Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
Travelers departing Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December should plan for winter weather, holiday crowds, and flexible itineraries. ORD connects the Chicago metro and surrounding Midwest cities — including downtown Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Madison, and Detroit — to New York City via frequent ORD to LGA service. To avoid stress, book sooner for peak holiday dates (Dec 20–26), use mobile check-in and TSA PreCheck, reserve parking in advance, and monitor airline alerts for de-icing or delay notifications. Compare cheap ORD to LGA flights now and set fare alerts to lock in the best deals for December travel.
In December, with winter weather and holiday crowds, plan to arrive 2 to 3 hours before domestic ORD to LGA departures. Allow extra time for checking bags, security lines, and potential de-icing delays; consider 3 hours if traveling during peak holiday windows (Dec 20–26). Use mobile check-in and TSA PreCheck to reduce wait times.
ORD offers daily, hourly, and economy long-term parking with shuttle or direct terminal connections; during December holidays expect high occupancy and higher rates. Reserve an airport or off-site lot in advance to secure a spot and compare prices with park-and-ride shuttles near Rosemont and Des Plaines for savings. Verify garage closures or limited availability during major holiday events.
Snow, freezing rain, and strong winds at ORD can cause ground delays, de-icing, and occasional cancellations for December flights to LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Airlines typically prioritize safety; check real-time status with your carrier and sign up for flight alerts. Allow extra connection time and consider rebooking earlier if severe weather is forecast.
The CTA Blue Line provides a frequent and affordable link from downtown Chicago (The Loop) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) year-round, with trains running 24/7 at reduced overnight frequency. Metra and Pace buses also serve nearby suburbs; rideshare and airport shuttles are alternatives when luggage or late-night travel are factors. Plan for slightly longer travel times during winter storms.
Yes, many carriers operate nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in December, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and sometimes United Airlines. Frequency increases on key business days and around holidays; check carrier schedules and compare fares to find the best direct flight. Use fare alerts to track drops in price for the high-demand December window.
For December travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA), search and compare fares 3–8 weeks in advance, fly mid-week or red-eye services, and set fare alerts for price drops. Be flexible on exact dates around holidays, use airline miles or credit card points, and consider bundling with refundable options in case of winter weather disruptions. Book early for peak holiday dates and watch last-minute deals for off-peak days.
Arrivals at LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in December require planning for winter ground conditions and holiday traffic. LGA connects you quickly to top destinations including Manhattan (Midtown and Downtown), Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and nearby New Jersey cities like Jersey City and Hoboken. Expect heavier traffic and possible transit slowdowns; consider pre-booked shuttles, verified rideshare pickup zones, or MTA options for budget travel. Check terminal maps for baggage claim and lounge access, sign up for airline alerts, and allow extra time to reach NYC attractions such as the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree and Bryant Park Winter Village. Compare LGA transfer options and book ground transport early to secure predictable December arrival logistics.
From LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Manhattan in December, options include MTA bus plus subway transfers (affordable but may be slower in snow), express airport buses, rideshare services, taxis, and private shuttles. During winter weather, rideshares and taxis can be more reliable and quicker but cost more; plan extra time for ground travel due to inclement conditions and holiday traffic. Booking a rideshare or checking MTA real-time alerts helps avoid surprises.
Yes, flights into LaGuardia Airport (LGA) can experience delays in December due to winter storms, air traffic restrictions, and heavy holiday schedules affecting arrivals from ORD. LGA's short runways and high traffic volume mean weather and congestion can cascade into delays; check your airline's real-time status and sign up for notifications. Allow buffer time for connections and ground transportation after arrival.
December travelers on the ORD to LGA route can enjoy major seasonal events: in New York City, the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Bryant Park Winter Village, and holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue are top draws accessible from LaGuardia Airport (LGA). In Chicago, visitors departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) can experience the Christkindlmarket, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and skating at Millennium Park. These high-demand events drive up ORD to LGA seat demand in December — book travel and local tickets early, and plan ground transport to/from airports during event days.
