its all about what you are use too.

Im in and out of both airports a bunch but if I have to go to DownTown, Ill get a car service, Uber, etc. To much of a pain to drive and try to park, so i get the hesitation

This is not that complicated. Assuming Southwest's fares are in line with American or United, use the airport that is closest to you. They are both very easy to fly out of. Small children fly alone every day on flights longer than 2 hours, you've got this.

I freaking love flying commercial

Upgrade, you get on plane they have champange and cold cuts waiting for you, along with slippers, toothbrush, sleep mask, you chair folds down 180 degree to make a bed, they come by and feed you a awesome meal or snack about every two hours.

Flying is great

Yeah, you're not going to get that on a flight to Denver.

Ok guys, call off the dogs. I booked a flight with SW. The airport has GOT to be easier to navigate and I understand if I have to cancel or change flight they have better options. I will be shocked if I feel like I am being herded like cattle, but if I am I will let you know.
To Mickey Moose, I never ever said I "dont like people." I dont know where you got that. I do hate big city traffic. I lived in Dallas when younger and the traffic didnt bother me much. I dont know if its older age or Ive gotten used to lesser traffic but I dont do good in heavy traffic while watching a gps thingy.
Ive lived a pretty fast paced life until retiring, and now I have just turned down the speed on everything and dont do well when I occasionally try to turn it up for the big city pace.
I really do appreciate everyones comments.

I usually only fly International

JAL or Emirates...best customer service and commercial flying experience.

Curious as to what time you arrive in Denver and what day ? Saturday in will be fine, not near as much traffic on I-25 up to Ft Collins.
Time your return trip after or before rush hour or make sure you leave enough time to navigate the traffic on I-25 again.


Looked at the race map.
Make sure you check the weather and your son needs to be prepared for cold and maybe snow up near the start.
Finish is near Rio Grande Restaurant, eat there if you can.
Beau Jo's Pizza is good too, mountain pies.
Quite a few distilleries and breweries in Ft Collins if you have the time and want to check them out.

High elevation race, hope he does well and you have a nice trip! Safe travels in May.

Flown JAL many time, I had a cute hostess wake me up around 3 am asking me if would like some porridge in their whisper voice the females speak in Japan.

Flown Korean Air Prestige Class many time from DFW to Icheon/Seoul onto Manila, top notch as well.

Never done Emirate but heard they were top notch and had showers on the planes, they all have cute and sexy hostesses, but this is common once you fly international on a non US based carrier.

Southwest.
The airlines are all the same. Lovefield makes it worthwhile.

Wytex, I appreciate this and your earlier comment as well. Once we get closer I had considered giving you a shout since you seem to know the ropes.
I dont know much about various elevations but he does. I think he told me this one is LOWER than what hes used to. He trains everyday(90 miles a week) around Salida Colo and I think he says thats 7000 to 9000ish. All of his training and his previous 3 races have all been on mountain trails. This one is a "road race" and will be his first.

Thanks Reeltexan. I can understand people that fly all the time are going to pick apart every little difference but I fly infrequently enough that as long as we dont crash Ill be ok.

Cool, didn't realize he lived and ran at altitude.
I go down to Ft Collins frequently for shopping and we travel down through that area every year to Texas.
Know it pretty well from those trips over the last 35+ years.

Part of the race route is a nice windy, mountain highway along the Poudre River I think it is. Should be very high in May, might be before runoff starts though. Good fishing along it at the right times.