Complete travel information for your December journey
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) operates four main terminals (1, 2, 3 and the International Terminal) with a wide range of lounges, dining, and retail options. The International Terminal is used for long-haul and many Asia routes; plan to arrive 2–3 hours before international flights in December due to higher holiday passenger volumes. Check terminal and gate information before you leave and use airline apps for live updates.
In December, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) typically experiences increased passenger volume and occasional longer security lines during holiday peaks and winter school breaks. Allocate extra time for check-in and security screening, and consider TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed your process. Monitor SFO's official alerts and your airline's notifications for any temporary lane or schedule adjustments.
From downtown San Francisco to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), choose BART for a reliable and cost-effective option (direct BART service to the airport), ride-hailing services like Uber/Lyft, or airport shuttles and taxis. During December holiday traffic, allow extra time for road travel; BART is often faster during peak periods. If you’re heading from nearby major cities like San Jose or Oakland, regional shuttles and Caltrain plus BART connections provide useful alternatives.
For international flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), verify your airline’s checked and carry-on baggage allowances, and ensure liquids follow TSA rules for carry-ons. You’ll complete U.S. exit procedures and check immigration forms if applicable; upon arrival in Cambodia, expect customs declaration and possible inspections. In December, enhanced pressure on baggage handling can occur—label bags and keep valuables in carry-on luggage.
There are rarely nonstop flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH); most itineraries in December include one or two connections via hubs such as Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), Bangkok (BKK), or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). Booking early can secure better routing and shorter total travel time; use multi-airline search tools and check for through-checked baggage options when connecting.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers accessible assistance, wheelchair services, family restrooms, and quiet rooms, plus expanded holiday amenities in December such as seasonal food pop-ups and extended customer service hours. Pre-request mobility services through your airline and allow additional time for assistance pick-up during the holiday surge. SFO also provides currency exchange and SIM card kiosks useful before international departures.
Arrivals at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in December generally experience warm, humid weather with minimal rain compared to monsoon months, making immigration and transfer processes straightforward. Expect immigration queues during peak arrival windows; ensure visa-on-arrival documents or e-visa confirmations are ready. Use official arrival halls for currency exchange, SIM cards, and ground transport options.
From Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) to central Phnom Penh, taxis, airport shuttles, and ride-hailing services (e.g., PassApp, Grab in some areas) provide direct transfers of roughly 30–45 minutes depending on traffic. To reach Siem Reap, domestic flights and long-distance buses depart from Phnom Penh; if traveling in December, book domestic connections early due to holiday demand. Confirm prices and arrange official taxis at the regulated airport desk to avoid overcharging.
U.S. citizens can obtain an e-visa or visa-on-arrival for Cambodia for most short-term tourist stays; apply before travel or prepare required documents at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH). Ensure your passport has at least six months validity from the date of entry and carry proof of onward travel. December holiday travel may increase processing times, so apply online in advance when possible.
December brings a mix of cultural events and tourist-friendly festivals across Cambodia. In Phnom Penh, December features local markets, riverside gatherings, and occasional holiday-themed events that attract international visitors. Many travelers pair Phnom Penh visits with excursions to Siem Reap for Angkor Wat sunrise visits—December is prime season for both due to comfortable weather and clearer skies.
The best time to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) balances weather, cost, and crowd levels. For December travel, early-to-mid December (avoid the last two weeks of December) often offers better fares and fewer crowds than peak holiday dates. For weather, Phnom Penh’s dry and comfortable conditions make December an excellent travel month; choose midweek departures and non-peak hours to avoid long airport lines.
Direct nonstop flights are not common for the SFO→PNH route; passengers should expect connecting flights with one or two stops. Connecting flights via key Asian hubs can offer flexible schedules and competitive fares, while multi-leg itineraries may increase total travel time. When choosing connections, prioritize single-ticket itineraries for baggage protection and allow adequate layover time—especially in December when weather and holiday crowds can cause delays.
Airlines commonly servicing SFO-to-Asian-hub-to-PNH itineraries include Korean Air (via ICN), EVA Air (via TPE), Thai Airways (via BKK), and Vietnam Airlines (via SGN). Compare based on total travel time, layover duration, baggage policies, seat comfort, and alliance perks. In December, premium economy and flexible fares can be worth the price if avoiding holiday stress and potential delays is a priority.
Season-specific advice for December travel from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH): prepare for cool, damp conditions in San Francisco and warm, dry weather in Phnom Penh. Bring layered clothing, a compact umbrella for SFO, and lightweight breathable clothes plus sunscreen for PNH. Factor in longer domestic lines and holiday traffic in December—pre-book transfers, get e-visas ahead of time, and use luggage tracking tags to prevent delays.
Typical total travel time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) ranges from 20 to 34+ hours depending on layovers. There are few if any nonstop options; most schedules include a first transpacific leg to Seoul, Taipei, Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City, followed by a regional feeder flight. In December, schedule changes around holidays may affect frequency—allow buffer time for connections and target shorter layovers when possible to reduce total travel time.
Finding cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) in December requires flexibility with dates, airports, and willingness to connect. Use fare aggregators, set alerts, and monitor flash sales from carriers that operate Asian routes such as Korean Air, EVA Air, Thai Airways, and Vietnam Airlines. Consider routing via major hubs (Seoul ICN, Taipei TPE, Bangkok BKK, Ho Chi Minh SGN) and book Tuesday–Thursday departures for better pricing. If December holiday travel pushes prices higher, search adjacent airports like Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) or consider late-November to early-December windows for lower fares.
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Book your economy class flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Phnom Penh (PNH)and save money on your travel. Compare all flight options to find the best deal for your december trip.
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Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) is generally safe for travelers and offers services such as ATMs, currency exchange, tourist information, and ground transport desks. December is a popular tourist month—official counters and authorized taxis help ensure safety and fair pricing; exercise standard travel caution for belongings and use authorized money changers to avoid scams. For medical or emergency needs, seek assistance at airport medical points or staff.
At Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), collect your checked baggage at designated carousels and proceed through customs where you may be asked to declare certain goods. Customs inspections are routine but generally efficient; be transparent about items and keep receipts handy. In December, higher passenger volumes can slow baggage delivery—report missing bags immediately at the airline baggage counter.
December sees increased tourism in Cambodia around holidays and cooler, drier weather; Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) may have busier immigration lines and higher demand for taxis. Check local travel advisories and airline notices for schedule changes during public holidays or special events. Book intercity transfers and accommodations in advance to avoid sold-out situations and longer queues.