Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Cody, Wyoming, was founded in 1896 by William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and now has more than 10,000 residents. The city is known for its Western heritage, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Cody Stampede, and its location near Yellowstone National Park. Travelers arriving by air use Yellowstone Regional Airport, whose airport code is COD.
Quick Answer
As of July 2026, United Airlines is the only scheduled commercial airline serving Yellowstone Regional Airport (COD). United Express flights operated by SkyWest connect Cody with Denver year-round. United also offers a weekly seasonal nonstop between Cody and Chicago O’Hare from late May through mid-September 2026.
Key Takeaways
- United Airlines is the only scheduled commercial airline currently serving Cody, Wyoming.
- United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, flies between Cody and Denver throughout the year.
- A weekly Cody–Chicago O’Hare nonstop operates seasonally from May 22 through September 19, 2026.
- Delta Air Lines and American Airlines do not currently operate scheduled flights to COD.
- Rental cars and commercial shuttle services are available at the airport.
- Yellowstone’s East Entrance is convenient from Cody but is not open to regular vehicles throughout the winter.
Which Airlines Fly Into Cody, Wyoming?
The current scheduled service at Yellowstone Regional Airport is limited but straightforward. Flights are sold by United Airlines, while SkyWest Airlines operates the aircraft under the United Express name.
| Airline | Nonstop Route | Availability | Important Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Airlines / United Express | Denver International Airport (DEN) | Year-round | Operated by SkyWest Airlines as United Express. Frequency and flight times can change by date. |
| United Airlines / United Express | Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) | Weekly, May 22–September 19, 2026 | Chicago-to-Cody service operates on Fridays, with the Cody-to-Chicago return on Saturdays. |
| Delta Air Lines | None | No scheduled COD service | Delta does not currently fly between Salt Lake City and Cody. |
| American Airlines | None | No scheduled COD service | American does not currently fly between Dallas/Fort Worth and Cody. |
For scheduled commercial travel into Cody, search for airport code COD and expect to fly with United or connect to a United Express flight through Denver.
Note: Airline routes and flight frequencies can change. Confirm your exact dates through United Airlines and the Yellowstone Regional Airport website before making nonrefundable plans.
Why Air Travel Matters to Cody
Air service gives residents, businesses, and visitors a faster alternative to long highway trips across Wyoming and neighboring states. The Wyoming Department of Transportation notes that using local airports can save driving time, support local jobs, and help communities retain or expand airline service.
Tourism is especially important to Cody. Visitors spend money at hotels, restaurants, museums, outfitters, rodeos, and tour companies. A nearby airport also helps business travelers and residents reach larger regional centers without beginning every trip with several hours of driving.
However, COD is a small regional airport with a limited route network. Its main strength is convenient access to Cody and Yellowstone’s eastern side, not a large choice of airlines or nonstop destinations.
United Airlines Flights to Cody
United provides Cody’s core commercial air service through Denver International Airport. Denver is a large United hub, so travelers can connect there from many cities in the United States and from selected international destinations.
The Cody-to-Denver route operates throughout the year. Flights are marketed by United Airlines and operated by SkyWest Airlines under the United Express brand. Travelers book, check in, select seats, and manage baggage through United, even when the ticket identifies SkyWest as the operating carrier.
Seasonal Chicago O’Hare Service in 2026
United also restored a weekly summer nonstop between Chicago O’Hare and Cody for 2026. According to the official route announcement, service runs from May 22 through September 19, 2026.
- Friday: Chicago O’Hare to Cody.
- Saturday: Cody to Chicago O’Hare.
- Aircraft announced: A 70-seat Embraer 175 with first-class and economy cabins.
The Chicago flight can be useful for travelers coming from the Midwest, eastern United States, Canada, or international cities served through O’Hare. Because it operates only once each week and only during the summer season, travelers should compare it carefully with a Denver connection.
Pro Tip: When connecting through Denver, book the entire trip on one United itinerary. If the first flight is delayed, the airline can more easily assist with rebooking than it can when flights are purchased on separate tickets.
Does Delta Air Lines Fly to Cody?
No. Delta Air Lines does not currently operate scheduled flights to Yellowstone Regional Airport. The original claim that Delta connects Cody with Salt Lake City is incorrect.
Travelers loyal to Delta can compare flights to another airport near Yellowstone, such as Jackson Hole, Bozeman, Billings, or Idaho Falls. They should then account for the longer drive, rental-car availability, weather, and the Yellowstone entrance they plan to use.
A Delta itinerary displayed in a general flight search does not necessarily mean that Delta flies to Cody. The final segment into COD must currently be on United Express unless the traveler is using a private or charter flight.
