Denver International Airport

10/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2024 11:35

Denver International Airport Prepares for Busy Fall Travel Rush

DENVER - Oct. 8, 2024 - Autumn is here! As leaves are falling, Denver International Airport (DEN) is soaring to new heights. DEN is forecasting a busy travel period and is expecting to break records during the month of October. The anticipated travel rush coincides with school districts along Colorado's Front Range recognizing Fall Break. Durations and specific timeframes for Fall Break varies from district to district. Additionally, autumn is leaf-peeping season in the High Country, attracting scores of travelers to the Denver area and beyond.

From Oct. 10, 2024, through Oct. 20, 2024, more than 843,800 passengers are forecasted to travel through DEN TSA checkpoints. DEN estimates the busiest days during this period will be Oct. 10, 11, 13 and 20. These days are expected to see more than 338,600 passengers move through security screening, a 7.4 percent increase from the same period in 2023. Of the busiest days during this period, Oct. 13 is expected to be the busiest with an estimated 89,667 passengers passing through TSA, which would be the second busiest day on record.

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

  • July 7, 2024 - 98,591 passengers screened (busiest day on record at DEN)
  • July 21, 2024 - 89,421 passengers screened
  • June 30, 2024 - 86,941 passengers screened
  • September 2, 2024 - 86,941 passengers screened

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., 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Here are some travel tips for passengers traveling through DEN over the Fall Break 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 2of 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 skip the TSA line! Space is limited so book now. Passengers with reservations can find their entry point at West Security 2 (near Door 606).
  • 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 7:45 p.m. located on the backside of the checkpoint (near Baggage Claim 7). PreCheck passengers traveling after 8 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 Southeast corner of the checkpoint.

A-Bridge Security Checkpoint: Standard screening only, open from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

  • Standard Screening: This checkpoint has a limited number of lanes dedicated for travelers requiring standard screening. TSA PreCheck is not available at this checkpoint.

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 Bridge TSA 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.

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.
  • Be checkpoint ready and bring a valid ID
  • Arrive early and please be patient

Parking

The Pikes Peak shuttle lot offers cost-effective parking at only $8 a day. Please be aware, the Pikes Peak and Longs Peak lots are expected to be full on Oct. 11. Drivers will be directed to the Landside lot on Oct. 11, starting at 3 a.m. While the Pikes Peak and Longs Peak lots will be closed to additional vehicles for departing passengers, DEN's arriving passengers will still be able to use shuttle transportation from the Terminal for transport to their vehicles.

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.

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.

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.

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 you to you enjoy including: El Chingon, Mizu Sushi-Izakaya, Aviano Coffee, Mister Oso, and Bar Dough. Check out the offerings.

DEN Customer Service

While traveling through DEN, look out for one of over 100 DEN Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) teams throughout our terminal and concourses. The DEN CATS program is made up of four-legged volunteers who delight travelers with a friendly wag or furry cuddle. You'll encounter them throughout the airport, sporting their distinctive violet plaid "Pet Me" vests. Hug, pet, and take pictures with DEN's affectionate comfort crew!

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.

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