Other Options for This Route
Other Destinations
Richmond (RIC) to Kansas City (MCI) in December from $57
From $57
Richmond (RIC) to Orlando (MCO) in December from $65
From $65
Richmond (RIC) to Orlando (MCO) in December from $144
From $144
Richmond (RIC) to Las Vegas (Any) in December from $218
From $218
Richmond (RIC) to Tampa (TPA) in December from $232
From $232
Richmond (RIC) to Austin (AUS) in December from $274
From $274
Flights from Other Cities
New York (JFK) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $25
From $25
Philadelphia (PHL) to Atlanta (ATL) in December from $29
From $29
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
✈️ Flight Guide: Richmond (RIC) → Atlanta (ATL)
Complete travel information for your December journey
December travel from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) combines holiday demand with moderate winter weather. Richmond-area travelers from nearby destinations such as Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Charlottesville, Williamsburg, and Washington, D.C., often fly RIC to ATL for business and leisure connections. Expect higher fares around the holiday weekends, earlier security lines, and occasional weather-related schedule shifts.
Departing from Richmond (RIC) FAQs
A nonstop flight from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. December schedules may include slightly longer block times due to winter traffic and holiday congestion, so allow extra buffer when connecting or planning pickups.
Yes, several carriers operate direct flights between Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) year-round, and frequencies often increase around Thanksgiving and early December. For the busiest weeks in mid-December and around Christmas, book earlier as seats sell fast and fares rise.
Average round-trip fares in December range from budget-friendly $150–$300 on basic economy to $350+ for flexible fares depending on travel dates and how close to holidays you book. Weekends and peak holiday travel days push prices higher; check price alerts and book at least 3–6 weeks ahead for the best deals.
In December, options to reach Richmond International Airport (RIC) include driving and using on-site parking, rideshare services, or local shuttles from Richmond, Williamsburg, Charlottesville, and Washington, D.C. Traffic can increase on holiday travel days, so allow extra time for trunk roads and I-95 approaches and consider pre-booking an airport shuttle.
TSA security wait times at Richmond International Airport (RIC) typically increase during December, especially the week before Christmas and on Fridays. Enroll in TSA PreCheck if eligible, arrive 90 minutes for domestic flights during peak holiday periods, and monitor airport security wait time tools the morning of travel.
Yes — many travelers use Richmond International Airport (RIC) to connect to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and continue to top winter escape destinations like Orlando, Charleston, Savannah, or even northeast mountain hubs. Check connecting flight times carefully; December weather can affect connections, so add cushion time.
Arriving at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December means navigating one of the world’s busiest hubs during holiday travel. Travelers from Richmond International Airport (RIC) and surrounding areas — including Richmond, Virginia Beach, Charleston, Savannah, Orlando, and Birmingham travelers connecting through ATL — should plan for crowded terminals, seasonal events, and weather-related schedule adjustments.
Arriving at Atlanta (ATL) FAQs
Flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) normally take about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours nonstop. December air traffic and weather can add buffer to schedules, so expect slightly longer block times during holiday travel peaks.
From Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) you can use MARTA rail service to downtown Atlanta, taxis, rideshares, airport shuttles, or rental cars. In December, expect higher demand for rideshares and shuttles during holiday events like Atlanta's holiday markets and nearby destinations such as Decatur, Marietta, and Sandy Springs.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) typically operates all major airline lounges through December, but some amenities may have shorter hours on holidays. Check lounge policies and airport maps before travel; seasonal pop-up markets and extra security staffing are common during December.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is busiest during early December weekends and the week before Christmas. Allow longer connection times (minimum 90–120 minutes) when transiting through ATL in December, especially when arriving from Richmond International Airport (RIC) and continuing to destinations like Orlando, Savannah, or Charleston.
Expect higher baggage volumes and occasional arrival delays at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December due to holiday traffic. Allow extra time for checked baggage retrieval, and if you have tight connections to nearby cities such as Savannah, Charleston, or Orlando, contact your airline about through-checked bags and delay protections.