Does American Airlines Fly to Cody?
No. American Airlines does not currently operate scheduled service to COD, including from Dallas/Fort Worth. American does serve other airports in the wider Yellowstone region, but a traveler choosing American must use another arrival airport or switch to a United itinerary that includes the final flight to Cody.
Before selecting an alternative airport simply because it has a lower airfare, compare the full trip cost. A lower ticket price may be offset by a longer rental-car booking, additional fuel, lodging, parking, or an extra day of travel.
SkyWest and United Express Service
SkyWest Airlines is the regional carrier that operates Cody’s United Express flights. This arrangement is common at smaller airports. United sells the ticket and manages the reservation, while SkyWest supplies the aircraft and flight crew for the regional segment.
Passengers normally do not need to book separately with SkyWest. Search for Cody, Wyoming, or airport code COD on United’s website or through a reputable booking service. The reservation should identify both the marketing carrier and the operating carrier before payment.
No separate regional airline currently offers scheduled commercial service from Cody under its own brand. Private aviation, charter operations, and fixed-base services are separate from the scheduled flights available to the general public.
Flying to Cody for Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone Regional Airport is only minutes from downtown Cody and approximately 55 miles from Yellowstone National Park. The City of Cody is about 52 miles from the park’s East Entrance. This makes COD one of the most convenient airports for visitors planning to approach Yellowstone from the east.
The drive follows the scenic North Fork of the Shoshone River and passes Buffalo Bill Reservoir, Shoshone National Forest, and the Absaroka Mountains. Reaching the East Entrance does not mean a visitor has reached Yellowstone’s central attractions. The National Park Service lists approximately 60 additional road miles from the East Entrance to Lake Village.
Warning: Yellowstone’s East Entrance is not open to regular vehicles throughout the winter. For 2026, the road from the East Entrance to Fishing Bridge is projected to be open from May 1 through October 31, weather permitting. Check the National Park Service road-status page immediately before traveling.
Roads can close temporarily because of snow, ice, avalanches, wildlife, construction, or other conditions. Winter travelers flying to Cody may need a guided snowcoach or snowmobile arrangement, or they may need to approach Yellowstone from an entrance with suitable winter access.
The Impact of Air Service on Cody Tourism
Air access helps visitors reach Cody’s museums, rodeos, historic sites, outdoor recreation, and nearby public lands. It is especially useful for travelers with limited vacation time who would otherwise need to drive from a larger airport several hours away.
Local hotels, rental-car agencies, guides, restaurants, outfitters, and attractions benefit when passengers begin and end their trips in Cody. Visitors may spend time at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, Old Trail Town, Buffalo Bill Dam, Cody Nite Rodeo, Shoshone National Forest, and Yellowstone National Park.
Air service is only one part of Cody’s tourism network. Many visitors still arrive by road, motorcoach, recreational vehicle, or private aircraft. The importance of COD comes from its convenient location and its connections through Denver, not from handling most Yellowstone visitors.
Could Airline Service in Cody Change?
Yes. Small-airport schedules can change because of seasonal demand, aircraft availability, staffing, operating costs, community support, and airline network decisions. The Chicago route is specifically announced as seasonal for summer 2026, while Denver service is currently offered throughout the year.
No current airport or WYDOT listing shows scheduled Delta or American service at COD. Travelers should not assume that an old article, cached booking page, or third-party airport directory reflects the latest schedule.
The most dependable approach is to verify service through the airport and airline whenever planning a new trip. This is especially important when booking many months in advance or traveling outside the summer season.
Tips for Booking Flights to and From Cody
- Search with the airport code COD. This prevents confusion with other Wyoming airports and shows itineraries ending at Yellowstone Regional Airport.
- Compare nearby dates. Cody has a small flight schedule, so shifting a trip by one day can produce better connections or fares.
- Check the seasonal Chicago flight. It may reduce connection time for some summer travelers, but it operates only once a week.
- Leave a sensible Denver connection. Mountain weather can affect regional flights, especially during winter.
- Review the fare rules. Seat selection, checked bags, changes, and cancellations depend on the United fare purchased.
- Confirm the operating carrier. A United itinerary may show “operated by SkyWest Airlines as United Express.”
- Reserve transportation early. Rental cars can be limited during Yellowstone’s busiest summer period.
- Check your identification. Adults flying within the United States need a REAL ID-compliant state ID or another form of identification accepted by the Transportation Security Administration.
Pro Tip: Compare the complete cost of flying into Cody with the cost of using a larger airport. Include airfare, baggage, rental-car days, fuel, parking, hotel nights, and driving time rather than comparing ticket prices alone.
