Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Budget Travelers

February 17, 2026

Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, is a vibrant destination surrounded by stunning mountain landscapes, rich history, and exciting outdoor adventures. Whether you are planning a family vacation, business trip, ski holiday, or weekend getaway, finding cheap flights to Salt Lake City can make your journey more affordable and enjoyable.

This complete travel guide will help you discover the best ways to find low-cost flights, the best time to visit, airlines offering budget fares, money-saving tips, and everything else you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Salt Lake City without breaking the bank.

Why Visit Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City is one of the most scenic and culturally rich cities in the United States. Nestled between the Wasatch Mountains and the Great Salt Lake, the city offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, urban charm, and historical significance.

Some top reasons travelers love visiting Salt Lake City include:

World-class ski resorts
Beautiful mountain hiking trails
Historic landmarks
Unique cultural attractions
Family-friendly activities
Easy access to national parks

Whether you’re traveling for leisure, adventure, or business, Salt Lake City has something to offer for everyone.

How to Find Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City

Finding cheap airfare doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right strategy, you can score great deals and save a significant amount of money.

1. Book Early

Airline ticket prices usually rise as departure dates approach. Booking your flight 6–8 weeks in advance often gives you the best chance of securing low fares.

2. Be Flexible with Dates

Flying on weekdays, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, usually offers cheaper rates than weekend flights. Using flexible date search tools can help you find the lowest prices.

3. Use Flight Comparison Websites

Comparing ticket prices across multiple platforms ensures you get the best deal. Some popular flight comparison tools include Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak.

4. Set Fare Alerts

Many travel websites allow you to set price alerts. This feature notifies you when flight prices drop, helping you book at the right time.

5. Fly Budget Airlines

Low-cost carriers often offer affordable fares to Salt Lake City, especially from major cities.

Best Time to Book Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City

Timing plays a crucial role in finding budget-friendly airfare.

Off-Peak Season (April–May & September–October)

These months usually offer the lowest fares. The weather is pleasant, and crowds are smaller, making it an excellent time to visit.

Peak Season (December–March & Summer Months)

Winter attracts ski lovers, while summer draws outdoor enthusiasts. Airfare prices rise significantly during these periods, especially around holidays.

Best Booking Window

The ideal time to book flights is around 45–60 days before departure for domestic flights and 60–90 days for international flights.

Airlines Offering Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City

Several airlines operate budget-friendly routes to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). Some of the most popular include:

Delta Air Lines
Southwest Airlines
American Airlines
United Airlines
Frontier Airlines
Alaska Airlines

Southwest and Frontier often offer the lowest fares, especially for domestic routes.

Top Departure Cities for Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City

Some cities consistently offer lower fares due to high demand and frequent flight availability:

Los Angeles
Denver
Las Vegas
Phoenix
San Francisco
Seattle
Dallas
Chicago

Flying from these cities often provides better pricing and more flight options.

Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City from Major US Cities

Cheap Flights from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City

Flights from Los Angeles are frequent and affordable. One-way fares can start as low as $40–$70 when booked early.

Cheap Flights from Denver to Salt Lake City

Short flight distance means competitive pricing, often available from $50–$90.

Cheap Flights from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City

Las Vegas offers some of the cheapest fares, with round-trip tickets sometimes under $100.

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Salt Lake City

Prices vary but affordable deals can be found from $120–$200 depending on season.

Cheap International Flights to Salt Lake City

International travelers can also find budget-friendly routes to Salt Lake City through connecting flights. Popular routes include:

London to Salt Lake City
Toronto to Salt Lake City
Vancouver to Salt Lake City
Mexico City to Salt Lake City

Booking connecting flights instead of direct routes often results in lower fares.

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) Overview

Salt Lake City International Airport is modern, efficient, and traveler-friendly. It serves as a major hub for Delta Air Lines and offers smooth connectivity across the US and internationally.

Airport Facilities Include:

Free Wi-Fi
Dining and shopping options
Comfortable lounges
Efficient security checkpoints
Car rental services
Public transportation access

The airport is located just 6 miles from downtown, making transportation quick and convenient.

How to Get Cheap Last-Minute Flights to Salt Lake City

If you’re booking close to your travel date, here are a few tips:

Use airline mobile apps for flash deals
Check budget airlines directly
Look for red-eye or early morning flights
Consider nearby departure airports

While last-minute flights can sometimes be expensive, deals do pop up if you’re flexible.

Best Travel Tips for Budget Travelers

Here are some extra tips to save money on flights and overall travel expenses:

Travel light to avoid baggage fees
Use airline rewards and miles
Book round-trip tickets
Clear browser cookies before searching
Use incognito mode when searching for flights

These small steps can lead to significant savings.

Best Things to Do in Salt Lake City

Once you’ve secured your cheap flight, it’s time to explore!

Temple Square

One of the most iconic attractions, offering historical tours and stunning architecture.

Great Salt Lake

A natural wonder perfect for photography, floating, and scenic drives.

Utah State Capitol

An architectural masterpiece with panoramic city views.

Red Butte Garden

A peaceful botanical garden ideal for relaxation and nature lovers.

Ski Resorts

World-class resorts such as Park City, Alta, and Snowbird are just a short drive away.

Best Time to Visit Salt Lake City

Spring (March–May): Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and affordable travel costs.
Summer (June–August): Perfect for hiking and sightseeing, but higher prices.
Fall (September–November): Beautiful foliage and cheaper flights.
Winter (December–February): Ideal for skiing, but expensive airfare.

For cheap flights and pleasant weather, spring and fall are the best seasons.

Affordable Accommodation Options in Salt Lake City

After booking cheap flights to Salt Lake City, finding budget accommodation helps further reduce travel costs.

Budget Hotels

Motel 6
Super 8
Days Inn
Red Roof Inn

Mid-Range Hotels

Holiday Inn Express
Hampton Inn
La Quinta

Alternative Stays

Airbnb apartments
Hostels
Guesthouses

Transportation in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City has excellent public transportation.

TRAX Light Rail

Affordable and connects major parts of the city.

Buses

Reliable and economical.

Car Rentals

Ideal for exploring nearby mountains and national parks.

Sample Budget Trip Plan

Here’s an example of a budget-friendly 3-day trip:

Day 1: Arrival, explore downtown, Temple Square
Day 2: Great Salt Lake, Red Butte Garden, local dining
Day 3: Mountain hiking or ski resort visit

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FAQs – Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City

Q1: What is the cheapest month to fly to Salt Lake City?

April and October typically offer the lowest fares.

Q2: Which airline has the cheapest flights to Salt Lake City?

Frontier and Southwest often provide the best deals.

Q3: How far in advance should I book flights?

Booking 6–8 weeks early is ideal for finding low fares.

Q4: Are there direct international flights to Salt Lake City?

Yes, but connecting flights are usually cheaper.

Q5: Is Salt Lake City an expensive destination?

Compared to many major cities, Salt Lake City is relatively affordable.

Final Thoughts on Cheap Flights to Salt Lake City

Finding cheap flights to Salt Lake City is easier than you might think when you plan smartly. By booking early, staying flexible with travel dates, using fare comparison tools, and choosing budget airlines, you can significantly reduce travel expenses.

Salt Lake City is a destination that offers breathtaking scenery, cultural depth, outdoor adventures, and modern city comfort. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or on business, securing affordable airfare ensures you can enjoy everything the city offers without financial stress.

Start planning today, book wisely, and get ready to experience the beauty and excitement of Salt Lake City on a budget!