Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
December travel from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is characterized by high holiday demand, potential winter weather disruptions, and opportunities to find deals if you book early or remain flexible. Key nearby cities served from ORD include New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and London connections; passengers should monitor weather forecasts for Chicago area snow that can impact schedules. To secure cheap ORD to LGW flights in December, compare airline promos, use flexible date search tools, and consider mid-week departures. CTA: Search ORD to LGW flights now and lock in holiday fares—check direct and connecting options for the best price.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) experiences heavy holiday traffic in December, so arrive at least 2.5–3 hours before international departures to London Gatwick. Use online check-in, enroll in TSA PreCheck if eligible, and monitor airline notifications for gate changes; carrying digital boarding passes speeds through security. Allow extra time for winter delays, and consider airport parking reservations in advance.
From downtown Chicago, you can take the CTA Blue Line directly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) for a budget-friendly option, or book an airport shuttle, taxi, ride-share, or private car service for door-to-door convenience. Winter weather may increase travel time, so plan extra buffer for snow or slush and check CTA status updates and traffic reports before leaving. For groups or heavy luggage, pre-booked airport car services are recommended.
As of December, ensure your passport is valid for the UK entry requirement (typically at least the length of stay) and check UK government and airline pages for any vaccination or test requirements; rules can change seasonally. Consult the airline for required health forms, and keep printed and digital copies of your documents. For entry to the UK, be prepared for potential spot checks and always verify requirements 72 hours before departure.
Direct flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) are less frequent than to London Heathrow but do operate seasonally; carriers may include low-cost long-haul and flag carriers on select days. Expect a mix of direct and single-connection options in December, with higher availability around holidays. Search for ORD to LGW direct flights and compare fare calendars to find the best schedules and prices.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers short-term and long-term parking with shuttle service; during December holiday peaks reserve off-site parking or prebook on-airport facilities online to secure a spot and save on rates. Consider hotel park-and-fly deals if you prefer covered parking and a stress-free morning transfer. Always factor in extra walking time for icy conditions and use shuttle services that run frequently to terminals.
In December, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) typically offers extended customer service hours, seasonal amenities like holiday decorations, and additional staffing to handle peak travel; some lounges may run holiday menus. Expect occasional flight rebook desks and increased customer assistance for delayed or cancelled flights due to winter weather. Check airline and ORD service alerts and sign up for airline notifications to stay informed.
Arriving at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December means preparing for holiday crowds, winter weather, and busy immigration queues. Gatwick is a primary arrival hub for London and nearby destinations such as Brighton, Crawley, Southampton, and central London; train services (Gatwick Express, Thameslink, Southern) are usually the fastest way into the city. To expedite arrival, download transport apps, prebook onward tickets, and have your passport accessible. CTA: Book your Gatwick transfer now and check live arrival times for a smooth December landing.
Arrivals at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in December can involve longer immigration queues during the holiday season, so have your passport and any UK entry documents ready. Weather in the UK is typically cool and damp; plan onward travel to London, Brighton, or other nearby cities accordingly and check National Rail status for train connections. Use Gatwick's official app and arrival screens for baggage carousel and customs updates.
From London Gatwick Airport (LGW), the Gatwick Express, Southern and Thameslink trains provide fast services to London Victoria, St Pancras and London Bridge; book tickets in advance to save. Coaches, taxis, and ride-shares are available for door-to-door service to London, Brighton, Crawley, and Southampton. Winter rail disruptions can occur, so check National Rail and Gatwick Airport updates before travel and allow extra time for holiday traffic.
Visa and immigration rules for entering the UK remain subject to government policy; U.S. citizens typically do not need a visa for short stays but must present a valid passport and answer standard entry questions. Check the UK Home Office or gov.uk pages for the latest December travel advisories and any temporary entry rules. Airlines may deny boarding if documentation is incomplete, so confirm requirements before departure from ORD.
