Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City Compare & Book Affordable Airfare
About Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City lies at the confluence of magnificent mountain scenery and bustling urban growth. Located between the Wasatch Mountains, the city is the gateway to popular ski resorts such as Park City and Alta, while the city center features an exciting culinary scene, Temple Square, and an outdoor lifestyle. Whatever the purpose of the visit —whether it is to experience the powder, red-rock hiking, or to conduct some business—Salt Lake City Airport makes the destination easily accessible, and cheap flights to Salt Lake City are relatively easy to find if scheduled properly.
- Cheapest Month to Fly: January or September
- Cheapest Time to Book a Flight: 3-6 weeks before travel
- Cheapest Day to Fly: Tuesday or Saturday
- Best Airline Value: Southwest Airlines; Delta Air Lines (for direct routes)
Airports around Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City Airport is a busy western hub that was recently upgraded to accommodate the increasing number of passengers.
Best Time to Book Flights to Salt Lake City
The most favorable time for purchasing cheap flights to Salt Lake City would be the period immediately following New Year's Day (mid- or late January), followed by September, when summer vacationers have gone home, but the winter season hasn't begun yet. Both of these times of year feature low demand and, consequently, reduced ticket prices.
Moreover, ticket prices go sky-high during winter season (late December - March), because ski enthusiasts head en masse to ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains. Another time of year with increased prices is summer (June - August), with road travelers using Salt Lake City as an entry point for Utah's national parks such as Zion and Arches.
During the mentioned periods, especially near holidays, tickets may cost 50-100% more than during January or September periods. If you can fly during these off-peak seasons, you will be able to save a lot of money on flights.
Comparison of the Airlines Operating at SLC
More than 26 million passengers use SLC each year, and the airport acts as an important hub linking the Mountain West region to the rest of the nation.
Delta Air Lines:
- Allows for carry-on and personal item allowance with Main Cabin fares.
- One of the most important hubs for Delta, providing the most extensive range of direct flights throughout the West, Midwest, and beyond.
Southwest Airlines:
- Allows for two free checked bags and no change or cancellation fees.
- Has a considerable operational presence in Salt Lake City with good connections to California, Texas, and the Pacific Northwest.
American Airlines:
- Allows for carry-on and personal item with Main Cabin; just a personal item with Basic Economy.
- Connects through its Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix hubs, ideal for travelers bound for the Southwest and further.
United Airlines:
- Allows for carry-on and personal item allowance with Economy fares.
- Provides excellent connections through its Denver and San Francisco hubs, very good for both business and ski season vacation travel.
Frontier Airlines:
- Extremely cheap base fares, with additional fees for carry-ons, checked luggage, and seat selections.
- An excellent choice for single travelers or those with minimal baggage who keep to a strict budget.
Hidden Fees that Require Checking Before Booking
As there is a lot of ski season traffic at SLC, bag fees play an important role here more than in other cities. If you carry a bag containing one set of skis or a snowboard, there will be hefty oversized and overweight fees in addition to the regular checked bag fee, especially when you travel with ultra-low-cost airlines such as Frontier and Spirit.
Before booking, check:
- Whether your airfare includes overhead bin access or just your personal item.
- The fee structure for carrying ski or snowboard gear on a particular airline.
- Whether your reservation is flexible and/or refundable (generally, it is not for Basic Economy or ultra-low cost flights).
- Whether resort shuttle, parking, or car rental insurance fees are included in your reservation.
Disclaimer: Always use CompareMost for getting all airlines and travel websites' comparison side by side before booking your Salt Lake City flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions visitors commonly ask before travelling:
