‘Tis the Season for Travel

Denver International Airport Offers Tips for Travelers for the Holidays

DENVER – Dec. 20, 2021 – Whether you are taking a vacation or headed ho-ho-home for the holidays, the most wonderful time of the year can be stressful for some. Denver International Airport (DEN) anticipates a busy holiday period with over 2.7 million passengers projected to travel through DEN from Dec. 20, 2021 through Jan. 3, 2022. This is about 5% lower than the same period in 2019.

The busiest days for travel this year will be Thursday, Dec. 23, Monday, Dec. 27, and Wednesday, Dec. 29 with each of these days expecting over 200,000 total travelers at DEN and between 60,000 and 70,000 passengers traveling through TSA checkpoints.

For anyone traveling through the airport this season, here’s what to expect:

• Plan Ahead:
• Arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to boarding time.
• DEN has three security checkpoints. South Security is open 24 hours a day, North Security is open between 4 a.m.-9 p.m., and Bridge Security is open from approximately 4:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• TSA screening checkpoints are generally busiest early in the morning from about 5-10 a.m., and from 1-4 p.m.

Make your way through TSA:

DEN and TSA have made changes to the operation of screening lanes so it is extremely important for passengers to be aware of these changes to ensure they access the correct checkpoint. Additionally, DEN and TSA have increased capacity at the checkpoints by recently adding a new lane to the east side of the South Security Checkpoint and prior to Thanksgiving, adding additional lanes at the North Security Checkpoint and the A-Bridge Security Checkpoint. Passengers can see live security wait times on FlyDenver.com.

Please note, that from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., the South Security Checkpoint will continue to be the 24-hour checkpoint.

South Security Checkpoint (under the American flag, closest to the Westin Hotel):

• Standard Screening: Dedicated to standard screening travelers and is the primary checkpoint for passengers
• Clear: Available for Clear travelers without TSA PreCheck

North Security Checkpoint (under the Colorado flag):

• TSA PreCheck: PreCheck is only available at the North Security Checkpoint
• Clear with TSA PreCheck: Available on the east side of the checkpoint for travelers
• Travel-Lite Lane: For travelers with only one item such as a backpack, briefcase or purse
• Standard Screening: Limited number of standard screening lanes are available, but this checkpoint is not recommended for standard screening

A-Bridge Security Checkpoint:

• Standard Screening: Primarily dedicated to standard screening travelers and a great option for travelers to walk to the A gates, rather than ride the train. This checkpoint is only open from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Where to Park:

• The Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot will be open 24/7. Travelers utilizing Pikes Peak should allow an extra 30 minutes to get to the terminal.
• The East Economy Lot and east and west valet are closed.
• Before heading to DEN, check FlyDenver.com for real-time parking information. While on the road, watch for electronic signs along inbound Peña Blvd.
• DEN offers free vehicle services to customers, including jump starts, tire inflation, car key retrieval if they’ve been locked in vehicles and assistance finding lost vehicles. For any of these services, call 303-342-4645, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Not driving? Take the RTD A Line from Union Station, or meet your Ride App (Uber, Lyft, etc.) driver for pickup on Level 5, Island 5 with other ground transportation services.

Bag Drop:

Bag drop is a free service open daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. that is available at the Transit Center located on Level 1, under the Westin Hotel, where the RTD A Line station is located. It is available for domestic flights on Alaska, United, Delta, American, Spirit, and Southwest airlines. Passengers using bag drop must be checked in and have dropped off their bags at least 90 minutes before their flight, but utilizing this service allows them to skip checking their bag at the airline ticket counter inside the terminal. Airline bag fees are paid at the bag drop kiosk. Passengers with lap infants must go to the ticket counter for the child’s boarding pass, per airline regulations.

Check-In:

United and Southwest check-in areas are now at the center of Level 6 with United on the west side and Southwest on the east side. The new check-in areas allow passengers to use kiosks to print their boarding pass and tag their bags before placing their bag on a self-bag-drop unit. The new check-in area accommodates more passengers and provides for a more efficient process.

Keep your Belongings Close:

It’s easy to misplace an item while you’re in the hustle bustle of travel. The top five lost items at DEN last month were cell phones, laptops, wallets/purses, tablets and driver licenses. It is quick and free to file a claim for a lost item through DEN. Remember, DEN will never charge passengers to file a claim for a lost item. There are many websites attempting to impersonate the airport and asking for a fee. To file a claim, visit www.flydenver.com directly, then navigate to the lost and found webpage.

While you’re traveling:

Those traveling this holiday can view the new Colorado Winter Festivals exhibit, located in the Jeppesen Terminal on Level 6 North before A-Bridge Security. The Colorado Winter Festivals exhibit displays over 15 long-running iconic Colorado winter events. Displays feature event and town information, competition apparel, tools and equipment, festival artifacts and photographs – all depicting past and upcoming events. See photos here.

Getting into the holiday spirit:

The lights have been hung and the baby grand piano has been placed… in the center of the terminal near arrivals! Passengers can now enjoy holiday décor including oversized ornaments, lights and life-sized reindeer made out of greenery throughout the airport. Keep an ear out for holiday tunes from pianists from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (through Dec. 24) and 4-7 p.m. (Through Dec. 23).

Shopping and dining made easy:

• DEN offers more than 160 shopping and dining options throughout the airport. Once you are through security, you can easily access any of the three concourses
• If you are short on time, get food and travel conveniences to you at your gate. Visit https://order.atyourgate.com or download the AtYourGate app to place your order. Forgot to buy a gift? AtYourGate now has Colorado-themed goodies available for purchase

DEN Elves are here to help!

DEN’s volunteer ambassadors — easily identifiable in purple plaid uniforms — and staff in purple shirts are available throughout the terminal and concourses to provide directions, information or advice. Visit the information assistance webpage for more information about contacting customer service and finding various information booths.

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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