I’ll be honest: finding and booking cheapest flights to Denver isn’t exactly my idea of a good time. It’s more like a high-stakes game where the airlines hold all the cards, and I’m just a clueless player trying not to lose my shirt. But when I decided to spend a week in Denver—hiking, brewery hopping, and finally meeting the Rocky Mountains in person—I knew I had to crack the code.
Spoiler: I did. And I’m here to tell you how I scored a round-trip flight for less than the cost of a fancy dinner. (Okay, a really fancy dinner, but still. It was cheap.)
Step 1: Playing the Waiting Game (but Not for Too Long)
Here’s the thing about flights: how i found some cheapest flights to Denver, they’re like bananas. Buy them too early, and they’re overpriced and green. Wait too long, and boom—your “deal” turns into a squishy brown mess. Timing is everything.
For Denver, I found the sweet spot is about 4-6 weeks out. I started tracking flights using Google Flights and Hopper (because I’m the kind of person who likes to outsource my stress to apps). Every morning, I checked prices like a hawk, which might sound obsessive, but it was oddly satisfying. There’s something about watching prices fluctuate like a Wall Street stock that makes you feel…in control? Or maybe just slightly unhinged.
Step 2: Flex Your Dates (Because Who Needs a Routine?)
If you’ve ever tried searching for flights on a specific date, you know how unforgiving those algorithms can be. So, I ditched the idea of flying out on a Friday—prime time for business bros and weekend warriors—and opted for a Tuesday morning departure. (Hot tip: Nobody wants to fly on a Tuesday unless they’re a broke millennial or an overly strategic digital nomad like me.)
The result? I shaved $120 off my ticket price just by being flexible. Sure, it meant I had to say goodbye to my usual Monday Netflix binge session, but hey, sacrifices were made.
Step 3: Budget Airlines Aren’t That Bad (I Promise)
Let’s talk about budget airlines. Are they glamorous? No. Is there a chance your “window seat” might actually be a view of the wing’s nuts and bolts? Definitely. But they’re cheap, and when you’re trying to save cash, that’s what matters.
I ended up booking with Frontier Airlines. Yeah, they’ll charge you for things like breathing too loudly, but I hacked the system by packing everything I needed into a carry-on backpack. (Pro tip: If you roll your clothes like tiny burritos, you can fit so much stuff.)
And honestly? The flight wasn’t bad. Sure, the legroom was tighter than my skinny jeans post-holiday season, but I survived. Plus, the view of the Rockies as we descended into Denver made me forget all about my crunched knees.
Step 4: The Art of Fare Alerts (AKA Letting Robots Do the Work)
If you’re not using fare alerts, what are you even doing? I signed up for price drop notifications on Skyscanner and Kayak, which basically turned my email inbox into a treasure trove of deals. Sure, you have to wade through a few too-good-to-be-true offers (like that $20 flight with a 19-hour layover in Iceland), but patience pays off.
One morning, I got an alert for a deal that was almost too good: $150 round-trip from my home base to Denver. I hit “Book” so fast I’m surprised I didn’t sprain a finger.
Step 5: Credit Card Points Are Your Best Friend
Let me be real for a second: I used to think travel credit cards were a scam. Like, why do I need 3x points on dining out when I already spend half my life eating tacos? But then I realized those points add up fast.
For this trip, I used points to cover taxes and fees, which brought my total out-of-pocket cost to an absurdly low $98.98. (Yes, I saved the receipt for bragging rights.) If you’re not earning points for stuff you already buy, start now. Future You will thank you.
Final Thoughts (and a Little Denver Love)
When I finally landed in Denver, I felt like I’d won some kind of travel lottery. The air was crisp, the mountains were calling, and my wallet? Still intact. Over the next week, I fell hard for the city—its quirky neighborhoods, craft beer scene, and the way the sunsets paint the Rockies in shades of gold and purple.
If you’ve been dreaming of Denver but think flying there will break the bank, don’t give up. Cheap flights exist; you just have to know where (and when) to look. And hey, if I can do it—armed with nothing but a credit card and a borderline unhealthy obsession with flight trackers—you can too.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a hiking trail to conquer. ✌️
#USA #Colorado #Denver #traveling #FlyToDenver
how to find cheap flights to Denver
Flight Booking Tools
- Google Flights – https://www.google.com/flights
- Use to search and track flight prices globally.
- Hopper – https://www.hopper.com
- For fare predictions and deals.
- Skyscanner – https://www.skyscanner.com
- Compare flights from multiple airlines for the best price.
- Kayak – https://www.kayak.com
- A great tool for flexible date searches and fare alerts.
Budget Airlines Flying to Denver
- Frontier Airlines – https://www.flyfrontier.com
- Known for low-cost flights to Denver.
- Southwest Airlines – https://www.southwest.com
- Affordable and includes free checked bags.
- Spirit Airlines – https://www.spirit.com
- Budget-friendly options for travelers with minimal luggage.
FAQs
When is the cheapest time to fly to Denver?
The cheapest time to fly to Denver is typically in January and February, when tourism slows down due to colder weather. Midweek flights, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, also tend to be more affordable.
How far in advance should I book my flight to Denver?
For domestic flights to Denver, it’s best to book 4-6 weeks in advance for the best prices. Keep an eye on fare tracking tools like Google Flights for price drops.
What are the best airlines for cheap flights to Denver?
Budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit often offer the cheapest flights to Denver. Southwest is another great option as it includes free checked bags, saving you additional costs.
Do flight prices to Denver vary by day of the week?
Yes! Flights to Denver are usually cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. Avoid booking or flying on Fridays and Sundays, as these are peak travel days.
Are there any budget-friendly airports near Denver?
Denver International Airport (DIA) is the primary airport for the city. While it’s budget-friendly due to frequent flights, smaller airports like Colorado Springs (about 1.5 hours away) might occasionally have deals.
What’s the best way to track flight deals to Denver?
Use fare tracking tools like Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner to monitor prices. You can also subscribe to airline newsletters for exclusive promotions.
Can I save money by booking a flight and hotel package to Denver?
Yes, many travel platforms like Expedia and Kayak offer discounts when you book flights and hotels together. This is a great way to bundle your savings.
Are there hidden fees I should watch out for on budget airlines?
Budget airlines like Frontier and Spirit often charge extra for seat selection, carry-on bags, and snacks. Check the airline’s fee policy before booking to avoid surprises.
What are some tips for packing light when flying to Denver?
Roll your clothes to maximize space, stick to essentials, and wear bulkier items like jackets and boots on the plane. This will help you avoid baggage fees on budget airlines.
How do I use credit card points to book cheap flights to Denver?
Sign up for travel rewards credit cards like Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture. Use these cards for everyday purchases to earn points, which you can redeem for flights to Denver through their travel portals or airline partners.