Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
Nonstop flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) typically take about 3 to 3.5 hours in December depending on winds and routing. Winter weather around Philadelphia can add delays, so allow extra time for check-in and possible deicing on cold days. Check live status with your airline before leaving for the airport.
Prices for PHL to IAH flights in December vary: early December and midweek departures often yield the lowest fares, while the peak holiday window (approximately December 20–27) typically commands higher prices. Use flexible date searches and price alerts to find cheap flights from Philadelphia to Houston in December, and book at least 2–6 weeks in advance for the best deals.
The busiest travel days at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in December are the days leading up to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, especially between December 20 and 24, and the return spike around December 26–31. Early morning and late evening midweek flights can be less crowded; to avoid long lines, consider traveling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays and arrive at the airport 90–120 minutes before domestic departures during the holiday season.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) offers on-airport parking garages, long-term lots, and off-site shuttle services; December holiday demand means booking parking in advance or using ride-hailing/airport shuttles is recommended. SEPTA regional rail and airport shuttles serve the airport, but check schedules for holiday reductions and allow extra time for winter traffic on I-95 and I-76.
TSA lines at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) are typically longer during December holidays; plan to arrive 90–120 minutes before domestic flights and use TSA PreCheck if enrolled to save time. Check the airport’s live security wait-time tools and consider earlier arrival on peak days; limited staffing or weather can also extend waits.
From Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) you can easily connect to nearby major destinations like New York City, Washington D.C., Atlantic City, Baltimore, and Wilmington (DE) before or after your trip to Houston. These cities are common ground-transport or short-connection options for travelers combining a winter East Coast itinerary with Houston for business or holiday visits.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is typically busy in December with holiday travelers and event visitors, but the airport operates multiple terminals and ground-transport options to handle peak volumes. Expect longer lines for baggage claim and rideshare pickup during holiday evenings; allow an extra 30–60 minutes for ground transport in the busy season.
From George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) you can reach downtown Houston via taxi, rideshare, shuttle services, or the METRO bus routes; travel time is generally 25–45 minutes depending on traffic, weather, and terminal. For Galveston, allow 1–1.5 hours by car; consider renting a car or booking a shuttle in advance, especially around December events and holiday weekends.
Yes—December events such as Houston Zoo Lights, holiday concerts at the Theater District, and seasonal sports games can increase passenger traffic at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). If you're arriving for a specific event, book ground transportation early and confirm hotel shuttles; event calendars often drive higher demand for late-afternoon and evening arrivals.
December brings several holiday and cultural events that can influence travel patterns for PHL to IAH flyers. In Houston, attractions like Houston Zoo Lights, holiday performances at the Theater District, and seasonal markets increase demand for flights and ground transport. Philadelphia departure-side events—such as seasonal markets and theater performances—also create higher passenger volumes at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) ahead of holiday travel days.
The best time to fly from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in December is early December and midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) when fares and crowds are generally lower. Avoid the holiday peak weeks (around December 20–27 and the New Year period) when prices spike and airports are busiest. For the best balance of price and convenience, book flights over a month in advance for holiday periods or 2–6 weeks ahead for early-December travel.
Choosing between direct and connecting flights for PHL to IAH in December depends on priorities: direct flights save time (about 3–3.5 hours) and reduce the chance of missed connections during winter weather, while connecting itineraries via hubs like Charlotte (CLT) or Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) can sometimes be cheaper. If you’re traveling during the holiday peak, a direct nonstop is often worth the premium to lower the risk of weather-related disruptions and to simplify baggage handling.
Major carriers operating the Philadelphia (PHL) to Houston (IAH) corridor in December often include American Airlines, United Airlines, and low-cost carriers where available. American typically offers multiple daily nonstop flights with strong loyalty program benefits from Philadelphia; United offers competitive connecting schedules via its hubs; low-cost carriers may provide lower base fares but charge for seat assignments and baggage. Compare total trip cost (including baggage and seat fees), schedule convenience, and loyalty perks when selecting an airline for December travel.
Seasonal tips for December travel from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH): pack layered clothing for cold Philadelphia mornings and milder Houston evenings, allow extra time for security and ground transport during holiday weekends, and pre-book parking or rideshare pickup to avoid delays. Consider flexible fares or travel insurance for holiday trips and enroll in airline notifications to stay updated on weather-related disruptions or gate changes.
Typical nonstop flight time from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) is approximately 3 to 3.5 hours. Weekly schedules in December include multiple daily options on major carriers—American Airlines often has direct flights, and United or low-cost carriers may offer direct or one-stop options. Frequency increases on peak days but declines on early-December off-peak days, so check airline timetables and consider red-eye or midday departures to find the best combinations of price and convenience.
To find cheap flights from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in December, search flexible dates around early December and midweek departures (Tuesdays–Thursdays). Use fare comparison tools, sign up for price alerts, and consider low-cost carriers and basic-economy fares to reduce costs. Booking 2–6 weeks ahead for non-peak December travel usually yields the best balance of price and availability. Also consider alternate nearby airports (for departure: Newark or Baltimore; for arrival: Houston Hobby for some itineraries) if schedules and fares are better.
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For domestic flights arriving at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), standard baggage claim procedures apply—follow terminal signage to reclaim checked luggage and proceed to ground transportation. If you have connecting domestic flights or international layovers, check your baggage transfer rules with your airline; always verify baggage carousel and lost baggage protocols at the airline desk.
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serves travelers heading to Houston’s metro area and nearby destinations including Galveston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Austin, and San Antonio. December travelers often combine Houston arrivals with short trips to these nearby cities for holiday events, business, or family visits.
