Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Colorado Springs Airport (COS) offers a smaller, easier-to-navigate alternative to Denver International Airport for travelers in the Pikes Peak region. The airport is approximately 12 miles southeast of downtown Colorado Springs, and the drive usually takes about 20 minutes in normal traffic. Its passenger terminal has 12 gates, short walking distances, on-site parking, and a mix of major and low-cost airlines.
Quick Answer
Colorado Springs Airport currently lists five passenger airlines: Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Together, they offer nonstop flights to major hubs and leisure destinations, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and several seasonal markets.
Key Takeaways
- The current passenger carriers at COS are Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, and United.
- Southwest has the broadest selection of nonstop leisure and business destinations from Colorado Springs.
- American, Delta, and United connect COS with large airline hubs that provide one-stop access to destinations worldwide.
- Allegiant focuses on limited-frequency leisure routes, while Frontier is not currently listed as a COS airline.
- Airline routes and frequencies change by season, so confirm the schedule directly with the airline before booking.
Current airlines and nonstop destinations from Colorado Springs Airport
The official Colorado Springs Airport airline page and its published 2026 service updates identify five active passenger airlines. The table below summarizes their published nonstop markets.
Note: Airline schedules can change by month, day of the week, and travel season. A route shown below may operate only on selected days or during part of the year. Always check the airport’s nonstop route map and the airline’s booking calendar for your exact dates.
| Airline | Published nonstop destinations | Service notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allegiant Air | Phoenix–Mesa (AZA), Santa Ana/Orange County (SNA), St. Pete–Clearwater/Tampa (PIE) | Limited-frequency leisure service; some routes are seasonal. |
| American Airlines | Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | DFW provides extensive domestic and international connections. |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta (ATL), Salt Lake City (SLC), Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) | MSP is seasonal; schedules vary throughout the year. |
| Southwest Airlines | Chicago Midway (MDW), Dallas Love Field (DAL), Denver (DEN), Houston Hobby (HOU), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), San Diego (SAN), San Antonio (SAT) | San Antonio and other routes may be seasonal or offered only on selected days. |
| United Airlines | Denver (DEN), Houston Intercontinental (IAH), Chicago O’Hare (ORD) | All three airports provide broad connecting networks. |
The five currently published passenger carriers at COS are Allegiant, American, Delta, Southwest, and United.
United Airlines options from Colorado Springs Airport
United Airlines offers nonstop flights from Colorado Springs to Denver International Airport, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, and George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. These hubs provide connecting options throughout the United States and to many international destinations.
Denver usually has the highest United frequency from COS. The airport’s March 2026 service update reported up to 12 daily Denver flights, along with twice-daily service to Houston and Chicago. Those frequencies are a published snapshot rather than a permanent timetable, so check your dates before relying on a specific number of departures.
- Denver: Useful for reaching United destinations across the western United States, Hawaii, and international markets.
- Chicago O’Hare: A practical connection point for the Midwest, East Coast, and Europe.
- Houston Intercontinental: Helpful for Texas, the Gulf Coast, Latin America, and Caribbean connections.
United sells several fare types, but seat selection, baggage allowances, changes, and upgrade eligibility depend on the fare and itinerary. Premium seating may be available, but the cabin and aircraft can vary by flight.
Pro Tip: When comparing a COS–DEN connecting itinerary with driving directly to Denver International Airport, include the cost of fuel, tolls, DEN parking, and the additional driving time. The flight with the lower base fare is not always the cheaper trip.
American Airlines options from Colorado Springs Airport
American Airlines provides nonstop service from COS to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The DFW route normally offers the greater number of departures and the largest selection of onward connections.
Dallas/Fort Worth is one of American’s principal hubs, making it useful for trips to the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Chicago O’Hare can be more convenient for Midwestern, northeastern, and transatlantic itineraries.
American offers Basic Economy, Main Cabin, premium-economy-style seating on eligible aircraft, and First Class on many domestic itineraries. The exact product, checked-bag allowance, seat-selection rules, and change terms depend on the ticket purchased.
Delta Air Lines options from Colorado Springs Airport
Delta Air Lines serves Atlanta and Salt Lake City from Colorado Springs and publishes seasonal Minneapolis–St. Paul service. All three airports are Delta hubs, but they are useful for different parts of the airline’s network.
| Destination | Best suited for | Schedule note |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta (ATL) | Southeast, East Coast, Caribbean, Latin America, and international connections | The March 2026 update listed roughly twice-daily service except on Saturdays. |
| Salt Lake City (SLC) | Western United States and Pacific destinations | The March 2026 update listed roughly twice-daily service. |
| Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) | Upper Midwest, Canada, and selected European connections | Seasonal service was published for June 7 through September 30, 2026. |
Delta’s Main Cabin commonly includes nonalcoholic drinks and a snack on eligible flights. Larger premium products such as Delta One should not be assumed on short flights from COS; the aircraft, seat, and cabin vary by route and departure.
Southwest Airlines options from Colorado Springs Airport
Southwest Airlines offers the widest published selection of nonstop destinations from Colorado Springs. Its route map includes Denver, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, and seasonal San Antonio service.
Several of these routes provide a useful alternative to connecting through a traditional hub. A nonstop Southwest flight to Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, or Chicago may save considerable time compared with an itinerary that requires a connection.
Southwest’s fare products, seating procedures, baggage charges, and loyalty benefits can change. Review the exact fare rules displayed during booking rather than relying on older descriptions of the airline’s policies.
Does Frontier Airlines fly from Colorado Springs Airport?
Frontier Airlines is not currently listed on Colorado Springs Airport’s official airline page or current nonstop route map. Older articles, archived schedules, and flight-search pages may still associate Frontier with COS, but travelers should not assume that Frontier service is available.
Warning: Airport route information becomes outdated quickly. Confirm that an airline is actively selling your COS itinerary before planning transportation, parking, or a connection around an old route listing.
Travelers looking for lower-cost service should compare Allegiant and Southwest with the lowest available fares from American, Delta, and United. A basic fare can become more expensive after seat selection, carry-on bags, checked bags, and change restrictions are included.
Allegiant Air options from Colorado Springs Airport
Connecting travelers to leisure destinations
Allegiant Air’s published COS destinations are Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport, John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana/Orange County, and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport near the Tampa Bay area. These routes focus on leisure travelers and may operate only a few times per week.
Phoenix–Mesa Gateway Airport and St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport are not the primary airports used by every airline in their metropolitan areas. Check the airport location before booking because ground transportation time may differ from a flight arriving at Phoenix Sky Harbor or Tampa International Airport.
Affordable base fares with optional charges
Allegiant separates many travel extras from its base fare. Depending on the ticket, travelers may pay separately for a carry-on bag, checked bag, seat assignment, priority access, food, or other services.
Calculate the complete round-trip price before deciding that Allegiant is the least expensive choice. Buying bags and seats early is often more predictable than adding them close to departure.
Package deals and schedule considerations
Allegiant also sells vacation packages that can combine flights with hotels or rental cars. A package may be convenient, but compare its cancellation rules and total price with booking each part separately.
Because Allegiant routes often operate less frequently than hub-carrier flights, a cancellation can leave fewer same-day alternatives. Travelers with cruises, weddings, prepaid tours, or other fixed commitments may prefer to arrive a day early.
Comparing flight options from Colorado Springs Airport
| Airline | Often best for | Check before booking |
|---|---|---|
| United | Frequent Denver connections and access through Chicago or Houston | Connection time, Basic Economy restrictions, and aircraft type |
| American | Dallas/Fort Worth connections and Chicago itineraries | Fare rules, bag charges, and DFW connection time |
| Delta | Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and seasonal Minneapolis connections | Seasonality and the actual cabin offered from COS |
| Southwest | The largest range of published COS nonstop destinations | Current fare, seating, and baggage terms |
| Allegiant | Limited-frequency leisure trips to Mesa, Orange County, and the Tampa Bay area | Optional charges, alternate-airport location, and limited operating days |
The best airline depends on the full itinerary rather than the logo or base fare. Compare nonstop availability, total travel time, connection length, bag and seat charges, loyalty benefits, and what happens if the flight is disrupted.
