Finding an affordable flight to Denver International Airport (DEN) is not just about searching for the lowest price—it requires a strategic approach to booking, selecting the right airline, and knowing when to fly. I have spent countless hours comparing airfare, testing different travel hacks, and experiencing firsthand the best and worst flights on this route.
Denver is a bustling city that serves as a gateway to Rocky Mountain adventures, business conferences, and world-class dining. Whether you are traveling for work, a ski trip, or just exploring the city, saving money on airfare can allow you to spend more on your actual experience rather than just the ticket.
I will share a detailed breakdown of my recent flight from Salt Lake City to Denver, including:
• How I booked my flight and saved money
• Comparison of one-way vs. round-trip ticket prices
• The top four airlines flying this route and their pros and cons
• Best times to book and avoid peak travel hours
• Nearby airports as alternatives to Denver International Airport
• Booking platforms and discount strategies
• Practical tips for finding the lowest airfare
If you are looking to fly to Denver without overpaying, this guide will help you make informed decisions and maximize your travel budget.
My Recent Flight from Salt Lake City to Denver
For my latest trip, I booked a Delta Airlines economy class flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Denver (DEN). I compared ticket prices across different platforms before finalizing my booking.
Flight Details
• Airline: Delta Airlines
• Flight Number: DL 1184
• Departure Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
• Arrival Airport: Denver International Airport (DEN)
• Departure Time: 9:15 AM MST
• Arrival Time: 10:40 AM MST
• Flight Duration: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Class: Economy
• Seat: 16F (Window)
• Ticket Cost: $89 (booked two weeks in advance)
Booking Process & Cost Breakdown
I used Google Flights and Skyscanner to track fares for this route. Delta was running a flash sale, offering an $89 one-way ticket—one of the lowest prices available for this flight. I compared prices with other airlines such as Southwest, United, and Frontier, but Delta provided the best balance between price and service.
• Base Fare: $89
• Taxes & Fees: Included
• Checked Baggage: $30 (not included in economy fare)
• Carry-on Bag: Free
• Total Cost: $119 (including baggage fee)
Had I booked a round-trip ticket, I could have saved $20 overall, but I needed flexibility for my return date.
One-Way vs. Round-Trip Tickets: Which is Cheaper?
When searching for flights, I always compare one-way and round-trip options because airlines price them differently based on demand and promotions.
One-Way Ticket Prices (Booked Two Weeks in Advance)
• Delta Airlines: $89
• United Airlines: $102
• Southwest Airlines: $96
• Frontier Airlines: $58 (budget airline with extra fees)
Round-Trip Ticket Prices
• Delta Airlines: $175
• United Airlines: $195
• Southwest Airlines: $180
• Frontier Airlines: $120 (but extra baggage fees apply)
Which One is Better?
• If your travel dates are fixed, a round-trip ticket is typically cheaper.
• If you need flexibility, booking two separate one-way tickets lets you mix airlines for better deals and scheduling options.
Top Airlines Flying from Salt Lake City to Denver
After flying this route multiple times, I can confidently recommend these four airlines based on price, comfort, and reliability.
- Delta Airlines – Best Overall Experience
• Price Range: $85-$130 one-way
• Pros: Free snacks, reliable service, comfortable seats
• Cons: Slightly more expensive than Southwest - Southwest Airlines – Best for Free Luggage
• Price Range: $90-$120 one-way
• Pros: Two free checked bags, no change fees
• Cons: Open seating (first-come, first-served) - United Airlines – Best for Business Travelers
• Price Range: $100-$140 one-way
• Pros: Business-class upgrades, frequent flights
• Cons: Baggage fees for economy - Frontier Airlines – Best for Budget Travelers
• Price Range: $50-$80 one-way
• Pros: Cheapest base fares
• Cons: Charges for bags, seat selection, and carry-ons
Best Times to Book Flights & Avoid Peak Hours
Best Days to Book for Lower Prices
• Tuesdays & Wednesdays – Lowest fares
• Fridays & Sundays – Most expensive days
Best Months to Fly
• January to March – Off-peak season (except ski weekends)
• September to October – Great weather, fewer tourists
Worst Times to Travel
• Summer (June – August) – High demand, expensive fares
• Ski Season (December – February weekends) – Prices surge due to tourists
Best Times to Fly for a Smooth Experience
• Early Morning (6 AM – 9 AM) – Fewer delays, cheaper tickets
• Late Night (8 PM – 11 PM) – Less crowded, sometimes cheaper
Alternative Airports for Cheaper Flights
If Denver’s main airport (DEN) is too pricey, consider alternative airports:
If you’re looking to save money on flights to Denver and are flexible with your travel plans, you might want to consider flying into alternative airports nearby. Here are two options that could help you avoid higher airfare at Denver International Airport (DEN):
- Colorado Springs Airport (COS)
• Distance from Denver: Approximately 90 minutes by car, around 70 miles south of Denver. You can reach it easily by taking Interstate 25 south, making it an accessible option for those willing to make the short drive.
