Two points about Denver. First, Denver is a major thunderstorm area. I’ve been delayed multiple times in the Denver airport for storms, although they tend to pass quickly. Second, the location of the airport means there is one cluster of hotels near the airport. But, if things get really bad, those hotels can fill up quickly. Worse, the next closest hotels are a drive away – and there are no mass transit options out of Denver.

If I had to choose between Denver and Chicago, I would choose Denver every time. Chicago is almost as bad as Newark or JFK.

The airport is big and relaxed, the view of the mountains at take-off/landing is stunning,a n d best of all, I can switch out destinations.

I often buy IAD/OAK or SFO/BWI and switch SFO for OAK or IAD for BWI and get my preferred airports at a cheaper cost.

And I never fly ORD.

hose less convenient airports are cheaper than IAD/SFO

1. If you are a frequent flier you usually have a separate reservations number – put this into your cell phone before you fly so you can call that number first. Usually they pick up faster and will do a bit more for you that the regular line.

2. Remember that airlines generally see IAD, BWI, and DCA as all the same. If its mechanical issues, get on the next flight to any of the three. With weather, generally DCA is out first, then IAD, and in the case of thunderstorms BWI can be separate than IAD.