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
Miami (Any) to Sao Paulo (GRU) in December from $220
From $220
Orlando (MCO) to Sao Paulo (GRU) in December from $260
From $260
New York (JFK) to Sao Paulo (GRU) in December from $458
From $458
Miami (MIA) to Sao Paulo (GRU) in December from $599
From $599
Dallas (DFW) to Sao Paulo (GRU) in December from $681
From $681
Toronto (Any) to Sao Paulo (GRU) in December from $783
From $783
✈️ Flight Guide: Chicago (ORD) → Sao Paulo (GRU)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December is a high-demand month for travel between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) due to holidays and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Expect increased seat sales earlier in the month and higher fares around mid-December through early January. For the best December deals, book 60–90 days ahead, consider mid-week departures, and use flexible date searches. If you need nonstop service, check major carriers for increased frequencies in early and mid-December. For transfers, ORD connects well with CTA, airport shuttles, and long-term parking, while GRU offers taxi services and bus express lines into central São Paulo and nearby Campinas and Santos.
Departing from Chicago (ORD) FAQs
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) typically take about 10.5 to 11.5 hours, depending on winds and routing. With a 3-hour time difference (Chicago UTC-6 / São Paulo UTC-3 in December), expect arrival to be same or next calendar day local time. Check live schedules for exact duration and arrival times when booking.
Yes—several carriers operate seasonal or year-round nonstop routes between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), and December typically sees steady service with occasional additional frequencies for holiday travel. Availability fluctuates, so search early for direct flights to secure the best times and fares.
December is peak holiday season, so fares between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) tend to be higher than off-peak months. Budget-conscious travelers can often find round-trip deals in the $700–$1,200 range if booked 2–3 months in advance and by using fare alerts or flexible date search tools. Use price comparison sites and sign up for airline newsletters to catch sales.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers extensive international check-in counters, U.S. Customs preclearance for select flights, multiple lounges, and a wide range of restaurants and retail. Ground transportation includes CTA Blue Line to downtown Chicago, express buses, ride-shares, taxis, and long-term parking. For international flights to São Paulo, arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure to allow for security and immigration procedures.
During December, airlines and travel providers may apply holiday surcharges and restrictive change policies; additionally, winter weather in the Midwest can cause delays at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Review airline waiver policies for holiday travel, monitor weather forecasts, and consider travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations for the safest December travel to São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) serves as a major hub for travelers from nearby major cities including Milwaukee, Madison, Indianapolis, Rockford, and southern Wisconsin. Many travelers from these regions drive or take connecting flights into ORD to access direct services to São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU). Use multi-city or open-jaw search options to compare connecting options.
Arriving at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December requires planning for summer weather, busiest travel days, and potential holiday-related adjustments to services. Allow extra time for immigration and baggage claim, pre-book airport transfers to central São Paulo, or use the airport express bus to avoid traffic uncertainty. If continuing to Campinas or Santos, check domestic connection times; domestic flights can be busier in December. For the smoothest arrival, carry printed and digital copies of accommodation bookings and have local currency or a card for immediate transport.
Arriving at Sao Paulo (GRU) FAQs
Upon arrival at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in December, expect summer weather—warm and humid—and potentially busy immigration lines during holiday weeks. GRU has multiple terminals with international arrivals processed at Terminal 3; have your passport, visa (if required), and customs declaration ready. Plan for ground transit time into São Paulo, Campinas, or Santos when scheduling pickup or onward connections.
From São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) you can take official taxis, ride-share services, airport express buses to central São Paulo, or pre-booked shuttles to nearby Campinas and Santos. In December, traffic can be heavier due to holiday activity, so allow extra time — particularly during peak evening hours. For the fastest option into central São Paulo, consider a licensed taxi or a dedicated airport shuttle.
Entry requirements can change seasonally; in December, Brazil typically requires valid travel documents and may have health advisories during outbreaks. As of December travel seasons, carry proof of vaccination if required, check for any temporary health screening or quarantine notices, and consult official Brazilian government portals before departure. Travel insurance covering medical expenses is recommended for international travelers.
