Cheapest Flights to LA? Denver Insider Guide
Finding affordable flights from Denver to Los Angeles doesn’t require a travel agent or complicated booking strategies. As someone who frequently travels this popular route, I’ve discovered practical methods that consistently yield the best prices. Denver International Airport (DEN) sits at a strategic location, making it a competitive hub for west-coast travel, and understanding how to leverage this advantage can save you hundreds of dollars on your next trip to LA.
The Denver-to-Los Angeles corridor is one of America’s busiest flight routes, with multiple airlines competing for passenger volume. This competition directly benefits travelers like you. Whether you’re heading to LA for business, leisure, or visiting friends and family, this comprehensive guide reveals insider secrets, booking timing strategies, and airline options that will help you secure the cheapest possible fares.
Best Time to Book Flights
Timing your flight purchase is critical for securing the cheapest fares from Denver to Los Angeles. Industry data shows that booking domestic flights 1-3 months in advance typically yields the best prices. For the Denver-LA route specifically, I recommend setting up price alerts on major travel platforms at least 8-10 weeks before your planned departure date.
Tuesday and Wednesday tend to offer lower prices than weekend departures, as fewer leisure travelers book mid-week flights. Airlines often release sales on Tuesday afternoons, making this an ideal time to check for deals. Avoid booking on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons when demand peaks and prices spike accordingly.
Early morning departures from Denver (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) frequently cost less than afternoon or evening flights. This timing preference works in your favor since fewer passengers book early flights. Red-eye options departing Denver after 10:00 PM can offer substantial savings, though comfort considerations apply.
Airlines Flying This Route
Multiple carriers operate between Denver and Los Angeles, creating competitive pricing opportunities. Southwest Airlines dominates this route with frequent daily departures and typically offers competitive fares, especially for flexible travelers who can adjust dates. Southwest’s two free checked bags policy provides exceptional value compared to other carriers.
United Airlines operates several daily flights on this corridor, often with direct service and connections through their Denver hub. Their frequent flyer program offers reasonable earning rates for this route. Frontier Airlines, the budget carrier based in Denver, frequently offers the lowest base fares, though additional fees for carry-ons and seat selection can offset initial savings.
American Airlines and Delta maintain regular service between Denver and Los Angeles. American often provides competitive pricing through their Denver connections, while Delta offers premium cabin options for travelers willing to pay more. Alaska Airlines also serves this route with competitive pricing and strong customer service ratings.
When comparing airlines, always check the Federal Aviation Administration safety records and Department of Transportation consumer complaint databases. Reading reviews on Airfare Watchdog helps identify which carriers offer the best value for this specific route.
Smart Booking Strategies
Using incognito mode when searching for flights prevents airlines from tracking your searches and raising prices based on your browsing history. Clear your cookies or use private browsing before checking fares multiple times. This simple technique can save 5-10% on airfare.
Compare prices across multiple booking platforms including airline websites directly, Kayak, Google Flights, and Expedia. Google Flights offers exceptional price tracking capabilities, allowing you to monitor fares for specific dates over several weeks. Setting up email alerts ensures you never miss significant price drops.
Consider booking separate tickets for outbound and return flights rather than round-trip packages. Sometimes purchasing these segments through different airlines yields lower overall costs. However, factor in connection times and baggage policies before pursuing this strategy.
If your travel dates remain flexible, using Google Flights’ calendar view shows prices for every date in your desired month. Often, shifting your departure by just one or two days reveals dramatically lower fares. This flexibility can save $50-150 per person on Denver-LA routes.
Joining airline loyalty programs before booking provides access to exclusive deals and error fare notifications. Even if you don’t reach elite status, these programs track your preferences and notify you of sales matching your travel patterns. This approach requires minimal effort while maximizing savings potential.
Seasonal Pricing Patterns
Understanding seasonal price variations helps you identify the cheapest travel windows. January through early February offers some of the year’s lowest fares after the holiday rush ends. Late August and early September, despite summer ending, still provide reasonable prices as school-year travel plans solidify.
Spring break weeks (typically mid-March through early April) see dramatic price increases, with fares often doubling or tripling. Similarly, summer vacation periods (June-July) command premium pricing. Thanksgiving week and the two weeks before Christmas represent the most expensive booking periods annually.
Avoid traveling during major Los Angeles events like the Academy Awards (late February/early March), Coachella Festival (April), and summer blockbuster season. These events attract visitors, increasing demand and airfare costs significantly. Instead, plan trips around quieter periods when fewer leisure travelers compete for seats.
Weather considerations impact pricing as well. Denver’s occasional winter storms can disrupt schedules, sometimes lowering prices during poor-weather forecasts as risk-averse travelers cancel. Conversely, perfect-weather forecasts drive prices upward. Monitoring Denver and Los Angeles forecasts 7-10 days before travel can reveal pricing opportunities.
