You’re standing in the middle of Terminal B at DIA, clutching a lukewarm Starbucks, wondering if you actually packed enough wool socks. It’s a classic Denver moment. We love our mountains, but eventually, the Rockies just aren’t "big" enough anymore. You need the scale of the North. You need Alaska. Honestly, though, getting there can be a bit of a puzzle if you don't know how the routes actually work.
Most people think flights to Alaska from Denver are just a straight shot north.
It’s not.
Actually, the logistics of flying from the Mile High City to the Last Frontier have changed a lot recently. We’re seeing more competition than ever, which is great for your wallet but confusing for your calendar. Whether you're chasing the Aurora in Fairbanks or trying to catch a cruise out of Seward, here is the real dirt on making the trek from DEN to the land of the midnight sun.
The Big Shakeup in Flights to Alaska from Denver
For years, if you wanted to go nonstop, you basically had to talk to United. They’ve owned the DEN-to-ANC corridor like it was their personal driveway. But 2026 is looking very different.
The biggest news? Southwest Airlines has finally entered the chat. Starting in May 2026, Southwest is launching daily nonstop service between Denver and Anchorage. This is a massive deal. Why? Because when Southwest moves into a market, they don't just add seats; they force everyone else to stop charging $800 for a basic economy ticket.
Andrew Watterson, Southwest’s COO, basically said this has been a decade in the making. For us in Denver, it means we finally get to use those Rapid Rewards points to get to the 49th state.
United isn't just rolling over, though. They’ve ramped up their schedule, often running multiple nonstops a day using 737-8-MAX aircraft. These flights usually clock in around 5 hours and 40 minutes. It's a long sit, but it beats a six-hour layover in a rainy Seattle terminal.
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Who Else is Flying?
While the nonstops get the glory, the "stopover" carriers are where the sneaky deals live.
- Alaska Airlines: They don't do a nonstop from Denver, but they own the Seattle hub. You’ll almost certainly connect through SEA. It’s a "right of passage" for Alaska travelers.
- Delta: Usually routes you through Minneapolis (MSP) or Salt Lake City (SLC).
- Frontier: They’re the wild card. You can find dirt-cheap fares, but by the time you pay for your carry-on and a bottle of water, you might as well have flown first class on United.
- Sun Country: They pop up occasionally with seasonal summer flights that can be surprisingly affordable if you’re flexible.
Timing Your Trip (and Your Wallet)
Look, Alaska is expensive. There’s no way around it. But you can avoid getting absolutely hosed on airfare if you understand the "Alaska Surge."
Summer is the peak. Specifically, June through August. If you book a flight for July, expect to pay double what a February traveler pays. But who wants to go to Anchorage in February? Well, photographers and mushers, mostly.
If you’re looking for the absolute "sweet spot," aim for September. The crowds have thinned, the mosquitoes have finally died off, and the airfare drops significantly. Data from 2026 shows that September tickets often hover around $438 round-trip, compared to the $700+ you’ll see in the heat of July.
The Thursday Rule According to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation, Thursday is consistently the cheapest day to depart from Denver. If you fly on a Sunday, you’re basically volunteering to pay a 15% premium. Don't do that.
The Red-Eye Reality
Get ready to lose some sleep.
Most flights returning to Denver from Alaska are red-eyes. You’ll leave Anchorage or Fairbanks at 11:00 PM and land at DIA at 6:00 AM, feeling like you’ve been through a dryer on the tumble setting.
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The reason is simple: airlines want those planes back in Denver for the morning rush. If you’re a "can’t sleep on planes" person, this is going to be rough. I highly recommend booking the "Economy Plus" or "Premium" seats for the return leg. That extra four inches of legroom is the difference between a nap and a nightmare.
Avoiding the Cancellation Trap
Here’s a tip from the frequent flyers: try to book a flight that departs before 3:00 PM.
Statistics show that flights leaving Denver for Alaska later in the evening are about 22% more likely to face delays or cancellations. This is usually due to the "domino effect" of delays piling up throughout the day at major hubs. If you take the morning flight, you’re much safer.
Beyond Anchorage: Getting to the Real Alaska
Most people land in Anchorage and think they’ve "done" Alaska. Anchorage is great—it’s got the Moose’s Tooth Pizza (get the Amazing Apricot, trust me)—but it’s a city.
If you want the wild stuff, you’re looking at Fairbanks or Juneau.
Fairbanks (FAI)
United occasionally runs nonstops from Denver to Fairbanks in the summer. It’s about a 5-hour and 40-minute flight. If you can’t snag a nonstop, you’ll likely stop in Seattle or Anchorage. Fairbanks is your gateway to the Arctic Circle and the best place for Aurora viewing.
Juneau (JNU)
You cannot drive to Juneau. Let that sink in. You have to fly or take a boat. From Denver, this is almost always a two-leg journey with a stop in Seattle. Alaska Airlines is the king here.
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The Bear Spray Situation
Since you’re flying from Denver, I know you probably have a garage full of hiking gear.
Do not pack bear spray in your checked or carry-on luggage. It is a federal offense. TSA will find it, they will confiscate it, and you might get a hefty fine. Just wait until you land in Anchorage and hit up the REI on Northern Lights Blvd. They have plenty.
Is the "Companion Fare" Worth It?
If you decide to go the Alaska Airlines route via Seattle, many people look into the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card. It comes with a "Companion Fare" once a year.
Is it worth it for a Denver traveler?
Honestly, it depends on how often you go. If you're planning one big family trip to Alaska, that companion fare can save you $500 easily. But remember, you’re committing to a layover in Seattle every time. For some, the $99 companion fee (plus taxes) is a steal. For others, the convenience of a Southwest or United nonstop out of DIA is worth the extra cash.
Practical Steps for Your Denver-to-Alaska Flight
If you're ready to pull the trigger on those flights to Alaska from Denver, don't just hit "buy" on the first Expedia result.
- Set an alert for the "PFD Sale." Every year in late September or early October, Alaska residents get their oil wealth check (the Permanent Fund Dividend). Airlines go into a price war to grab that cash. Even if you don't live in Alaska, you can often snag the "outside-in" deals during this window.
- Check Southwest separately. Southwest doesn't show up on Google Flights or Kayak. You have to go to their site. With their new 2026 Anchorage routes, they are often the price leader.
- Book 7 weeks out. Data suggests this is the "goldilocks" zone for domestic flights to Alaska. Too early and you miss the sales; too late and the cruise ship crowds have scooped up all the inventory.
- Download the airline app before you leave DIA. WiFi on Alaska flights is notoriously hit-or-miss once you cross the Canadian border. Having your boarding passes and entertainment downloaded is a lifesaver.
Alaska is huge—it's two and a half times the size of Texas. Don't try to see it all in one trip. Pick a region, book your flight into the nearest hub, and give yourself more time than you think you need. The scale of the place is exhausting, but in the best way possible.
Once you see your first glacier from the window of a 737, the 5-hour flight from Denver will feel like the shortest trip you've ever taken.