You'd think a flight from the mountains of Utah to the home of the blues would be a simple "A to B" situation. It isn't. Honestly, most travelers booking flights from salt lake city to memphis tennessee end up overpaying or sitting in a terminal in Dallas for three hours because they didn't realize how specific this route actually is.
The distance is roughly 1,260 miles. That’s a lot of ground to cover. If you play your cards right, you’re looking at a sub-three-hour hop. If you don't? You're looking at an eight-hour ordeal involving a terminal change at DFW or Denver.
The Non-Stop Reality Check
Delta owns the direct market here. That's the big secret. If you want to get from SLC to MEM without seeing the inside of another airport, you're looking for flight DL 2515.
It usually leaves Salt Lake City around 1:50 PM. You land in Memphis just before 6:00 PM, just in time to grab some dry rub ribs. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t always run every single day of the week, and the aircraft swaps between an Airbus A319 and a Boeing 737-800 depending on the season.
- Average Non-Stop Time: 2 hours and 55 minutes.
- The Price Trap: Direct flights often cost double what a connecting flight does. We're talking $450 versus $180.
- The Schedule: Expect a mid-day departure. There are almost no "crack of dawn" non-stop options.
If you miss that Delta window, you’re connecting. Period.
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Why Layovers Might Actually Save Your Trip
Connecting flights aren't always the enemy. Usually, they're the only way to keep your wallet from screaming. Frontier and Southwest are the big players for the budget-conscious traveler on this route.
Frontier often lists one-way fares as low as $85, but you’ll likely stop in Denver. Southwest is a favorite for many because of the two free checked bags—crucial if you're bringing back a suitcase full of Memphis BBQ sauce or heavy souvenirs. Their routes typically funnel you through Phoenix (PHX) or Denver (DEN).
The Major Hubs for SLC to MEM Connections:
- Denver (DEN): The most common. Usually short layovers, but winter weather can be a nightmare.
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW): American Airlines' bread and butter. Great if you want more frequency.
- Atlanta (ATL): If you're flying Delta but the direct flight is sold out or too pricey.
- Chicago (ORD/MDW): United or Southwest. Avoid this in January unless you like delays.
Best Time to Book (According to the Data)
Don't book on a Friday. Just don't.
Data from ARC and Expedia suggests that booking on a Sunday can save you about 13% on this specific route. As of 2026, the "sweet spot" for domestic US flights is roughly 38 days before departure. For a trip from Salt Lake City to Memphis, if you haven't pulled the trigger three weeks out, you’re basically handing the airline an extra $100 for no reason.
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February is historically the cheapest month to fly into Memphis. It’s chilly, sure, but the lines at Graceland are non-existent and the airfare is a steal.
What Most People Forget About the Airports
SLC International is brand new and shiny, but it's massive. If your flight departs from the B Gates, give yourself an extra 15 minutes just for the walk. I’m serious. The "tunnel" is long.
Memphis International (MEM) has undergone its own massive renovation. It’s way more efficient than it used to be. Once you land, getting to downtown is a breeze. Uber and Lyft pick up on the lower level, right outside the baggage claim. If you’re staying near Beale Street, it’s a 15-minute ride.
Expert Tip: If you're renting a car in Memphis, the rental center is a bit of a walk through a covered pedestrian bridge. It’s easy, but if you have a lot of bags, grab a cart early.
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The "Blues" of Pricing
Prices for flights from salt lake city to memphis tennessee fluctuate wildly. One week you might see a round trip for $165 on United; the next, it’s $580.
If you see a fare under $250 for a round trip, grab it. That's a "good" price for this 1,200-mile journey. Anything under $200 is an absolute steal and probably involves a budget carrier like Frontier or a very lucky Southwest sale.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
- Use Google Flights Trackers: Set an alert for "SLC to MEM" and "Non-stop only" if you’re picky, but also set one for "All flights" to see the price gap.
- Check Southwest Separately: Remember, Southwest flights don't show up on Google Flights or Expedia. You have to go to their site.
- Verify the Aircraft: If you’re tall, check if the Delta flight is an A319. It’s a bit tighter than the 737.
- Book Your Sunday Return: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday are the cheapest days to actually fly. Sunday is the cheapest day to buy the ticket.
Instead of just looking at the price, look at the total travel time. Saving $40 isn't worth a 12-hour travel day with two stops in airports you hate. Stick to the mid-day Delta direct if you can swing the cost, or aim for a sub-2-hour layover in Denver to keep things moving.