Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Chicago (ORD) to Minneapolis (MSP) in December from $39
From $39
Chicago (ORD) to Tampa (TPA) in December from $44
From $44
Chicago (ORD) to Nashville (BNA) in December from $53
From $53
Chicago (ORD) to Houston (IAH) in December from $54
From $54
Chicago (ORD) to Washington, D.C. (BWI) in December from $62
From $62
Chicago (ORD) to Tampa (TPA) in December from $72
From $72
Flights from Other Cities
Dhaka (DAC) to Frankfurt (FRA) in December from $634
From $634
Los Angeles (LAX) to Frankfurt (FRA) in December from $652
From $652
Minneapolis (MSP) to Frankfurt (FRA) in December from $697
From $697
Miami (Any) to Frankfurt (FRA) in December from $2,616
From $2,616
Athens (ATH) to Frankfurt (FRA) in January from $234
From $234
Atlanta (ATL) to Frankfurt (FRA) in January from $480
From $480
✈️ Flight Guide: Chicago (ORD) → Frankfurt (FRA)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) sees high holiday traveler volume and winter weather impacts. Expect more flights to European hubs like Frankfurt; book early and plan for delays from snow or de-icing. Frequent flyer benefits, TSA PreCheck and early check-in reduce stress on busy travel days.
Departing from Chicago (ORD) FAQs
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is well connected by Chicago Transit Authority (Blue Line), Pace buses, taxi, rideshare and airport shuttles. In December allow extra time for holiday traffic and possible winter weather; aim to arrive 2.5–3 hours before an international flight. For the best combination of cost and reliability, take the CTA Blue Line from downtown Chicago, or pre-book an airport shuttle or rideshare if you have lots of luggage. Book early and check road and CTA alerts before departure.
Yes—during December you can typically find nonstop flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) operated by carriers such as Lufthansa and United on many days of the week. Frequency can increase around holidays, so book sooner for best seats and fares. Use fare alerts and direct carrier sites to lock in nonstop ORD to FRA flights.
As of December travel rules vary, so check the latest Germany entry requirements before flying. U.S. citizens generally need a valid passport for entry to Germany; visas are required only for stays exceeding 90 days for tourism in most cases. Always verify health advisories, testing or vaccination rules, and Schengen entry requirements on official government sites before departure.
Security and check-in times at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) can be longer in December due to winter travel peaks and holiday travelers; plan for 45–90 minutes for security on busy days. For international departures to Frankfurt, experts recommend arriving 2.5–3 hours before your flight to allow time for passport control, baggage check and potential lines. Use online check-in and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry where possible to speed your journey.
Baggage rules depend on the airline and fare class; most international economy fares include at least one checked bag, but low-fare basic economy may exclude checked baggage. In December, airlines may be stricter about weight and oversize fees because of peak holiday packing—confirm allowance with your airline, label luggage, and consider travel insurance for high-value items. Check airline baggage policies and pay for additional bags online in advance to save money.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) services Chicago and the broader Midwest region including nearby major cities like Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Madison which are common origin points for long-haul travelers. Many passengers use ORD as a hub to connect to international flights, including trips from surrounding states in December when holiday travel peaks. Consider ground transport or regional flights to ORD to catch your international flight to Frankfurt.
December arrivals at Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) are busy but well-organized. Expect quick rail links to central Frankfurt and onward connections to Cologne, Munich and Berlin. Holiday crowds increase demand for taxis and rental cars—book in advance and use train options for reliable transfers.
Arriving at Frankfurt (FRA) FAQs
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) is a major international hub with efficient customs and baggage handling, but December arrivals can be busier due to holiday travel and Christmas markets. Expect clear signage to trains, taxis and car rental desks; allow extra time for passport control and possible seasonal staffing lines. Follow FRA arrivals guidance and download the DB Navigator app for onward rail connections.
From Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) you can take the S-Bahn (S8/S9) or long-distance DB trains (ICE) to central Frankfurt in about 15–20 minutes; taxis and rideshares are available but can be costly during peak December times. FRA is also a gateway to Mainz, Wiesbaden, Cologne and Stuttgart by fast rail—book regional and long-distance tickets in advance for holiday travel. Consider group or door-to-door airport shuttles if carrying winter luggage.
Yes, FRA runs additional seasonal flights and increased check-in counters during December to handle holiday demand, and many services remain open longer. Weather rarely closes FRA, but heavy snow in the region can cause delays across Europe—stay updated with flight status alerts. Many terminals host pop-up Christmas markets and shopping promotions useful for travelers.
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) provides quick access to major German cities including Berlin, Munich, Cologne, Stuttgart, Mainz and Wiesbaden via rail or short domestic flights. FRA also serves as a European hub for onward travel to nearby capitals like Amsterdam and Brussels. Consider booking intercity trains in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year.
