Cheap Flights From Denver: Best Strategies for 2026

The short answer is: you can find cheap flights from Denver (DEN) by booking in advance, traveling midweek, and using price alerts. Flights to popular destinations like Chicago, Las Vegas, or Austin often dip below $100 one-way during off-peak seasons, with the best deals appearing in January and February.

Booking 21-30 days ahead is the sweet spot for the lowest fares, according to data from Google Flights. For example, a round-trip to Chicago on United Airlines averaged $98 in January 2024, while a flight to Las Vegas on Frontier Airlines cost just $42 one-way in February. These prices are for nonstop flights and exclude baggage fees, which can add $30-$50 per trip if you check a bag.

Avoid flying on Fridays and Sundays—the most expensive days to travel. Instead, book Tuesday or Wednesday flights, which are typically 15-20% cheaper. For instance, a Tuesday flight to Austin on Southwest Airlines was $89 round-trip in March 2024, compared to $120 on a Sunday. Using tools like Google Flights’ price tracking or Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search can help you spot these discounts before they vanish.

A common misconception is that budget airlines like Spirit or Frontier always offer the cheapest options. While they do have low base fares, their add-on fees for bags, seat selection, and even carry-on luggage can make the total cost exceed that of a full-service carrier. For example, a $25 Spirit flight to Denver might end up costing $100 with fees, whereas a United flight with included carry-on could be $85 total.

Use find cheap flights to compare prices across airlines and set alerts for your desired route. This tool aggregates data from multiple sources, so you don’t have to manually check each site, saving you time and potential stress.

Another tip: consider nearby airports. If flying to a city like Omaha or Kansas City, flying into Denver and taking a bus or train might save money. For instance, a bus from Denver to Omaha costs around $25, while a flight to Omaha (OMA) averages $120 one-way. This strategy works best for longer trips where the flight savings are significant.

Don’t wait until the last minute to book. Prices for Denver flights surge as departure dates approach, with a 7-day advance booking often costing 30% more than booking 30 days out. In 2023, the average price for a last-minute Denver-to-Los Angeles flight was $220, compared to $140 when booked 30 days ahead.

Finally, always check the airline’s baggage policy before booking. Frontier and Spirit charge $35 for the first checked bag, while United includes one free checked bag for most economy fares. If you’re traveling light, a budget airline might still be the best deal, but factor in all costs upfront to avoid surprises at the airport.

For the most reliable savings, book your next trip to Chicago during the winter months using the tools above. The combination of low demand, off-season pricing, and strategic booking windows makes it the easiest route to score a sub-$100 flight from Denver.