How to Get Cheap Flights to Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international travel. Whether you're visiting for business, skiing in the Rockies, exploring the vibrant city of Denver, or connecting to other western destinations, securing affordable airfare is essential to maximizing your travel budget. With rising fuel costs and fluctuating demand, finding cheap flights to Denver can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. This comprehensive guide reveals proven, actionable strategies to help you consistently find low-cost flights to Denver International Airport, whether you're booking months in advance or looking for last-minute deals.

The importance of mastering the art of finding cheap flights extends beyond saving money—it empowers you to travel more frequently, explore new destinations, and make smarter financial decisions. By understanding airline pricing models, leveraging technology, and timing your purchases correctly, you can cut your airfare expenses by 30% to 70%. This guide walks you through every critical step, from planning and research to booking and post-purchase optimization, using real-world techniques that work for travelers of all types.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Understand Denver’s Peak and Off-Peak Seasons

Denver’s flight prices are heavily influenced by seasonal demand. Knowing when to avoid and when to capitalize on travel windows is the foundation of any successful cheap-flight strategy. Peak seasons in Denver include:

• Winter (December–March): Ski season draws massive crowds to resorts like Vail, Breckenridge, and Aspen. Flights to DEN spike during this time, especially around holidays.
• Summer (June–August): Ideal weather and school breaks lead to high demand for family vacations and outdoor activities.
• Major Events: Events like the Denver Film Festival, Denver PrideFest, and NFL games at Empower Field can cause sudden price surges.

Conversely, the best times to find cheap flights are:

• Early January (after New Year’s): Travel demand drops sharply after the holidays.
• Mid-February to early March: Ski season winds down, but spring hasn’t started yet.
• September to early November: Post-summer lull with pleasant weather and fewer tourists.
• Mid-week travel (Tuesday–Thursday): Flights on these days are consistently 10–20% cheaper than weekend departures.

Plan your trip around these windows to avoid premium pricing. If your schedule is flexible, use calendar views in flight search engines to compare prices across multiple dates.

2. Set Up Price Alerts and Track Trends

Manually checking flight prices daily is inefficient and unsustainable. Instead, use automated tools to monitor fare fluctuations. Set up price alerts on platforms like Google Flights, Hopper, and Kayak for your desired route (e.g., New York to Denver, Los Angeles to Denver) with your preferred travel dates or date ranges.

When you set up an alert, specify:

• Departure and arrival airports (DEN is the only major airport serving Denver)
• Flexible date ranges (e.g., ±3 days around your ideal travel window)
• Number of passengers and cabin class

Most platforms will notify you via email or app notification when prices drop below a threshold. Some, like Hopper, even predict whether prices will rise or fall in the next 7 days with up to 95% accuracy. This predictive power lets you decide whether to book immediately or wait.

Pro Tip: Set alerts for multiple departure airports. Sometimes flying from a nearby city (e.g., Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, or Kansas City) and taking a short connecting train or drive to Denver can save you hundreds.

3. Use Incognito Mode and Clear Cookies

Many travelers don’t realize that airlines and online travel agencies (OTAs) track your browsing behavior. Repeated searches for the same route can trigger algorithmic price increases, as systems assume you’re highly interested and willing to pay more.

To avoid this:

• Always search for flights in an incognito or private browsing window.
• Clear your browser cookies regularly, especially if you’ve been researching flights over several days.
• Use different devices or browsers to compare prices—this helps ensure you’re seeing base rates, not personalized (and inflated) ones.

This simple habit can uncover price discrepancies of $50–$150 on the same flight. Don’t assume the first price you see is the lowest—always verify using a clean browsing session.

4. Book at the Optimal Time

Timing your purchase matters more than you think. Research from the U.S. Department of Transportation and major travel analytics firms shows that the sweet spot for booking domestic flights—including to Denver—is:

• 54 to 60 days before departure: This is when airlines release their lowest fare buckets and competition is still high among carriers.
• For international travelers: Book 2–4 months in advance, especially if flying from Europe or Asia.

However, there are exceptions:

• Last-minute deals (7–14 days before departure): Airlines sometimes slash prices to fill empty seats, particularly on mid-week flights.
• Blue Monday (early January): One of the cheapest days to book flights annually, according to travel data.

Avoid booking too early (more than 6 months ahead)—airlines rarely offer deep discounts that far in advance. Also avoid booking on weekends, especially Sunday evenings, when prices typically rise due to high demand from business travelers returning home.

5. Compare Direct vs. Connecting Flights

Direct flights are convenient, but they’re rarely the cheapest. In many cases, adding one stop can reduce your fare by 25–50%. Denver is a major connecting hub for United, Southwest, and Frontier Airlines, which means you’ll often find competitive pricing on itineraries with layovers in cities like Chicago, Dallas, Phoenix, or Minneapolis.

