for evening outings and sunglasses for sunny days. This weather makes PHX a popular winter destination for travelers escaping colder climates.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), you can use shared shuttles, taxis, ride-share services, Valley Metro light rail (to some nearby stops), rental cars, or hotel shuttles to reach Scottsdale and Tempe. In December, allow extra travel time for popular events like ZooLights — traffic near downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale can increase during holiday weekends.
Yes, direct nonstop service between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) usually runs year-round, including December, with Southwest Airlines often providing multiple daily nonstop options. Book earlier for Dec travel to lock in nonstop seats during the holiday travel surge.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers a full range of amenities year-round: dining, shopping, rental car centers, ground transportation options, and VIP lounges. In December, many restaurants and retail outlets remain open with extended hours around holiday travel — check PHX terminal maps and airline lounge access ahead of arrival.
After arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), popular nearby destinations include Scottsdale for resorts and dining, Tempe for Arizona State University events, Sedona and Flagstaff for day trips to red rock scenery and higher elevation winter experiences, and Tucson for cultural sites. December is a great time to combine warm-city sightseeing with nearby outdoor excursions.
As policies change, verify airline and state health advisories before travel; Arizona generally has few inbound restrictions, but carriers may have mask or testing policies in effect in December. Check official airline pages and PHX airport notices for the latest health guidance and recommended safety measures.
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December Events & Festivals Near MDW and PHX — Holiday Attractions for Travelers
December brings festive events in both Chicago and Phoenix that can influence travel timing. In Chicago, holiday markets (e.g., Christkindlmarket), seasonal theater, and fitness races drive local travel around the city near MDW. In Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale, popular attractions include ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden; these events can increase weekend traffic and local hotel demand in December.
Best Time to Fly MDW to PHX in December — Avoid Holiday Crowds & Save
For the best combination of price and convenience flying MDW to PHX in December, schedule travel in early December or mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) to avoid peak holiday crowds. Avoid the window from about Dec 20–27 when demand spikes, and consider returning after New Year’s Day for lower fares. Booking 3–8 weeks ahead is often optimal for December; last-minute bargains can appear but are less reliable during the holidays.
Direct vs Connecting Flights — MDW to PHX in December
Choosing nonstop (direct) flights between Chicago Midway (MDW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) saves travel time — typically 3.5–4 hours — and reduces missed-connection risk during December weather disruptions. Connecting itineraries can be cheaper but add layover time and increase exposure to delays, especially if the connection is through a weather-prone hub. If flexibility and cost-savings are priorities, a single connecting stop with a longer layover can be worthwhile; if reliability and speed matter most, book nonstop service.
Airline Comparison for MDW to PHX in December — Southwest vs Connecting Carriers
Southwest Airlines often dominates nonstop MDW–PHX service with multiple daily flights and a customer-friendly two free checked bag policy, making it attractive for families traveling in December. Other major carriers (American, United) may offer connecting routes via hubs such as DFW, DEN, or ORD — these can offer competitive fares and loyalty perks but may include checked bag fees and require careful connection timing in winter. Compare total travel cost (fares + baggage + seat selections) when choosing your carrier for December travel.
December Seasonal Travel Tips for MDW to PHX — Weather, Packing, and Delay Mitigation
Prepare for winter travel at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) in December by packing layered clothing, warm footwear, and carry-on essentials in case of delays. Expect mild, sunny weather on arrival at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), but bring a light jacket for evenings. Strategies to mitigate December disruptions include choosing earlier flights, booking nonstops when possible, selecting refundable or flexible fares, and enabling mobile airline alerts. Also consider travel insurance for holiday trips and verify TSA PreCheck or Clear status for faster screening.
MDW to PHX Flight Time & Schedules in December — Nonstop and Connecting Options
Typical nonstop flight time from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on winds and routing. In December, Phoenix generally observes Mountain Standard Time (MST) and Chicago is on Central Standard Time (CST), so Phoenix is typically one hour behind Chicago; factor this into arrival time planning. Southwest Airlines commonly offers multiple daily nonstop flights; other carriers may offer connecting service through hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), or Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Check morning departures for the most reliable on-time performance during winter weather.
Cheap MDW to PHX Flights in December — Tips & Booking Strategies
To score cheap MDW to PHX flights in December, target early- to mid-December travel dates and mid-week departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to be cheaper), and avoid the heavy holiday window from Dec 23–27. Use fare comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner, set price alerts, and consider flexible dates or nearby airports (e.g., ORD for more carrier choice). Nonstop flights are convenient but sometimes more expensive — balance cost versus convenience and check Southwest for strong nonstop MDW–PHX offerings. Book 3–8 weeks ahead for the best balance of price and availability, and look for last-minute deals if your dates are flexible.
Tips
- Set price alerts 6–8 weeks before departure and monitor nightly for dips.
- Search for mid-week MDW departures to PHX to find lower fares.
- Consider early morning or late evening flights for better deals.
- Use airline rewards and credit card points to offset holiday premiums.