Security at Denver International Airport means keeping travelers safe. We work together with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to provide the best air travel security possible.
Knowing security regulations before you leave home can speed your trip through airport passenger screening. The TSA encourages travelers to “know before you go.” For information about the latest security guidelines, questions about baggage screening, lists of items allowed or prohibited in baggage, visit the Transportation Security Administration Web site.
Security Screening
The TSA is responsible for screening every passenger who flies and every bag that boards a plane. Denver International Airport has three passenger screening checkpoints – two in Jeppesen Terminal (one north and one south in the atrium on Level 5) and one at the entrance to the pedestrian bridge to A Gates.
- All passengers must pass through one of these screening checkpoints before they can proceed to airline departure gates
- At passenger screening locations, TSA security officers will process you and your carry-on bag
- To proceed through screening, you will need a current government-issued ID and a valid boarding pass for a flight
- Prepare for screening:
- Learn what you can take in a carry-on bag;
- Have liquids and gels in containers of three ounces or less, and have the containers in
a one-quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag;
- Remove the plastic bag from your carry-on bag and put it in a screening bin;
- Place metal objects, such as coins and keys, in your carry-on bag;
- Put laptop computers in a screening bin;
- Remove shoes, jackets and belts and put them in screening bins.
TSA Advanced Imaging Technology
Denver International Airport has been receiving inquiries about the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and new pat-down procedures. Your feedback is extremely important to us. This response is intended to help answer your questions and concerns.
The TSA handles security screening at DIA. The majority of passengers will not see any changes to the screening process and slightly modified procedures are for those selected to go through secondary screening. DIA has 28 security lanes with 14 magnetometers (metal detectors) and six millimeter wave AIT machines.
We have received some inquiries asking if DIA can use a private security company instead of TSA. Commercial airports in the United States can participate in an “opt out” program, which allows for a private contractor to provide airport security screening instead of the TSA. The private company would be a direct contractor to the TSA – not the airport – and would be required to follow the same guidelines, procedures and protocols currently employed by the TSA. For the traveling public, this would mean that their security screening experience would be the same regardless of which entity was providing the service. At this time, DIA has no plans to opt for the switch from the TSA to a private security screening company.
Please contact the TSA directly by calling (866) 289-9673 or e-mailing gotfeedback@tsa.dhs.gov if you have specific screening questions or concerns. Additional TSA resources that may be helpful are:
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)
Pat-Downs
Security Reminders
Remember, whether you are arriving or departing from Denver International Airport, all baggage and vehicles are subject to search at any time.
Do not leave bags unattended. They will be confiscated and may be destroyed. If you notice an unattended item or suspicious activity, immediately report it to airport personnel.