One of the Nation’s Largest Baggage Systems
After you check a bag at Denver International Airport (DEN), it begins a carefully coordinated journey through one of the largest baggage handling systems in the United States. Nearly 10 miles of conveyors move more than two million bags each month, helping travelers and their belongings reach destinations around the world.
DEN’s baggage system includes more than 5,000 conveyors that process bags 22 hours a day. The system can screen more than 12,000 bags per hour. DEN contractors and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) monitor the operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help the system operate safely and efficiently for DEN’s airline partners.
The Journey Begins at Check-In
At DEN’s self-service bag-drop locations on Level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal, each checked bag is placed on a conveyor and weighed. It then passes through a scanning arch, where equipment measures the bag and reads its tag. That tag contains the information the system uses to route the bag toward the correct flight. Next, the bag enters DEN’s back-of-house baggage network. A crossover sorting system reads the tag and directs the bag toward the appropriate airline and flight location.
Security Screening and Sorting
Every checked bag receives a unique identifier that allows it to be tracked as it moves through the system. Along the way, the bag passes through TSA security screening. If additional screening is needed, the system automatically routes the bag to a TSA officer for further review.
After the bag clears screening, its tag is read again and the bag is sorted to the correct airline loading area. An airline employee scans the tag by hand, places the bag on a cart and drives it through DEN’s underground tunnels to the assigned gate. From there, the airline loads the bag onto the aircraft. On average, this journey from check-in to the aircraft takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
Built for Colorado Travelers
When travelers arrive at DEN, their bags are delivered to 18 domestic inbound baggage claims or three international inbound baggage claims. The airport also has a lift for oversized items.
Because Colorado is a major ski destination, DEN has six dedicated ski claims where airlines can deliver skis and other oversized equipment. DEN is one of the few airports in the world with a system designed specifically for skis.
A Coordinated Airport Operation
Content: Airlines operate their own baggage services at DEN, including transporting bags to and from aircraft and assisting passengers with delayed or missing luggage. DEN maintains and supports the back-of-house baggage infrastructure, while TSA conducts required security screening. Together, these teams keep bags moving safely and efficiently.
Need Help With a Delayed or Missing Bag?
Before leaving the airport, visit your airline’s baggage office near the baggage claim areas in the Jeppesen Terminal. If you have already left DEN, contact the airline directly through its main customer service number.
Keep your baggage claim ticket, boarding pass and receipts related to your trip or delayed-baggage expenses. These documents may help if you need to file a report, request reimbursement or follow up with the airline. Each airline determines how it handles baggage claims.