Best Budget Airlines Operating in Denver Colorado for Affordable Travel Options in 2025

Denver, Colorado, is home to several budget airlines that make it surprisingly easy to travel without spending a fortune. Frontier Airlines and Spirit are two of the best options if you want ultra low-cost flights with basic services.

These airlines offer a bunch of routes from Denver, helping you reach popular cities across the U.S. at prices that won’t leave your wallet empty.

If you’re after a bit more comfort but still want to save, other budget-friendly airlines like Southwest and JetBlue also fly out of Denver. They tend to throw in a few more perks while keeping prices reasonable.

Figuring out which airline fits your travel style can make a real difference. It’s not always obvious which one is the better value.

Flying from Denver International Airport gives you a lot of choices. There are plenty of ground options and flight times, so you’re not stuck with bad connections.

Key Takeways

• Multiple budget airlines fly from Denver to tons of U.S. destinations.
• Some low-cost carriers focus on the rock-bottom fares, while others toss in a bit more comfort for a few bucks extra.
• Knowing how to book and where to fly from makes your budget travel easier.

Top Budget Airlines Serving Denver Colorado

Denver International Airport (DEN) has a ton of flight options for different budgets. You’ll find cheap flights to Denver with airlines that have frequent departures and flexible routes.

Some airlines zero in on low costs but still manage to keep things reliable. That’s honestly a big plus these days.

Frontier Airlines

Frontier Airlines is probably the most well-known budget airline flying in and out of Denver. They’ve got a ton of direct flights each week to cities all over the U.S.

You can score some of the cheapest flights to Denver with Frontier, especially if you book off-peak or during the less busy months. The base fares are ultra-low, but you’ll pay extra for things like checked bags and picking your seat.

If you travel light, that low ticket price is hard to beat. Frontier uses Denver as a main hub, so there’s always a good range of flight options.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines offers solid value with lots of flights to and from Denver. The big draw? Two free checked bags and no change fees, which can save you a decent chunk compared to other budget airlines.

You’ll see multiple Southwest flights per day at Denver International Airport. Their prices are sometimes a touch higher than the absolute cheapest options, but you get more perks and fewer surprise fees.

Southwest is known for good customer service and running frequent promos. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable.

JetBlue Airways

JetBlue Airways is a newer player at Denver International Airport, but it’s already a strong budget pick. They focus on affordable fares but toss in some extra comfort.

You get free Wi-Fi, snacks, and seats with a bit more room—even on the lower-priced tickets. JetBlue offers a decent number of direct flights per week to Denver from different cities.

They’re also big on running sales during certain months, so it’s worth keeping an eye out. JetBlue’s mix of low cost and quality service makes it a solid option.

Key Destinations and Route Networks

Budget airlines in Denver offer routes throughout the U.S. and even a few international spots. That opens up a lot of possibilities whether you’re traveling for work or just want to get away.

Domestic Routes

Frontier and Spirit fly to a bunch of U.S. cities from Denver International Airport (DEN). Popular domestic destinations include Las Vegas, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.

A lot of these routes are direct, which is a real time-saver. Frontier’s domestic network is wide, with plenty of direct flights.

You’ll usually find the best prices if you book ahead. Flight times vary—Denver to Chicago is about 3 hours, while Denver to New York takes around 4.

If you’re looking for cheap flights to Denver or back, budget airlines offer flexible calendars to help you pick the best dates. Southwest and JetBlue also have budget-friendly routes, but they’re a bit less barebones than the ultra-low-cost carriers.

International Destinations

International budget options from Denver are more limited, but you’ve got some choices. There are nonstop flights to Calgary and Edmonton in Canada—handy for both business and vacation.

Occasionally, you’ll find direct international routes to places like Tokyo-Narita in Japan or the Caribbean (Grand Cayman). These are usually run by bigger airlines, but sometimes you’ll get a deal through budget airline partnerships or codeshares.

If you’re set on flying internationally on a budget, check those flight calendars for deals. British Airways (BA) and United offer some international routes from Denver, but they don’t always fit the budget airline vibe.

Route maps and airline tools can help you find the best direct flights or connections. Staying flexible with your travel dates is key to snagging the lowest fares.

Tips for Booking the Cheapest Flights from Denver

Scoring the cheapest flight from Denver is mostly about timing and keeping an eye on price drops. Using price alerts and knowing when to book can save you a surprising amount.

How to Set Price Alerts

Price alerts are your friend when you want to catch a deal. You can set them up on KAYAK, Google Flights, or airline apps.

Just enter your departure, destination, and travel dates. Once the alert’s set, you’ll get emails or notifications if the price drops.

This is super helpful for budget airlines flying out of Denver. Check those alerts often, since prices bounce around.

You can set alerts for different dates or airlines like Frontier or Spirit to compare. It’s a good way to avoid missing a great deal.

Choosing the Best Travel Dates

Travel dates make a huge difference in flight costs. The cheapest months to fly from Denver are usually late fall or early winter.

Steer clear of major holidays and weekends if you can. Flights are just more expensive then.

A flight calendar tool can help you spot cheaper days near your preferred trip. Midweek flights are often less pricey than weekends.

If you’re flexible, try to book in the “Goldilocks Window”—about 1-2 months in advance for domestic flights. Last-minute deals happen, but they’re risky if you need a return flight.

Targeting off-peak days and watching that calendar can really help, whether you’re booking economy or hoping to snag a cheap upgrade.

Airport Information and Ground Transportation

Denver International Airport (DEN) is a major hub, with loads of weekly flights—including those from Frontier Airlines and United Airlines.

You’ll find plenty of facilities and ways to get where you’re going, without much hassle.

Denver International Airport Services

DEN has a lot going for it. There are several terminals with airlines like Frontier and United.

You’ll get free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and some lounges if you want a quieter spot. Food and shopping are scattered throughout the terminals.

There are kiosks for check-in and boarding passes. Baggage claim and carousels are close together, so pickup’s not a pain.

If you need help, airport staff are around in every terminal.

Getting to and from the Airport

You’ve got a few solid options at DEN, depending on your style and schedule. The A Line Train runs straight from the airport to downtown Denver in about 37 minutes.

Honestly, it’s the fastest public transport for most people. If you’re not in a rush or want to save a few bucks, there are buses, shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services waiting at the Transit Center.

Rental cars and car-sharing programs are right there too, if you want more freedom. Into biking? There are bike racks, though not everyone’s up for that with luggage in tow.

Public transport is usually affordable and gets you into the city or even to other airports like APA and COS without much hassle.