Cheapest Orlando-Denver Flights? Latest Deals & Booking Tips
Finding affordable flights from Orlando (MCO) to Denver (DEN) requires strategy, timing, and knowledge of current market trends. Whether you’re planning a mountain getaway, business trip, or visiting family in Colorado, this comprehensive guide reveals the latest deals and proven tactics to save money on your Orlando-Denver route. The distance of approximately 1,200 miles typically takes 3-4 hours of flight time, making this a popular corridor with multiple carrier options.
Airfares on this route fluctuate based on season, day of week, and booking windows. Recent market data shows competitive pricing from major carriers, with average fares ranging from $150-$350 for round-trip tickets depending on travel dates. By understanding pricing patterns and employing smart booking strategies, you can consistently find deals well below average rates.
Current Flight Deals & Pricing
Today’s Orlando-Denver flight market offers numerous opportunities for budget-conscious travelers. Major carriers including Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines operate this route with varying price points and service levels. Current promotional pricing shows:
- Southwest Airlines: Known for two free checked bags and flexible rebooking policies, often competitive on this route
- Frontier Airlines: Ultra-low-cost carrier frequently offering base fares under $100 one-way during sales
- United Airlines: Multiple daily flights with various cabin options and MileagePlus rewards opportunities
- Delta Air Lines: Premium service with SkyMiles accumulation and frequent promotional offers
Check Southwest’s official website for their “Ding” alerts and United Airlines for their latest deals. These carriers frequently run email promotions specifically targeting the Orlando-Denver corridor during off-peak seasons.
Midweek flights (Tuesday through Thursday) typically cost 15-25% less than weekend departures. Early morning and late evening flights also offer better pricing than mid-day options. Red-eye flights departing Orlando around 10 PM and arriving Denver early morning can save $50-$100 per person compared to daytime alternatives.
Airlines & Route Options
Understanding available airlines and their route structures helps you identify the cheapest options. Orlando International Airport (MCO) connects to Denver International Airport (DEN) through direct flights and connections.
Direct Flight Options: Southwest, United, and Delta operate direct flights on this route, typically the fastest option at 3-3.5 hours. These provide convenience but may cost more than connecting flights during certain periods.
Connecting Flight Options: Frontier, Spirit Airlines, and other carriers offer connections through hubs like Denver, Phoenix, or Dallas. While adding 2-4 hours to travel time, connections frequently cost $50-$150 less per ticket. Consider connecting through:
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) – Major American Airlines hub
- Phoenix (PHX) – Southwest and low-cost carrier connections
- Atlanta (ATL) – Delta’s largest hub with frequent Orlando connections
Our guide on flights from Atlanta to New York discusses similar routing strategies applicable to Orlando-Denver planning. Comparing direct versus connecting options using flight comparison tools reveals which provides better value for your specific travel dates.
Best Times to Book
Booking timing significantly impacts your final price. Research shows Orlando-Denver fares follow predictable patterns:
Optimal Booking Window: Book 2-4 weeks before departure for the best rates. This sweet spot balances airline pricing strategies with seat availability. Booking more than 6 weeks ahead rarely yields better prices, while booking within 7 days typically costs 30-50% more.
Daily Booking Patterns: Fares update multiple times daily as airlines adjust pricing. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings often show the lowest prices, as carriers adjust weekend pricing. Set price alerts 4-6 weeks before your travel dates to monitor trends.
Our comprehensive guide on how to find cheap airline tickets to Europe covers similar timing strategies applicable to domestic routes. These principles help you identify when airlines drop prices and maximize your savings.
Flexible Travel Dates: Shifting your departure by even one day can reduce costs by $30-$100 per person. If traveling for leisure, consider flying Tuesday-Thursday when demand drops. Business travelers should look for returning Sunday-Monday rather than Friday-Sunday to avoid premium pricing.
Money-Saving Strategies
Beyond basic fare shopping, strategic approaches maximize your savings on Orlando-Denver flights.
Price Alert Implementation: Use Google Flights, Kayak, and Hopper to set price alerts for your preferred dates. These tools notify you when fares drop, allowing you to book immediately. Set alerts 6-8 weeks before travel to catch initial pricing trends.
Loyalty Program Optimization: Our article on best airlines for frequent flyers details how to maximize rewards. If you fly United frequently, accumulating miles toward this shorter route (typically 12,000-15,000 miles) provides excellent redemption value. Southwest Rapid Rewards and Delta SkyMiles offer similar opportunities.
Incognito Browsing: Clear cookies or use private browsing when searching flights. Some airlines track repeat searches and may increase prices. Incognito mode prevents this tracking, ensuring consistent pricing across multiple searches.
