Submit feedbackSubmit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
For domestic December flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), arrive at least 2 hours before departure. December brings holiday crowds and occasional weather delays, so allowing extra time for parking, security, and potential de-icing or congestion at checkpoints is wise.
Yes — several carriers typically schedule nonstop flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) during December, though frequency increases or decreases with holiday demand. Check airline schedules early and book nonstops to avoid connections; use flexible date search to find the best nonstop options.
Ground transport options to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) include ride-shares, airport shuttles, taxis, and short-term parking. In December, allow extra travel time for heavier traffic near Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary during holiday shopping and events; book a reserved airport shuttle or pre-schedule a rideshare to guarantee timely airport arrival.
Book early, monitor price alerts, and be flexible with travel dates — midweek flights in early December often offer lower fares than peak holiday travel days. Use comparison sites, sign up for airline newsletters, and consider a red-eye or connecting flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to score better deals to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Check airline baggage policies before packing, allow time for possible winter-related delays, and bring layers for shifting temperatures between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). Keep medications and travel documents in your carry-on and consider gate-checking bulky winter coats if you need extra cabin space.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) offers several airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges depending on terminals and carriers. In December, lounges may have higher occupancy due to holiday travel, so reserve access where possible or arrive early to secure seating, Wi-Fi, and refreshments before your flight to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX).
Arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December usually means mild, dry weather and efficient ground transportation options. Allow time for baggage claim and rental car pick-up; popular nearby destinations such as Scottsdale and Tempe will have steady shuttle and rideshare availability.
Typical rideshare or taxi travel times from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to downtown Phoenix are 10–20 minutes, to Scottsdale 15–30 minutes depending on traffic, and to Tempe 15–25 minutes. December traffic is generally lighter than weekday rush hours, but events and holiday shopping can lengthen trips to popular tourist hubs.
Yes — December in Phoenix and nearby Scottsdale features holiday parades, light festivals, and college bowl events that can increase traffic near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and downtown. Check local event calendars and allow extra travel time to your hotel or meeting if you arrive during a major festival or sporting event.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) typically experiences cool to cold temperatures, potential rain or light snow in December, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) has mild, dry days and chilly nights. Dress in layers and check forecasts for both locations to pack appropriately for your RDU-to-PHX trip.
Rental car availability at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is generally good in December, but popular models and compact cars can be in high demand around holidays and major events. Reserve in advance and compare PHX rental counters; off-airport lots often provide shuttle service to the terminals.
To reach Sedona or Flagstaff from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), consider a rental car for the 2–3 hour scenic drive, or book a shuttle service and regional flights from PHX or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway. December road conditions are typically clear, but higher elevations like Flagstaff may have winter weather, so check road forecasts and chain requirements.
December events around Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) include holiday light displays, local winter markets, and college bowl games, which can elevate demand for flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). In Raleigh and the Research Triangle, holiday concerts and university events may influence outbound traffic. Check local event calendars for Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Raleigh to avoid peak arrival times or to time your trip around celebrations.
The best time to fly RDU to PHX in December is early in the month or midweek (Tuesday–Thursday), avoiding peak holiday windows around Dec 20–27 and New Year’s. Morning flights often have fewer delays stemming from overnight weather disruptions and connection cascades. If you want warm-weather leisure travel, target early December for lower fares and milder crowds in Phoenix and Scottsdale.
Direct (nonstop) flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) save time and reduce the risk of missed connections, which is valuable in December when holiday travel increases. Connecting flights can be significantly cheaper and open up more itinerary options; weigh the savings against longer travel time and potential weather-related connection risks at hubs.
Major carriers operating RDU–PHX routes in December typically include legacy airlines and select low-cost carriers offering nonstop and connecting options. Compare ticket prices, change fees, seat assignment policies, baggage allowances, and on-time performance when choosing an airline. For holiday travel, prioritize airlines with generous rebooking policies and higher on-time reliability for Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) departures and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) arrivals.
Pack layers for traveling between the cool Southeast and sunny Southwest; December weather at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) can be cold or wet, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) typically delivers dry, mild days. Arrive early for security, reserve parking and rental cars in advance, and use TSA PreCheck for holiday efficiency. Keep travel documentation and medications in carry-on luggage and sign up for airline alerts for real-time updates.
Typical nonstop flight time between Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is about 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on winds and routing. December schedules include a mix of morning and evening departures; expect increased flight frequency during holiday weeks. For connections, total travel time ranges from 6 to 10+ hours depending on layovers.
Find cheap flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in December by booking early, flying midweek, and using fare alerts. Search flexible dates around early December and the first half of the month when holiday surges are lower. Consider connecting options or redeye flights for the best price; compare low-cost carriers and legacy airlines for competitive fares.