Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
In December, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) experiences increased traffic and winter weather protocols. Nonstop flights to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are frequent on United, American, Delta, and seasonal partners; Alaska Airlines often partners on connecting itineraries. Expect 4–4.5 hour flight times and plan for de-icing delays during snow events. For cheaper fares, try midweek departures or red-eye flights; for convenience, use the CTA Blue Line during non-peak snow times. Allow 2–3 hours for check-in and security during holiday weekends, and consider pre-purchasing parking or curbside drop-off to streamline your departure.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in December typically sees winter weather impacts in Chicago and clear-to-mild conditions in Seattle. Expect an average nonstop flight time around 4 hours 10 minutes, higher holiday demand around mid- to late-December, and earlier check-in recommendations due to security and seasonal crowds. Book early for best fares and consider flexible tickets that allow date changes during the busy holiday season.
Yes, December can bring snow, sleet, and freezing rain around Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), increasing the chance of de-icing and ground delays. Airlines often add buffer time to winter schedules, but it's wise to monitor forecasts, enroll in airline alerts, and allow extra time for connections when traveling during winter storms.
Options include the CTA Blue Line train (to O'Hare station), airport shuttle services, rideshare, and airport parking. In December, check the CTA schedule for holiday hours and allow extra travel time for snowplow operations or traffic backups. Consider pre-booking an offsite parking spot or a timed shuttle to reduce stress on busy travel days.
ORD offers multiple airline lounges, priority security lanes, family rest zones, and seasonal pop-up retail and dining options during December. Many lounges have limited holiday hours—check your airline or lounge provider for updated schedules and holiday closures, and book lounge access in advance where possible.
For December travel, especially around holiday weekends, book 6–10 weeks in advance to find competitive fares; early November and late October are often good booking windows. If you need travel during peak holiday dates (mid-December through early January), book even earlier and consider flexible dates or midweek departures for lower fares.
Many travelers from Milwaukee, Naperville, Evanston, Madison, and even Indianapolis use Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) as their major hub for nonstop or connecting service to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). ORD's central hub connectivity makes it a convenient departure point for the wider Midwest region year-round and in December.
When you arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in December, plan for wet weather and cooler temperatures. Link light rail connects you directly to downtown Seattle; shuttles and rental cars provide access to Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, and Vancouver, BC. Expect heavier passenger volumes around holiday dates—pick off-peak arrival times if you prefer shorter lines. For holiday sightseeing, schedule visits to Pike Place Market, Seattle Center Winterfest, and local light displays; book hotel and rental cars early to secure availability.
Arrivals at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in December tend to be milder than Chicago, with possible rain and cool temperatures. Expect efficient ground transportation options including Link light rail to downtown Seattle, rentals, and shuttles to Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, and Vancouver, BC. Allow extra time for baggage claim during peak holiday periods and check connecting transport schedules for holiday hours.
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Link light rail provides direct service to downtown Seattle; airport shuttles and rideshares serve Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, and nearby suburbs. December weather can cause heavier traffic on I-5 and I-405 during holiday events, so allow extra travel time and book shuttle services or rideshares in advance for peak arrival windows.
Most core services at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) operate year-round, but some retail and rental counters may have reduced hours on major holidays (Christmas Eve/Day, New Year's). Check the SEA airport website and individual airline pages for updated holiday hours, and confirm car rental and shuttle availability before traveling.
In December, visitors based near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) can explore Pike Place Market holiday shopping, the Seattle Center Winterfest and ice rink, festive light displays in Bellevue Botanical Garden, and historic Tacoma Museum District events. These attractions are reachable via short drives or public transit and offer seasonal charm for travelers spending time in the Seattle area.
Yes, multiple airlines operate nonstop flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) during December, with higher frequency on major carriers. Direct services are popular; however, during holidays some travelers opt for connecting flights through hubs like Denver, San Francisco, or Minneapolis to find lower fares.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) serves travelers from Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Bremerton, and Vancouver (BC). Many visitors from the Olympic Peninsula and Mount Rainier region also use SEA as their primary gateway during December holiday travel and winter recreation seasons.
December events make SEA and ORD attractive winter destinations. In Seattle, look for Seattle Center Winterfest, Pike Place Market holiday shopping, Bellevue Botanical Garden’s 'Garden d’Lights', and Tacoma's Wintertide celebrations. In Chicago, holiday staples include Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza, ZooLights at Lincoln Park and Brookfield, and seasonal performances at the Chicago Theatre. Plan travel around event dates: book accommodations early, and use public transit to avoid holiday parking surcharges.
For December travel on the ORD to SEA route, the best time to fly for lower prices and fewer crowds is early December and midweek days (Tuesdays–Thursdays). Avoid peak holiday travel dates (the week before Christmas and New Year's Eve) when fares spike and airport crowds surge. For better availability and lower stress, book non-holiday mid-December travel, consider overnight red-eye flights, or fly just after major holidays. Use primary keywords like 'best time to fly ORD to SEA in December' and 'cheap Seattle flights December' when searching.
Direct nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are faster and reduce connection risk—ideal in December when weather delays can cascade. Connecting itineraries through hubs like Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), or Minneapolis (MSP) may be cheaper but add potential delay exposure, especially with winter weather at ORD. Consider boarding priorities, baggage transfer times, and the total door-to-door travel time; prioritize nonstop flights for holiday travel if convenience and schedule certainty matter most.
Major carriers on ORD–SEA in December include United, Alaska, American, and Delta. United offers frequent nonstop service from its ORD hub; Alaska Airlines has a strong Seattle presence and competitive fares, sometimes with connecting options via West Coast partners. Delta and American provide reliable service with varied schedules; choose based on loyalty benefits, schedule convenience, and winter operations policies like rebooking and de-icing procedures. For route-specific value, compare on-time performance, baggage fees, and winter change/cancellation policies when booking December travel.
December travel between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) benefits from winter-specific preparation: pack waterproof layers for Seattle and warm outerwear for Chicago, carry travel insurance or flexible tickets for holiday storms, and check airline winter policies. Allow extra connection time, keep electronics and essentials in carry-on luggage, and sign up for mobile alerts from airlines and airports to receive real-time gate and delay updates. For family travel, bring chargers and snacks to ease longer waiting times during peak holiday windows.
The average nonstop flight time from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 4 hours 10 minutes. In December, schedules are denser on major carriers—United and American often run multiple daily nonstops, while Delta and Alaska operate seasonal or connecting services. Morning and evening departures are common, with red-eye and mid-afternoon slots available; holiday week frequencies increase and airlines may add flights. For schedule-sensitive travelers, book nonstop flights where possible to minimize weather-related connection risk.
Finding cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) in December requires flexible dates, fare alerts, and strategic airport choices. Primary keywords include 'cheap ORD to SEA flights December' and 'discount Chicago to Seattle airfare.' Try searching midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday), early-December windows outside holiday peaks, and red-eye flights for lower rates. Use fare comparison tools, set price alerts, and consider nearby departure airports like Milwaukee or Indianapolis if savings exceed additional ground travel costs. Booking 6–10 weeks ahead for December travel often yields the best mix of price and seat availability.