Tips for a Safe and Smooth Trip through Denver International Airport this Summer

DENVER – July 1, 2020 – July is typically the busiest month of the year at Denver International Airport (DEN) and while passenger traffic remains below recent historical levels, we are expecting the highest passenger numbers since the pandemic began in March.

Passenger numbers are expected to continue to rise through July. During the week of June 28, passenger traffic through DEN’s TSA security checkpoints is anticipated to reach nearly 160,000 over seven days.

DEN is beginning to see signs that air travel is slowly rebounding. While TSA checkpoint volume at DEN was down about 75% in June from 2019, DEN had the second busiest checkpoints of any U.S. airport during the month. Additionally, DEN ranked third in terms of scheduled flights in the U.S. in June (after DFW and ATL).

“The health and safety of our passengers and employees is always our top priority,” said DEN CEO Kim Day. “Throughout the pandemic, we have worked closely with public health officials to implement new procedures to limit the spread of germs and help protect passengers and employees. Although your journey through DEN may look a little different, we remain focused on the passenger experience and DEN team members will be available to help you with your journey through DEN.”

Remember, safety is a shared responsibility and we all have a role to play in keeping one another safe and healthy! Click here to see all information regarding COVID-19 precautions at DEN.

As more passengers prepare to fly this holiday weekend or later in the summer, here are a few tips to ensure a safe and smooth trip through DEN.

Mask up – Face coverings are required to be worn by everyone in the public space at DEN. Forgot your mask? DEN has you covered – two vending machines located in the terminal sell masks, as do many shops on each concourse. All major domestic airlines also require passengers to wear a mask on board.

By wearing a mask, you can help keep yourself and others healthy and demonstrates you are respectful of other passengers and employees. We are asking all airport passengers, employees and guests to do the right thing and to take the safety of our community seriously by wearing a mask at DEN.

Keep your hands and space clean – Passengers are encouraged to wash their hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially after going through security or taking the train. More than 100 hand sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the airport – if you notice a station that is empty, please let an airport employee know, or report it via the See Say Airport app (download from your Apple or Google store). Learn more about the See Say Airport app here.

Disinfecting wipes are available at each gate for passengers to disinfect their seat on the plane.

Keep your (social) distance – Passengers should practice physical distancing in lines (check-in, security checkpoints, making purchases, during boarding) as well as in seating areas at gates. DEN has placed signage around the airport to encourage distancing throughout the airport. Plexiglass barriers have also been placed at check-in counters, TSA document screening, airline podiums and some shops and restaurants.

Stay safe on the train to the gates and terminal

DEN has increased the number of trains during peak times to allow for more physical distancing and has increased cleaning on the train. When waiting for the train, passengers should move to the center of the platform and spread out. If a train is full, please wait a few minutes for the next train to arrive. Passengers flying into or out of an A-Gate are encouraged to use the A-Bridge security and walk across the ABridge to access the concourse and terminal and baggage claim rather than use the train.

Know before you go – Remember to check FlyDenver.com before heading to the airport to confirm parking availability and your flight status. It’s also a good idea to check with your airline to confirm check-in and onboard policies regarding face coverings and symptom screening.

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. Passengers parking in West Economy are still able to access the east side of the terminal.

Security Checkpoints

All DEN security checkpoints are open and operating normally. TSA lines have been reconfigured to provide space between queues to allow for social distancing. A TSA agent may ask you to remove your mask to verify your identity when your documents are checked. TSA is allowing one liquid hand sanitizer container, up to 12 ounces per passenger, in carry-on bags. TSA also requests that passengers place their carry-on food items into a clear plastic bag and place that bag into a bin during screening.

Security checkpoint hours:
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

Concessions

Many of DEN’s shops and restaurants have made changes to their operations, including reduced hours, offering grab and go options or have temporarily closed. Some restaurant dining rooms are open, but seating has been rearranged to allow for at least six-feet of space between parties. The seating in the food courts has reopened with six feet of distance between tables. Additionally, more than 90% of concessions have contactless payment options and many have added floor decals for queuing to keep guests six feet apart View the complete list of open concessions here.

Airline Lounges & USO

Most airline lounges and the USO have been closed during the pandemic. Currently the only open lounge is the United Airlines East Red Carpet Club on Concourse B. The USO is scheduled to re-open on July 6 and Delta and American plan to re-open their lounges on Concourse A in August.

During your visit at DEN, look for staff in purple shirts or visit a customer service booth in the center of the concourses if you need assistance.

Updated information for passengers regarding how to safely travel through DEN is available at https://www.flydenver.com/traveler_services/safe_travel

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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