Denver Airport Tips
Denver International Airport’s location and design influence flight availability and pricing. The airport sits on the eastern plains, making it a natural hub for east-west traffic. This geography ensures consistent flight frequency and competitive pricing on Denver-LA routes.
Arriving at DEN early, especially for early morning flights, ensures smooth processing through security. The airport frequently experiences TSA PreCheck and CLEAR enrollment opportunities, expediting your departure process. These programs cost money upfront but save time and stress on every trip.
Denver’s airport offers exceptional dining and retail options compared to many US airports. However, prices are higher than off-airport locations. Bringing your own snacks and beverages saves money and time. The airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout, allowing you to work or research during layovers.
Parking at Denver can become expensive during peak travel periods. Reserving parking in advance through the airport’s official website often provides discounts compared to walk-up rates. Alternatively, using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft from residential areas sometimes costs less than parking, especially for longer trips.
Ground transportation from Denver to Los Angeles airports matters for overall trip cost. Los Angeles International (LAX) charges premium ground fees, while alternative airports like Long Beach (LGB) or Ontario (ONT) offer lower-cost connections. Checking ground transportation costs helps determine true trip expenses.
Alternative Airports
While Denver International remains your primary departure point, considering alternative airports occasionally yields significant savings. Colorado Springs Airport (COS), located 90 minutes south of Denver, sometimes offers cheaper fares on routes that connect through major hubs. The savings must offset the additional ground transportation costs.
For Los Angeles arrivals, Long Beach Airport (LGB) and Ontario International (ONT) frequently offer cheaper flights than LAX. Long Beach sits 30 miles south of downtown LA, while Ontario lies 40 miles east. Both airports feature lower fees and reduced congestion compared to LAX, resulting in lower airfares and faster processing.
Burbank Airport (BUR), located in northwest Los Angeles, serves as another alternative with competitive pricing. Burbank offers convenient access to Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, making it an excellent choice if your LA destination lies in that direction. Ground transportation costs from Burbank often rival LAX when considering overall trip expenses.
When evaluating alternative airports, factor in ground transportation time and cost. A $30 savings on airfare loses value if ground transportation costs an additional $60. Use mapping applications to calculate total trip costs including airport transfers, parking, or rideshare expenses.
FAQ
How long is the flight from Denver to Los Angeles?
Direct flights from Denver to Los Angeles typically take 2 hours and 15 minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes. The distance covers approximately 600 miles. Connecting flights through hub airports add 1-3 hours to total travel time depending on layover duration.
What’s the average price for Denver to LA flights?
Average round-trip fares from Denver to Los Angeles range from $200-350 during off-peak periods, rising to $400-600 during peak travel seasons. Booking early and remaining flexible with dates helps secure prices in the lower range. Budget airlines occasionally offer fares below $150 one-way if you book far in advance.
Which airline offers the best value for this route?
Southwest Airlines provides excellent value through their two free checked bags policy and frequent sales. Frontier Airlines offers the lowest base fares for budget-conscious travelers willing to forgo amenities. United Airlines provides good value through their frequent flyer program and hub benefits. Your best choice depends on personal priorities regarding baggage, seating, and amenities.
Is it cheaper to book round-trip or one-way?
Round-trip bookings typically cost less than two separate one-way tickets, though this varies. Occasionally, booking outbound and return segments separately through different airlines yields savings. Always compare both options before finalizing your purchase. Set price alerts for both round-trip and one-way combinations.
What should I know about luggage fees?
Southwest includes two free checked bags and free carry-on for all passengers. Frontier charges for carry-ons and checked bags, with prices varying based on booking timing. United and American provide one free checked bag for economy passengers with additional bags charged separately. Review baggage policies before booking, as fees significantly impact total trip cost.
Can I find cheaper flights on specific days of the week?
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday departures from Denver typically offer lower prices than Friday, Sunday, or Monday flights. Early morning departures (5:00 AM-8:00 AM) cost less than afternoon or evening flights. Red-eye flights departing after 10:00 PM frequently offer substantial discounts for flexible travelers.
How far in advance should I book Denver to LA flights?
For optimal pricing, book 6-10 weeks in advance for most travel dates. During peak seasons (summer, holidays), booking 8-12 weeks ahead provides better selection and pricing. For last-minute travel, checking daily deals and error fares can occasionally yield unexpected savings, though this approach involves higher risk.
What’s the best way to track price changes?
Google Flights price tracking alerts notify you of significant price changes for your desired route and dates. Setting multiple alerts across different travel websites ensures comprehensive coverage. Subscribing to airline newsletters and following travel deal accounts on social media provides additional savings opportunities.
