Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December departures from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) see a mix of nonstop and one-stop flight options with typical flight times of roughly 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. Expect the busiest days the week of Christmas and New Year's Eve; early December and mid-week flights are often cheaper. Popular nearby cities accessed from MEM include Nashville, Little Rock, Jackson (MS), Birmingham, and St. Louis, useful for travelers combining road trips with air travel. For the best December deals, set fare alerts, book 30–60 days ahead for holiday travel, and use flexible-date searches. Book cheap flights from MEM to MCO now to lock in holiday savings and check baggage rules and TSA PreCheck availability to speed your airport experience.
In December, travelers flying from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) will find a mix of nonstop and one-stop flights. Nonstop options are commonly offered by low-cost carriers and some legacy airlines with flight times around 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours; one-stop itineraries usually connect via Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW). Book early for holiday weeks to lock in better fares and seat choices.
Holiday travel in December typically increases demand, causing higher fares and reduced seat availability, especially the week of Christmas and New Year’s. Early December and mid-week departures often yield cheaper rates, while the busiest days are the weekend before Christmas and the Sunday after. Use flexible dates and set fare alerts to find cheap flights from MEM to MCO.
Memphis International Airport (MEM) offers short-term and long-term parking lots and frequently adds shuttle capacity during holiday peaks. Ride-hailing services and taxis are readily available curbside, but expect surges around major holiday dates and special events in Memphis. Consider parking reservations or pre-booking an airport shuttle to save time and avoid last-minute price hikes.
December weather in Memphis can bring cool temperatures and occasional rain, and while heavy snow is rare, cold fronts can cause minor delays. Check the flight status before leaving for MEM, allow extra time for airport security during holiday traffic, and book flights with flexible rebooking policies if traveling on peak dates. Travel insurance can help cover unexpected disruptions.
TSA wait times at Memphis International Airport (MEM) typically increase during December holiday periods, especially on peak travel days like the Friday and Saturday before Christmas. Arrive at least 90–120 minutes before domestic departures during peak season and consider TSA PreCheck to shorten security lines. Check real-time wait times via the airport app or TSA website before leaving.
From Memphis International Airport (MEM) you can access nearby major cities and destinations like Nashville, Little Rock, Jackson (MS), Birmingham, and St. Louis when planning multi-city itineraries or connecting ground travel. Many travelers combine MEM departures with regional road trips before a December flight to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in December means pleasant weather and plentiful holiday activities but also higher passenger volumes and busy ground transport. Plan transfers early—book shuttle or private rides ahead of peak days—and reserve theme park tickets and reservations in advance. Nearby cities commonly visited from MCO include Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Cape Canaveral, Miami, and Jacksonville. For cheaper December travel, compare fares and consider arriving mid-week; book cheap flights to Orlando (MCO) as soon as possible for the best holiday savings and check baggage and ride-share pickup locations to streamline arrival.
Arriving at Orlando International Airport (MCO) in December is generally smooth but busy due to holiday travelers and theme-park visitors. Expect fuller baggage carousels and increased ride-share demand; allow extra time for shuttle transfers to Kissimmee or hotel check-ins. Airport signage and multiple ground-transport options make navigation straightforward for first-time visitors.
In December, common options from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Walt Disney World and Kissimmee include rental cars, shared shuttles, private transfers, ride-hailing services, and theme-park shuttles. Book transfers in advance for holiday weeks to secure seats and reduce wait times. For groups and families, private transfers or rental cars often provide the best balance of convenience and cost.
December in Orlando is generally mild and pleasant with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s°F (18–23°C) and cooler evenings. Rain is less frequent than summer but occasional showers can happen, so pack a light jacket and umbrella. The comfortable weather is ideal for visiting theme parks and outdoor attractions after flying into MCO.
Yes—December brings many holiday events near Orlando International Airport (MCO), including seasonal offerings at Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and local festivals like Winter Park’s Lights and Kissimmee holiday parades. Expect increased crowds around major attractions, so plan park reservations and book tickets in advance for popular events.
From Orlando International Airport (MCO) you can easily access major nearby destinations such as Kissimmee, Daytona Beach, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Cape Canaveral, and the Orlando theme parks. Travelers often combine Orlando arrival with coastal trips to Clearwater or Fort Lauderdale, especially in December when Florida weather is attractive.
