Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
To find cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December, search early for nonrefundable basic economy fares, monitor fare alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, and consider midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday). Booking 3–6 weeks in advance for holiday windows and using flexible-date search tools increases your chances of snagging deals—set alerts and book refundable options only if your plans might change. Book now to lock in holiday savings and compare nonstop carriers like Alaska, United, and Southwest for the best SFO to LAX fares.
Nonstop flight time between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) averages about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes depending on winds and routing. Allow extra time for taxiing during holiday congestion in December and factor in early arrival for security screening—schedules may shift slightly due to winter weather patterns in the region. Check live flight status before departing SFO to LAX to avoid surprises.
Yes, multiple carriers operate frequent nonstop flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) throughout December, including during the Christmas and New Year travel peaks. Expect higher fares and fuller flights during holiday weekends; book nonstop seats early and consider alternate times or midweek travel to save. Use airline apps or the SFO and LAX official websites to view real-time nonstop availability.
In December, San Francisco can experience fog, low marine layers, and occasional Pacific storms that may cause ground delays and longer taxi times at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is typically milder but can face rain and holiday traffic disruptions; both airports may see schedule adjustments during heavy storms. Check FAA advisories, airline delay alerts, and consider early morning flights to reduce weather-related risk.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers BART to downtown San Francisco, Caltrain shuttles to Silicon Valley, airport shuttles, taxis, and ride-hailing services—making it easy to reach the airport for December travel. Allow extra time for holiday traffic on I-101 and US-101, and consider using BART for predictable travel times on busy days. Reserve parking or book an off-site shuttle in advance if you're driving to SFO during the December holiday surge.
Baggage allowances on SFO to LAX flights depend on the airline and fare class; many basic economy fares charge for checked bags while most major carriers allow a carry-on and personal item. During December holiday travel, label luggage clearly, arrive earlier for checked-bag drop-offs, and confirm airline size/weight limits to avoid extra fees. Consider packing light for quick turnarounds and use TSA PreCheck for faster security lines at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
After landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you can use rental cars, app-based rideshares, airport shuttles, taxis, or the LAX FlyAway bus for direct service to downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, or Union Station. During December holiday periods, expect higher demand for rideshares and longer wait times; pre-book a rental car or schedule an airport shuttle to secure pickup. Consider traveling to nearby destinations like Anaheim (Disneyland), Santa Monica, or Beverly Hills and check real-time transit options before arrival.
December holiday weekends at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) typically mean crowded terminals, longer arrival queues, and busy ground transportation zones—plan extra time for baggage claim and ground transit. Airports often implement additional customer service staff and information kiosks, but it’s wise to pre-arrange pick-ups and monitor airline notifications for gate or baggage updates. Arriving early in the day can reduce the impact of congestion when flying from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to LAX.
For domestic flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), customs clearance is not required; however, expedited screening options like TSA PreCheck can speed up security for return travel. If connecting to an international flight from LAX, allow ample time for additional checks—December airport volumes can increase processing times. Verify your boarding passes and connection details in advance when planning onward international travel from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you can quickly reach Santa Monica and Venice Beach for coastal sightseeing; Hollywood and Beverly Hills for entertainment and shopping; and Anaheim for Disneyland Resort with a 30–60 minute drive depending on traffic. December offers holiday events like L.A. Zoo Lights and seasonal markets, but plan extra transit time for peak holiday traffic. Use rideshares or pre-booked shuttles for the most direct access to these top destinations.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) provides baggage assistance, porter services, luggage storage (at select terminals), information desks, and seasonal pop-up services during December for arriving passengers. For faster exits, use expedited baggage handling if offered by your airline and reserve rideshares or rental cars in advance as holiday demand is high. Check LAX terminal maps and airline arrival advisories to find assistance points quickly when you land from San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
In December, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) follows CDC and TSA guidance for domestic travel; expect enhanced cleaning in high-traffic areas, hand sanitizing stations, and posted health advisories. Mask policies are determined by current public health guidelines—check airline and airport websites for the latest requirements before traveling from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to LAX. Keep vaccination records or required documentation handy if flying onward internationally from LAX.
December brings festive events near both airports. In the Bay Area, visitors accessing San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can enjoy Union Square ice skating, holiday markets, and Napa Valley wine holidays. Near Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), travelers can visit L.A. Zoo Lights, Holiday at the Arboretum in Pasadena, and seasonal shows in Hollywood and Anaheim (Disneyland’s holiday celebrations). These events drive higher passenger volumes—plan flights and ground transport accordingly.
For December travel between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the best times to fly are early morning on weekdays (Tues–Thurs) to avoid holiday peaks and reduce the chance of weather-related or air-traffic delays. Avoid flying on peak travel days around Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day when fares and crowds spike. If flexibility allows, travel midweek and aim for first or last flights of the day to capture lower fares and potentially emptier cabins.
For the short San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route, nonstop flights are almost always preferable in December because they save time and reduce disruption risk. Connecting flights via other hubs are rarely faster and may increase the chance of missed connections during holiday weather or busy airport operations. Consider connections only if they provide a substantial cost saving, essential loyalty benefits, or better timing for your itinerary.
Alaska Airlines often offers competitive fares and excellent loyalty options on SFO–LAX nonstops, while United and Delta provide multiple daily flights with hub connections. Southwest frequently offers value with two free checked bags and robust schedule options; American Airlines provides solid service and seat availability for holiday travelers. Evaluate fare classes (basic economy vs main cabin), baggage fees, and loyalty benefits to pick the best carrier for December travel.
December travel between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) requires planning for holiday crowds, variable weather (fog and Pacific storms in Northern California; rain in Southern California), and busier transportation hubs. Pack layers for coastal temperature swings, use TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed security, and allow 30–60 extra minutes for ground transport pickup at LAX during holiday evenings. Reserve rental cars and airport parking in advance and sign up for airline delay alerts.
Typical nonstop flight time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 35 minutes. Airlines operate dozens of daily flights in December with peak frequency in the morning and early evening to accommodate business and holiday travelers. Early-morning flights (5–8 AM) generally see fewer delays, while peak holiday windows (Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and post-Christmas) may experience schedule compressions and fuller loads.
To secure cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in December, compare multiple OTAs and airline sites, set fare alerts, and look for midweek or red-eye departures. Use location-based modifiers (San Francisco to Los Angeles nonstop, December bargain) and consider alternative nearby airports like Oakland (OAK) or San Jose (SJC) if SFO fares spike. Leverage points and loyalty program awards with carriers such as Alaska, United, and Southwest for last-minute savings; check flexible-date calendars and bundle with hotel or car for package discounts.