Nonstop, connecting, and international flight options
A nonstop destination is a city that can be reached from COS without changing aircraft. A connecting destination requires at least one stop, usually at an airline hub such as Denver, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Chicago, or Houston.
COS launched its first scheduled international route on June 7, 2025, when Southwest began seasonal nonstop service to Cancún. Additional select dates were published into April 2026. However, Cancún is not shown on the airport’s current nonstop route map, so travelers should not assume that international nonstop service operates year-round.
Note: Even when COS has no nonstop international flight for your dates, American, Delta, Southwest, and United can sell international itineraries that connect through their larger gateways.
Tips for booking flights from Colorado Springs Airport
- Search by total trip price. Add seat selection, carry-on bags, checked bags, parking, fuel, and ground transportation before comparing options.
- Check nearby airports carefully. An Allegiant flight to Phoenix–Mesa or St. Pete–Clearwater may arrive far from the city’s primary airport.
- Compare nonstop and connecting times. A slightly higher nonstop fare may be worthwhile if it removes several hours of travel and reduces missed-connection risk.
- Verify seasonal routes. A destination available in July may disappear from the schedule in October.
- Review the operating airline. Some tickets are sold by a major airline but operated by a regional partner with a smaller aircraft.
- Use fare alerts. Track both COS and DEN, but compare the complete door-to-door cost rather than airfare alone.
- Leave enough airport time. The Transportation Security Administration encourages travelers to arrive about two hours before scheduled departure. Allow additional time during holidays, severe weather, or parking overflow periods.
When to choose COS instead of Denver International Airport
Denver International Airport offers more nonstop destinations, but it is not automatically the better departure point. Colorado Springs Airport states that DEN is roughly a 70-minute drive north under favorable conditions, while COS is about 20 minutes from downtown Colorado Springs.
COS may be the better choice when it provides a nonstop flight, a short connection at a competitive fare, or meaningful savings on driving and parking. It can also reduce the stress of winter travel on Interstate 25.
DEN may be more practical when it offers a substantially cheaper nonstop itinerary or when the desired destination is not available from COS. Compare:
- Round-trip airfare and airline fees
- Fuel, tolls, and vehicle wear
- Parking rates and trip length
- Driving time in both directions
- Weather and traffic risk
- Connection time and missed-connection risk
Pro Tip: Give your time a value when comparing airports. Saving $40 on airfare may not be worthwhile if it adds several hours of driving, higher parking costs, and an early-morning trip to Denver.
Amenities at Colorado Springs Airport
COS has one commercial passenger terminal with short walking distances. According to the airport, the farthest active gate is less than 1,000 feet from the ticket counters or baggage claim.
Current passenger amenities include:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- Dining before security, including Atrevida Beer Co. and Peet’s Coffee
- Post-security dining, including Pikes Perk, Colorado Craft, and Mountain Vista Grille & Bar
- Retail stores, including Hudson Nonstop, Hudson Evolve, and The Atrium
- The Lounge Colorado Springs, located between Gates 4 and 6
- Family care rooms in the main concourse
- ATMs, charging access, and accessibility services
- Airport ambassadors and therapy-dog visits when available
Concession hours can change with the flight schedule. Travelers on very early or late flights should not assume that every restaurant or store will be open.
Parking at Colorado Springs Airport
COS offers short-term, long-term, overflow, and valet parking. The airport’s published rates should be checked before each trip because pricing can change.
| Parking option | Published rate | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Short term | $1 per half hour; $15 daily maximum | Meeting arriving passengers or short trips |
| Long term | $1 per hour; $8 daily maximum | Most multi-day trips |
| Overflow | $8 per day when open | Used when regular long-term areas are full |
| Valet | From $19 per day; covered and EV-capable options from $22 | Convenience and shorter terminal access |
A free cell phone lot is available for drivers waiting to pick up an arriving passenger. Vehicles may not wait unattended at the terminal curb.
Ground transportation options from Colorado Springs Airport
Travelers can reach Colorado Springs and the surrounding region by rental car, public transit, taxi, rideshare, hotel shuttle, private car, or regional shuttle. The airport does not operate these services directly, so prices, hours, and destinations vary by provider.