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December Events Near Richmond (RIC) and Atlanta (ATL) | Holiday Festivals & Travel Considerations
December brings a range of holiday markets, tree lightings, and college sports that affect airport traffic at Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). In Richmond and nearby cities such as Williamsburg and Charlottesville, expect seasonal concerts and holiday parades; in Atlanta, large events like holiday markets, Falcons or Braves games, and concerts can create higher demand for flights and ground transport. If your travel coincides with major events in Atlanta, book flights and ground transfers early and choose flexible tickets when possible. CTA: Check event calendars for Richmond and Atlanta before booking December flights to avoid surprise crowding or fare spikes.
Best Time to Fly RIC to ATL in December | Save on Richmond to Atlanta Flights
The best time to fly RIC to ATL in December is mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) and early in the month before the holiday surge. Early morning flights often have lower fares and fewer delays, while peak days (the week before Christmas and the weekends around New Year’s) are most expensive and crowded. If you can be flexible, book at least 3–6 weeks in advance and use fare alerts and flexible-date searches to find the cheapest combination of schedule and price. CTA: Check mid-week Richmond to Atlanta flight options now to save on December travel.
Direct vs Connecting Flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Direct (nonstop) flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) provide the fastest and most reliable option during December holiday travel, reducing the chance of missed connections. Connecting itineraries can save money but carry greater risk during winter when delays or cancellations ripple through hubs. For travelers heading beyond ATL to Savannah, Charleston, or Orlando, a single-connection itinerary might still be efficient; however, if time and reliability matter, opt for nonstop RIC to ATL flights. CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop options to find the best balance for your December trip.
Airline Comparison for RIC to ATL Flights in December | Richmond to Atlanta Carriers
Delta often offers multiple daily nonstop options between Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with strong connection networks if continuing through ATL. American Airlines and Southwest may offer competitive fares and alternate schedules; check baggage and change fee policies before booking, especially for holiday travel. For December, prioritize airlines with better on-time performance and robust rebooking policies in case of weather disruptions. Use price comparison tools and the airlines’ official sites to weigh ticket price, baggage allowances, seat selection fees, and flexible change policies. CTA: Compare airlines now to find the best December RIC to ATL itinerary.
Seasonal Travel Tips for RIC to ATL in December | Packing, Weather & Airport Advice
Pack layers for December travel between Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) since temperatures can vary widely between Richmond, Atlanta, and connecting destinations like Orlando or Charleston. Carry an insulated jacket in your carry-on and keep important documents and medication in your personal item in case of checked bag delays. Allow extra time for security at RIC and passenger transfer through ATL, enroll in TSA PreCheck, and check flight status frequently for winter storms. For holiday travel, choose refundable or flexible fares if your schedule is uncertain and consider travel insurance for weather-related disruptions. CTA: Review these December tips and prepare for a smoother trip from Richmond to Atlanta.
RIC to ATL Flight Time & Schedules in December | Richmond International Airport to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International
Nonstop flight time between Richmond International Airport (RIC) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. December schedules generally include multiple daily flights on major carriers, with early-morning, midday, and late-afternoon peaks to serve business and holiday travelers. For connections, allow longer than standard minimums during December — consider 90–120 minute buffers at ATL. Use airline schedule search tools to view frequency by date and optimize for the best combination of price and convenient departure times.
Find Cheap Flights from Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
To find cheap Richmond International Airport (RIC) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) flights in December, set fare alerts and compare flexible dates. Primary keyword tactics: search 'Richmond to Atlanta flights December' and vary by nearby departure cities like Virginia Beach and Charlottesville. Mid-week departures (Tuesday–Thursday) often show lower fares; consider early-morning flights and basic economy if you don’t need seat selection. LSI strategies: look for 'holiday cheap airfare', 'discount Atlanta flights', and 'flight deals RIC ATL'. Use price calendars on booking sites, book 3–6 weeks before peak holiday days, and consider connecting itineraries if nonstop fares are steep. CTA: Start a fare alert today for RIC to ATL December departures to lock in the best price.