Operational Updates at Denver International Airport Ahead of Memorial Day Weekend

DENVER – May 21, 2020 – This Memorial Day weekend will be different than years past at Denver International Airport (DEN). Passengers flying for the holiday weekend should be aware of changes that have been made at the airport since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Face Mask Requirement

As a reminder, in accordance with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock’s recent public health order, all visitors, passengers and employees must wear a face mask or covering while at the airport.

All major domestic airlines now require passengers to wear a mask on board, including: United, Frontier, Southwest, Jet Blue, American, Delta and Alaska. Passengers should confirm mask requirements with their airlines directly.

Measures to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

DEN has put in place a number of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 including installing over 100 hand sanitizer dispensers and placing disinfecting wipe dispensers in each gate area. Additionally, glass barriers have been installed at TSA checkpoints and several airline check-in desks and other locations in the airport. A full list of preventative measures the airport has taken is available here.

All passengers and visitors are asked to observe social distancing practices when at the airport, and leave space between themselves and others, especially in lines and on the train to the gates. Trains run to and from the terminal to the concourses every 2-3 minutes. If a passenger feels like one train is too full, we encourage them to wait for the next train and to spread out on the platform area as there is often more room on the trains in the center of the platform.

Security Screening

Beginning today, TSA will reopen passenger security screening at the North Security Checkpoint. This checkpoint was closed in March due to low passenger traffic volumes. Following Memorial Day weekend, hours of operation at the North Checkpoint may change depending on passenger traffic. Check FlyDenver.com for more information.

Security checkpoint hours for the weekend:

• North Security Checkpoint: 4 a.m.-9 p.m.
• A-Bridge Security Checkpoint: 4:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• South Security Checkpoint: 24 hours

Passengers should wear their face coverings throughout the airport including during the TSA screening process. However, TSA recommends travelers be prepared to adjust their mask so that officers can visually confirm their identity during the checkpoint screening process.

TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 oz per person, in carry-on bags until further notice. Hand sanitizer will need to be screened separately and may add time to your checkpoint screening process.

Parking Changes:

DEN’s shuttle parking lots, including Pikes Peak and Mt. Elbert, East Economy lot and valet parking in both garages are currently closed. All other DEN public parking lots are open, including West Economy, the east and west garages, short term parking and the 61st and Peña lot.

Parking shuttles are running from the West Economy lot to the DEN Transit Center as usual, every 10 minutes. Shuttle capacity is limited to approximately eight passengers at a time.

Concessions

Many DEN concessions have temporarily closed or reduced their hours. Concessions that are open to serve passengers and employees are focusing more on takeout options and have rearranged and removed tables and chairs to maintain social distancing. The seating areas in the food courts are closed, but dining options remain available. Similarly, the airport has asked every retail outlet to maintain social distancing.

View the complete list of open concessions here.

Passenger Traffic Numbers

Between May 10 and May 16, passenger and employee traffic through TSA checkpoints was down about 89 percent compared to the same week in 2019. Memorial Day weekend traffic through DEN’s TSA checkpoints is expected to be down about 85 percent from 2019.

Camp DEN

Since most of us will spend Memorial Day weekend at home, check out Camp DEN, a webpage with a series of fun, aviation and DEN themed activities for passengers to do at home. Activities include DEN coloring pages, the aviation alphabet and so much more. #CampDEN posts will be featured on social media and participants will have a chance to win a prize.

Updated information for passengers regarding COVID-19 is available at www.flydenver.com/traveler_services/covid-19

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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