Denver International Airport is more than just the gateway to Colorado – it’s a hub of one of the world’s busiest airports that ranks amongst the most visited airports in North America. Naturally, with such numbers, all travelers who visit the airport wonder how much time they might expect to spend at the checkpoints. This guide gives a comprehensive overview of DEN’s security procedures and wait times.
How Much Passenger Traffic Does DEN Handle?
Being located somewhere in the center of the country, the airport serves as a key connection point for many travelers, both domestic and international. The airport is also a significant economic source for the area as it brings $47 billion in revenue to the economy of Colorado every year. Needless to say, the airport receives many visitors daily.
The good news is that, despite the airport’s size, security wait times at DEN are usually relatively reasonable considering the size of the airport. Despite national travel disruptions, security delays at DEN have never reached the levels of some other major U.S. airports where passengers had to queue for several hours. However, “reasonably good” does not mean “swift” all the time, and it mostly depends on when you choose to go through the checkpoint.
DEN Security Checkpoints
Currently, two main security checkpoints at DEN airport are located on Level 6 in Jeppesen Terminal:
- East Security – used by standard screening passengers and TSA PreCheck
- West Security – used as the primary security checkpoint for TSA PreCheck passengers; CLEAR and standard screening checkpoints are also available
As a result of the airport’s recent upgrades to their checkpoints, lane configuration and hours may vary, so it is wise to consult the current checkpoint arrangement on FlyDenver.com prior to your flight.
Checkpoint Breakdown
| Checkpoint | Location | Main Use | PreCheck Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Security | Level 6, Terminal | Standard + PreCheck | Approximately 4:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. |
| West Security | Level 6, Northwest corner | Main PreCheck terminal | Approximately 4:00 a.m. – 8:45 p.m. |
Approximate hours and subject to change; please check for current hours on FlyDenver.com before departing for the airport.
Wait Time Estimate at DEN
According to the data provided by the airport and additional research, this is what one can expect when clearing security at DEN:
- Standard times: Travelers spend around 15 minutes or less
- Peak times: May take up to 30 minutes or more to clear security
- Exceptional circumstances (staff shortage, bad weather, holidays): Delays may happen rarely but have never been that bad at DEN as compared to other major airports during similar periods of national stress
Now that you’ve made it past security, remember to take the walk; the concourses at DEN’s gates are large, and the average walk from a checkpoint to a gate takes anywhere from 7 to 15 minutes, and possibly even longer depending on any accessibility issues and the length of the concourse.
When Are the Longest Lines?
Scheduling yourself properly will be a bigger factor than just about anything else; DEN has identified the following peak times:
- Morning: 4:00–5:00 a.m., which marks the start of a cluster of departures
- Mid-morning: 7:30–10:00 a.m., which is when business travelers usually travel
- Afternoon: 2:30–5:00 p.m., which coincides with connection traffic and late-day departures
If possible, scheduling your travel outside those times, like a midday departure, would significantly reduce your wait time.
How to Cut Your Time in Line at DEN
There are many tools offered by DEN for getting yourself through security faster:
- Real-time wait time monitoring: FlyDenver.com offers real-time wait times for each checkpoint so you can see how long the lines are and choose the shorter one.
- DEN Reserve: Free reservation of your personal security screening time slot, usually up to two weeks ahead of your flight time. You can use the FlyDenver.com website or the CLEAR app for the booking. This is particularly useful for early morning or peak-hour flights.
- TSA PreCheck: If you are a frequent flyer, PreCheck allows you to keep your shoes, belt, and light jacket on, and carry your laptop and liquids in your bag. It costs about $78 for five years of membership, and a background check and an in-person visit are required.
- CLEAR: Additional identity verification by a separate biometric means, such as fingerprint or iris scanning (about $189/year). With CLEAR, you will not have to go to the ID-check line at all. Together with PreCheck, CLEAR gives you the fastest way through screening.
- Global Entry: If you travel abroad, Global Entry provides TSA PreCheck services and also allows for expedited customs clearance upon returning to the U.S.
Tips to Make Your Screening Process Easy
Here are some of the useful tips to make your screening process easy
- Be early. DEN suggests that travelers arrive at the airport at least two hours before any domestic flights and even more for international departures.
- Pack wisely. You need to follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule for any liquids in carry-on bags – liquids must be packed in containers of no more than 3.4 ounces each, placed inside one quart-size bag per passenger.
- Get your ID ready. You should make sure your photo ID or passport is handy before reaching the checkpoint.
- Know where the checkpoint is located. In case of having PreCheck, you should go to West Security because most of the PreCheck lanes are located there.
- Check wait time statistics. With the help of the website FlyDenver.com, you will know the live wait time data and may choose another checkpoint if needed.
- Consider traveling by train. The RTD A-Line train connects the Denver Union Station to the airport. It helps avoid traffic jams on Peña Boulevard.
Conclusion
Given its large scale and high number of passengers, security at DIA cannot be ignored, though it is far from being as bad as some people make it out to be. With two efficiently staffed checkpoints, a free reservation system via DEN Reserve, and efficient expedited security measures through TSA PreCheck and CLEAR, most passengers are able to go through security in less than 30 minutes even during the busier periods. The trick is easy: know which checkpoint works for you, avoid the predictable rush hours where you can, check the current wait times before heading to the airport, and show up with enough buffer time as advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
DEN advises arriving at least two hours before departure for domestic flights and earlier for international flights, especially during peak travel times or holidays.
DEN presently has two primary checkpoints called East Security and West Security. These checkpoints are located on level 6 of the terminal.
DEN Reserve is a free program that allows travelers to schedule a specific security screening time slot in advance, up to two weeks in advance, through FlyDenver.com or the CLEAR app.
Yes, it is definitely worth it for frequent travelers, as it will allow you to skip taking off shoes, belts, and laptops. It is offered at both major checkpoints.
Typical windows of maximum busyness are early morning (between 4 and 5 a.m.), mid-morning (between 7:30 and 10 a.m.), and mid-afternoon (between 2:30 and 5 p.m.).