Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
Overview: December travel between Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB) and Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) mixes leisure travelers heading to LA holiday events and Floridians flying west for seasonal vacations. Primary keywords: "December flights ORLB to LAXA," "holiday airfare Orlando to Los Angeles," and LSI phrases like "nonstop holiday flights" and "Los Angeles holiday attractions." Top tips & booking: Book early in November or by early December for the best balance of price and schedule; avoid the 7–10 day window around Christmas and New Year's Eve for lower fares. Use flexible-date search tools to compare mid-week vs. weekend prices and set price alerts for primary carriers. Consider red-eye departures for cheaper options and fewer crowds. Flight options & schedule notes: Expect 1–2 daily nonstop options on high-demand days and more one-stop itineraries via major hubs (Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas). Average nonstop flight time is roughly 5–5.5 hours; connecting itineraries typically add 2–4 hours depending on layover. Holiday events & traveler experience: Orlando departures are busy with theme-park holiday crowds; pack compact gifts and check TSA rules. Los Angeles arrivals offer proximity to holiday light displays, seasonal parades, and special events across Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Anaheim — plan ground transport in advance, especially on event nights. Weather & packing: Orlando is mild in December (layers recommended); Los Angeles (All Airports) sees cool mornings and mild afternoons — pack a light jacket and comfortable walking shoes. CTA: Book December ORLB–LAXA flights now and sign up for fare alerts to lock in holiday prices.
The busiest travel days in December are typically the Friday before the third week of December through the Sunday after Christmas, plus New Year's Eve weekend. Expect higher fares, fuller flights, and longer security lines during peak holiday windows; booking earlier in the month or mid-week can lower costs. Use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to find deals on less-congested days.
Nonstop service availability depends on the airline schedule; during December many carriers run nonstop or one-stop services between Orlando and the Los Angeles area. Expect nonstop flight times to average about 5 to 5.5 hours. If nonstop options are limited, look for one-stop connections through hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW).
Parking demand increases in December; long-term and economy lots can fill on peak holiday days. Reserve off‑airport parking in advance when possible. Rideshares, shuttles, and local taxis remain reliable, but expect slightly higher wait times during late December nights and mornings. Check ORLB parking maps and book shuttle transfers ahead to save time.
December in the Orlando area is typically mild and drier than summer, with average highs about 70–75°F and lows near 50–60°F; significant weather-related delays are uncommon but occasional cold fronts or storms can disrupt schedules. Airlines may proactively rebook passengers for multi-leg itineraries when East Coast winter weather affects connections — keep contact info updated and check flight status frequently.
From Orlando Regional Airport (ORLB), travelers commonly access Orlando attractions and nearby major destinations including Orlando city center, Kissimmee, Walt Disney World (Lake Buena Vista), Universal Orlando (International Drive), Tampa, Daytona Beach, and even Miami for connecting services. Many holiday visitors use ORLB as a gateway to theme-park holiday events in December.
Yes — arrive at least 2–3 hours before departure for domestic flights during peak December days, pack layered clothing for Florida’s variable holiday temperatures, and pre-check TSA rules for gifts and batteries. Use mobile boarding passes, check in online, and consider premium security programs to reduce wait times over the holidays.
Overview: Arriving to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) in December delivers easy access to holiday entertainment, beaches with mild weather, and major attractions in Anaheim and Hollywood. Key SEO phrases include "arriving LAXA in December," "Los Angeles holiday arrivals," and LSI terms such as "airport ground transport LA," "holiday crowds LA airports." Terminals & routing: Check your ticket for the specific airport code—LAX for international service and the busiest terminal operations, SNA or LGB for Orange County access, BUR for Hollywood/Burbank access. Expect extra staff and seasonal signage during holiday periods. Ground transport & timing: Book airport shuttles or rideshares in advance for late-night arrivals on event nights, and allow 60–90 minutes to reach downtown or beachside hotels in peak holiday traffic. Renting a car is a common choice for travelers heading to Anaheim, Palm Springs, or San Diego. Local attractions & events: Los Angeles holiday highlights include LA Zoo Lights, The Grove holiday market, Universal Studios' Holiday Experience, and holiday parades through Hollywood. For Disneyland Resort, check park calendars and special ticket packages in December. CTA: If you're flying ORLB to LAXA this December, confirm your arrival airport and ground transport, and book event tickets early to avoid sold-out shows.
Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) refers to the greater LA metro airport network, commonly including Los Angeles International (LAX), Hollywood Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), John Wayne/Orange County (SNA), and Ontario (ONT). Your arrival terminal depends on the airline and whether your flight is nonstop or connecting; check the ticketed airport code and your carrier's terminal map before departure. Expect higher traffic and occasional terminal changes during December events.
Ground transport options include rideshares, airport shuttles, car rentals, and public transit. From LAX, the FlyAway bus provides direct service to downtown, Union Station, and Van Nuys; rideshare pickup zones are designated at each airport. From other airports like John Wayne (SNA) or Burbank (BUR), expect shorter drives to Anaheim or Hollywood. During December, plan extra time for traffic near holiday events and nighttime festivities.
Orlando December highlights: Walt Disney World Resort hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays; Universal Orlando presents Grinchmas and seasonal shows. Expect themed parades, special ticketed events, and earlier park closing times on some dates. Los Angeles & nearby December highlights: LA Zoo Lights, The Grove holiday market and tree lighting, Hollywood Christmas Parade, Universal Studios Holiday Experience, holiday-themed nights at Santa Monica Pier, and Disneyland Resort’s holiday transformation in Anaheim. Many events require advance tickets and sell out on weekends. Planning tips: Buy event tickets early, arrive before peak times, and consider combo transit passes or bundled attraction tickets when staying for multiple days. CTA: Reserve holiday event tickets now to secure prime dates on your December ORLB–LAXA trip.
Best days: Travel on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in early and mid-December for the best combination of low fares and lighter crowds. Avoid weekend travel and the peak window from about 3 days before Christmas through January 1st if you want lower rates. Best times of day: Early morning flights (red-eye follow-ons included) often show fewer cancellations and quicker airport processing. Late-night departures can be cheaper but may suffer longer aggregate delays if earlier flights disrupt schedules. Booking timing: Book 4–8 weeks in advance for December; if you travel during the pre-Christmas window, secure seats earlier (8–12 weeks) to avoid fare spikes. Use flexible-date tools and alternate airport searches to increase savings.
Pros of nonstop: Faster door-to-door travel (approximately 5–5.5 hours), less risk of missed connections, and more predictable arrival times — valuable during tight holiday itineraries. Cons: Nonstops often command a price premium during December holiday peaks. Pros of connecting: Potentially much lower fares, increased schedule flexibility, and more departure options throughout the day. Cons: Increased total travel time and higher risk of missed connections or cascading delays, especially during winter weather or peak holiday periods. Recommendation: If time is critical (short holiday trips or special events), prioritize nonstop service. If budget is paramount and you can accommodate longer travel time, choose a carefully-timed connection with a reputable carrier and allow ample layover buffer.
Major carriers: American, Delta, and United typically offer multiple daily services (nonstop and connecting) with broader schedule coverage and loyalty benefits — useful for December travelers who prioritize reliability and baggage handling. Low-cost carriers: Spirit, Frontier, and occasionally other ULCCs may offer the lowest headline fares but often charge extra for seat assignments, carry-on bags, and checked luggage — factor these fees into total cost during December holiday travel when extra baggage is common. Southwest & JetBlue: Southwest often provides two free checked bags and generous change policies, which can be valuable in December; JetBlue typically offers comfortable economy seating and a strong inflight product on coast-to-coast routes. Service & on-time performance: Choose carriers with strong December on‑time records for your preferred departure times; consider elite status or travel insurance to protect against holiday schedule disruptions. CTA: Compare total trip costs (fares + fees) across carriers and consider refundable or flexible tickets for December travel.