When evaluating connecting flights, consider:

• Layover duration (aim for 1.5–4 hours to avoid missed connections and excessive waiting)
• Layover airport (some hubs charge higher fees, which get passed to you)
• Terminal transfers (DEN has a large, efficient train system connecting all terminals—no need to re-check bags if on the same airline)

Use tools like Google Flights’ “multi-city” or “nearby airports” filters to explore options. For example, flying into Colorado Springs (COS) and taking a 90-minute drive to Denver can save you $100–$200 on airfare alone.

6. Leverage Budget Airlines Serving DEN

Denver International Airport is a stronghold for low-cost carriers. The top budget airlines operating at DEN include:

• Frontier Airlines: Known for rock-bottom base fares, but charge extra for baggage, seat selection, and even carry-ons. Ideal for solo travelers with minimal luggage.
• Southwest Airlines: No change fees, free checked bags (two), and free seat selection. Excellent value for families or travelers who need flexibility.
• Allegiant Air: Serves smaller markets with ultra-low fares, but often flies into less convenient airports. Check if they offer DEN routes from your city.
• JetBlue: Offers competitive pricing and free in-flight entertainment. Increasingly expanding routes to DEN.

Always compare the total cost—not just the ticket price. Add in baggage fees, seat selection, and onboard purchases to get the true cost per flight. Sometimes a slightly higher fare from Southwest is cheaper overall than a $79 Frontier ticket with $120 in add-ons.

7. Use Airline Rewards and Credit Card Points

If you travel frequently, airline loyalty programs and credit card rewards can dramatically reduce or even eliminate your airfare costs. DEN is a hub for United Airlines (Star Alliance), so United MileagePlus members often find exclusive deals.

Strategies include:

• Applying for a co-branded airline credit card (e.g., United Explorer Card) to earn bonus miles after spending $1,000–$3,000 in the first few months.
• Using general travel cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture, which offer flexible point redemption across multiple airlines.
• Transferring points from hotel programs (Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors) to airline partners when promotions are active.

Redeeming points for award flights to Denver can cost as little as 12,500–25,000 miles one-way, depending on availability. Use tools like AwardWallet to track your points and set alerts for when you have enough for a free flight.

8. Book Round-Trip vs. One-Way Tickets

Historically, round-trip tickets were cheaper than two one-way tickets. While this is still often true, it’s no longer universal. Some airlines, especially budget carriers, price one-way tickets more competitively—particularly on high-demand routes.

Always do a side-by-side comparison:

• Search for a round-trip ticket from your city to DEN.
• Then search for two separate one-way tickets.
• Check if booking with different airlines for outbound and return saves money (e.g., Southwest outbound, Frontier return).

This technique, called “mixed airline booking,” can unlock savings of 15–40%. Just ensure you have enough time between flights if you’re not checking bags through.

9. Consider Alternative Airports Near Denver

While DEN is the primary airport, other nearby airports may offer significantly cheaper fares:

• Colorado Springs Airport (COS): 70 miles south of Denver. Often 30–50% cheaper than DEN, especially for flights from the Midwest and South.
• Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT): 250 miles west—ideal if you’re heading to the Western Slope or planning a road trip through the Rockies.
• Steamboat Springs Airport (SMT): For ski travelers, this tiny airport offers direct flights from select cities and can be cheaper than DEN when combined with a rental car.

Use Google Flights’ “Explore” map feature to see all nearby airports and their average fares. Then calculate the total cost: flight + ground transportation. Often, a $150 flight to COS plus a $50 rental car is cheaper than a $300 flight to DEN.

10. Book Directly With the Airline

While online travel agencies (OTAs) like Expedia and Priceline offer convenience, booking directly with the airline provides critical advantages:

• Price match guarantees—if you find a lower fare within 24 hours, most airlines will refund the difference.
• Greater flexibility for changes, cancellations, and rebooking.
• Access to exclusive member-only sales and promo codes.
• Direct communication if issues arise (e.g., delays, baggage loss).

OTAs can complicate customer service and may not honor airline-specific perks. Always compare prices on the airline’s official website before finalizing your booking on a third-party site.

Best Practices

1. Travel Light to Avoid Baggage Fees

Many budget airlines charge $35–$60 for a checked bag and $30–$50 for a carry-on. If you pack smartly, you can eliminate these fees entirely. Use the “one-bag rule”: a small backpack or duffel that fits under the seat. Pack versatile clothing, use packing cubes, and wear your bulkiest items on the plane.

