Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
During December holiday travel, arrive at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight to allow time for check-in, security screening, and possible winter-related delays. If you need to check bags or travel during peak holiday windows (the week before Christmas and New Year), plan for 2 hours to avoid stress. Check TSA wait times and airline alerts before you leave for the airport.
Nonstop service between Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is limited and not consistently scheduled year-round; most itineraries in December involve a single connection through a hub such as Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Dallas/Fort Worth. Use flexible date search on Google Flights or airline websites to find the few seasonal or occasional nonstop options and book early for holiday travel.
From downtown Reno, take a 10–20 minute taxi or rideshare to Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO); local RTC buses serve nearby routes but are slower with luggage. In December, snow and icy roads can increase travel time, so allow extra margin. If you’re headed to Lake Tahoe first, consider shuttles that link Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) with Tahoe ski resorts and nearby towns.
Holiday demand typically drives up fares for Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) routes in mid- to late-December. To find cheaper tickets, book several weeks in advance, travel on off-peak dates (early December or between Christmas and New Year’s Eve midweek), and set price alerts for RNO to ATL flights. Consider flexible airports like Sacramento (SMF) for additional low-fare options.
Expect potential winter weather impacts such as snow in the Sierra Nevada and valley fog that can cause delays or cancellations at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) in December. Airlines typically issue advisories ahead of storms; sign up for flight alerts, allow buffer time for connections, and have contingency plans for overnight stays if severe weather is forecast. Purchase refundable tickets or travel insurance for peak holiday trips where possible.
Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) offers on-site rental car facilities and short- and long-term parking that can fill up during December holidays and ski season. Reserve rental cars in advance for Lake Tahoe trips and pre-book airport parking when possible. Look for off-site shuttles and rideshare pickup zones to save time and avoid lot congestion.
Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) remains one of the world’s busiest airports in December due to holiday travel; expect crowded terminals, longer lines at immigration for international arrivals, and busy ground transportation options. Allow extra time for baggage claim, and use Atlanta's Plane Train (people mover) for fast connections between concourses. Check your arrival terminal and plan rideshare or MARTA transit accordingly.
The fastest and most cost-effective option is MARTA rail from Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to downtown stations; rideshares and taxis are plentiful but surge during holiday events. For travel to nearby cities like Savannah or Macon, consider intercity buses or pre-booked shuttles. During December, book airport shuttles or rental cars in advance to avoid holiday shortages.
Atlanta winters are milder than Reno’s, but December can bring cold fronts, occasional ice, fog, or rare snow that may cause inbound delays at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Flights diverted from other hubs can increase traffic; check airline notifications and Atlanta airport advisories, and consider arrival day buffer time if you have tight connections or ground transport plans.
From Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), convenient day-trip cities include downtown Atlanta attractions, Stone Mountain, Marietta, Athens (college town), Chattanooga, and Savannah for those willing to drive or take short regional flights. December highlights include holiday lights and seasonal markets across the region.
If you land at Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) within three days of Christmas, anticipate arrival congestion and slower ground transportation; rebook options depend on airline availability. For stress-free travel, arrive in Atlanta at least one day before key holiday commitments, and keep flexible reservations or standby options where possible.
December brings festive highlights on both ends of the RNO–ATL route. Near Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), December is prime ski season for Lake Tahoe resorts, with holiday lighting events, winter markets, and New Year’s celebrations. At Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), December visitors can enjoy Atlanta’s Festival of Lights, holiday markets, seasonal theater and concerts, and New Year’s Eve events in downtown Atlanta and Buckhead. Travelers should book event tickets and accommodations early, as demand spikes around major holidays.
The best time to fly RNO to ATL in December is early in the month or midweek (Tuesdays–Thursdays) to avoid the Christmas and New Year’s travel rush. Departing on December 10–18 often yields lower fares and less crowded airports, while the period spanning December 22–26 and December 29–January 1 are the busiest and most expensive. For ski and holiday travelers, flying the day after a major holiday usually reduces fares but increases airport crowds; balance cost with convenience.
On the RNO to ATL route, connecting flights are the norm in December due to limited nonstop options. Connecting itineraries often offer cheaper fares and more schedule flexibility but increase total travel time and risk of missed connections in winter storms. Nonstop flights (if available seasonally) reduce complexity and luggage transfer risk but can be pricier and less frequent. Choose nonstop for convenience and connecting flights for lower fares or better departure times.
Major carriers that commonly serve the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) market in December include Delta (connections via Salt Lake City), American (via Phoenix or Dallas/Fort Worth), Southwest (via Las Vegas or seasonal routings), United (via San Francisco/Denver), and Alaska (via Seattle or San Francisco). Each airline offers different strengths: Delta for hub connectivity and comfort, American for broad network options, Southwest for free checked bags and flexible change policies, and United/Alaska for West Coast connections.
December travel between Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) and Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) requires winter readiness. Pack layers for temperature changes between snowy Sierra Nevada and milder Atlanta, carry essential medications and chargers in your carry-on, and keep a printed or offline copy of itineraries in case connectivity is limited. For ski travelers, reserve car rentals with winter tires or chains and confirm shuttle schedules. Monitor airlines for schedule changes and enroll in flight-status alerts.
Average total travel time from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December ranges from about 5.5 to 8.5 hours depending on the number and length of connections. Direct nonstop options are rare; most itineraries include one stop in hubs such as Phoenix (PHX), Salt Lake City (SLC), Las Vegas (LAS), Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), or Los Angeles (LAX). Typical schedules feature early-morning departures from RNO with afternoon arrivals into ATL when routing through western hubs.
To find cheap flights from Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) to Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) in December, search with flexible dates and consider flying early-December or midweek. Set fare alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, compare nearby airports (Sacramento SMF or San Francisco SFO), and look for one-stop itineraries through Phoenix, Salt Lake City, or Las Vegas hubs. Book seats and rental cars in advance for Lake Tahoe travel to avoid peak surcharges.