December arrivals at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) often face crowded claim areas; label your bags clearly and keep essentials in carry-on. If your luggage is delayed, report to the airline baggage service desk immediately and keep receipts for essentials purchases — many airlines offer reimbursements. Consider travel insurance for holiday trips and track checked bags via airline apps for up-to-date status.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) enhances passenger services during December, including extended opening hours at shops and added staff for arrivals and transfers; expect holiday-themed menus in lounges and retail promotions. Check airport announcements for temporary facilities, and use Gatwick's passenger assistance desks for mobility needs, family lanes, and rebooking support during peak days. Plan for shorter daylight and potentially wet weather when arranging transfers.
Trains from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) connect directly to Brighton in under 30–40 minutes, while coaches and trains provide links to Southampton and the south coast; buy tickets in advance for holiday travel. Road transfers may be subject to congestion during holiday shopping days; consider pre-booked private transfers for groups or when carrying heavy luggage. Always check service status for strikes or winter weather advisories before travel.
December brings holiday attractions that affect travel demand for both Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). In Chicago, events include the Christkindlmarket, ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo, and New Year's Eve activities along the lakefront. In London and areas accessible from Gatwick, popular draws are Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, Southbank Centre’s Winter Market, and New Year fireworks/celebrations centered in central London. These events increase hotel and flight demand—book transport early and plan around event crowding. CTA: Check event dates and align your ORD–LGW travel to enjoy local December festivals.
The best time to fly from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in December is often mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and avoiding peak holiday departure days around December 23–27 and December 30–January 2. Overnight red-eye departures can maximize time in London and sometimes show lower fares, while daytime flights offer more predictable connections. Book 8–12 weeks ahead for holiday travel and monitor fare drops in the weeks before travel; flexibility with nearby airports like Chicago Midway or London Heathrow can also yield savings. CTA: Check flexible date pricing for ORD to LGW in December and lock in the best combination of price and schedule.
Direct flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) save time and reduce the chance of missed connections, which is valuable in December when winter weather can disrupt travel. However, connecting flights—often via other U.S. or European hubs—can be significantly cheaper and provide more schedule options. If you choose a connecting itinerary, allow ample connection time (especially on return flights into ORD) and consider booking through a single carrier to preserve rebooking protections. CTA: Compare direct ORD–LGW flights with connecting options to decide which fits your December travel priorities.
On the ORD–LGW corridor, expect a mix of legacy carriers offering transatlantic service and select low-cost or charter options seasonally. Legacy airlines typically provide inclusive checked baggage, onboard meals, and lounge access (for premium passengers), while low-cost long-haul operators may charge for baggage, seat selection, and food. For December travel, prioritize airlines with strong on-time performance records and generous rebooking policies in case of winter disruptions. Compare total trip cost (including checked bags and seat fees) when choosing a carrier. CTA: Review airline policies and book the carrier that balances comfort, cost, and reliability for your December ORD–LGW trip.
Traveling between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in December means preparing for winter weather, holiday crowds, and possible schedule changes. Pack winter clothing, include essential items in carry-on, and have travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations. Allow extra time for transfers to ORD due to snow removal and for train or road connections from LGW because of UK winter conditions. Keep contact details for your airline and preferred transport providers, and enroll in flight alerts to stay ahead of disruptions. CTA: Review your December packing list and buy flexible tickets for peace of mind on the ORD–LGW journey.
A nonstop flight from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW), when available, typically takes about 7.5 to 9 hours westbound or eastbound depending on winds and routing; one-stop itineraries add 2–6+ hours depending on connection. In December, airlines may adjust frequencies for holiday demand—expect more flights in early and mid-December and around New Year. Check airline schedule pages for exact departure/arrival windows and build significant connection buffers to accommodate winter delays. CTA: View December timetables for ORD to LGW and choose flights with reliable connection times.
Finding cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Gatwick Airport (LGW) in December requires flexibility and early planning. Use fare calendars to spot mid-week savings and consider flying a few days before or after Christmas/New Year to lower costs. Search alternate return airports (e.g., London Heathrow) and compare one-stop itineraries via major U.S. hubs to shave off fares; sometimes routing through New York or Boston reduces price. Sign up for fare alerts, book when prices dip, and use airline miles or credit card points to lower out-of-pocket costs. CTA: Start a flexible-date search for ORD to LGW December and set price alerts to catch the best deals.