Traveling can be an expensive venture, but with some savvy strategies and a bit of know-how, you can unlock the skies and find affordable flights. For Denver residents, the Mile High City offers numerous opportunities to snag a bargain. Here are the top tips for finding cheap flights from Denver and making your travel dreams a reality.
1. Leverage Flight Comparison Tools
Flight comparison tools are your best friend in the hunt for cheap flights. Websites and apps like Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak, and Momondo aggregate flight data from numerous airlines and travel agencies, allowing you to compare prices with ease. Input your departure city as Denver International Airport (DEN) and explore various destinations to find the best deals.
2. Set Fare Alerts
Don’t miss out on price drops by setting up fare alerts. Services offered by Google Flights, Hopper, and other flight comparison tools enable you to receive notifications when prices for your desired route decrease. This proactive approach helps you book at the lowest possible price.
3. Book in Advance
While last-minute deals do occasionally pop up, generally, the earlier you book, the better. Airlines often release tickets up to a year in advance, and prices tend to be lower when they first become available. For domestic flights from Denver, aim to book 1-3 months in advance, and for international travel, 4-6 months ahead is ideal.
4. Be Flexible with Your Dates
Flexibility can unlock significant savings. If your travel dates aren’t set in stone, use the "flexible dates" feature on flight comparison tools to see if flying a day or two earlier or later can save you money. Mid-week flights are typically cheaper than weekend flights, and flying during off-peak seasons can also lead to lower fares.
5. Consider Nearby Airports
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the primary hub, but don’t overlook smaller, nearby airports such as Colorado Springs Airport (COS) or Fort Collins-Loveland Municipal Airport (FNL). Sometimes flying from or into an alternative airport can result in substantial savings, even when factoring in the cost of a transfer.
6. Use Incognito Mode or Clear Cookies
Airlines and travel websites often track your search history through cookies, potentially leading to increased fares when they see repeated searches for the same route. By using incognito or private browsing mode, or by clearing your cookies, you can avoid this price inflation.
7. Join Frequent Flyer and Loyalty Programs
If you frequently fly with a particular airline, joining their frequent flyer program can provide access to exclusive discounts, promotions, and even free flights. Ensure you’re also signed up for newsletters from airlines that operate out of Denver International Airport, as they often send out special deals and promotions.
8. Take Advantage of Credit Card Rewards
Travel credit cards offer significant benefits, including sign-up bonuses, points or miles for each dollar spent, and other travel-related perks. Use these cards for your regular spending to accumulate points that you can redeem for free or discounted flights.
9. Be Open to Layovers
Non-stop routes are convenient but can come with a premium price. Consider flights with layovers, as they are often cheaper. Review the layover duration to ensure it’s manageable, allowing you to find a balance between cost-savings and convenience.
10. Monitor Social Media and Deal Websites
Follow airlines, travel deal websites like Scott’s Cheap Flights, The Points Guy, and Airfarewatchdog on social media platforms. These accounts frequently post flash sales and limited-time deals that can be advantageous for securing low-cost flights.
Final Thoughts
Finding cheap flights from Denver doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By utilizing these strategies and staying informed, you can take to the skies without breaking the bank. So, pack your bags, and get ready to explore new destinations while keeping your travel budget intact. Denver is your starting point to affordable adventures – happy flying!