You're standing at the gate at Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF). It’s small. It’s quiet. You’ve probably got a coffee from the one decent kiosk, and you’re looking at the flight board. If you're heading to the Mile High City, you're likely thinking one of two things: "I hope this United Express flight isn't delayed," or "Why did I pay this much for a two-hour jump?"
Booking flights Midland TX to Denver isn't exactly like booking a trip from JFK to LAX. It’s a niche route. It’s dominated by specific regional carriers and, honestly, the pricing can be a bit of a rollercoaster depending on whether the oil industry is booming or taking a breather.
Most people just hop on Google Flights, see the price, and groan. But there’s a better way to handle the Permian-to-Front Range shuffle. Whether you’re a "commuter" working the rigs and living in the Rockies, or just a family heading up for a ski weekend at Keystone, the logistics matter.
The Reality of the MAF to DIA Route
United Airlines basically owns this corridor. They run several daily nonstops under the United Express banner, usually operated by SkyWest. You’re looking at Embraer 175s mostly. These aren't the massive wide-body jets you see in international hubs. They are small, 76-seat workhorses.
If you want a nonstop, you go United. That’s the rule.
But here’s the kicker. Southwest Airlines also flies out of Midland. However, they don't do the direct hop. They’ll send you through Love Field in Dallas. Is it worth the extra three hours? Sometimes. If you’re hauling heavy gear—skis, snowboards, or a massive suitcase of "just in case" winter layers—Southwest’s two-free-bags policy can save you $70 round-trip right off the bat.
I’ve seen people save a fortune by doing the Dallas layover, but I’ve also seen people lose their minds when a storm in North Texas cancels their connection while the United direct flight cruises right over the clouds.
Timing the Permian Pricing Peak
Pricing for flights Midland TX to Denver behaves differently than your average vacation route.
In most markets, you book six weeks out and call it good. In West Texas? Prices are often tethered to business travel. Monday mornings and Friday afternoons are expensive. Period. The "oil patch" crowd fills those seats. If you can fly on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, the price often drops by 40%.
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I remember a specific instance where a Thursday evening flight was $450, but moving the departure to Saturday morning dropped it to $188. It’s a massive swing.
- Avoid the Monday Rush: If you can help it, never fly out on Monday before 10:00 AM.
- The 21-Day Rule: Unlike the old 14-day rule, West Texas routes seem to hit a pricing cliff exactly three weeks out.
Don't ignore the "Space Port" aspect of MAF either. While we aren't all hopping on rockets yet, the airport infrastructure is surprisingly efficient for its size. You can usually get through security in under 15 minutes. This means you don't need to be there two hours early like you would at Denver International Airport (DIA) for the return leg.
The Denver Side of the Equation
Landing in Denver is a whole different beast. You go from the tiny, manageable halls of Midland to the sprawling, tented chaos of DIA.
If you took the United nonstop, you’ll likely land at Terminal B. It’s the heart of the United hub. The walk from the gate to the train that takes you to baggage claim can actually take longer than the security line in Midland did.
One thing people forget: Denver’s weather is erratic.
A "bluebird day" in Midland can be a blizzard in Denver. I've seen flights depart sunny West Texas only to spend an hour circling over Eastern Colorado because the plows couldn't keep up with a sudden October squall. Always check the Denver METAR or a basic weather app before you leave the house in Midland. If the "Denver Cyclone" is in effect, expect delays.
Regional Jet Comfort (Or Lack Thereof)
Let’s talk about the Embraer 175. It’s actually a decent plane.
Unlike the older CRJ-200s (the "devil’s chariot" as frequent flyers call them), the E175 has no middle seats. It’s a 2-2 configuration. If you’re traveling with a partner, it’s great. If you’re solo, you either get a window or an aisle. No one gets squished in the middle.
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However, overhead bin space is tight. If you have a "full-size" carry-on that fits easily on a Boeing 737, you’ll probably have to gate-check it in Midland. They’ll give you a green or yellow tag, you leave it on the jet bridge, and you pick it up on the jet bridge in Denver.
Pro tip: Don't leave your car keys or medication in that bag.
Hidden Alternatives: Is it Worth Driving?
Look, it’s about nine hours to drive from Midland to Denver.
You go up through Lubbock, hit Amarillo, then cross the corner of New Mexico into Colorado. It’s a long, flat, repetitive drive. But if you have a group of four? The cost of four flights Midland TX to Denver can easily top $1,600.
A tank of gas and a long podcast might save you $1,300.
If you’re doing a solo business trip, driving is madness. If you’re a family of five heading to Great Wolf Lodge in Colorado Springs (which is a bit south of Denver), driving starts to look pretty smart.
The "Secret" Airport: Colorado Springs (COS)
Sometimes, the Midland to Denver route is just too expensive.
Check the flights into Colorado Springs. It’s about 70 miles south of Denver. Occasionally, United or American will run a deal into COS that undercuts the DIA price significantly. The drive from COS to South Denver is often faster than the trek from DIA to South Denver because of how far east DIA is located.
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It’s a niche move, but for savvy West Texans, it’s a classic "hack."
Frequent Flyer Nuance
If you’re stuck in the Midland-Denver loop, pick a side.
Because United dominates the nonstop market, you really should be using a United MileagePlus account. Even if you only fly once a year, those miles add up, and more importantly, having even basic status or a United-branded credit card can get you into the "Economy Plus" seating.
On a regional jet, those extra three inches of legroom feel like moving from a closet to a ballroom.
Navigating Denver International Airport on the Return
Going home is harder.
When you fly from Denver back to Midland, you’re dealing with one of the busiest airports in the world. The security lines at DIA are legendary for being terrible. Even with TSA PreCheck, I’ve seen 30-minute waits. Without it? You’re looking at an hour or more during peak times.
Give yourself plenty of time.
Also, the gates for the regional flights to Midland are often at the far ends of the terminals. You’ll be walking. A lot.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
Stop overpaying for your commute or your vacation. Follow this sequence:
- Set a Google Flights Tracker: Don't buy immediately. Set a tracker for the specific dates for flights Midland TX to Denver and watch the trend for 72 hours.
- Check Southwest Separately: Remember, Southwest doesn't show up in many search engines. Open their site specifically to see if the Dallas connection is cheaper.
- The "Big Bag" Audit: If you're bringing more than 50 pounds of gear, the Southwest connection via Love Field almost always wins on price once you factor in United's baggage fees.
- Tuesday/Wednesday Departure: If your schedule allows, fly mid-week. You’ll avoid the "consultant swell" that drives up prices on Sundays and Mondays.
- Download the Airline App: In the event of a delay (common in Denver), the app will let you rebook faster than the line at the customer service desk.
Flying out of Midland is a luxury of convenience, but it doesn't have to be a drain on your bank account. Keep your eyes on the regional jet schedules and always have a backup plan for Denver's unpredictable weather. Over and out.