Error Fare Opportunities: Follow airline deal sites like Secret Flying and Scott’s Cheap Flights for Orlando-Denver error fares. Occasionally, pricing glitches create $50-$150 fares on this route. Subscribe to these services for email alerts.
Package Deals: Flight + hotel packages sometimes offer better value than separate bookings. Sites like Expedia and Costco Travel frequently discount Orlando-Denver packages, especially during shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October).
Credit Card Bonuses: Travel credit cards offering sign-up bonuses worth $500-$1,000 can effectively make your flight free. Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Platinum, and similar cards provide substantial benefits for frequent travelers.
Understanding airline flight delay compensation and your complete guide to rights ensures you recover costs if disruptions occur. This protection adds value to your booking, particularly on longer trips where delays impact connections or accommodations.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
Denver International Airport (DEN) sits 23 miles northeast of downtown Denver at 5,280 feet elevation. Understanding airport operations helps you plan ground transportation and adjust to altitude.
Ground Transportation Options: RTD light rail connects DEN to downtown Denver in 37 minutes for $11. Rental cars cost $35-$65 daily depending on vehicle class and season. Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) average $25-$40 to downtown locations depending on demand.
Altitude Adjustment: Denver’s “Mile High” elevation (5,280 feet) affects visitors from sea-level Orlando. Allow 24-48 hours for acclimatization. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity on arrival day, and consider arriving a day early if planning high-altitude activities like hiking or skiing.
Weather Considerations: Denver weather varies dramatically by season. Winter months (November-March) bring snow and cold temperatures; pack accordingly. Summer (June-August) offers mild days but cool mornings/evenings. Spring and fall provide ideal weather for outdoor activities.
Seasonal Travel Patterns
Peak Season (June-August, December): Summer vacation and holiday travel drive demand, increasing fares 20-40%. Expect prices $250-$350+ for round-trip tickets. Book 6-8 weeks ahead for best availability.
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): Ideal for budget travelers, these periods offer mild weather and lower fares ($150-$220 round-trip). Spring offers wildflower viewing; fall provides perfect hiking conditions and fewer crowds.
Off-Season (January-March, November): Winter months (except December holidays) offer the cheapest fares ($100-$180 round-trip). However, Denver snow and cold temperatures limit outdoor activities. November provides Thanksgiving deals but can be unpredictable weather-wise.
Visit Denver’s official tourism board for seasonal event information helping you choose optimal travel timing. The TSA website provides real-time security wait times for MCO and DEN, helping you plan airport arrival times.
Check FAA weather and flight information before traveling, particularly during winter months when Denver weather impacts operations. This ensures you book flights likely to operate on schedule.
FAQ
What’s the cheapest month to fly Orlando to Denver?
January through March (excluding holidays) and November typically offer the lowest fares, with round-trip prices averaging $100-$180. January-February provides the absolute cheapest options but includes winter weather challenges. November offers better weather with similar pricing.
How far in advance should I book Orlando-Denver flights?
Book 2-4 weeks before departure for optimal pricing. This window balances low fares with good seat availability. Booking 6+ weeks ahead rarely saves money, while booking within one week typically costs 30-50% more.
Are connecting flights cheaper than direct flights?
Yes, typically $50-$150 cheaper per ticket. Connections add 2-4 hours to travel time but provide significant savings. Evaluate whether time savings justify the premium for your specific trip.
Which airline offers the best value Orlando-Denver?
Southwest provides the best overall value with free checked bags and flexible rebooking. Frontier offers the lowest base fares but charges for baggage. United and Delta provide better service but higher prices. Your best choice depends on baggage needs and priorities.
Can I find last-minute deals on this route?
Rarely. Unlike some routes, Orlando-Denver maintains relatively stable pricing. Booking within 7 days typically costs more. However, error fares occasionally appear; following deal sites increases your chances of catching them.
What’s included in cheap Orlando-Denver flights?
Budget carriers (Frontier, Spirit) include only a personal item. Standard economy includes one carry-on and one personal item. Checked bags, seat selection, and meals typically cost extra on low-cost carriers. Southwest includes two checked bags and seat selection.
How do I track price changes for this route?
Use Google Flights, Kayak, and Hopper to set price alerts. These tools notify you when fares drop, typically within hours. Setting alerts 6-8 weeks before travel captures the complete price trend, helping you identify optimal booking timing.
Are there baggage restrictions I should know about?
Baggage policies vary by airline. Southwest includes two checked bags and carry-on. United and Delta include one checked bag and carry-on in basic economy. Frontier and Spirit charge $35-$45 per checked bag. Verify your airline’s policy before booking.
Return to Sky Voyage Hub Blog for more travel insights and flight booking strategies. Our comprehensive resources help you save money on every trip, whether domestic or international.
