How to find cheap flights to to Denver?

How to find cheap flights to to Denver?

πŸŒ„ Searching for low fares to Denver (DEN) is easier than most travelers expect. This domestic-focused guide covers everything needed to save on flights to the Mile High City β€” booking windows, cheapest months, nonstop airline options with prices, airport strategy, reward-card hacks, last-minute tactics, baggage fees, and real fare examples.

πŸ•’ Best Times to Book Flights to Denver

Domestic booking sweet spot: Denver fares are most predictable when booked 4–7 weeks in advance. Summer and ski season require 8–12 weeks for best value.

Flying Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday and choosing first-morning departures typically cuts $25–$70 off roundtrip totals.

πŸ“‰ Cheapest Month to Fly to Denver

The most affordable months for domestic fares into DEN are September, early November, and late January after the holiday crowds taper off.

✈️ Nonstop Flights β€” Airlines & Typical Prices

Approximate roundtrip economy pricing (illustrative):

RouteAirlinesTypical Roundtrip
PHX β†’ DENFrontier, Southwest$68–$129
DFW β†’ DENAmerican, Southwest, United$92–$168
LAS β†’ DENFrontier, Southwest, United$59–$132
ATL β†’ DENDelta, Frontier, United$118–$199
LAX β†’ DENUnited, American, Delta$89–$176

Denver is a major hub for United and Frontier, creating strong domestic competition and frequent price dips.

πŸ”₯ How to Find Flight Deals to Denver

  • πŸ”” Set price alerts on Google Flights and track multiple nearby departure airports for better deals.
  • 🎟️ Frontier flash sales often include DEN β€” verify baggage totals before comparing with legacy carriers.
  • πŸ“… Search using monthly calendars to reveal surprisingly cheap shoulder-season dates.
  • πŸ”€ Look at one-way combos β€” mixing airlines can cut 15–25% off roundtrip costs.
  • πŸ’³ Compare cash vs. reward pricing in travel portals; Denver frequently sees low fixed-value redemptions.

πŸ›¬ Denver Airport Guide (DEN)

Denver International (DEN)

  • Massive domestic route network with excellent award-seat availability.
  • Easy airport rail link to downtown via the A-Line.
  • Lounges: United Club, Delta Sky Club, American Admirals Club.

πŸ’³ Credit Card & Reward Tips

  • Use airline-branded cards to avoid bag fees, especially on United or American.
  • Chase and Amex travel portals often list competitive DEN pricing during promos.
  • Redeem points on Southwest when traveling with checked luggage β€” the included bags often beat a low base fare elsewhere.
  • Pick cards offering trip-delay coverage for winter travel, when storms can affect schedules.

⏳ Last-Minute Flights & Tactics

  • 🟦 United and Frontier frequently release last-minute discounts on lightly sold flights.
  • πŸ“± Check airline apps hourly β€” Denver often sees dynamic fare drops within 48 hours.
  • πŸ” Redeem points for better last-minute value, especially with flexible programs like UR/MR.

πŸ›‘οΈ Travel Insurance β€” When It’s Useful

Winter weather in Colorado can impact travel reliability. Insurance is worth considering from December–March, especially for ski trips or multi-segment itineraries. Many premium travel cards include built-in protections.

πŸ’Ό Baggage Fees β€” What to Expect

  • American / United / Delta: ~$30–$35 for first checked bag
  • Southwest: two checked bags free
  • Frontier: charges for both carry-on and checked bags β€” add before booking

πŸ’Ά Price Examples (Roundtrip, Economy β€” Illustrative)

FromTypical Roundtrip
PHX β†’ DEN$68–$129
LAS β†’ DEN$59–$132
DFW β†’ DEN$92–$168
LAX β†’ DEN$89–$176
πŸ’‘ Pro Tip: Always compare Frontier nonstop fares with legacy-carrier basic economy. Frontier often wins on base price, but once carry-on fees are included, Southwest or United may offer a lower total cost.

βœ”οΈ Quick Checklist Before Booking

  • Check fares 4–7 weeks out for sweet-spot pricing.
  • Compare one-way combos for extra flexibility.
  • Evaluate total trip cost β€” especially bags on Frontier.
  • Use travel-reward cards for added protections and point savings.

Helpful tools: Google Flights β€’ Kayak β€’ Skyscanner