Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Philadelphia (PHL) to San Juan (SJU) in December from $39
From $39
Philadelphia (PHL) to Orlando (MCO) in December from $63
From $63
Philadelphia (PHL) to Denver (DEN) in December from $65
From $65
Philadelphia (PHL) to Charlotte (CLT) in December from $86
From $86
Philadelphia (PHL) to Houston (IAH) in December from $86
From $86
Philadelphia (PHL) to Boston (BOS) in December from $87
From $87
Flights from Other Cities
New York (JFK) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $25
From $25
Fort Myers (RSW) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $49
From $49
Boston (BOS) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $52
From $52
Newark (EWR) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $54
From $54
Houston (IAH) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $54
From $54
Durham (RDU) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $58
From $58
✈️ Flight Guide: Philadelphia (PHL) → Atlanta (ATL)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December travel from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) requires early planning due to holiday demand and potential winter weather. Nonstop flights operate frequently with major carriers; book 4–8 weeks in advance for the best fares, and consider mid-week departures to avoid weekend surges. Use SEPTA Airport Line for reliable transit to PHL, reserve parking early for off-airport lots, and sign up for airline alerts. Nearby major destinations accessible from PHL include New York City, Washington, D.C., and Atlantic City, useful for multi-city itineraries. Call to action: Search cheap PHL to ATL flights now to secure December fares and nonstop schedules.
Departing from Philadelphia (PHL) FAQs
For December travel from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), arrive at least 2 hours before a domestic nonstop and 2.5–3 hours for peak holiday days. December brings increased security lines and road traffic around PHL, so factor in extra time for check-in, security screening, and parking. Consider online check-in and mobile boarding passes to speed your airport experience.
The fastest options to reach Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in December are SEPTA Regional Rail to the Airport Line, ride-hail services (Uber/Lyft), and airport shuttle or private car. With holiday traffic and potential winter weather, public transit via the Airport Line can be more reliable and cost-effective, while on-site parking and cell-phone lots are available if you drive. Book airport shuttles or reserve parking in advance to secure the best rates and avoid delays.
Yes, nonstop flights between Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) operate year-round and are frequent in December, with multiple daily departures offered by major carriers. Holiday demand can reduce seat availability and push fares higher, so book early to lock in nonstop schedules. Use filters for nonstop PHL to ATL flights when searching to find the most convenient options.
Baggage policies departing Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Atlanta vary by airline—expect different allowances for carry-on and checked bags, with fees commonly applied for basic economy fares. During December holiday travel, flights are often full so consider paying for priority boarding or an extra checked bag in advance to avoid gate fees. Always check your airline's specific baggage rules and pack warm layers in carry-on luggage in case of delays.
December travel from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) can be affected by winter storms, icy roads, and flight delays, especially during east-coast Nor'easters. Monitor weather forecasts and sign up for airline delay alerts; consider purchasing travel protection or flexible fares to accommodate last-minute changes. Allow extra transit time to PHL and check airport parking availability during holiday weekends.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) serves Philadelphia and provides ground or connecting access to nearby major cities including New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Atlantic City. If you plan multi-city travel in December, consider routing through these cities or using PHL as a hub to connect to Atlanta (All Airports) area itineraries. Look for combined city-to-city fares and multi-leg discounts to optimize holiday travel.
Arriving at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December is convenient thanks to frequent connections and efficient ground transport options. Use MARTA to reach downtown Atlanta quickly, or pre-book a ride-hail for door-to-door service; plan additional time during holiday weekends and special events. Consider visiting nearby cities such as Savannah, Charlotte, and Birmingham as part of a December itinerary, and check local event calendars for seasonal attractions like Holiday Lights and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra performances. Call to action: Book your December PHL to ATL flight and reserve MARTA or ride-hail in advance to ensure a smooth arrival.
Arriving at Atlanta (ATL) FAQs
A nonstop flight from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) generally takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. December schedules remain consistent, but slight variations can occur due to routing, wind, or air traffic flow. Always check your airline's scheduled block time for the most accurate arrival time.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is one of the world’s busiest airports and sees especially high passenger volumes during December holiday periods like the week before Christmas and New Year's. Expect longer security lines and fuller airport amenities; plan 30–60 extra minutes for transfers and allow additional time for ground transportation from ATL to downtown Atlanta or nearby cities. Arrive early and use the ATL app or airport monitors for real-time gate and transport updates.