Even if you’re flying with a full-service airline, avoiding checked bags can save you $25–$50 per leg and reduce wait times at baggage claim.

2. Be Flexible With Travel Dates and Times

Flexibility is your greatest asset. Flying on Tuesday or Wednesday instead of Friday or Sunday can save you up to 25%. Departing early in the morning (before 6 a.m.) or late at night (after 9 p.m.) often yields the lowest fares due to lower demand.

Use Google Flights’ “Date Grid” to view prices across an entire month. Look for the green (lowest) cells and plan accordingly. Even shifting your trip by one day can make a significant difference.

3. Avoid Booking Holidays and School Breaks

Holiday periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and spring break are the most expensive times to fly. If you must travel during these windows, book at least 3–4 months in advance and be prepared to pay a premium. Otherwise, plan around them.

For example, instead of flying the week before Christmas, fly the week after—prices drop by 40%+ and crowds thin dramatically.

4. Monitor Airline Sales and Newsletters

Subscribe to newsletters from airlines that serve DEN. Frontier, Southwest, and United frequently send exclusive promo codes to subscribers—often for $50–$150 off select routes. Sign up for deal alerts from sites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, The Flight Deal, and Airfarewatchdog, which scan for error fares and flash sales.

Set up Google Alerts for keywords like “Denver flight deal,” “cheap flights to DEN,” or “Frontier sale.” You’ll be notified the moment a major promotion drops.

5. Use Student, Military, and Senior Discounts

Many airlines offer discounts for specific groups:

• Students: United, Delta, and Alaska Airlines offer up to 10% off with a valid student ID through StudentUniverse.
• Military personnel: Southwest and American Airlines provide fare discounts and free checked bags for active and veteran service members.
• Seniors (65+): Some airlines offer reduced fares on select routes—always ask at booking.

Don’t assume you’re ineligible—always inquire. These discounts are often hidden and not advertised on public websites.

6. Avoid Peak Travel Days at DEN

Denver International Airport is busiest on Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings. If you’re flying into DEN, try to arrive on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday to avoid long security lines and higher prices. Airlines often increase fares on high-demand arrival days.

Similarly, if you’re departing from DEN, avoid scheduling flights during peak departure windows (4–7 p.m. on Sundays). Morning departures are not only cheaper but also less likely to be delayed due to the day’s accumulating air traffic.

7. Bundle Only When It Makes Sense

Some sites offer “flight + hotel” bundles. While these can be convenient, they’re not always cheaper. Use a separate search engine to compare the cost of booking your flight and hotel independently. Often, booking separately gives you more flexibility and better pricing.

Only bundle if the savings are substantial (at least 15%) and the hotel is in a location you actually want to stay in.

Tools and Resources

Google Flights

Google Flights is the most powerful free tool for finding cheap flights. Its features include:

• Price tracking and alerts
• Interactive calendar showing price trends
• “Explore” map to find destinations under a budget
• Filter by stops, airlines, departure times, and baggage fees
• Comparison of nearby airports

It pulls data directly from airlines and OTAs, ensuring accuracy and speed. Always start your search here.

Hopper

Hopper uses AI to predict whether flight prices will rise or fall. Its “Watch” feature lets you track a route and receive push notifications with a “Buy Now” or “Wait” recommendation. Hopper’s predictions are among the most accurate in the industry, making it ideal for travelers who want data-driven decisions.

Kayak

Kayak offers a “Price Forecast” tool that tells you whether now is a good time to buy. It also has a “Explore” feature that shows the cheapest destinations from your city, which can be useful if you’re open to alternative travel plans.

SkyScanner

SkyScanner is excellent for international travelers or those searching for multi-city itineraries. It scans hundreds of OTAs and airlines, including obscure carriers you might not find elsewhere. Its “Whole Month” view is perfect for flexible travelers.

AwardWallet

If you’re using airline miles or hotel points, AwardWallet helps you track all your loyalty accounts in one dashboard. It sends alerts when points are about to expire and notifies you of bonus point promotions.

Scott’s Cheap Flights (Now Going Merry)

This subscription service (free and paid tiers) emails users about mistake fares, flash sales, and ultra-cheap international and domestic routes. Many users have scored round-trip flights to Denver for under $150 thanks to these alerts.

FlightAware

Use FlightAware to monitor flight delays and cancellations. If your flight is at risk, you may be eligible for a refund or rebooking. It also shows historical on-time performance for specific airlines and routes—helping you avoid chronically delayed carriers.

ATPCO and Hopper’s Fare Insider

For advanced users, ATPCO provides raw airline fare data. While not user-friendly, it’s used by professionals to uncover pricing patterns. Hopper’s Fare Insider offers similar insights in a simplified format for consumers.

