Denver International Airport prepares for a travel-intensive Labor Day weekend

As the end of summer approaches, Denver International Airport is preparing for a record number of passengers over Labor Day weekend. Airport officials told CBS Colorado they expect more than 444,500 passengers at TSA checkpoints from Thursday through Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The airport estimates that the two busiest days of the holiday weekend will be Friday and Monday, September 2. Airport officials expect more than 177,895 passengers to pass through security checkpoints on those days. That projection represents a 5.1% increase compared to the number of passengers who passed through DIA’s security checkpoints during the same period in 2023.

Travelers should allow themselves sufficient time to go through security and navigate the airport. Travelers should arrive at the airport at least two hours before their scheduled departure and be prepared for longer lines at security.

Airport officials also told CBS Colorado that they are doing everything they can to make the travel experience as pleasant as possible.

“We’re looking at our staffing,” said DIA spokesman Michael Konopasek. “We want to make sure we have enough staff to make sure everyone has exactly what they need.”

Airport staff give tips for a smooth travel experience on the holiday weekend:

TSA

West Security Checkpoint (on Level 6 at the northwest corner of the terminal): Main screening point for TSA PreCheck passengers, open from 4:00 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 this checkpoint’s West Security Checkpoint 3 (near Door 600) for travelers who are CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck. CLEAR customers without TSA PreCheck must use the South Security Checkpoint.
• Restricted Access for Travelers with Disabilities/Premium Status/Employee Status/Military Status: This lane is located at West Security Zone 2 of this checkpoint (near Door 606).
• Standard Screening: Passengers undergoing standard screening should use the entrance at Security Checkpoint West 1.
• DEN RESERVE: Make a reservation to go through security. Book up to 14 days in advance and skip the TSA line! Space is limited, so book now. Passengers with reservations will find their access point at West Security 2 (near door 606).
• Improved technology at this checkpoint allows passengers to leave items such as liquids and laptops in their bags.

Security Checkpoint South (on Level 5 at the south end of the terminal): Primary checkpoint for standard screening, open daily from 3:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.

• Standard checkpoint: This checkpoint is primarily intended for travelers who require a standard checkpoint.
• TSA PreCheck: At the back of the checkpoint (near Baggage Claim 7), four TSA PreCheck lanes are open from 4:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. PreCheck passengers traveling after 8:00 p.m. may use the South Security Checkpoint 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 CLEAR lane at the West Security Checkpoint between 4:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
• Limited Access for Travelers with Disabilities/Premium Status/Employee Status/Military Status: This lane is located near the southeast corner of the checkpoint.

Security check A-Bridge: Standard check only, open from approx. 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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

Passengers can view real-time security wait times and select the best checkpoint on FlyDenver.com.

Passengers can enroll in expedited screening programs available at DEN checkpoints. Learn more about TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. Additionally, DEN RESERVE is a complimentary service that allows all passengers to reserve a fixed time slot through DEN’s Bridge TSA Security Checkpoint. This option provides passengers with a more predictable and seamless travel experience. For more information about DEN Reserve and to reserve as early as 14 days before flight, visit Flydenver.com/DENreserve.

The TSA also offers practical tips to help passengers plan a smooth journey as they pass through security and take to the skies, including:

• Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule: liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes are allowed in carry-on baggage as long as each item weighs 3.4 ounces or less and is contained in a quart bag. Each passenger is allowed a maximum of one quart bag of liquids.
• Be prepared for the checkpoints and bring a valid ID
• Please arrive on time and be patient

Park

The Pikes Peak and Longs Peak shuttle lots offer affordable parking for just $8 per day.

Partial closure of the east garage

Pressure washing and new markings are currently being done in the East Garage. During the work, the following areas of the East Garage will be closed to parking, however other areas of the garage will remain open and available:

• Phase 3: August 26-30, Rows EH, all levels (Levels 5-3 will be open from August 29th. Only Level 1 will remain closed until August 31st.
• Labor Day break: August 31 – September 8
• Phase 4: September 9-15, Rows AD, all levels

The above dates are subject to change due to various unforeseen circumstances, including weather.

To complete this work, all vehicles must be cleared from the area being cleaned. Signs will be posted three weeks in advance to alert parking patrons of the upcoming closures. All vehicles parked in this area will be relocated to the parking lot adjacent to the southwest corner of the East Garage. For more information, call (303) 342-7275.

DEN has a total of 36 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations on Level 1 of the car parks. Use of the stations is free, but normal parking fees apply.

transit

• During the holidays, parking at DEN fills up quickly. It is best to take the RTD A Line to DEN.

DEN Travel Assist

• DEN Travel Assist by SkySquad is a program designed to help travelers navigate DEN efficiently and hassle-free. DEN Travel Assist provides a simple online platform to book airport assistance.

Travelers requiring additional assistance can make a reservation at FlyDenver.com/DENTravelAssist.

DEN Travel Assist assistants can help unload luggage, bags, car seats and more. They also meet travelers upon arrival at the gate 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 the flight will be on time before heading to the airport.
• It is recommended that those picking up friends and family wait for their call at Final Approach, the airport’s cell phone waiting area, until they are ready for pickup. Final Approach is located approximately three miles west of the Jeppesen Terminal. It is easily accessible by driving east on Peña Boulevard to 75th Avenue and north on Gun Club Road; west on Peña Boulevard to Wenatchee Street or by driving east on East 78th Avenue. Signs are posted along all access routes.

Shopping and eating

Getting to the airport early gives you more time to take advantage of DEN’s many shopping and dining options, including new offerings like Elway’s Taproom & Grill, Tacos Tequila Whiskey and Peet’s Coffee in Concourse A, and Aviano Coffee, El Chingon and Mizu Sushi in Concourse B! Check out the deals.

THE customer service

As you travel through DEN, look for one of the 100+ DEN Canine Airport Therapy Squad (CATS) teams in our terminal and concourses. The DEN CATS program consists of four-legged volunteers who delight travelers with a friendly wag or furry cuddle. You’ll encounter them all over the airport, wearing their distinctive purple checkered “Pet Me” vests. Hug, pet and photograph DEN’s loving comfort crew!

Have a question about traveling through DEN? Passengers can contact DEN’s customer service team by phone at 720-730-IFLY (720-730-4359). Text us your questions at 720-902-9351. Passengers can also click the “Chat with an Agent” button on FlyDenver.com to chat with one of our DEN Live Agents between 6:00 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 office only accepts 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/.