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) you can take MARTA rail directly to downtown Atlanta, ride-hail services, taxis, rental cars, or pre-booked shuttles. MARTA provides a fast and affordable transfer to Midtown and Downtown Atlanta and runs on regular December schedules, though holiday service advisories may apply. For trips outside Atlanta, such as Savannah, Charlotte, or Birmingham, consider regional flights or ground transportation connections.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) serves as a major hub for travel to nearby top destinations including Savannah, Charlotte, Birmingham, Macon, and Athens. For holiday-themed travel in December, many visitors use ATL as a gateway to Georgia coastal towns, the North Georgia mountains, and cultural attractions in downtown Atlanta such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Lights. Consider multi-city itineraries connecting ATL with these regional destinations to maximize December sightseeing.
In December, check for seasonal traffic and event-related crowds—especially during Atlanta’s holiday festivals and college football events. Pack layers for variable airport and city temperatures, verify public transit schedules for holidays, and pre-book ground transport if arriving late at night. If you need baggage assistance or expedited services, contact your airline in advance to arrange priority handling.
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December Events & Festivals — Things to Do After Flying PHL to ATL
Atlanta in December hosts many holiday events such as the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Garden Lights, Holiday Nights, seasonal performances by the Atlanta Ballet (Nutcracker), and Stone Mountain Christmas. Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is well-positioned for day trips to historic Savannah for holiday strolls or to the North Georgia mountains for winter scenery. Philadelphia travelers can enjoy Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest and Philadelphia holiday markets before departing. Check event dates and book tickets in advance during December to avoid sold-out shows and plan ground transport from ATL accordingly. CTA: Book your PHL to ATL December flight and secure event tickets early for the best experience.
Best Time to Fly from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December
The best time to fly from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December is early December (first two weeks) and mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday). Avoid the high-demand windows immediately before Christmas and New Year’s Eve—these dates typically command the highest fares and longest airport lines. For lower fares and fewer delays, choose early-morning flights, as they are less likely to inherit delays from earlier cancellations and maintain better on-time performance. CTA: Book early-morning or mid-week PHL to ATL flights for better prices and more reliable travel in December.
Direct vs Connecting Flights: PHL to ATL in December — Pros and Cons
Nonstop flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) are the fastest and most convenient option in December, reducing risk of missed connections during winter weather. Connecting flights can be cheaper, especially on off-peak days, but they introduce layover risk—common hubs for connections include Charlotte (CLT) and New York-area airports. For holiday travel where time and certainty matter, prioritize nonstop PHL to ATL flights; for flexible travelers or those seeking lower fares, a one-stop itinerary may be acceptable if you allow ample connection time. CTA: Choose nonstop PHL to ATL flights for reliability this December or compare connecting routes to save on fares.
Airline Comparison for PHL to ATL in December — Delta, American, and Low-Cost Carriers
Delta Air Lines often offers the most frequent nonstop flights between Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) due to ATL being a major Delta hub, typically providing reliable schedules and good connectivity. American Airlines also operates multiple PHL–ATL flights with competitive pricing and loyalty perks for AAdvantage members. Low-cost carriers or basic economy fares may appear on certain dates—these can be cheaper but assess baggage and change fees before booking. Compare fares, total travel time, baggage allowances, and loyalty benefits; booking directly with the carrier often simplifies rebooking during December disruptions. CTA: Compare airlines for your December PHL to ATL trip and book the option that balances price and schedule reliability.
Seasonal Travel Tips for December — PHL to ATL Winter Travel Advice
For December flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), pack layers and a compact umbrella, keep essential items in carry-on luggage, and check weather and flight status frequently. Allow extra time for airport parking, security, and road travel—consider public transit (SEPTA) to PHL to bypass holiday parking congestion. Purchase refundable or flexible tickets if your plans may change, consider travel insurance for winter storms, and enroll in airline text alerts for gate and schedule changes. CTA: Prepare for December travel by checking your PHL to ATL flight status 24–48 hours before departure and secure flexible options where possible.
PHL to ATL Flight Time & Schedules — December Nonstop and Connecting Options
Typical nonstop flight time from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is approximately 1:45–2:05 hours, depending on winds and routing. Multiple daily nonstop departures are available in December—morning, midday, and evening—offered primarily by major carriers; frequency increases around business hours but tightens during holiday peaks. If you book connecting flights, common layover hubs include Charlotte (CLT), Washington Reagan (DCA/IAD depending on carrier), or New York area airports. Check real-time schedules and book flights that provide at least a 60–90 minute connection buffer during December to account for weather-related delays.
How to Find Cheap Flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December
To score cheap December flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), book 3–8 weeks ahead and target mid-week departures (Tuesdays–Thursdays) or early morning flights. Use fare comparison tools, sign up for airline and OTA price alerts, and be flexible with return dates—avoiding the peak travel window around December 24–26 can cut costs significantly. Consider basic economy fares for lower prices but weigh added fees for baggage and seat selection. CTA: Start a price alert now for PHL to ATL December flights and compare nonstop and connecting options to find the best deal.