Affordable Travel Starts at Colorado Springs Airport

Colorado Springs Airport (COS) has quietly become a smart alternative to the busy Denver hub for travelers who live in the southern Front Range. With much shorter security lines, easy parking, and a relaxed atmosphere, flying out of COS can save you hours of hassle even before you factor in the flight price. But for many people, the real draw is the growing lineup of budget-friendly airlines that operate out of this airport. Carriers like Avelo Airlines and Allegiant Air have launched nonstop routes that make it possible to fly to popular vacation spots without spending a fortune. You don’t have to sacrifice your entire trip budget on airfare just because you live in Colorado Springs.

The key is knowing which airlines genuinely offer low fares, what hidden costs to watch for, and how to book in a way that keeps your total spend low. This guide walks you through all the budget airline options at COS, compares them with traditional carriers, and gives you actionable strategies for finding the cheapest flights. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway to Las Vegas or a family trip to Orlando, you’ll find the information you need to travel well for less.

Which Budget Airlines Fly from Colorado Springs?

Two dedicated low-cost carriers currently serve Colorado Springs Airport, and a few more traditional airlines occasionally offer surprisingly competitive pricing. Let’s break down who they are, where they fly, and what you can expect from each.

Avelo Airlines: Nonstop Flights That Won’t Break the Bank

Avelo Airlines entered the Colorado Springs market in 2023 and immediately changed the game for budget travelers. The airline built its business model around serving underserved airports with direct, no-frills flights to popular destinations. From COS, Avelo currently operates nonstop flights to Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) in California, giving you direct access to the Los Angeles area without the crowds and cost of LAX. This route typically starts at prices that are tough to beat, especially if you book a few weeks ahead and travel with only a personal item.

Avelo’s pricing philosophy is à la carte: the base fare covers just a seat and one small personal item. Everything else—checked luggage, carry-on bags, seat selection, and priority boarding—costs extra. This can work to your advantage if you’re a light packer who doesn’t mind sitting wherever the airline puts you. But if you need to bring more than a backpack, add those fees to the ticket price before comparing with other airlines. Even with those extras, Avelo often remains the cheapest option for a direct flight to Southern California.

Allegiant Air: Ultra-Low Fares to Leisure Hotspots

Allegiant Air is the veteran budget carrier at COS, and it offers a wider selection of nonstop routes than any other low-cost airline here. Allegiant flies directly from Colorado Springs to Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando Sanford (SFB), Phoenix-Mesa Gateway (AZA), and seasonally to Los Angeles (LAX) and other destinations. All are popular leisure markets where bundled vacation packages can drive even bigger savings.

Like Avelo, Allegiant unbundles its fares. The ticket you see advertised covers transportation only. Carry-on bags, checked luggage, advance seat assignments, inflight refreshments, and even printing your boarding pass at the airport all come with fees. The airline also uses a fleet of older aircraft and doesn’t fly every day on every route, so you’ll need to be flexible with your travel dates to get the best deals. Despite those quirks, Allegiant is often the cheapest way to get from Colorado Springs to Vegas or Orlando, especially if you travel with only a personal item and book your hotel through the Allegiant vacation package tool, which sometimes drops the combined price even further.

Other Airlines with Occasionally Competitive Fares

While Avelo and Allegiant are the only true budget carriers flying out of COS, you shouldn’t ignore the major network airlines that operate here. American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines all offer daily flights from Colorado Springs, typically connecting through their hubs such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Chicago O’Hare, Houston, or Atlanta. These aren’t low-cost carriers, but they do compete with each other on certain routes, which can push fares down to levels that rival budget airline pricing—especially during flash sales or when you book well in advance.

For example, American Airlines frequently runs fare sales from COS that include basic economy seats. Those basic economy fares strip out traditional perks like advanced seat selection and flexibility, making them more comparable to what you’d get on Avelo or Allegiant. United often has competitive pricing on routes connecting through Denver, though the short flight to Denver can add time. If you need to go beyond the very limited leisure destinations served by budget airlines, watching these carriers is essential.

What to Expect from Budget Airlines vs. Traditional Carriers

Understanding how budget airlines cut costs helps you make a smarter booking decision. The low ticket price you see isn’t the whole story. Here’s how the two types of carriers differ and what that means for your wallet.

Fare structure. Budget airlines unbundle almost everything. You pay for the seat, and then you add on baggage, seat selection, boarding priority, snacks, and sometimes even a cup of water. Traditional airlines still include carry-on bags and soft drinks in the base fare on most domestic routes (except basic economy), and they often give you more generous rebooking options.

Flight frequency and reliability. Allegiant and Avelo often fly these routes only a few times a week, compared to multiple daily flights from American, United, and Delta. If an Allegiant flight gets significantly delayed or canceled, you might have to wait two days for the next one. With a major airline, there are typically multiple rebooking options the same day, either on their own metal or through partners.

