Last Minute 4th of July Travel Deals
Take to the skies and celebrate Independence Day in a new city for a low price with these 10 last-minute July 4 flight deals from the Hopper research team.
Patrick Surry - Tue Jan 27 2015
You thought Memorial Day weekend was a popular travel period? Well, it’s got nothing on the 4th of July, as huge numbers of Americans take to the skies and hit the roads to celebrate the joys of a long weekend in the middle of a scorching summer. This year, the holiday promises to be as popular as ever with demand for flights 60% higher than Memorial Day and prices up across the board from last year. However, there’s still hope for great deals for last-minute travelers. Here are 10 that we’ve found here at Hopper for under $200 return searching for dates leaving on Friday, July 4 and returning on Sunday, July 13.
10. Fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Denver (DEN) from $148
Prices are high, travelwise, over the weeks concentrated around the 4th of July, but not so high that it’s impossible for a quick getaway to Denver for less than $200 for a round ticket – in fact, perhaps some of the best deals on that route are on that weekend. The lowest sourced fares we found dipped down to $148 for a round trip, with the most popular direct flights from Frontier, Spirited and United Airlines. Visitors to the Mile High City can take that money and instead use it to enjoy all the Independence Day festivities around the city, as well as check out many of its local breweries for a chill celebration weekend.
9. Fly from San Francisco (SFO) to Los Angeles (LAX) from $142
While early June is typically the most expensive time of the year for this particular flight, it doesn’t mean visitors can’t still find a good deal here or there. Our research shows that round-trip flights have managed to dip down to $142 – not bad for what would otherwise be a six hour drive. Fly direct with American Airlines, United or Virgin America from SFO to LAX and get there early to spend Independence Day shooting fireworks from Grand Park with the rest of the block and KRCW’s DJ Anthony Valadaz; or admiring explosions of light care of the pros at AmericaFest in Pasadena, one of the biggest and brightest fireworks displays in Southern California. Those who prefer to lounge away from the crowds with a cocktail in hand can also hit up the luxe parties any of LA’s many upscale hotels, like the Altitude pool party at the SLS Hotel.
8. Fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) from $142
Going the other way around? The prices remain very much the same, with the lowest return ticket sourced at $142, from the same airlines – and unlike many other cities, the average prices aren’t skyrocketing too steeply on the day to day – but the atmosphere is otherworldly. Sure, there are beaches in LA, but what is more exhilarating than seeing the burst of light cresting over the Golden Gate Bridge? The best points of view come from Aquatic Park, the Cannery, Ghirardelli Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf – or on a boat! Families can check out the various fireworks cruises departing from different points of the city.
7. Fly from Kansas City (MCI) to Denver (DEN) from $138
Surprisingly, the flight fares between Kansas City to Denver actually dip around Independence day – the cheapest time to fly this route is in early July. Early planners can even find flights for under $100! However, last-minute travelers who want to get away from KC for an all-American vacay can quickly find themselves in the Rockies for as low as $138 by chasing the deals. It’s less than a two-hour direct flight, but the flatlands turn into stunning mountains, patriotic concerts and stunning fireworks over the Civic Center Park. Fly direct with Frontier Airlines, United and Delta to get the lowest fares.
6. Fly from Phoenix (PHX) to Denver (DEN) from $138
Phoenix residents who have family or friends in Denver can take the opportunity to party up this long Independence weekend in the Rockies for some Colorado brews and crisp mountain air at a relatively affordable price. Even last minute, shoppers have been able to find deals for the dates from $138 with Frontier Airlines and Delta Airlines – the former two offering direct flights.
5. Fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Las Vegas (LAS) from $123
Angelenos who want to escape the celebrity-laden club parties and American flag-hot-pantsed beaches of LA and get into the even more celebrity-laden club parties in Las Vegas casinos can do so, last minute, from $123. Spirit Airlines, Virgin and American Airlines have the lowest fares, with American Airlines and Spirit Airlines offering direct flights – so in just over an hour, Angelenos can find themselves sitting poolside at the MGM Grand as the top DJs in the world spin to the colors of the neon apocalypse heralding democracy overhead.
4. Fly from Dallas (DFW) to Denver (DEN) from $118
For those hoping to escape the South on our day of liberation, a two-hour flight can open up a cool, relaxed weekend in sunny Denver. Travelers have been able to find last-minute deals for as low as $118 with Frontier, Spirit and United Airlines, all of whom offer direct flights for pretty cheap. Bonus: delaying a return until the following Wednesday could easily save you up to $29.
3. Fly from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Tampa (TPA) from $113
Residents of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas can discover Tampa on the cheap during the best day of the year. Outdoor concerts abound in early July, as well as food trucks, fireworks, and dinner cruises around Tampa and Clearwater for an extra special view of the fireworks.
2. Fly from Denver (DEN) to Las Vegas (LAS) from $108
Do you want a long weekend or do you want a proper trip? Take an opportunity to get away from the gorgeous but casual Denver and hit the excitement of Las Vegas, where the lights along the Strip almost mirror the fireworks above. Surprising last minute travel deals can be booked for the dates, sometimes as low as $108. It’s only a two hour flight, but trust us – there aren’t parties like Vegas' in Denver.
1. Fly from Minneapolis (MSP) to Chicago (ORD) from $108
Have a grand family vacation with your friends and relatives in Chicago for cheap! From one Midwestern city to another, there’s never a lack of things to do and places to see. Early July is actually a great time to take this 1.5-hour flight, because fares are a little lower than later in the summer – this means that even the last minute fare shoppers can find deals starting from $108 with a little careful planning. Fly direct with Spirit Airlines or United and save big by departing and returning on Tuesdays!