While cards are widely accepted in Germany, it's convenient to have a small amount of euros for taxis, small purchases or Christmas market stalls in December. FRA has currency exchange kiosks and several mobile providers selling prepaid SIM cards; compare rates and activate data plans before leaving the airport. Purchasing a local SIM or an EU roaming add-on helps you access maps and transportation schedules immediately.
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December Events & Festivals Near FRA — Christmas Markets and Holiday Highlights
December in Frankfurt centers around the Frankfurt Christmas Market (Weihnachtsmarkt), one of Germany's oldest and most visited markets, offering crafts, mulled wine and festive food in the city center. Nearby cities like Mainz and Wiesbaden host charming holiday markets and classical concerts; Cologne and Munich also stage major seasonal events accessible by train from FRA. Plan for popular weekend dates, reserve hotel rooms early, and explore day trips to other festive towns. CTA: Book your December trip to coincide with Frankfurt's Christmas markets and secure accommodations and event tickets early.
Best Time to Fly ORD to FRA in December — Avoid Crowds & Save Money
For ORD to FRA in December, the best time to fly is typically early morning departures, which tend to have fewer cascading delays and more reliable schedules. Avoid the core holiday travel days around mid-December to early January when fares and crowds spike. If seeking lower prices and fewer travelers, target midweek departure and return dates. If flexibility is limited, choose nonstop flights to reduce the risk of missed connections during winter weather. CTA: Compare early-morning and midweek ORD→FRA flights now to secure better prices and smoother travel.
Direct vs Connecting Flights — ORD to FRA in December
Nonstop flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) are faster and reduce the risk of missed connections — an important consideration during December winter weather. Connecting flights can be significantly cheaper if routed through East Coast hubs (EWR, IAD) or European hubs (MUC, DUS), but add total travel time and layover risk. If you value convenience and on-time reliability during holidays, prioritize nonstop ORD→FRA options; if cost is primary, choose connections with generous layover windows. CTA: Evaluate nonstop and connecting options for your December trip and book the best fit for your budget and schedule.
Airline Comparison for ORD to FRA — Lufthansa vs United & Partners in December
Lufthansa: Strong nonstop network between Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with consistent schedules, a robust business and premium economy product, and seamless connections across Europe. United Airlines: Operates nonstop and codeshare flights offering U.S.-based loyalty integration; fares can be competitive during December sales. Partner/One-stop Options: Other carriers route via U.S. East Coast hubs (EWR, IAD) or European gateways (MUC) and may offer lower fares but longer travel times. For December travel, compare baggage allowances, change fees and seat comfort; book directly with the carrier for easier changes if disruptions occur. CTA: Compare December fares and seat options for ORD→FRA to choose the best airline for price and comfort.
Seasonal Travel Tips for December — ORD to FRA Winter Essentials
Pack a compact winter kit including a warm coat, gloves, travel umbrella and an extra pair of socks in carry-on luggage in case of checked-bag delays. Allow for additional connection time when booking—aim for at least 2–3 hours for international layovers in December. Check real-time flight status before heading to O'Hare, enroll in airline notifications, and use expedited security lines (TSA PreCheck/Global Entry) where available. Keep digital copies of travel documents and confirm public transit schedules from FRA to your final destination as holiday timetables can differ. CTA: Prepare for December travel now—download airline apps, pre-book trains from FRA and set up delay alerts for a smoother trip.
Flight Time and Schedules — ORD to FRA December Nonstop & Connecting Options
Nonstop flight time from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) typically ranges from 8 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 45 minutes of block time, depending on winds and routing. Time zone difference: Frankfurt is usually 6 hours ahead of Chicago in December (CET vs. CST), so plan for overnight eastbound travel with arrival the next day local time. Common connecting hubs for one-stop itineraries include Newark (EWR), Washington Dulles (IAD), Atlanta (ATL) and, for European connections, Munich (MUC) or Düsseldorf (DUS). Airlines may operate red-eye departures from ORD for morning arrivals in Frankfurt; book early to secure preferred times. CTA: Check real-time schedules and book your preferred ORD to FRA flight time today.
Cheap Flights ORD to FRA in December — Tips and Best Booking Windows
To get cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA) in December, book 6–10 weeks ahead of peak holiday dates and be flexible with travel dates. Search midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and consider late-night departures or red-eyes for lower fares. Sign up for fare alerts, compare multi-airline itineraries and check both carrier websites and meta-search engines. Use location-based keywords like "cheap Chicago to Frankfurt flights December" when searching to surface targeted deals. Consider one-stop itineraries through East Coast hubs for savings, but weigh total travel time. CTA: Compare December ORD→FRA fares now and enable price alerts to lock in the best cheap flights.