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 departures from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) combine holiday demand with winter-weather challenges. Primary SEO keywords such as "MDW to PHX December" and "Chicago Midway winter travel" are used to help travelers find timely advice on flight delays, parking deals, and ground transit. Expect higher demand around the weeks of Christmas and New Year's Eve; early-December and mid-week departures often yield lower fares to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Nearby destinations commonly accessed from MDW include downtown Chicago, Oak Brook, Naperville, and O'Hare International Airport for connecting services. CTA: Book or compare cheap flights from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) now and sign up for fare alerts to catch December sales.
Departing from Chicago (MDW) FAQs
December sees two demand peaks from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX): early-December long-weekend travel and the Christmas/New Year holiday surge. Flights during peak holiday dates often sell out faster and carry higher fares, so booking early and checking multiple departure days will help you find better prices.
Nonstop flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) typically take about 3 hours 35 minutes to 4 hours depending on winds and routing. Allow extra time on departure and arrival days for winter delays in Chicago or air traffic congestion in Phoenix during holiday events.
Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier offering multiple daily nonstop flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) throughout December, with occasional seasonal service from other carriers via nearby hubs. Check schedules early and compare fares; Southwest often features competitive December deals and flexible change policies.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) offers CTA Orange Line trains to downtown Chicago, rideshare pick-up zones, taxis, and rental car facilities, all operating in December with winter service adjustments as needed. During snowy or icy conditions expect slightly longer transit times; allow extra time to reach downtown Chicago, O'Hare International Airport, or surrounding suburbs.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) typically offers short-term and long-term parking options with variable availability during December holidays; off-site parking lots and pre-booked park-and-ride services often provide better rates. For holiday travel, reserve parking in advance online to secure lower rates and guaranteed spots.
In December, Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) experiences cold temperatures and an elevated risk of snow or ice, which can delay flights; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) typically enjoys mild, sunny weather. Travelers should monitor MDW flight status closely, allow extra time for winter parking and transit, and pack layers for temperature differences between Chicago, Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas.
December arrivals at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offer sunshine, outdoor activities, and easy access to top Arizona destinations. Use keywords like "PHX December" and "arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor" to find local transit, car rentals, and holiday event info. Popular nearby cities and attractions include Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Sedona, Flagstaff, and the Grand Canyon—each a short drive or short connecting flight away. CTA: Compare December arrival options to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and reserve transportation or rental cars early to secure the best rates.
Arriving at Phoenix (PHX) FAQs
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December typically has mild, dry weather with daytime highs averaging in the mid-60s to low-70s Fahrenheit and cool nights. This pleasant climate makes December popular for travelers escaping colder cities like Chicago; pack layers and sun protection for daytime outdoor activities in Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) offers Valley Metro Light Rail shuttles to nearby stations, taxis, rideshares, and rental cars for easy access to Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, and downtown Phoenix. During December events like ZooLights and Las Noches, allow extra time for pick-up zones and heavier traffic, and consider pre-booking airport shuttles or rental cars for holiday convenience.
Yes—December brings popular seasonal events such as ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo and Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in nearby Phoenix and Scottsdale. These attractions increase local traffic near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) during evenings, so plan extra transit time and check event schedules before booking late-night arrivals.
Popular day trips from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) include Sedona, the Grand Canyon South Rim, Flagstaff, and Tucson—each reachable by car or short connecting flights and offering cooler hikes and scenic winter landscapes. December is a favorable month for clear skies and lower crowds at many Arizona attractions, but check road conditions for northern routes to Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) sees elevated passenger numbers during holiday weeks, though it generally handles seasonal surges more smoothly than larger hub airports. Expect fuller terminals, longer TSA lines during peak hours, and increased taxi/rideshare wait times; arriving earlier and using TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can reduce stress.
Yes, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has multiple rental car vendors onsite and several airport hotels as well as numerous hotels in Scottsdale and Tempe. Because December attracts leisure travelers seeking warm weather, book rental cars and hotels in advance for better rates and availability.
