Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
In December, travelers can find daily flights between Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) and Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) with a mix of nonstop and one-stop options. Major carriers like Southwest, American Airlines, United and Alaska typically schedule seasonal increases for holiday and ski travel; check airline schedules and Google Flights for real-time availability and any winter adjustments.
A nonstop flight from Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) typically takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Flight time can vary with routing, winds and seasonal schedules, so always check scheduled block time when booking for December travel.
To find cheap flights PHXA to RNO in December, compare prices across Google Flights, Kayak, and airline sites, set fare alerts, and be flexible with travel dates—midweek departures often cost less than weekend slots around holidays. Book 3–8 weeks ahead for holiday travel, and consider early morning or red-eye outbound options to secure lower fares.
Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) passengers can use rideshares (Uber/Lyft), airport shuttles, public transit (Valley Metro), taxis, and long-term parking at Sky Harbor or nearby reliever airports. For December holiday travel, allow extra time for traffic to Scottsdale, Mesa or Tempe and pre-book parking or rideshare to avoid delays.
If you're heading to Lake Tahoe or Reno ski areas from Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA), skis and snowboards usually count as checked sports equipment and may incur fees depending on the airline. Pack layers and check airline baggage policies in advance for December travel; some carriers allow discounted sports equipment fees online.
Phoenix departures are rarely impacted by snow, but December travel to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) can face weather holds due to mountain snow, deicing needs, or low visibility. Airlines often issue proactive rebookings; subscribe to flight alerts and allow extra connection time if traveling to Lake Tahoe, Truckee, or Carson City.
From Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), the quickest options to Lake Tahoe (Incline Village, Truckee, South Lake Tahoe) are rental cars, private shuttles, and shared shuttle services that operate more frequently in December. Snow chains or all-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended during winter storms, and many shuttle companies offer ski-specific services — reserve in advance during peak ski season.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) experiences higher passenger volumes in December due to ski travel to Lake Tahoe and holiday visitors for Reno events. Expect busier security lines, higher demand for rental cars, and possible sold-out flights on peak weekend dates around Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Yes, direct flights from Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) are typically available in December, with carriers like Southwest and Alaska frequently offering nonstop services. Availability can vary by day and carrier, so check airline schedules and book early to secure nonstop seats during the winter season.
December arrivals to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) may face flight delays or deicing-related holds during heavy snow or mountain weather; ground transport to Truckee and Tahoe can be slower. Monitor forecasts, keep travel insurance or flexible tickets, and consider arriving a day early when attending weddings or events during the holiday season.
From Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) you can access Lake Tahoe destinations (Incline Village, South Lake Tahoe), Truckee, Carson City, Sparks, and the Reno downtown casino corridor. Many visitors use RNO as the gateway to North Lake Tahoe resorts or to explore Nevada attractions like Virginia City.
To save on transport after landing at RNO during December, compare shared shuttles, rideshare split options, and pre-booked round-trip transfers to Lake Tahoe. Booking shuttles early often yields discounts during ski season, and some hotels offer complimentary transfers or discounted packages for guests arriving from Reno.
December events near Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) make the PHXA → RNO route attractive: Reno Holiday Parade, Downtown Reno light displays, and casino New Year’s Eve celebrations draw visitors from Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA). Lake Tahoe hosts festive resort events, tree lighting ceremonies and seasonal markets. Use keywords like "Reno December events", "Tahoe holiday festivals", and LSI such as "New Year’s Eve Reno", "holiday parades", and "ski season festivals" to reach event-seeking travelers. CTA: Plan and book PHXA to RNO flights for December events now to secure tickets and transfers.
The best time to fly PHXA to RNO in December depends on priorities: for lowest fares, midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) departures outside the holiday peak often yield savings; for reliability, early morning nonstops reduce weather-related cancellation risk. Use secondary keywords like "best day to fly December" and LSI phrases such as "avoid holiday peak" and "ski season timing". If attending New Year’s events in Reno or skiing at North Lake Tahoe, aim to arrive a day earlier to buffer potential weather disruptions. CTA: Check price comparisons and pick the best December travel window for PHXA to RNO.
When choosing between direct and connecting flights from Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in December, weigh convenience versus price. Nonstop flights minimize delay exposure and are preferable during winter; connecting flights can be cheaper but add risk of missed connections in snow. Use keywords like "nonstop PHXA to RNO December", "connecting flights Phoenix Reno" and LSI such as "layover risk" and "flight reliability". If traveling with checked ski equipment, a nonstop reduces handling complexity. CTA: Compare nonstop vs connecting December options and filter results by price and total travel time.
Compare airlines for the PHXA → RNO route in December focusing on price, frequency, baggage policies for skis, and winter operations. Southwest often offers competitive fares and multiple daily nonstop choices; Alaska Airlines and American/United provide seasonal nonstops and connecting options via their hubs. Use primary keywords like "PHXA to RNO airlines" and LSI terms such as "baggage fees" and "ski equipment policy". For December bookings, check each carrier's change and cancellation policy due to higher chances of weather disruption. CTA: Compare airline prices and baggage policies for December and pick the carrier that best fits your ski or holiday plans.
December seasonal travel tips for PHXA → RNO: pack layered clothing for variable desert-to-mountain temperatures, confirm ski/snowboard baggage allowances, and allow extra connection time for shuttles and rental-car queues at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). Use location-based modifiers like "PHX to RNO winter travel" and LSI keywords such as "deicing delays", "snow chains", and "winter driving tips" to align with search queries. Travel insurance is recommended for ski-week bookings and holidays. CTA: Prepare for winter travel — check airline winter advisories and Nevada DOT road conditions before departing Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA).
Typical nonstop flight time from Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. December schedules often include multiple daily frequencies on peak days, especially weekends and holiday periods, with a combination of nonstop and one-stop itineraries. Airport schedules may change for winter operations, so check live airline timetables. Use local modifiers like "PHX to RNO morning flights December" and LSI keywords such as "block time", "flight frequency", and "seasonal schedules" for search optimization. CTA: View December flight schedules now and filter by nonstop to find the fastest PHXA to RNO options.
Finding cheap flights from Phoenix (All Airports) (PHXA) to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in December requires timing and flexibility. Primary keywords: "cheap flights Phoenix to Reno December" and "PHXA to RNO fares" should be used in searches. Strategies include booking 3–8 weeks ahead for holiday travel, monitoring price alerts on Google Flights and Hopper, and searching for midweek departures. Consider nearby departure times from Scottsdale or Mesa if flying from smaller regional airports increases options. Use LSI terms like "airfare deals", "last-minute discounts", and "holiday flight sales". If you can shift travel by a day or choose early-morning flights, you may save significantly. CTA: Compare PHXA to RNO December fares now and sign up for price alerts.