• Airlines Serving COS:
o Southwest Airlines – Known for offering low-cost flights with no change fees.
o American Airlines – Provides a range of domestic flights to and from major hubs.
o Delta Airlines – Offers several flight options, particularly from its Atlanta and Minneapolis hubs.
• Best for:
o Avoiding crowds at Denver International Airport: COS is smaller and less crowded, which can make for a much quicker and more relaxed airport experience, especially during busy travel seasons.
o Saving money on parking: If you’re driving, parking is usually cheaper at COS than at DEN.
o Travelers seeking a stress-free experience: Smaller airports like COS often offer more straightforward check-ins, less congestion at security, and easier navigation.
• Savings: Booking a flight to COS instead of DEN can sometimes save you between $50 to $100 on airfare, especially if you’re traveling with low-cost carriers like Southwest.
- Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS)
• Distance from Denver: Roughly a 2-hour drive, around 100 miles north of Denver, located in Wyoming. While this adds more driving time, it’s an option for travelers looking to access cheaper flights while enjoying a scenic drive.
• Airlines Serving CYS:
o United Airlines – Offers a limited but steady number of flights from its hubs in Chicago and Denver, making it a good choice for connecting flights or local service.
• Best for:
o Budget travelers willing to take a road trip: If you don’t mind a longer drive to save on airfare, Cheyenne can be a great option. The savings on tickets often make the extra travel worth it.
o Travelers with flexible schedules: This airport isn’t as busy, which might result in fewer delays but also fewer flight options, so plan accordingly if you need a specific schedule.
o Quick and easy airport access: The airport is relatively small, which can mean quicker check-in, security, and baggage claim times.
• Savings: Since flights into CYS are less frequent and the airport is much smaller, ticket prices tend to be lower. If you’re flexible and can handle the extra drive, you might save a significant amount compared to flying into DEN.
These alternative airports could provide you with lower-cost flight options and less stressful travel experiences compared to Denver’s busy international airport. Consider the trade-off of additional travel time, and you might find that the savings are well worth the effort!
Best Booking Platforms for Cheap Flights
- Google Flights
• Best for price tracking & flexible dates
• Shows historical fare trends - Skyscanner
• Finds hidden airline discounts
• Good for multi-city flights - Expedia & KAYAK
• Good for bundling flight + hotel deals
• Great for earning travel rewards - Airline Websites (Delta, Southwest, United)
• Sometimes cheaper than third-party sites
• Southwest flights aren’t listed on other platforms
Tips for Booking Cheap Flights to Denver
Here are some valuable tips for booking cheap flights to Denver, helping you save money while securing the best deals:
- Book 3-6 Weeks in Advance for Best Fares
• Why it works: Flight prices tend to be lower when booked in advance. Airlines usually offer their cheapest fares about 3-6 weeks before departure, giving you a good window to lock in deals. Waiting too long can result in prices increasing, especially as the flight date approaches.
• Tip: If you’re planning to travel during peak seasons (like holidays or summer), it’s best to book even earlier to secure the best rates. - Sign Up for Email Alerts from Airlines & Travel Sites
• Why it works: Many airlines and travel booking sites (such as Google Flights, Skyscanner, or Kayak) offer email alerts for fare drops and special promotions. Signing up for these alerts can help you catch discounts and sales that you might otherwise miss.
• Tip: Be sure to customize your alerts to focus specifically on flights to Denver or any nearby alternative airports (like COS or CYS), so you’re notified of the best deals right away. - Use Airline Miles or Credit Card Points to Reduce Costs
• Why it works: If you have accumulated frequent flyer miles or credit card points, you can often redeem them for flight discounts or even free tickets. This can be a great way to significantly lower the overall cost of your trip.
• Tip: Consider signing up for a travel rewards credit card if you don’t already have one. These cards often offer bonus miles or points as a sign-up perk, which can be redeemed for future travel. - Fly Mid-Week to Avoid Expensive Weekend Fares
• Why it works: Flights tend to be more expensive on weekends, especially Fridays and Sundays, as these are the most popular days for both leisure and business travel. Flying on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday usually results in cheaper fares.
• Tip: If your schedule allows, aim to book flights departing and returning mid-week. You’ll often find better availability at lower prices, especially if you’re flexible on your exact travel dates. - Consider Alternative Airports for Cheaper Flights
• Why it works: Major airports like Denver International (DEN) can be expensive due to high demand. Flying into smaller, nearby airports such as Colorado Springs Airport (COS) or Cheyenne Regional Airport (CYS) can offer lower-cost alternatives, often saving you money.
• Tip: If you don’t mind a short drive to reach Denver or the surrounding area, consider booking a flight to these smaller airports. The savings on airfare might outweigh the cost of a car rental or drive, making it an attractive option.
By combining these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding more affordable flights to Denver, whether you’re traveling for business or leisure. Planning ahead and staying flexible can make a big difference when it comes to booking cheap tickets!
My recent Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Denver was smooth, affordable, and stress-free. Denver is a fantastic city to visit, and with the right strategies, you can find cheap flights without compromising comfort.
By booking early, using fare comparison tools, and avoiding peak times, you can save money and enjoy a hassle-free trip.
Safe travels to Denver!