Denver International Airport

12/18/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/18/2024 11:51

It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for Travel at Denver International Airport

DENVER - Dec. 18, 2024 - The holiday season is here, and Denver International Airport (DEN) is prepared for a busy end-of-year holiday travel period.

From Thursday Dec. 19, 2024, through Sunday, Dec. 29, more than 811,00 passengers are estimated to travel through DEN's TSA checkpoints, a 7.95 percent increase over actual screening volume from the same period in 2023. DEN anticipates the busiest days during this period will be Dec. 20 and Dec. 27, with an estimated 83,307 passengers passing through security on Friday, Dec. 27.

For comparison, here are the busiest travel days so far in 2024:

  • July 7, 2024 - 93,591 passengers screened (busiest day on record at DEN)
  • July 21, 2024 - 89,421 passengers screened
  • 1, 2024 - 87,472 passengers screened

DEN will showcase piano performances in the arrivals area of the Great Hall through Dec. 22 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Look for holiday carolers roaming the concourses through Dec. 23 from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and/or 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (varies by day).

Get into the holiday spirit and visit "Santa's Layover Lounge," the world's first airport holiday pop-up bar. Located on Concourse B, the lounge features hand-crafted holiday cocktails, a hot chocolate bar and a holiday-themed food menu. Familiar holiday characters can be found in every corner, with surprise appearances by the one and only Santa Claus. The pop-up experience will be open until Jan. 6, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Passengers are encouraged to arrive inside the airport at least two hours in advance of their boarding time to ensure they have plenty of time to check bags, travel through security and arrive at their gate. There is the potential for longer security lines, especially during peak times, which are 3 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Here are some travel tips for passengers traveling through DEN over the end-of-year travel period:

TSA

West Security Checkpoint (located on Level 6 at the Northwest corner of the Terminal): Primary checkpoint for TSA PreCheck passengers, open 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

  • TSA PreCheck: This checkpoint serves the majority of our TSA PreCheck passengers. These passengers should enter the checkpoint at West Security 3 (near Door 600).
  • CLEAR PreCheck Customers: A CLEAR lane is available at West Security 3 of this checkpoint (near Door 600) for travelers who are CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR customers without TSA PreCheck must use South Security.
  • Restricted Access for Accessibility/Premium/Employees/Military Traveler Lane: This lane is located at West Security 2 of this checkpoint (near Door 606).
  • Standard Screening: Passengers with Standard Screening should utilize the entry point at West Security 1.
  • DEN RESERVE: Make a reservation to go through security. Book up to 14 days early and shorten your wait! Space is limited so book now. Passengers with reservations can find their entry point at West Security 2 (near Door 606). Reservations are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
  • Enhanced technology at this checkpoint allows passengers to leave items like liquids and laptops in their bags.

South Security Checkpoint (located on Level 5 at the South end of the Terminal): Primary checkpoint for standard screening, open 3 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily

  • Standard Screening: This checkpoint is primarily dedicated for travelers requiring standard screening.
  • TSA PreCheck: There are four TSA PreCheck lanes open from 4 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. located on the backside of the checkpoint (near Baggage Claim 7). PreCheck passengers traveling after 10 p.m. may use South Security and receive a form of expedited screening.
  • CLEAR Standard Customers: A CLEAR lane is available at this checkpoint for standard screening. CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck MUST use the lane provided for CLEAR on the West Security Checkpoint between the hours of 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Restricted Access for Accessibility/Premium/Employees/Military Traveler Lane: This lane is located near the Southwest corner of the checkpoint.

TSA no longer operates Bridge Security on a regular basis. Screening equipment remains in place in case there is an urgent need to use the checkpoint, but the lanes are not staffed, and the checkpoint is no longer operational. A-Bridge and Ansbacher Hall remains open for arriving passengers and employees accessing the Airport Office Building between the hours of 4 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday - Thursday and access all day, Friday - Sunday.

