Turkey, Trips and Travel Tips – Denver International Airport Offers Advice and Changes for Travelers to be Aware of This Thanksgiving Holiday

DENVER – Nov. 18, 2021 – The holiday season is officially here and more than 2 million travelers are expected to pass through Denver International Airport (DEN) between Friday, Nov. 19 and Tuesday, Nov. 30, an increase of 2.7% for the same period pre-pandemic in 2019.

Monday, Nov. 22, Wednesday, Nov. 24, Sunday, Nov. 28 and Monday, Nov. 29 are expected to be the four busiest days of the week with 204,000, 203,000, 206,000 and 203,000 passengers traveling through DEN each day, respectively.

The airport is working to make the busy travel season as smooth as possible for travelers, from parking their vehicle to arriving at their gate. Travelers should not the following to help make ensure the smoothest airport experience:

Plan Ahead:

• Passengers should arrive inside the airport at least two hours in advance of their 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 14 p.m.

TSA:

DEN has worked closely with TSA on a plan to reduce long lines and improve passenger flow through security. In early November, DEN and TSA made changes to the operation of the lanes so it is extremely important for passengers to be aware of these changes to ensure they access the correct checkpoint. Two additional lanes have been added to increase capacity at the North Security Checkpoint and one additional lane has been added to the A-Bridge Security Checkpoint. TSA has confirmed it will have staff in place for all 30 screening lanes. Passengers will also be able to check security wait times on FlyDenver.com starting tomorrow, Nov. 19.

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

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

• Standard Screening: This checkpoint is 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
• Premium/Premier Traveler Lane: Available on the west side of the North Security Checkpoint
• 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: This checkpoint is primarily dedicated to standard screening travelers and is 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.

Parking:

• The Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot will be open 24/7 from Nov. 19 through Jan. 6. Travelers utilizing Pikes Peak should allow an extra 45 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 303342-4645, 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 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. 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 have been moved to 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.

Construction Wall Removal

The walls in the center of Levels 5 and 6 have been removed as a result of the completion of Phase 1 of the Great Hall Project. Travelers can now traverse the terminal from north to south on Levels 5 and 6 much easier to access the appropriate security checkpoint.

On the Concourses/At Your Gate

• 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

Need Help Once You’re Here?

DEN’s volunteer ambassadors — easily identifiable in blue plaid uniforms — and staff in purple shirts are available throughout the terminal and concourses to provide directions, information or advice. Check our 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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