Submit feedbackDecember is a peak travel month from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) due to holidays and business travel. Expect higher fares and fuller flights the week before Christmas and the days around New Year’s Eve; book 3–8 weeks in advance and sign up for fare alerts. Plan extra time for security at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) during morning and evening peaks.
To secure cheap flights in December, use flexible-date searches, set price alerts, and check red-eye or midweek departures from New York (All Airports) (NYCA). Consider alternative airports like LaGuardia (LGA) or Newark (EWR) and compare carriers such as JetBlue, Delta, and American for sales. Book early for holiday windows and consider weekday departures for lower fares.
Winter storms can cause delays or cancellations at New York (All Airports) (NYCA) — especially affecting JFK and Newark (EWR) — so monitor forecasts and airline notifications. Allow extra connection time when flying to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) and consider travel insurance for holiday trips. Airlines typically waive change fees during severe weather, but policies vary by carrier.
Early morning flights (before 8 AM) and late-night red-eyes from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) often have fewer crowds and lower chance of full planes. Avoid the peak windows two to three days before Christmas and New Year’s Eve; flying midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) during December typically yields better prices and less congestion.
From Manhattan, use AirTrain and subway or commuter rail to reach John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR); rideshare and airport shuttle services are widely available. LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is typically the quickest by car or express bus, though traffic and holiday parades can add delays. Allow at least 90–120 minutes from Midtown during peak December travel times.
In December, many travelers carry additional gifts and seasonal items — check airline carry-on and checked baggage allowances before flying from New York (All Airports) (NYCA). Wrap fragile gifts at your destination rather than at the airport, and label electronics and chargers. For holiday shipping of excess items, compare checked bag fees versus shipping costs; some airlines offer bundled baggage deals during the holidays.
December arrivals to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) are generally mild weather-wise but busier due to holiday visitors and seasonal events. Expect longer waits for rideshares and rental cars during peak holiday windows; consider pre-booking airport shuttles or the FlyAway bus to Union Station. Los Angeles arrivals often connect to nearby destinations like Santa Monica, Long Beach, Anaheim (Disneyland), and Palm Springs.
Typical nonstop flight times from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) run about 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on wind and routing. Winter jet streams can slightly affect eastbound and westbound durations, so check your airline's scheduled block time and expected arrival to plan ground transportation in Los Angeles.
From Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA), FlyAway buses and ride-share services connect to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Union Station; rental cars are recommended for Santa Monica, Anaheim (Disneyland), and Palm Springs. During December events, pre-book parking or shuttles for Anaheim and check traffic times — weekends near holidays can add significant travel time.
December is rich with holiday events on both coasts. In New York (All Airports) (NYCA), seasonal highlights include the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Holiday Markets in Bryant Park and Union Square, and Times Square New Year’s Eve preparations. In Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA), enjoy LA Zoo Lights, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, holiday décor at The Grove, and Disneyland’s Holiday Season in Anaheim. Nearby destinations accessible from LAXA — such as Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Palm Springs — host winter markets, light displays, and seasonal performances. If traveling in December, book tickets for popular shows and attractions in advance to avoid sold-out dates.
The best time to fly from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December is midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) and early morning or red-eye flights. Avoid the highest-demand dates (three days before Christmas through December 26 and December 30–January 2) if possible. Book at least 3–8 weeks in advance for December travel; for peak holiday dates, secure fares even earlier. For both price and schedule reliability, choose flights departing before 8 AM or late-night red-eyes to minimize weather and traffic-related disruptions.
Nonstop flights from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) offer the fastest and least complex journey, often with fewer opportunities for delay during holiday seasons. Connecting flights can be significantly cheaper, especially when departing during congested December windows, but they add risk of missed connections due to winter weather. If you prioritize time and convenience during December holidays, choose nonstop; if you prioritize savings and are comfortable with longer travel time, a one-stop itinerary via hubs like Atlanta (ATL) or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) can reduce fares.
Major carriers on the New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) route include Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Alaska, and Southwest. Delta, American, and United offer frequent nonstops with robust schedule coverage and full-service amenities; JetBlue often competes on seat comfort and complimentary entertainment. Southwest and Alaska may offer competitive pricing and generous change policies; Southwest’s open-seating and two free checked bags can be attractive for holiday travelers carrying gifts. Review baggage allowance and change/cancellation policies in December — some carriers offer temporary waivers during extreme weather.
Prepare for winter conditions departing New York (All Airports) (NYCA) — bring insulated layers, a warm coat, and plan for possible delays from snow or ice. For Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA), pack lighter layers for milder temperatures but include a jacket for cooler evenings. During December, allow extra time for airport security and baggage claim, pre-book ground transfers, and keep all essential documents and medications in carry-on luggage. Use mobile boarding passes and check-in online to skip ticket lines, and consider refundable or flexible tickets in case plans change.
Nonstop flights between New York (All Airports) (NYCA) and Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) typically take about 5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours in December. Airlines run multiple daily services from major New York gateways — John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) — with increased frequency on peak holiday days. Connecting flights vary widely: one-stop itineraries via Atlanta (ATL), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), or Minneapolis (MSP) commonly add 1.5–4 hours of connection time. Winter weather can increase scheduled block times and cause delays; during December, airlines often pad schedules on high-traffic days so monitor your airline app for real-time updates.
To find cheap flights from New York (All Airports) (NYCA) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December, start searching 4–8 weeks before peak holiday departures and monitor fares earlier for New Year travel. Use flexible-date calendars, sign up for airline and aggregator price alerts, and compare nonstop options from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Consider flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and look at red-eye flights to lower costs. Check alternative Southern California airports like Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Long Beach Airport (LGB), or Ontario International Airport (ONT) for potential savings. Also consider one-stop itineraries via hubs (ATL, DFW, MSP) if nonstop seats are expensive.
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For domestic flights from New York (All Airports) (NYCA), baggage procedures at Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) follow airline policies; expect slower baggage claim times on high-volume holiday days. If arriving on international connections, allocate extra time for customs and re-checking bags. Tag fragile holiday purchases and consider expedited baggage services if available.
After arriving in Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December, travelers can enjoy seasonal attractions such as LA Zoo Lights, holiday performances in Hollywood, and holiday décor at Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort. Nearby coastal cities like Santa Monica and Long Beach host seasonal markets and light displays — plan ahead and buy tickets where needed as some events sell out.
