DENVER — Denver International Airport is gearing up for a busy Thanksgiving holiday, and they're offering some tips to make sure your travel experience goes as smoothly as possible.
More than 785,000 passengers are expected to travel through DIA's TSA checkpoints from Friday, Nov. 17 through Monday, Nov. 27, which is nearly a 13% increase from the same period last year.
The busiest days are expected to be Wednesday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 26.
SECURITY
DIA said travelers should arrive inside the airport at least two hours before their scheduled boarding time and be prepared for longer lines.
For real-time security wait times and to help select the best checkpoint, passengers can check FlyDenver.com.
Passengers can sign up for expedited screening programs available at DIA checkpoints: TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. Additionally, DEN RESERVE is a free service that allows all passengers to reserve a dedicated time slot through DIA's Bridge TSA Security Checkpoint, giving them a more predictable and seamless travel experience.
PARKING
All of DIA's on-site parking lots are open except for valet parking in both garages. The repair work in the East Economy Lot is nearly finished and the 2,400 spaces that were closed earlier this year will reopen in time for the holiday, the airport said.
For those travelers looking to save some money, the Pikes Peak and Longs Peak shuttle lots cost $8 a day.
DIA has 36 electric vehicle charging stations available on level 1 of the parking garages. There is no charge to use the stations, but the standard parking rates apply. You can find station locations here.
You can learn more about DIA's parking options see real-time parking availability here.
DIA said they're working with the Denver Police Department to minimize auto thefts in the airport's public parking areas, and are planning to have increased patrols there. Anyone who parks at the airport is asked to be extra vigilant and call 303-342-4211 immediately to report any suspicious activity.
DEN TRAVEL ASSIST
DEN Travel Assist is a new program designed to help travelers navigate the airport more efficiently and easily. Starting at $59, DEN Travel Assist offers a simple online platform to book airport assistance.
Once reservations are confirmed, customers are introduced to their personal assistant by text message the day before travel to arrange a meeting spot and confirm an estimated time of arrival. DEN Travel Assist assistants can meet customers at their airline ticket counter or at their car if they need help unloading luggage. They will also meet a traveler at their gate and escort them to baggage claim or help them reach their next mode of transportation to their destination beyond the airport.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT
DIA said you should complete the following tasks before leaving for the airport:
- Check with your airline to confirm your flight is on time and check in online if possible.
- Check real-time parking availability.
- Check real-time TSA security wait times.
PICKING UP PASSENGERS
Check 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.
The return-to-terminal loop is now located on Jackson Gap Street, so the airport said it's best to wait for your friends and family at Final Approach, the airport's cell phone waiting lot, until they are ready to be picked up. Final Approach is located about three miles west of the terminal. It can be easily accessed via eastbound Peña Boulevard to Wenatchee Street, or from East 78th Avenue. Signs are posted along all access routes.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Anyone who has a question about traveling through DIA can reach out to the airport's customer service team by calling 303-342-2000 or 800-247-2336. You can text questions to 720-370-9002. Passengers can also click the "Chat" button on FlyDenver.com to connect with a live agent via chat between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m. daily.
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