São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) offers several international lounges (including airline and pay-per-use lounges), baggage assistance services, and multiple currency exchange counters in all terminals. ATMs and international banking services are widely available; yet exchange rates at the airport can be less favorable, so consider changing a small amount and using cards or withdrawing cash in the city.
São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) is the gateway not only to São Paulo but also to nearby destinations like Campinas, Santos, São José dos Campos, and popular domestic hubs for onward flights to Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, and Foz do Iguaçu. Many international visitors use GRU as the entry point to explore Brazil's southeast and connect to domestic flights across the country.
December is a peak travel month at São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) due to summer holidays and international visitors; expect longer security and customs lines, plus earlier check-in cutoffs. Also note that some smaller shops or local services may adjust holiday hours around Christmas and New Year — plan ahead, especially for early-morning or late-night arrivals.
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December Events Near GRU and Chicago During Your Trip
December offers seasonal events on both ends of the ORD–GRU route. In São Paulo, expect summer festivals, outdoor concerts, and holiday lighting displays in neighborhoods across the city; nearby coastal towns like Santos host beach festivals and local summer events. In Chicago, December features holiday markets, the Christkindlmarket, and seasonal performances, though winter weather is cold. When traveling in December, align your itinerary with event dates but book accommodations early for popular concerts and holiday weekends.
Best Time to Fly ORD to GRU | When to Book and Travel in December
The best time to fly ORD to GRU for December travel is early December or just after the New Year if you can shift dates; within December itself, early- to mid-December typically offers better availability and lower fares than the final two weeks. Book international holiday tickets 6–12 weeks in advance and search for mid-week departures to reduce costs. If your schedule is flexible, flying mid-week and avoiding peak holiday weekend dates can save money and reduce crowds at both Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).
Direct vs Connecting Flights: ORD to GRU Comparison in December
Direct nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) are the fastest and most convenient, typically around 10.5–11.5 hours, but they can be more expensive during December holidays. Connecting itineraries via hubs like Miami, Dallas, or Panama City often reduce cost and add routing flexibility but increase total travel time and the risk of missed connections during peak winter weather. Decide based on your priorities: pay more for speed and fewer transfer hassles with direct flights, or save money and tolerate longer travel with one-stop options.
Airline Comparison for ORD to GRU Flights in December
Several major carriers operate on the ORD–GRU route, including legacy network airlines that offer nonstop services and international carriers with one-stop connections. When comparing in December, evaluate seat comfort, baggage allowances, change/cancellation policies, onboard meals for long-haul flights, and elite status benefits. Look for holiday promotions but read the fine print on fees for seat selection and checked bags. For the most accurate comparison, filter airline options by nonstop/one-stop, total travel time, and total price including ancillary fees.
Seasonal Travel Tips for December: ORD to GRU
Pack for summer in São Paulo—lightweight clothing and rain gear—while preparing for winter conditions if you depart from Chicago. In December, allow extra time for security and customs and anticipate heavier traffic near GRU due to holiday tourism. Bring copies of travel documents, confirm baggage allowances to avoid surprise fees, and consider travel insurance that covers flight disruptions. If traveling with gifts for the holidays, check customs regulations for Brazil to avoid confiscation or fines.
Flight Time and Schedules: ORD to GRU in December
Typical nonstop flight time between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) ranges from roughly 10.5 to 11.5 hours. In December airlines may add frequencies to meet holiday demand, with busiest departures often mid-December and around Christmas week. One-stop itineraries via hubs such as Miami (MIA), Panama City (PTY), or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) can add 3–6 hours of travel time depending on layover length. Always confirm specific departure and arrival times with carriers and use schedule monitoring for potential winter-weather adjustments at ORD.
Find Cheap Flights ORD to GRU in December | Money-Saving Tips
To find cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) in December, start searching early and use flexible date tools to compare weekday vs weekend pricing. Sign up for airline and fare aggregator alerts, check nearby alternative departure dates or airports, and consider one-stop itineraries that can be significantly cheaper than nonstop options. Use location-based modifiers in searches like “ORD to São Paulo December deals” and evaluate bundling options (flight + hotel) for holiday savings. Remember to factor baggage and seat selection fees when comparing low-cost options.