Denver International Airport is preparing for a busy Thanksgiving travel period over the next week. According to the airport, from Friday, Nov. 22 through Monday, Dec. 2 more than 844,033 passengers are forecasted to travel through TSA checkpoints which is a 7.5% increase from the same period in 2023.
The airport estimates the busiest days will be Nov. 22, Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 with more than 266,001 passengers expected to move through security screening on these days. The busiest day is expected to be Dec. 1, with an estimated 90,539 passengers passing through security.
Compare that to the busiest travel days so far this year:
According to the airport, 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.
Additional Information from Denver International Airport:
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.
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
A-Bridge Security Checkpoint: Standard screening only, open from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
As of Nov. 11, both the A-Bridge and Ansbacher Hall will be closed for overnight construction activities from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., Monday through Thursday nights, through the opening of the East Checkpoint in Q3 2025. During closures, all travelers must use concourse trains to journey to and from the Terminal.
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:
Parking
The Pikes Peak shuttle lot offers cost-effective parking at only $8 a day.
Longs Peak shuttle lot will open the morning of Wednesday, November 27 at 3 a.m. until 7 p.m., or until the lot is filled. Pikes Peak will be closed during this time and reopen once Longs Peak is closed. Return shuttle service will remain at both lots when closed.
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.
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.
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, Marczyk Fine Foods, and Teatulia. Check out the offerings.
Get into the holiday spirit and visit Santa's Layover Lounge, the world's first airport holiday pop-up bar! Familiar holiday characters will make surprise appearances and visitors can enjoy their favorite holiday music in modern playful holiday themed space. The pop-up experience will be open from November 19, 2024, until January 5. 2025 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
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/.