Nearby Airports to Compare
The National Park Service identifies Cody, Jackson, Bozeman, Billings, and Idaho Falls among the airports with year-round commercial service near Yellowstone. The best choice depends on flight availability, road conditions, rental-car costs, and the section of the park being visited.
| Airport | When It May Make Sense | Main Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|
| Cody (COD) | Cody stays, the East Entrance, and eastern Yellowstone itineraries. | Only one scheduled airline and a limited selection of flights. |
| Billings (BIL) | Travelers approaching Cody from the northeast or combining Wyoming and Montana. | A substantially longer drive to Cody than arriving at COD. |
| Bozeman (BZN) | Northern Yellowstone, Gardiner, and trips centered on Montana. | Not convenient for a Cody-based trip without a long drive. |
| Jackson Hole (JAC) | Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone’s South Entrance. | Cody is on the opposite side of Yellowstone, and park roads are seasonal. |
| Idaho Falls (IDA) | West Yellowstone, eastern Idaho, or a southwest approach to the park. | A long drive is required for Cody and the East Entrance. |
Ground Transportation at Cody Airport
Yellowstone Regional Airport lists several national rental-car companies with counters or service at the airport. Commercial private and group shuttle operators also provide transportation to Cody and other regional destinations.
- Rental cars: Usually the most flexible choice for Yellowstone and Shoshone National Forest.
- Private or group shuttles: Useful for travelers who do not want to drive or who have arranged a guided itinerary.
- Hotel transportation: Some properties may arrange pickup, but service should be confirmed directly with the hotel.
- Parking: The airport currently states that short- and long-term parking are free. Travelers leaving a vehicle for more than two weeks are asked to contact airport administration.
Public transportation is limited compared with a large city. Do not arrive expecting frequent buses between the airport, Cody, and Yellowstone. Reserve the required car, shuttle, or tour before departure, especially during June, July, August, and major Cody events.
What to Pack for Cody and Yellowstone
Cody’s weather can change quickly, and Yellowstone trips often involve long walks, cool mornings, rain, dust, and uneven ground. Layered clothing and comfortable footwear are more useful than relying on one heavy outfit.
For long sightseeing days, consider breathable merino wool travel socks. A suitable pair of waterproof sneakers for travel can also help during wet weather, although hikers using rough trails may need footwear with stronger ankle support and trail-focused traction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines fly into Cody, Wyoming?
As of July 2026, United Airlines is the only scheduled commercial airline serving Yellowstone Regional Airport. Flights are sold by United and operated as United Express by SkyWest Airlines.
What cities have nonstop flights to Cody?
Denver has year-round nonstop service to Cody. Chicago O’Hare has weekly seasonal service from May 22 through September 19, 2026. Airline schedules are subject to change.
Does Delta Air Lines fly to Cody?
No. Delta Air Lines does not currently operate scheduled service to Cody, including from Salt Lake City.
Does American Airlines fly to Cody?
No. American Airlines does not currently operate scheduled flights to Cody, including from Dallas/Fort Worth.
Who operates United Express flights to Cody?
SkyWest Airlines operates the regional flights under the United Express brand. Passengers normally book and manage the trip through United Airlines.
How far is Cody airport from Yellowstone National Park?
Yellowstone Regional Airport describes itself as approximately 55 miles from Yellowstone. The City of Cody is about 52 miles from the park’s East Entrance. Additional driving is required to reach Lake Village, Canyon, Old Faithful, and other major park destinations.
Is Yellowstone’s East Entrance open all year?
No. The East Entrance road is seasonal for regular vehicles. For 2026, the projected vehicle season is May 1 through October 31, subject to weather and road conditions.
Can I rent a car at Yellowstone Regional Airport?
Yes. The airport lists several national rental-car companies, along with commercial private and group shuttle operators. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer.
What other airports can I use for a Yellowstone trip?
Other year-round commercial airports identified by the National Park Service include Jackson Hole, Bozeman, Billings, and Idaho Falls. Each requires a longer drive to Cody and may be better suited to a different Yellowstone entrance.
Sources
- Yellowstone Regional Airport — current United Express service to Denver and seasonal Chicago service.
- Wyoming Department of Transportation: Fly Wyoming — airlines and nonstop routes serving Wyoming airports.
- Cody Yellowstone 2026 Chicago Route Announcement — operating dates, days, and announced aircraft for the seasonal ORD route.
- Yellowstone Regional Airport Ground Transportation — rental-car and commercial shuttle information.
- City of Cody: About Cody — city history, population context, and distance to Yellowstone’s East Entrance.
- National Park Service: Yellowstone Park Roads — current road status and projected seasonal opening dates.