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December Events & Festivals Near MDW and PHX: Holiday Markets, ZooLights, and Desert Gardens
December brings vibrant holiday programming at both ends of the MDW→PHX route. Near Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), expect seasonal markets, holiday light displays, and citywide events that can increase local transit demand. Near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), highlights include ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo and Las Noches de las Luminarias at the Desert Botanical Garden in nearby Scottsdale. These events can influence evening traffic, rideshare availability, and hotel occupancy, so plan ground transportation and arrival times accordingly. CTA: Check local event calendars before finalizing December travel plans and reserve transport or lodging early to avoid sold-out dates.
Best Time to Fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December
The best time to fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December is typically early-to-mid December on Tuesdays through Thursdays, when demand and fares are usually lower. Avoid the week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve unless your travel is fixed; if traveling during the holidays, book 8–12 weeks ahead to lock in reasonable fares. For both price and reliability, select morning departures from MDW to reduce the chance of weather-related delays. CTA: Use flexible-date search tools and set price alerts to identify the optimal December travel window.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December
Nonstop flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) are faster (roughly 3.5–4 hours) and reduce baggage transfer risk, making them preferable for most December travelers. Connecting itineraries via hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Denver (DEN), or Los Angeles (LAX) may be cheaper or provide more departure-time options but increase total travel time and exposure to winter delays out of MDW. During December, prioritize nonstop options when possible for reliability; when choosing connections, allow longer layovers to account for potential weather or congestion. CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop options for your December trip and book the itinerary that best balances cost and convenience.
Airline Comparison for MDW → PHX in December: Southwest, American, United and Competitors
Southwest Airlines is the primary carrier operating nonstop flights between Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), offering frequent schedules, flexible change policies, and two free checked bags—often making it the best option for December leisure travelers. American Airlines and United may offer one-stop or connecting itineraries via their hubs; these can be competitive on price, especially outside peak holiday windows, but typically have stricter baggage and change fee rules unless you book premium fares. When choosing an airline for December, compare total trip cost, baggage allowances, schedule convenience, loyalty benefits, and the likelihood of weather delays at MDW. CTA: Compare December fares and baggage policies across carriers to select the best fit for your budget and schedule.
Seasonal Travel Tips for December: MDW to PHX Flight Preparation and Packing Advice
When flying from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December, pack for temperature contrast—heavy outerwear for Chicago, lighter layers for Phoenix. Allow extra transit and check-in time at MDW for snow or de-icing delays, consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed security, and pre-book parking or airport shuttles to avoid last-minute stress. For arrival in Phoenix, hydrate, use sunscreen for daytime outdoor plans in Scottsdale or Sedona, and pre-reserve rental cars if you plan to explore nearby destinations like Flagstaff or the Grand Canyon. CTA: Prepare now by checking weather forecasts, confirming reservations, and setting alerts for flight status changes before your December trip.
Flight Time & Typical December Schedules: Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
A nonstop flight from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) typically takes about 3 hours 35 minutes to 4 hours in December, depending on routing and winds. Southwest operates multiple daily nonstop flights that cover morning, midday, and evening departure windows; additional connecting schedules via hubs like Dallas-Fort Worth or Denver increase options for flexible dates. For December travel, choose morning flights for lower delay risk at MDW or later-afternoon departures to connect with other long-haul services. CTA: Check updated December flight times and compare schedules across carriers to choose the best departure that fits your itinerary.
How to Find Cheap Flights from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December
To find cheap flights from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December, search early for holiday dates and consider mid-week departures to avoid peak pricing. Southwest Airlines often offers highly competitive nonstop fares on this route; use fare alerts, flexible-date searches, and incognito browser windows to spot short sales. Aim to book 3–8 weeks in advance for non-peak December travel and 8–12+ weeks for Christmas/New Year travel. Combine primary keywords ("cheap flights MDW PHX December") with modifiers like "nonstop" and "midweek" in searches. CTA: Set fare alerts now and compare flexible dates to secure the best December deals.