✈️ Flight Guide: Fort Myers (RSW) → Fayetteville (XNA)

Southwest Florida (near RSW): December features holiday boat parades, light displays in Fort Myers and Naples’ Christmas events—drawing seasonal visitors and increasing RSW traffic on weekends. Northwest Arkansas (near XNA): December highlights include Bentonville’s Crystal Bridges holiday exhibits, holiday markets and University of Arkansas winter sports and events in Fayetteville. These seasonal activities can raise demand for flights and rental cars; book flights and ground transportation well in advance for weekends with major events. CTA: Check event calendars for Fort Myers and Bentonville and plan your RSW–XNA travel around festival dates.

For December travel from RSW to XNA, the best combination of price and reliability is usually midweek—Tuesdays through Thursdays—outside of the week of Christmas and New Year. Early-morning flights have lower cancellation risk and fewer connection hassles, while late-night options may be cheaper but risk missed connections. If you must travel around major holidays, book as early as possible and choose flights with longer connection buffers to accommodate any delays. CTA: Search midweek and early-morning RSW departures for better December fares and fewer disruptions.

Direct nonstop flights from RSW to XNA are rare; most December travelers will choose one-stop itineraries through popular hubs like DFW, ATL or CLT. Direct flights save time and reduce the risk of missed connections but can be more expensive or unavailable. Connecting flights may cost less and offer more schedule choices, but you should add extra connection time during December to handle holiday crowds. If you value speed and lower hassle, prioritize itineraries with a single, reliable connection and at least a 60–90 minute layover.

American Airlines: Often offers one-stop service via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) with reliable connections and broad schedule choices; good for AAdvantage members. Delta Air Lines: Routes commonly connect through Atlanta (ATL); useful for Delta SkyMiles loyalty and smooth domestic connections. Southwest Airlines: Known for flexible ticketing and two free checked bags; flights may connect through Baltimore or other Southwest operations depending on season. United Airlines: Typical connections through Chicago (ORD) or Houston (IAH), useful if you prefer MileagePlus perks. For December, compare total travel time, layover lengths and baggage fees—Southwest can be cost-effective but may require longer routing. CTA: Compare fares across these carriers and book based on whether you prioritize price, points, or shorter travel time.

Pack layers when traveling from warm Southwest Florida (RSW) to cooler Northwest Arkansas (XNA) in December—include a warm jacket and rainproof outer layer in case of winter fronts. Reserve rental cars and airport parking early; December holiday weekends often sell out. Monitor weather forecasts for the Ozarks and check airline alerts for connection disruptions, especially if your itinerary includes northern hubs. For smoother travel, enroll in TSA PreCheck, download airline apps for boarding and gate updates, and allow extra time for luggage pickup at XNA during event weekends. CTA: Prepare for both sun and chill—pack smart and check your itinerary before flying RSW to XNA in December.

Typical travel time from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in December ranges from about 4 to 7 hours total door-to-door depending on connections. Flight segments may be ~2.5 hours to a hub (e.g., DFW or ATL) and another ~1.5 hour onward to XNA; including connection time, expect 3.5–6+ hours. Direct nonstops are rare; most travelers should plan for one-stop itineraries and allow at least 60–90 minutes minimum connection time at major hubs during busy December periods. Check updated schedules and build extra cushion for baggage transfers and potential winter-weather delays on approach to XNA.

To find cheap December flights from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA), search and compare fares across multiple aggregators and carriers, set price alerts, and remain flexible with travel dates. Midweek departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) and flights outside peak holiday windows typically yield the best savings. Book between 3–6 weeks before December travel for holiday-seat availability; for tight budget travel, consider earlier mornings or late-evening connections that are often less expensive. Use layover hubs smartly—one-stop itineraries via Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) or Atlanta (ATL) can be cheaper than uncommon nonstop options. CTA: Set fare alerts now and compare carriers to lock in the best RSW to XNA December deals.