Airline Flights Denver

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How much do flights to Denver cost?

Denver International Airport (DEN) sees over 100 airlines flying in and out every day, making it a major hub. You can snag a roundtrip flight from New York (JFK) for as low as $110 if you book 60 days out, but last-minute trips often jump to $350+.

United dominates DEN with 45% of departures, followed by Delta (20%) and American (15%). A flight from Chicago (ORD) to DEN averages $135 one-way during off-peak season. I’ve seen Southwest sell tickets for $99 on Tuesdays – but only if you hunt for it early.

What’s the best airline for Denver flights?

United is my top pick for DEN connections. Their hub runs smoothly with 25+ daily flights to key cities like Los Angeles (LAX) and Atlanta (ATL). You get 32 inches of legroom on domestic routes, which beats Delta’s 30 inches. Their app also gives real-time gate changes – crucial when Denver’s notorious for weather delays.

But avoid Frontier on short hops. I booked a 2-hour DEN to Dallas (DFW) flight last month with them and paid $120 extra for a 10kg carry-on. That’s a $35 fee just for your laptop bag. United’s standard carry-on allowance is free, no questions asked. Save your sanity.

When should you fly to Denver for the best prices?

September is the sweet spot for cheap flights to Denver. You’ll pay $140 roundtrip from Boston (BOS) versus $220 in July. Why? Post-summer travel slump – hotels drop rates, airlines slash fares to fill seats. I’ve booked multiple trips for my clients in early September and saved $80 per person.

Avoid weekends. Flights on Fridays and Sundays cost 30% more due to leisure travelers. If you need to go on a Friday, book Tuesday or Wednesday. A Tuesday flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to DEN was $155 vs. $215 Friday. That’s real cash in your pocket for the Rockies.

Which airports serve Denver as alternatives?

DEN is the main airport, but Eppley Airfield (OMA) in Omaha is a sneaky alternative for cheaper tickets. A flight from OMA to DEN costs $65 one-way, but you’re looking at a 3-hour drive or $70 shuttle. I’d only recommend this if you’re flying with Southwest (they serve OMA) and have a rental car waiting.

For international travelers, Colorado Springs (COS) is 65 miles south. It’s not a full airport – only 5 flights weekly to Denver. A flight from COS to DEN is $110, but you’re stuck waiting 45 minutes for the shuttle. Only useful if you’re already in Colorado Springs for a conference.

What’s the fastest route from Denver to popular destinations?

Denver to Los Angeles (LAX) is a 2h 15m nonstop flight on United or American. The cheapest time? Tuesday mornings – I’ve seen $125 roundtrip. Avoid Wednesday afternoons; that’s when business travelers flood the market, pushing prices to $250.

For Chicago (ORD), United offers 14 daily nonstops. The flight takes 2h 10m and costs $130 off-peak. Delta flies the same route but with a 10-minute longer flight time. Don’t bother with connecting flights – they add 2+ hours and cost $40 more. Stick to direct. My clients hate wasting time at the airport.

Q: Can I get a flight to Denver for under $100 roundtrip?

A: Yes, but only during deep off-peak season (January–February) with budget airlines like Frontier or Spirit. I found a $98 roundtrip from Austin (AUS) in January 2024. It’s not easy though – you need to book 90 days early and accept zero baggage allowance. For reliability, $110 is the realistic floor.

Q: Are there any airlines that don’t charge for checked bags on Denver routes?

A: Only Southwest and JetBlue on select routes. Southwest flies Denver to 15 cities with two free checked bags. JetBlue’s Denver routes (like DEN to Boston) allow one free bag. All others – United, Delta, American – charge $35 for the first bag. Don’t get caught without a bag fee budget.

How early should I arrive at Denver International Airport?

For domestic flights, 90 minutes is enough. DEN’s security lines are usually under 20 minutes if you avoid peak hours (7–9 AM). But if you’re flying United’s 5:30 AM flight to Chicago, arrive by 4:00 AM. The airport opens at 4:30 AM, and you’ll miss your flight if you wait until 4:45. I’ve seen it happen twice in one week.

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Flavia Voican

Travel entrepreneur & founder of 360 Business Tour. Writing about flights, destinations, and travel hacks since 2011.