Denver International Airport Prepares For a Busy Fourth of July Holiday

DENVER – June 29, 2023 – American flags won’t be the only thing flying high this weekend! Travelers will be taking to the skies in record numbers this holiday, as the busiest season for travel in Denver kicks off.

From Wednesday, June 28 through Wednesday, July 5, more than 550,000 passengers are forecasted to travel through Denver International Airport (DEN) TSA checkpoints. DEN estimates the busiest days during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday will be Thursday, June 29, Friday, June 30 and Sunday, July 2. These days are expected to see over 70,000 passengers move through security screening. This is a 12.6% increase from the same period in 2022.

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 and be prepared for longer lines.

In anticipation of the increase of holiday travelers, four new TSA PreCheck lanes will be available early morning on Friday, June 30. These lanes are open from 4 a.m.-5:45 p.m. and are located on the northside of the South TSA Checkpoint (near Bag Claim 7). These, in addition to more modern equipment in general screening areas, will provide a more efficient security experience for passengers.

“We know many passengers will be riding the RTD A-Line throughout the summer free of charge,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “These four new lanes will give TSA PreCheck passengers another checkpoint option, steps away from the escalator train riders use and other passengers who choose to use the south checkpoint. The lanes will ultimately give us more capacity to get passengers through security and to their gates more efficiently.”

Here are a few tips for a smooth traveling experience this holiday weekend:

TSA:

Passengers are strongly encouraged to use the primary checkpoints for TSA PreCheck and standard screening as outlined below.

South Security Checkpoint: Primary checkpoint for standard screening, open 24/7

• Standard Screening: This checkpoint is dedicated to standard screening travelers.
• TSA PreCheck: There are a limited number of TSA PreCheck lanes open from 4 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. in our new location on the backside of the checkpoint (near Bag Claim 7). PreCheck passengers traveling after 6 p.m. may also utilize North Security until 7:45 p.m. or they can receive expedited screening after 8 p.m. through the standard lanes at this checkpoint.
• CLEAR Customers: A CLEAR lane is available at this checkpoint for standard screening. CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck MUST utilize the lane provided for CLEAR on the North Security Checkpoint.

North Security Checkpoint: Primary checkpoint for TSA PreCheck passengers, open 4 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

• TSA PreCheck: This checkpoint is primarily for TSA PreCheck passengers.
• CLEAR Customers: A CLEAR lane is available on the east side of this checkpoint for travelers who are CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR customers without TSA PreCheck must use South Security
• Premium/Premier Traveler Lane: This lane is available on the west side of this checkpoint.
• Standard Screening: There are a limited number of standard screening lanes, but we encourage standard passengers to use the South Security Checkpoint or the Bridge Security Checkpoint.

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

• Standard Screening: This checkpoint is dedicated to standard screening travelers. TSA PreCheck is not available at this checkpoint.

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.

Parking:

All DEN on-site parking lots are open except valet parking in both garages and a portion of the East Economy Lot. A portion of the East Economy Lot is closed as we conduct necessary improvements and repairs. Approximately 2,000 spaces on the north side of the East Economy Lot remain open. When the East Economy Lot reaches capacity, passengers may still utilize the East Garage, West Garage, West Economy and 61st & Peña station.

The Pikes Peak and Longs Peak shuttle lots are a great cost-effective parking option at only $8 a day. Please note that the Pikes Peak Lot will close to incoming parkers at 2 a.m. on Friday, June 30 and will re-open at 8 p.m. on the same day. Pikes Peak will remain open for those who need to pick up their vehicles. During this time, the Longs Peak Lot will be open for arriving drivers. To get to Longs Peak from Peña Boulevard, exit on Jackson Gap Street then turn left. Turn right onto 78th Avenue. Continue straight and turn right into the Longs Peak parking lot.

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.

Learn more about all of DEN’s parking options and see real-time parking availability at www.flydenver.com/parking-and-transportation/parking-lots/.

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-and-transportation/parking-lots/.
• Check real-time TSA security wait times at www.flydenver.com.

Picking up Passengers:

• Check with your friends or family member’s airline or visit www.flydenver.com, to confirm that the flight is on time before heading to the airport.
• The return-to-terminal loop is now located on Jackson Gap Street, so it’s best to wait for your friends and family 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.

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 $33 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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