Packing & luggage: Pack layered clothing to accommodate Orlando's mild days and LA’s cooler mornings. Wrap gifts at your destination rather than in checked luggage to avoid damage and TSA openings; pack batteries and electronics in carry-on luggage and check local rules for lithium batteries. Airport timing & security: Arrive 2–3 hours before domestic flights on peak December days. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed security lines. Keep receipts and itemized lists for higher-value holiday purchases when traveling. Delay & contingency planning: Expect higher possibility of weather or traffic-related delays; build buffer time into connections and bookings. Consider travel insurance for expensive holiday reservations and maintain digital copies of tickets and confirmations. Wellness & comfort: Stay hydrated on long flights, bring noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs for red-eyes, and stretch during layovers. If traveling with kids, pack an activity kit and snacks to ease holiday stress. CTA: Prepare for December travel from ORLB to LAXA by creating a holiday checklist and confirming reservations 48–72 hours before departure.
Typical flight time: Nonstop flights between the Orlando area and Los Angeles area average about 5 to 5.5 hours airborne. One-stop itineraries commonly range 6.5 to 10+ hours total travel time depending on layover length. Schedule patterns in December: Morning and late-night departures are common; early morning flights often have higher on-time performance while evening flights risk knock-on delays from earlier legs. Frequent hub connections include Atlanta (ATL), Charlotte (CLT), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Houston (IAH), and Phoenix (PHX). Operational notes: During December peak days, airlines sometimes add extra widebody or larger narrowbody aircraft to accommodate holiday demand. Monitor real-time flight status and check for schedule changes close to departure.
Primary strategies: Use flexible dates (±3 days) to reveal mid-week savings — Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have the lowest fares in early and mid-December. Set price alerts for ORLB to LAXA, include alternate LA airports (SNA, BUR, ONT, LGB) in search queries, and check budget carriers like Spirit or Frontier alongside major carriers. Booking windows: For December travel, aim to book 4–8 weeks ahead for the best mix of price and availability; deepen price checks in early November for holiday trips. Consider red-eye flights and early-morning departures for lower fares and less-crowded airports. Fare hacks & tips: Combine one-way tickets on different carriers, use reward points or co-branded credit cards for upgrades, and clear cookies or use private browsing to avoid perceived price inflation. When you find a good price, book quickly — holiday fares can surge within hours. CTA: Search flexible-date fares now and subscribe to alerts for ORLB–LAXA December price drops.
December highlights include the Hollywood Christmas Parade, LA Zoo Lights, Grand Park's holiday celebration and New Year's Eve gathering, and seasonal offerings at Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Resort in nearby Anaheim. Visitors arriving at LAXA can easily access holiday markets, outdoor skating rinks, and iconic attractions across Los Angeles and Orange County. Buy event tickets in advance to avoid sold-out shows.
Yes — anticipate heavier ground-transport demand on event nights, allow extra time for customs and baggage if arriving internationally, and confirm shuttle or rental-car reservations ahead of peak dates. Use airport apps to monitor curbside pickup and security wait times, and keep flexible travel plans for weather-related disruptions or traffic delays in the LA basin.
Major nearby destinations easily accessed from LAXA include Santa Monica, Anaheim (Disneyland), Hollywood, Long Beach, Pasadena, and Irvine; San Diego and Palm Springs are also common short trips by car or short flight. December travel between these cities offers seasonal events like holiday markets, light displays, and resort packages.
Immigration and baggage wait times vary by airport and time of day; LAX can experience longer wait times during peak December holiday arrivals, especially mid-afternoon to late evening. Use Global Entry or Mobile Passport to expedite U.S. arrivals where eligible, and check airline baggage policies for holiday surcharges or extra baggage allowances.