Airport experience. At COS, the difference is minimal because the airport is small and efficient regardless of which carrier you fly. But at the destination, budget airlines sometimes use secondary airports—think Orlando Sanford instead of Orlando International, or Phoenix-Mesa Gateway instead of Phoenix Sky Harbor. Those secondary airports can be farther from the main attractions, so check ground transportation costs before you assume you’re saving money.

Aircraft and amenities. Budget carriers often operate older planes with narrower seats and no in-seat power or entertainment. If you don’t care about those things, it’s not a problem. But on a cross-country flight, a little extra legroom and a screen to watch a movie can matter. Traditional airlines generally offer newer interiors and more consistent creature comforts, even in economy.

Nearby Airports That Increase Your Budget Options

If the routes from Colorado Springs don’t fit your plans or your dates, Denver International Airport (DEN) opens up dramatically more cheap flight possibilities. Located about 70 miles north of downtown Colorado Springs, DEN is a major hub for several budget airlines that don’t serve COS at all.

Frontier Airlines and Southwest: The Denver Low-Cost Powerhouses

Frontier Airlines is headquartered in Denver and operates a massive number of nonstop routes from DEN to destinations across the country and into Mexico and the Caribbean. Its fares are often extremely low for a basic seat, though the carry-on bag fee (unless you buy a bundle) catches many travelers off guard. Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, uses Denver as one of its largest focus cities. Southwest’s pricing is competitive and includes two free checked bags and no change fees—something no ultra-low-cost carrier matches. The carrier also flies to many cities that aren’t reachable nonstop from COS.

Weighing the Cost of Driving to Denver

Before you book that seemingly cheaper flight out of DEN, add up the full trip cost. Factor in gas, tolls (if you take E-470), parking fees (Denver’s economy lots are cheaper than garage parking but still add up), and the time you’ll spend driving. On a round trip, you could easily spend $40–$80 on parking and fuel, not to mention three to four hours total travel time back and forth. If you’re traveling solo and the fare difference is over $100, it might be worth it. For a family of four, those cost differences multiply quickly, and the convenience of flying from COS usually wins.

How to Find the Cheapest Flights from Colorado Springs

Finding the best deal isn’t about luck—it’s about using the right tools and applying a few proven booking strategies. Here’s how to consistently land low fares, whether you’re flying on a budget carrier or a legacy airline.

Compare Fares Across Multiple Search Engines

Start with a broad comparison site that includes both major OTAs and airline direct inventory. KAYAK is excellent for this because it lets you filter by number of stops, airline, departure time, and total trip duration. Google Flights is equally powerful and often faster. Enter COS as your departure airport and your desired destination. Look at the calendar view to see which dates offer the lowest prices. Switch to the “date grid” or “price graph” to spot patterns.

When comparing results, don’t just fixate on the headline price. Click through to the airline’s site or the OTA to simulate the booking process up to the payment screen. Add the baggage and seat selection options you’ll actually need and note the final total. A $59 fare that becomes $139 after fees isn’t really $59—and a $99 fare on United that includes a carry-on might actually be cheaper overall.

Set Up Price Alerts and Be Flexible

Price alert tools are the modern traveler’s best friend. On Google Flights, toggle the “track prices” switch for your specific route and dates. The tool will email you when the fare drops. You can also set more granular alerts on sites like KAYAK, which let you target specific airlines and cabin classes. If your dates aren’t locked in, use the flexible date search to see if shifting your departure by a day or two slashes the price significantly. Flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays are often cheaper than Friday and Sunday departures.

Combining price alerts with flexibility can yield savings of 15–30% on some routes. Even if you can only adjust your trip by a single day, that’s frequently enough to capture the lowest fare bucket.

Book at the Right Time—But Don’t Overthink It

The old rule about booking exactly 21 days in advance isn’t always accurate anymore, but the general principle holds: fares tend to rise as the departure date approaches, especially on budget airlines that heavily manage inventory. For Allegiant and Avelo, booking four to eight weeks ahead often gets you the best base fare. The airlines frequently raise prices as the plane fills up. For major carriers, sales can pop up at any time, but you’ll usually find lower prices between three and six weeks out for domestic flights.

One exception: if you see a very low fare on a specific route you know you’ll use, book it. Budget airlines rarely offer refundable fares, but the cost of waiting can easily outweigh the slim chance of a further price drop.

Maximizing Value on Budget Airlines Without the Headaches

Even when you’re flying a low-cost carrier, a few intentional choices can make the experience smoother and keep your total spending in check. Here’s what seasoned budget travelers know.

Pack Light—Seriously Light

The single biggest money saver on budget airlines is traveling with only a personal item that fits under the seat. Both Avelo and Allegiant allow a free personal item (size limits apply, so check the airline’s website). If you can manage a few days in a carefully packed backpack, you’ll avoid baggage fees entirely, often saving $30–$60 each way. For longer trips, consider wearing your bulkiest clothing items on the plane and using packing cubes to maximize space.

