Denver, the capital of Colorado, is not only a vibrant city but also an ideal starting point for exploring the Rocky Mountains. Whether you’re here to experience the city’s cultural arts scene or embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure, Denver’s natural beauty and urban charm will captivate you. However, when planning your trip, finding the most affordable flight is undoubtedly a top priority. Today, I will share practical flight booking tips for traveling from North America to Denver, helping you easily find the most cost-effective flights so that your trip will be both enjoyable and budget-friendly.
1. Plan Ahead to Ensure Price Advantages
When it comes to finding the best airfare, timing is one of the most important factors. Typically, booking your tickets in advance can save you a lot of money. From my travel experience, booking 3 to 6 months ahead of time usually results in a more affordable ticket, especially before the peak travel season.
- Avoid Peak Travel Seasons
Whether it’s summer vacation, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or spring break, these are the times when flight prices are at their highest. If your travel dates are flexible, avoid these peak periods to save money. Non-peak periods, especially flights on Tuesdays through Thursdays, tend to be cheaper. - Be Flexible with Your Departure Dates
If you have flexible departure dates, you can compare flights on different days to find the most affordable options. Many airlines offer price calendars that let you view price trends for various dates, allowing you to choose the best value time to travel.
2. Use Flight Search Engines to Get the Best Prices
Flight search engines and comparison websites make it easier than ever to find the most affordable flights. These tools allow you to compare different airlines, flights, and prices to find the best options.
- Skyscanner
Skyscanner is one of the most popular flight search platforms globally. It not only compares flights but also features a “Flexible Dates” function that helps you find the cheapest options. If you’re unsure about your departure date, you can use its “Whole Month View” to see which dates offer the best deals. - Google Flights
Google Flights is one of my go-to tools for searching flights. Its interface is simple and intuitive, and the price comparison is very clear. With Google Flights, you can see flight prices from various airlines on different dates, and it also features a price prediction function that helps you decide whether the price will change, allowing you to decide if you should book immediately. - Kayak
Kayak is another well-known comparison platform. In addition to flights, Kayak also provides hotel and car rental services, helping you plan your entire trip at once. Its “Price Trend” feature shows whether the current price is low, helping you make an informed decision. - Momondo
Momondo has a unique advantage in that it doesn’t just display multiple flight options but also shows the most suitable tickets based on user preferences. Its “Price Alerts” feature is particularly helpful for travelers who are not in a rush to book, as it helps you grab discounts when the time is right.
3. Subscribe to Airline and Comparison Platform Email Alerts
Many times, airlines and ticket platforms send out special offers or limited-time promotions via email. By subscribing to these email alerts, you can stay updated on various deals and discounts.
- Subscribe to Airline Newsletters
I often subscribe to email newsletters from airlines I like to stay updated on new deals. For example, major US airlines like Delta, United, and Southwest frequently offer discounted tickets. With email alerts, I can grab these super-affordable flights as soon as they’re available. - Price Alerts from Comparison Platforms
Popular comparison platforms like Skyscanner and Google Flights send out price notifications and fare drop alerts. Once you’ve set up alerts for your preferred flights or price range, the system will automatically notify you of any price changes. This is especially useful when a flight drops in price, allowing you to grab the cheapest deal right away.
4. Consider Flights with Multiple Layovers to Lower the Price
Sometimes, direct flights can be expensive, but if you’re willing to take flights with one or two layovers, you can often find significantly cheaper options. While layovers add travel time, if you’re not in a rush, choosing a layover flight can save you a considerable amount.
- Compare Direct and Layover Flights
When using comparison tools, make sure to select the “Multiple Layovers” option. Many cheap flights are routed through one or two layovers. For example, a flight from New York to Denver might be cheaper if you transit through Chicago or Dallas before reaching Denver. - Avoid Long Layover Wait Times
While layover flights can be cheaper, try to avoid excessively long wait times. Long layovers can waste valuable time at airports. It’s best to choose flights with reasonable layover durations, ensuring you can easily transition to your next flight.
5. Use Credit Card Miles and Airline Alliances for Flexibility
Many credit cards offer airline miles and reward points, especially travel-related credit cards. If you frequently use a particular airline, consider joining its frequent flyer program to accumulate points for flight redemption.
- Redeem Credit Card Miles
If you’ve accumulated credit card points, you can exchange them for airline miles or even directly redeem flights. I’ve used my credit card points to redeem flights from New York to Denver, saving a lot of money. Many credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses with welcome points that can be used for discounts. - Inter-Alliances Points Transfer
Many major airlines, such as American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines, belong to the same alliance, allowing members to transfer points between airlines. If you’re a member of one of these airlines, you can redeem your points for flights on other members of the same alliance, making it easier to find cheaper flights.
6. Last-Minute Bargain Flights
Although booking early is often the best strategy for securing lower prices, last-minute flight deals can also offer incredible savings. Airlines sometimes offer discounted tickets as the departure date approaches in an effort to fill remaining seats. These deals can be especially appealing if you have flexibility in your travel plans.
- Keep an Eye on Last-Minute Deals
If you have a flexible schedule and are open to spontaneous travel, last-minute flight deals can be a goldmine. Many websites and apps specialize in offering these time-sensitive discounts. For instance, Priceline’s “Hidden Flights” or Hotwire’s “Last-Minute Flights” sections feature exclusive offers that are released closer to the departure time. These are often deeply discounted and can save you a significant amount if you’re quick to grab them. - Stay Flexible and Ready to Book
When booking last-minute, flexibility is key. Monitor airlines’ social media accounts, sign up for email notifications, and set alerts on flight comparison platforms to catch these unexpected offers. Being agile and ready to book when a deal surfaces is crucial, as these opportunities can disappear quickly. If you’re fast enough, you might score a bargain that wouldn’t be available during the traditional booking window.
7. Pay Attention to Seasonal Promotions from Airlines and Platforms
Apart from holidays and peak travel periods, airlines and flight comparison platforms often hold massive seasonal promotions. Special events like Black Friday, spring sales, and summer promotions can offer opportunities for travelers to secure discounted fares.
- Regular Promotional Seasons
Over the years, I’ve successfully snagged numerous affordable flights during seasonal sales, particularly in spring and fall. Airlines frequently roll out new routes, tweak existing ones, or make adjustments during these periods, and they often entice travelers with discounted fares. These promotions can include significant savings for those who plan ahead, and if you book at the right time, you can take advantage of substantial discounts. - Sign Up for Promotional Alerts
Many airlines and comparison platforms offer exclusive promotions for members or those who are subscribed to their email newsletters. By signing up for these promotional alerts, you can ensure that you’re among the first to know about new sales or limited-time discounts. This is a great way to grab the most cost-effective flights before they sell out, as these deals often come with a sense of urgency.
Whether you’re planning a short-term trip or booking your travel well in advance, finding the best flight deals remains a crucial step in your travel planning process. By utilizing various booking techniques, using price tracking tools, choosing the right flight times, and leveraging credit card points, I’m confident you’ll easily find a flight that’s both affordable and comfortable, making your Denver journey more enjoyable and cost-effective. I hope these flight booking tips help you successfully plan your next trip and enjoy an unforgettable visit to Denver.
