✈️ Flight Guide: Houston (IAH) → Los Angeles (Any)

During December, there are typically multiple daily nonstop flights from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA), with peak frequencies on weekdays and additional seasonal rotations around holiday weekends. Expect roughly 10–20 nonstop departures daily when combining carriers, with more options early in the month and slightly reduced, yet busier, schedules around Christmas and New Year.

Typical nonstop flight time from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) averages 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes. Allow for a 2-hour time zone difference (Houston CST to Los Angeles PST) when planning connections and arrival times.

December is a peak holiday travel month, so while weather in Houston is usually mild, increased passenger volume and winter weather elsewhere can create ripple delays. Plan extra connection time, arrive early for check-in and security, and consider booking morning flights from IAH to reduce odds of delay.

For December travel, especially around the holidays, book 6–10 weeks in advance for the best balance of price and availability; early December trips sometimes show lower fares than the weeks around Christmas and New Year's. Monitor fares, use fare alerts, and be flexible on midweek departures (Tuesdays/Wednesdays) to find cheap IAH to LAXA December flights.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) serves Houston and nearby major cities including Galveston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas for connecting travel. Travelers often use IAH as a hub to reach central Texas destinations, Mexico, and transcontinental routes to California including Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA).

For December departures from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), arrive at least 2 hours before domestic nonstop flights and 2.5–3 hours before major holiday peak departures. Holiday security lines and additional screening at IAH can add time, so factor in parking, shuttle rides, and TSA PreCheck lines when planning.

Expect cooler, mild Southern California weather with busy terminals due to holiday visitors. Ground transportation options include rental cars, ride-shares, shuttles, and metro links; allow extra time for baggage claim and rideshare pickup during December events and peak airport periods.

While Los Angeles rarely sees major weather-related cancellations, December holiday crowds and event traffic (concerts, Hollywood events) can slow ground transportation and immigration lines at international terminals. For domestic arrivals from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), monitor local traffic and rideshare zones and consider off-peak arrivals to avoid congestion.

From Los Angeles (All Airports) (LAXA) you can easily reach Anaheim (Disneyland), Long Beach (cruise terminals), Santa Monica (beaches), Pasadena (Rose Parade area), and even San Diego by car or short connecting flights. December visitors often combine LA arrivals with theme park holiday seasons and coastal sightseeing.

December brings events like LA Zoo Lights, holiday displays at The Grove and Universal Studios' Holiday Celebrations, and seasonal LA area concerts and NBA games which can increase ground traffic and hotel rates. Check event calendars before booking ground transport or late-night connections to avoid delays.

Compare prepaid shuttle services, rideshare flat-fares, and public transit (LA Metro) for the best value when arriving in December. For groups, shared airport shuttles or off-site airport parking shuttles to nearby long-term lots can reduce cost; buy tickets in advance for peace of mind during holiday peaks.