Bring Your Own Snacks and Entertainment

Budget airlines charge for everything onboard, including bottled water on some flights. Bring your own empty water bottle through security and fill it at a water fountain near the gate. Pack snacks from home so you aren’t tempted by the $8 snack boxes. Download movies, podcasts, or books to your phone or tablet, because seatback screens aren’t a thing on these planes. A fully charged device and some offline content make even the longest budget flight enjoyable.

Check Your Flight Status and Airport Instructions

Allegiant and Avelo sometimes adjust their schedules, and their communication isn’t always as proactive as the large carriers. Check your flight status on the airline’s website or app before you leave for the airport. At Colorado Springs Airport, you’ll find clear signage and an efficient terminal, but budget carriers may have different check-in and boarding procedures. Arrive early enough to navigate any quirks, especially if you need to check a bag, which often takes longer on a low-cost airline.

Consider Vacation Packages Carefully

Allegiant heavily promotes its flight-plus-hotel packages, and sometimes the bundled price is lower than booking separately. Run the numbers both ways: search for the flight alone and the hotel booking directly, then compare with the package total. Occasionally, the package throws in a rental car or resort credit that genuinely adds value. Just be aware that these bundles are typically nonrefundable and may have stricter change policies than booking components independently.

Booking Strategies That Work Across All Airlines

While budget airlines have their own rules, many money-saving strategies apply no matter which carrier you choose from Colorado Springs.

  • Use points and miles as a backup. If the cash price is high, check whether you can book through an airline’s frequent flyer program or a transferable rewards program. Even a few thousand miles can sometimes take a big bite out of the fare, especially on American or United flights from COS.
  • Consider one-way bookings on different airlines. You aren’t required to book a round trip on the same carrier. For example, fly to Las Vegas on Allegiant for the outbound leg and return on a different airline like Southwest (from Denver) if the timing or price works better. Just be mindful that separate tickets mean separate change policies and no protection if one flight is delayed.
  • Clear your cookies or search in incognito mode. While the evidence is mixed, some search engines and airline sites do adjust pricing based on your search history. Using a private browsing window can sometimes reveal lower fares that aren’t inflated by previous searches.
  • Check for student, military, or senior discounts. Some airlines offer unadvertised discounts at booking. For instance, American Airlines and United have special pricing for certain groups, though you’ll need to verify eligibility and often input a promo code.
  • Book directly with the airline after finding the fare on a comparison site. Third-party sites may add booking fees, and if something goes wrong with your flight, changing or canceling is much easier when you’ve booked directly with the carrier.

Common Mistakes That Inflate Your Total Trip Cost

Even experienced travelers fall into traps that undo the savings from a cheap fare. Avoid these pitfalls to keep your Colorado Springs budget flight truly affordable.

One of the biggest errors is assuming that a low base fare means a low overall cost without adding mandatory fees. Always click through to the final payment screen and tally the total with the bags and seats you need. Another common mistake is ignoring the cost of getting to and from the destination airport. Secondary airports like Sanford or Mesa Gateway might look like a great deal until you price out the rideshare or shuttle to the actual city center. Finally, don’t forget to factor in parking at COS. The airport’s parking is relatively affordable compared to Denver, but it still adds up. If you’re away for a week, the cost of long-term parking can eat up $50 or more, which might make a ride from a friend or an Uber the better option.

Making the Most of Your Colorado Springs Departure

Flying out of COS’s small, well-run airport is a perk in itself. The terminals are calm, the WiFi is free, and the staff are famously friendly. To make your departure even smoother, arrive about 90 minutes before your flight if you’re checking a bag, or just 60 minutes if you’re traveling with carry-on only. The checkpoint rarely has long lines except during peak holiday rushes.

After you pass through security, you’ll find a few places to grab a coffee, a sandwich, or a Colorado craft beer while you wait. If you’re flying on a budget airline and want to avoid onboard food costs, this is a good spot to eat something substantial before boarding. And since these airlines often board in zones, pay attention to your boarding group and gate announcements—waiting until the last minute might mean scrambling for overhead bin space, which is especially tight on older aircraft.

Final Thoughts on Budget Travel from Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs Airport has evolved into a legitimate gateway for affordable air travel, thanks to the arrival of Avelo and the continued expansion of Allegiant. Together with the major carriers that occasionally price-match budget fares, these airlines give you real options for seeing the country without draining your bank account. The trick is to stay flexible, track prices before you commit, and pack light enough that the low base fare stays low all the way to the gate. By using the strategies and comparisons laid out here, you’ll be able to make confident decisions and book flights that leave more money for the fun part of your trip. Whether you’re headed to the California coast on Avelo or catching a show on the Las Vegas Strip with Allegiant, the potential for a great deal is right here in your own backyard.