Real Examples

Example 1: From Chicago to Denver – $120 Round-Trip

A traveler based in Chicago wanted to visit Denver for a weekend ski trip in February. Using Google Flights, they set a price alert for Chicago (ORD) to Denver (DEN) with flexible dates around February 10–15. The lowest fare found was $120 round-trip on Frontier Airlines, including one carry-on. They booked directly on Frontier’s website and used a $25 coupon from their email newsletter. Total cost: $95. They drove from DEN to Winter Park (1.5 hours), saving $200 on a ski resort shuttle.

Example 2: From Atlanta to Denver – $89 One-Way

A solo traveler from Atlanta was looking for a last-minute getaway. They searched on Hopper, which predicted prices would drop in 4 days. They waited, and on Day 3, a $89 one-way fare appeared on Southwest Airlines. They booked immediately, checked no bags, and used a free seat selection. Total cost: $89. They returned on a $110 flight from DEN to ATL four days later. Total round-trip: $199—70% cheaper than the average $650 fare.

Example 3: From Seattle to Denver via Colorado Springs – $160 Total

A family of four planned a summer trip to Denver. A direct flight from Seattle (SEA) to DEN was $1,200. They searched nearby airports and found a $220 flight from SEA to Colorado Springs (COS). They rented a minivan for $80/day for 5 days. Total ground transportation: $400. Total cost: $620. Savings: $580 compared to direct flights.

Example 4: Using Points for a Free Flight

A frequent business traveler had accumulated 45,000 United MileagePlus miles. They searched for award flights and found a $0 one-way flight from Denver to San Francisco on a Tuesday in November, requiring only 12,500 miles. They used the remaining miles for a future trip and saved $450 in cash.

FAQs

What is the cheapest month to fly to Denver?

January and February are typically the cheapest months to fly to Denver, especially after the New Year’s holiday. Mid-week flights during these months often have the lowest fares.

Are there hidden fees when booking cheap flights to Denver?

Yes, especially with budget airlines. Always check for fees related to checked bags, carry-ons, seat selection, printing boarding passes, and changes. Add these to the base fare to get the true cost.

Should I book directly with the airline or use a third-party site?

Always compare prices, but book directly with the airline whenever possible. You’ll get better customer service, easier changes, and access to exclusive promotions.

Can I find cheap flights to Denver if I’m traveling with children?

Absolutely. Southwest Airlines offers free checked bags for two per passenger and free seat selection. Use price alerts and book mid-week. Consider flying into Colorado Springs and driving—it’s often cheaper than direct flights with add-ons.

How far in advance should I book a flight to Denver?

For the best prices, book 54 to 60 days in advance. For peak seasons (winter holidays, summer), book 3–4 months ahead. For last-minute trips, check 7–14 days out for potential deals.

Do flight prices go up the more I search?

Potentially. Airlines and OTAs track your searches and may increase prices if they detect repeated interest. Always use incognito mode and clear cookies to avoid this.

Is it cheaper to fly into Denver or drive from a nearby city?

It depends. Flying into Colorado Springs or Grand Junction and driving to Denver can be significantly cheaper, especially for families or those renting cars. Compare total costs including ground transportation.

Do airlines offer discounts for seniors or students?

Yes. United, Delta, Alaska, and Southwest offer discounts for students and seniors. Always ask at booking or check airline websites for loyalty programs.

What’s the best day of the week to book flights to Denver?

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically the best days to book, as airlines release sales and lower prices mid-week. Avoid booking on Sunday evenings.

Can I use credit card points to get a free flight to Denver?

Yes. Travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture allow you to redeem points for flights to DEN. You can also transfer points from hotel programs to airline partners.

Conclusion

Finding cheap flights to Denver International Airport is not luck—it’s a skill built on strategy, timing, and the right tools. By understanding seasonal patterns, leveraging technology, avoiding hidden fees, and staying flexible, you can transform what seems like an expensive trip into an affordable adventure. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a family planning a mountain getaway, or a business professional making a quick stop, the principles outlined in this guide apply universally.

Start by setting up price alerts on Google Flights and Hopper. Then, compare direct and connecting flights, explore nearby airports, and always book directly with the airline when possible. Use points and rewards to your advantage, and never underestimate the power of a simple change in travel dates.

Denver is a city of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and endless opportunities. With the right approach, you don’t need to break the bank to experience it. The next time you plan a trip to DEN, use these proven tactics—and watch your savings grow. Travel smarter, not harder. Your next cheap flight to Denver is just a few clicks away.