The best time to fly ORD to LGA in December is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and during early morning or late-night hours to avoid crowds and secure lower fares. Avoid the heavy traffic days immediately before and after Christmas and New Year's Eve (typically Dec 20–26 and Dec 30–Jan 1). If possible, book flights outside peak commuting hours to minimize the impact of winter weather delays and ground congestion at both Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
For the short ORD to LGA route, nonstop flights are typically the best choice in December because they reduce the chance of missed connections caused by winter weather and air traffic congestion. Nonstop service often costs more but saves time and reduces complexity; connecting itineraries can be cheaper but carry greater risk of delay, longer travel times, and baggage misrouting. If you must connect, allow extensive layover time and avoid connections through airports prone to heavy snow during December.
Major airlines operating the ORD to LGA corridor in December include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and select United services. American and Delta often provide frequent peak-hour service with robust rebooking policies for holiday disruptions, while JetBlue can offer competitive pricing and seat comfort on select flights. United operates from its ORD hub as schedules permit. Compare baggage fees, change policies, departure times, and loyalty benefits when booking for December; if flexible, opt for carriers with generous rebooking or same-day change policies to reduce the impact of winter disruptions. CTA: Compare airlines for your specific December travel dates and check each carrier's winter weather policy before booking.
Prepare for winter travel on the ORD to LGA route by packing layered clothing, protecting luggage from snow and salt, and keeping essentials in a carry-on in case of baggage delays. Expect de-icing procedures and potential gate holds; sign up for airline alerts and check weather forecasts the day before departure. Consider travel insurance or flexible ticket options for December trips, arrive early at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), and plan extra time for baggage claim and ground transport at LaGuardia Airport (LGA). For holiday travel, allow a wider connection buffer and keep digital copies of travel documents and receipts.
Average airborne time from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is about 1 hour 15–1 hour 30 minutes; scheduled block times generally range from 1.5 to 2 hours to accommodate taxiing and air traffic. In December, expect multiple daily nonstop departures, with peak outbound times in early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon/early evening (4–8 PM) to serve business travelers and holiday schedules. Winter weather can extend gate-to-gate times due to de-icing and air traffic flow restrictions, so build buffer time for connections and ground transport on arrival.
To find cheap ORD to LGA flights in December, search 3–8 weeks ahead and be flexible with travel days — Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have lower fares outside the peak holiday window (Dec 20–26). Use multi-carrier tools (Google Flights, Skyscanner) and set price alerts for fluctuations; consider red-eye flights or early mornings for the lowest rates. Compare nonstop and connecting options, but weigh winter-weather risk for connections. Use airline miles or credit card points to offset higher holiday prices and sign up for newsletters from major carriers flying ORD-LGA, including American, Delta, JetBlue, and United, to catch flash sales. CTA: Compare ORD to LGA fares and set a fare alert now to lock the best December price.
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Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to New York (LGA)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
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Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to New York (LGA)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
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Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to New York (LGA)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $175
Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to New York (LGA)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
Starting from $175
Book your economy class flight from Chicago (ORD) to New York (LGA)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
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LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has multiple terminals with arrivals, baggage claim, ride-share pickup zones, taxi stands, and ground transportation booths; services vary by terminal. Expect holiday staffing adjustments and potentially longer waits at baggage claim during December; check your airline's terminal and use the LGA terminal map for quick navigation. Many terminals now offer enhanced dining and pickup areas designed to help winter travelers move quickly.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) provides quick access to Manhattan, Queens neighborhoods, Brooklyn, Long Island, and nearby New Jersey destinations like Jersey City and Hoboken with a short ride. December travelers often head to Midtown Manhattan for holiday attractions like Rockefeller Center and Bryant Park Winter Village. Consider local transit, commuter rails, and shuttle services for trips to Long Island and northern New Jersey.
Bring weather-appropriate luggage protection and expect extra time moving through LGA baggage claim during December; tipping taxi drivers and rideshare drivers for handling snow-covered luggage is customary. Check your airline's baggage policies ahead of arrival to avoid unexpected fees, and consider booking shared shuttles or pre-paid car services for fixed costs during peak holiday periods. Keep travel receipts and monitor airline communications if delays affect baggage delivery.
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) offers a selection of airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges in certain terminals that can be useful during December arrivals, providing warm waiting areas, food, and Wi-Fi. Not all terminals have lounges; check your arrival terminal in advance and consider lounge access passes if you expect a long wait or delay. Lounges often have holiday menus and services that can help with travel disruptions.
