Cheap Flights from Chicago to Denver | EazAir
Chicago to Denver flight insights
Average flight time
~2h 31m (estimated)
ORD → DEN
Cheapest month
—
Based on cached fare history
Cheapest cached price
$179
Checking live fares…
Prices shown may not be current. Last checked: Sep 2, 2026.
Planning a trip from Chicago to Denver? The average flight time on this route is ~2h 31m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $179 (last checked Sep 2, 2026).
Route Quick Facts
| Origin | Chicago (ORD) |
|---|---|
| Destination | Denver (DEN) |
| Average Flight Time | — |
| Cheapest Month to Fly | — |
| Current Lowest Fare | $179 |
| Fares Last Checked | Sep 2, 2026 |
Flight deals from Chicago to Denver
Flying from Chicago to Denver covers a distance of approximately 900 miles, with direct flights typically lasting between two hours and thirty minutes and two hours and forty-five minutes. Most travelers depart from either Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW) and land at Denver International Airport (DEN). This route crosses two time zones, meaning passengers traveling west gain an hour upon arrival in Colorado. Several major carriers operate regular non-stop service connecting Chicago and Denver. Southwest Airlines handles the majority of the Midway to Denver paths, offering multiple daily departures. From O'Hare, United Airlines uses both cities as major hubs, providing the highest volume of direct daily flights, while American Airlines and Frontier Airlines also maintain steady schedules on this specific corridor. Peak travel months for the Chicago to Denver route occur during the winter ski season from December through February, and again during the heavy summer hiking months of July and August. To secure the lowest fares on tickets between Illinois and Colorado, travelers should target flights departing on Tuesdays or Wednesdays during the shoulder seasons of late April or October. Morning departures from ORD and MDW generally face fewer weather-related delays than evening flights heading into the Rocky Mountain region.
About Denver
Popular areas to know in Denver include LoDo (Lower Downtown), RiNo Art District, and Capitol Hill.
A semi-arid climate with over 300 sunny days a year; the high altitude keeps evenings cool even in summer, and winter brings snow to the nearby mountains.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a direct flight from Chicago to Denver?
Which airports serve flights traveling from Chicago to Denver?
Which airlines fly direct from Chicago to Denver?
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Denver?
How far in advance should I book my flight from Chicago to Denver?
Do airlines include checked baggage on the Chicago to Denver route?
What time does the earliest flight leave Chicago for Denver?
When is the latest evening flight from Chicago to Denver?
Do winter snowstorms frequently delay flights from Chicago to Denver?
How do I get to downtown after flying from Chicago to Denver?
Are there layovers on cheap flights from Chicago to Denver?
Airline baggage policies
Baggage allowances differ significantly between fare classes (Basic/Light vs. Standard/Flex) and can change over time. Always verify the exact allowance for your specific fare with the airline before you fly.
| Airline | Cabin bag | Checked bag |
|---|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| American Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| United Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Economy and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it |
| Southwest Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item | 2 checked bags included on every fare — a long-standing, well-known Southwest policy |
| JetBlue Airways | 1 personal item on the cheapest (Blue Basic) fare; a carry-on is added on higher fares | Not included on Blue Basic; typically included from Blue Plus and above |
| Alaska Airlines | 1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares | 1 checked bag typically included on Main and above; Saver fares usually exclude it |
| Spirit Airlines | 1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-on | Not included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier |
| Frontier Airlines | 1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-on | Not included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier |
Travel tips
Arrive early for domestic flights
TSA generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure, more at larger hub airports during peak travel periods.
Pack a mixed carry-on
Keep a change of clothes, chargers, and any essentials in your carry-on rather than only your checked bag, in case of a delay or a bag that doesn't arrive with you.
Ease jet lag on longer routes
On longer cross-country flights, adjusting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure and staying hydrated in flight can reduce jet lag on arrival.
Screenshot your confirmation
Save a screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation and boarding pass before you travel, in case you lose signal or battery at the airport.
Check in online when it opens
Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — checking in early can help with seat selection and, on some airlines, boarding group assignment.
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