To avoid long waits for ride-hailing at Orlando International Airport (MCO) during December, book private transfers or shuttles in advance, use off-peak arrival times (midday or late evening), and check designated ride-hail pickup zones through the MCO app. Arriving travelers can also compare prices for shared shuttles versus on-demand rides to balance cost and wait time.
December is full of holiday attractions that drive travel demand on the MEM → MCO route. In Memphis, look for Memphis Zoo Lights, holiday concerts on Beale Street, and local tree lighting events that can increase airport traffic. Orlando sees major seasonal draws such as Walt Disney World’s EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, Universal Orlando’s Holiday Parade, and seasonal shows at Gaylord Palms. Expect increased flights and higher fares during weekends with big events—book flights and park reservations early. CTA: Check event dates and book December flights from MEM to MCO before holiday events sell out.
The best time to fly from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in December is typically early December (first two weeks) or mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday). Avoid the heavy travel window from four days before Christmas through New Year’s Day when fares and crowds peak. For cheapest results, book 30–60 days before departure and remain flexible on dates. If you must travel the week of the holidays, consider flying early morning or late evening to reduce the chance of delays and congested terminals. CTA: Search flexible December dates for MEM to MCO to find the best fare.
Nonstop flights from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) offer the fastest travel time (about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours) and reduce the chance of missed connections, which is helpful during busy December travel. However, nonstop tickets can be pricier during peak holiday windows. Connecting flights—commonly routing through Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)—can be cheaper and provide more schedule choices but add layover time (typically 1–3 hours). If you prioritize speed and convenience for holiday travel, choose direct flights; if you seek savings or specific departure times, a one-stop itinerary might be better. CTA: Compare nonstop and connecting December flights from MEM to MCO now.
Southwest Airlines: Often offers competitive prices and multiple nonstop options between Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Orlando International Airport (MCO), with two free checked bags and a user-friendly change policy—good for family travel in December. Delta Air Lines: Provides strong schedule reliability and connections via Atlanta (ATL), with priority boarding perks for elites; expect slightly higher fares but broader network options. American Airlines: Offers connections through Charlotte (CLT) or Dallas (DFW) and reliable service; fare bundles vary, so check baggage and seat fees. Frontier: Budget carrier options may offer the lowest base fares but limited frills and fees for bags/seat selection—watch for holiday demand spikes. Compare carriers for December travel by checking total trip cost (including baggage) and available nonstop schedules. CTA: Compare December flight fares across Southwest, Delta, American, and Frontier for MEM to MCO today.
Pack layers for Orlando in December—light sweaters for evenings and a rain jacket for occasional showers. Allow extra time for security and baggage claim at both Memphis International Airport (MEM) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) during holiday peaks, and consider TSA PreCheck to speed up lines. Reserve airport parking or shuttle transfers in advance and pre-book ride-share pickups when possible to avoid surge pricing. For international or multi-destination trips, keep travel documents accessible and consider travel insurance for holiday disruptions. CTA: Prepare now—check December flight schedules and pack smart for your MEM to MCO trip.
Average nonstop flight time from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) is approximately 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours. Direct frequencies vary by carrier—expect multiple daily flights on peak days and fewer options on off-peak weekdays. Connecting itineraries with one stop via Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) typically take 3.5–6 hours total depending on layover length. Remember that Memphis operates in Central Time (CT) and Orlando in Eastern Time (ET), so schedule times shift by one hour eastward on arrival. For December travel, check early morning and late evening flights to avoid holiday peak crowds at both airports.
To score cheap flights from Memphis International Airport (MEM) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) in December, target early December or travel mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and avoid peak holiday dates. Typical round-trip December fares often range from $120–$320 depending on carrier and how close to the holidays you book. Low-cost carriers frequently post flash sales—subscribe to fare alerts and check Southwest, Frontier, and legacy carrier promos. Use flexible-date search tools, clear cookies or use incognito to compare fares, and consider one-way combinations across different airlines for savings. Book cheap flights now to lock in holiday seats and reduce the risk of sudden price spikes. CTA: Compare December flight deals from MEM to MCO and set fare alerts today.