DEN Prepares for Memorial Day Weekend Travel

DENVER – May 20, 2024 – As summer kicks off in the Mile High City, Denver International Airport (DEN) is expecting a record number of travelers this Memorial Day weekend. From Thursday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 28, nearly 450,000 passengers are forecasted to travel through DEN TSA checkpoints. DEN estimates the busiest days during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday will be May 23 and 24. These days are expected to see more than 80,000 passengers move through security screening. This is a nine percent increase from the same holiday travel period in 2023.

For those traveling this holiday, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and navigate the airport before your flight. Passengers should arrive inside the airport at least two hours before their scheduled boarding time.

Here are some travel tips for passengers traveling through DEN over Memorial Day Weekend holiday travel period:

TSA

South Security Checkpoint (located on Level 5 at the South end of the Terminal): Primary checkpoint for standard screening is open from 3 a.m. to 1 a.m. (the next morning)

• Standard Screening: This checkpoint is primarily dedicated for travelers requiring standard screening.
• TSA PreCheck: There are four TSA PreCheck lanes open from 4 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. located on the backside of the checkpoint (near Baggage Claim 7). PreCheck passengers traveling after 8 p.m. may use South Security and receive a form of expedited screening.
• CLEAR Standard Customers: A CLEAR lane is available at this checkpoint for standard screening. CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck MUST use the lane provided for CLEAR at the West Security Checkpoint between the hours of 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Restricted Access for Accessibility/Premium/Employees/Military Traveler Lane: This lane is located near the Southeast corner of the checkpoint.

 A-Bridge Security Checkpoint: Standard screening only, open from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

• Standard Screening: This checkpoint has a limited number of lanes dedicated for travelers requiring standard screening. TSA PreCheck is not available at this checkpoint.

 West Security Checkpoint (located on Level 6 at the Northwest corner of the Terminal): Primary checkpoint for TSA PreCheck passengers, open 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• TSA PreCheck: This checkpoint serves the majority of our TSA PreCheck passengers. These passengers should enter the checkpoint at West Security 3 (near Door 600).
• CLEAR PreCheck Customers: A CLEAR lane is available at West Security 3 of this checkpoint (near Door 600) for travelers who are CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR customers without TSA PreCheck must use South Security.
• Restricted Access for Accessibility/Premium/Employees/Military Traveler Lane: This lane is located at West Security 2 of this checkpoint (near Door 606).
• Standard Screening: Passengers with Standard Screening should utilize the entry point at West Security 1.
• DEN RESERVE: Passengers with reservations can find their entry point at West Security 2 (near Door 606).
• Enhanced technology at this checkpoint allows passengers to leave items like liquids and laptops in their bags.

For real-time security wait times and to help select the best checkpoint, passengers can check FlyDenver.com.

Passengers may sign up for expedited screening programs available at DEN checkpoints. Learn more about TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. Additionally, DEN RESERVE is a free service that allows all passengers to reserve a dedicated time slot through DEN’s Bridge TSA Security Checkpoint. This option provides passengers a more predictable and seamless travel experience. For more information about DEN Reserve and to make a reservation as early as three days before a flight, visit Flydenver.com/DENreserve. TSA is also offering practical tips to help passengers plan for a smooth journey as they go through the security checkpoint and take to the skies. These include:

• Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule – Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids.
• Be checkpoint ready and bring a valid ID
• Arrive early and please be patient

Parking

Due to the construction at the Pikes Peak lot, travelers should use the Landside parking lot located at 6975 Valley Head Street. This lot will be open for overflow parking at 3 a.m. until full, on Friday May 24. The Pikes Peak and Longs Peak shuttle parking lots will close on Friday, May 24 at 3 a.m. and re-open by 5 p.m. Travelers should follow signage from Peña Boulevard, exiting Jackson Gap. Regular shuttle service will be available from all parking lots to and from the Terminal.

DEN has a total of 36 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations available on Level 1 of the parking garages. There is no charge to use the stations, however, the standard garage parking rates apply. Learn more and see station locations here.

Transit

Parking lots at DEN tend to fill up quickly during holidays. Consider taking the RTD A-Line into DEN. View the A-Line schedule here.

DEN Travel Assist

DEN Travel Assist brought to you by SkySquad is a program designed to help travelers navigate DEN efficiently and with ease. Starting at $149, DEN Travel Assist offers a simple online platform to book airport assistance.

Travelers needing extra assistance can visit FlyDenver.com/DENTravelAssist to make a reservation.

DEN Travel Assist assistants can help with unloading luggage, bags, car seats and more. They will also meet a traveler at their gate upon arrival and escort them to baggage claim or help them reach their next mode of transportation to their destination beyond DEN.

Before You Leave for the Airport

• Check with your airline to confirm that your flight is on time and check-in online if possible
• Check real-time parking availability at www.flydenver.com/parking_transit/parking
• Check real-time TSA security wait times at www.flydenver.com

Picking up Passengers

• Check with your friend or family member’s airline or visit www.flydenver.com to confirm that the flight is on time before heading to the airport.
• It’s recommended that those picking up friends and family wait for their call at Final Approach, the airport’s cell phone waiting lot, until they are ready to be picked up. Final Approach is located approximately three miles west of Jeppesen Terminal. It can be easily accessed via eastbound Peña Boulevard to 75th Avenue and northbound Gun Club Road; westbound Peña Boulevard to Wenatchee Street; or from East 78th Avenue. Signs are posted along all access routes.

 Shopping and Dining

Getting to the airport early means extra time to enjoy DEN’s many shopping and dining options.  You can get your favorite latte at Peet’s Coffee, tacos at Tacos Tequila Whiskey, or sit and dine at Elway’s Taproom & Grill on Concourse A near Gate A20. All three dining options are new to the west end of Concourse A. If you want more of the VIP Lounge experience for all travelers, head to DEN’s Plaza Premium Lounge in partnership with Capital One on Concourse A near Gate A34.  Read about out the offerings here.

DEN Customer Service

While traveling through DEN, look out for one of over 100 DEN Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) teams throughout our terminal and concourses. The DEN CATS program is made up of four-legged volunteers who delight travelers with a friendly wag or furry cuddle. You’ll encounter them throughout the airport, sporting their distinctive violet plaid “Pet Me” vests. Hug, pet, and take pictures with DEN’s affectionate comfort crew!

Have a question about traveling through DEN? Passengers can reach out to DEN’s customer service team by calling 720-730-IFLY (720-730-4359). Text us your questions by calling 720-902-9351. Passengers can also click the “Chat with an Agent” button on FlyDenver.com to connect with one of our DEN Live Agents via chat between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily.

DEN Lost and Found

Lost an item while traveling through DEN? The airport’s lost and found only receives items lost in public areas of the airport. To file a claim, or learn more, visit FlyDenver.com/ at-the-airport/services-and-amenities/lost-and-found/.

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

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