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. Additionally, DEN RESERVE is a free service that allows all passengers to reserve a dedicated time slot through DEN's West Security Checkpoint. This option provides passengers a more predictable and seamless travel experience. For more information about DEN Reserve and to make a reservation as early as 14 days before a flight, visit Flydenver.com/DENreserve. Reservations are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

TSA is also offering practical tips to help passengers plan for a smooth journey as they go through the security checkpoint and take to the skies. These include:

  • Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule - Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids.
  • Place gifts in gift bags instead of wrapping them. -Wrapped items are screened just like any other item. If a wrapped item alarms the security screening technology whether in carry-on or checked luggage, a security officer may have to unwrap it to determine what the item is and confirm it does not pose a security threat. Consider traveling with unwrapped items or placing them in a gift bag for easy access and resolution.
  • Make a plan for traveling with holiday foods. Most foods can be carried through the TSA checkpoint, but there are some items that will need to be transported in checked baggage. If the item is a solid, then it can go through a checkpoint in a carry-on. However, if you can spread it, spill it, pump it or pour it - and it's larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) - then it should travel in a checked bag.

Parking

Normal operations will continue in the garages and economy lots.

The Landside Lot will open at 3 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 and remain open until 10 p.m. or until full.

Longs Peak will open when Landside closes and will remain open until 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21 or until full. Pikes Peak will open at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Pikes Peak will be closed on Dec. 20 and 21 to allow the Landside and Longs Peak lots to fill. This will provide additional parking spaces in Pikes Peak for the remainder of the holiday travel period.Shuttle service will remain available in all lots during this time. For real-time parking lot statuses, passengers can check FlyDenver.com.

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.

Travelers who park at DEN are encouraged to remain vigilant against theft by ensuring they've locked their car and taken their keys with them before leaving. Please do not leave valuables including electronics, jewelry and/or firearms.

Transit

Parking lots at DEN tend to fill up quickly during the holidays. Consider taking the RTD A-line into DEN. View the A-line schedule.

A new stop on the Bustang Outrider Sterling route now provides Northeastern Coloradans another option to get to and from DEN. The Sterling to Denver route runs Monday through Friday and stops at Gate 1 of the DEN Hotel Transit Center, near the RTD's A Line train and other bus stops and has quick access to the main terminal. The Outrider arrives at the airport at 9:35 a.m. and departs to Sterling at 3:07 p.m. View the Bustang Outrider Sterling- Denver schedule.

DEN Travel Assist

DEN Travel Assist brought to you by SkySquad is a program designed to help travelers navigate DEN efficiently and with ease. DEN Travel Assist offers a simple online platform to book airport assistance.

Travelers needing extra assistance can visit FlyDenver.com/DENTravelAssist to make a reservation.

For real-time security wait times and to help select the best checkpoint, passengers can check FlyDenver.com.

DEN Travel Assist assistants can help with unloading luggage, bags, car seats and more. They will also meet a traveler at their gate upon arrival and escort them to baggage claim or help them reach their next mode of transportation to their destination beyond DEN.

Before You Leave for the Airport

Picking up Passengers

  • Check with your friend or family member's airline or visit www.flydenver.com to confirm that the flight is on time before heading to the airport.
  • It's recommended that those picking up friends and family wait for their call 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.

Shopping and Dining

Getting to the airport early means extra time to enjoy DEN's many shopping and dining options!

DEN has a variety of new food and beverage options for passengers to enjoy including: El Chingon, Mizu Sushi-Izakaya, Aviano Coffee, Mister Oso, Bar Dough, Sunset Loop Bar and Grill, ChoLon, Marczyk Fine Foods and Teatulia. Check out the offerings.

DEN Customer Service

Have a question about traveling through DEN? Passengers can reach out to DEN's customer service team by calling 720-730-IFLY (720-730-4359). Text us your questions by calling 720-902-9351. Passengers can also click the "Chat with an Agent" button on FlyDenver.com to connect with one of our DEN Live Agents via chat between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily.

DEN Lost and Found

Lost an item while traveling through DEN? The airport's lost and found only receives items lost in public areas of the airport. To file a claim, or learn more, visit FlyDenver.com/ at-the-airport/services-and-amenities/lost-and-found/.

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.