- Rental cars: Major providers serve COS, with counters located in or near the baggage-claim area.
- Uber and Lyft: Both are approved transportation-network options at the airport.
- Taxis: Local taxi companies serve the terminal, and advance booking may help for late-night arrivals.
- Mountain Metro Route 37: This express public bus links the airport with Hancock Plaza and Integration Loop, where riders can connect with other routes.
- Hotel shuttles: Selected airport-area hotels provide guest transportation; contact the hotel before arrival.
- Regional and ski shuttles: Private companies offer service to Denver International Airport, mountain areas, and other Colorado destinations.
Travelers arriving late should reserve transportation before departure. Rideshare supply, rental-counter hours, and hotel shuttle availability may be limited after the final evening flights.
Making the most of your travel from Colorado Springs Airport
Colorado Springs Airport is most useful when it provides a nonstop flight or a well-timed connection without the longer drive to Denver. Its five current passenger airlines cover a practical mix of major hubs and leisure destinations.
Begin with the official COS route map, then compare the complete trip cost for each airline. Check seasonality, baggage and seat charges, connection time, airport location, parking, and ground transportation before purchasing. A few minutes of comparison can prevent an outdated route listing or low base fare from turning into an inconvenient trip.
Travel gear for flights from COS
Before leaving Colorado Springs, review the airline’s cabin-bag dimensions and weight rules. These guides can help with choosing carry-on luggage for international travel, comparing travel pillows for long flights, and finding a comfortable travel skirt for women. Airline limits can vary by fare and aircraft, so confirm the current rules before packing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines currently operate from Colorado Springs Airport?
Colorado Springs Airport currently lists Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines as its passenger carriers.
Where can you fly nonstop from Colorado Springs?
Published nonstop destinations include Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Chicago Midway, Dallas/Fort Worth, Dallas Love Field, Denver, Houston Intercontinental, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Phoenix–Mesa, Salt Lake City, San Diego, Santa Ana/Orange County, St. Pete–Clearwater/Tampa, and seasonal destinations such as Minneapolis–St. Paul and San Antonio.
Does Southwest Airlines fly from Colorado Springs Airport?
Yes. Southwest serves several nonstop markets from COS, including Denver, Chicago Midway, Dallas Love Field, Houston Hobby, Las Vegas, Phoenix, San Diego, and seasonal San Antonio service.
Does Frontier Airlines fly from Colorado Springs Airport?
Frontier is not currently listed on the airport’s official airline page or current nonstop route map. Check the airport and Frontier booking websites because airline service can change.
Are there international flights from Colorado Springs Airport?
COS launched seasonal Southwest service to Cancún in June 2025 and published selected flights into April 2026. Cancún is not shown on the current nonstop route map, so verify the latest schedule before expecting a nonstop international flight.
Which low-cost airlines fly from Colorado Springs?
Allegiant Air is an ultra-low-cost carrier serving selected leisure destinations from COS. Southwest may also offer competitive fares, but its fare products and baggage policies should be checked for the specific itinerary.
How early should I arrive at Colorado Springs Airport?
TSA generally encourages travelers to arrive about two hours before departure. Allow more time during holidays, severe weather, early-morning rushes, or periods when overflow parking may be in use.
What amenities are available at Colorado Springs Airport?
COS offers free Wi-Fi, restaurants and coffee shops, retail stores, a passenger lounge, family care rooms, ATMs, accessibility services, rental cars, charging access, parking, and several ground transportation choices.
Sources
- Colorado Springs Airport — Airlines — current passenger carriers and airline contact information
- Colorado Springs Airport — Nonstop Route Map — published nonstop destinations and seasonal-route notices
- Colorado Springs Airport Monthly Update — March 2026 — route frequencies and 2026 seasonal service
- Colorado Springs Airport — Quick Facts — terminal size, downtown distance, airfield, parking, and military use
- Colorado Springs Airport — Ground Transportation — public transit, taxi, rideshare, shuttle, and car-service options
- Colorado Springs Airport — Parking — current parking choices, published rates, overflow parking, and cell phone lot
