Denver Airport: Tsa Precheck Availability And Benefits

Denver International Airport (DIA) has TSA PreCheck lanes at both its North and South Security checkpoints. The North Security checkpoint has multiple dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes, while the South Security checkpoint has a limited number of TSA PreCheck lanes. The TSA aims to get travelers through the TSA PreCheck screening process in less than 10 minutes. The busiest times at the checkpoints are 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

TSA PreCheck lane locations at Denver Airport

The Denver International Airport has two security checkpoint areas in the Terminal to access all airline gates: West Security on Level 6 and South Security on Level 5.

West Security

This checkpoint is open from 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. TSA PreCheck passengers will enter at West Security 3, which is located north of the United ticket counters.

South Security

The South checkpoint is the only one open between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. This checkpoint does not have a TSA PreCheck lane.

Enrollment

If you are interested in enrolling in TSA PreCheck, you can do so at a dedicated enrollment center in Terminal B, near gate B35. The walk-up enrollment process takes about five minutes, and registrants receive final approval and a Known Traveler Number within three to five days.

How to get TSA PreCheck at Denver Airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) has TSA PreCheck lanes at both its South and West Security checkpoints. The South Security checkpoint is located on Level 5 of the airport terminal, while the West Security checkpoint is on Level 6.

To get TSA PreCheck at Denver Airport, you need to first ensure that you are eligible for the program. To be eligible, you must be a US citizen, national, or permanent resident and not be prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. You can then apply for TSA PreCheck through the TSA's official website. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which you can use when booking flights to access TSA PreCheck lanes.

At the airport, make sure to enter the correct checkpoint for TSA PreCheck. The South Security checkpoint has a dedicated TSA PreCheck lane feeding from the center of the security area, near the escalators descending to the train. The West Security checkpoint has three entrances, with electronic signage directing travelers to the correct entrance based on their screening eligibility. TSA PreCheck lanes at the West Security checkpoint are open from 4:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

When going through security, you will need to present your boarding pass and identification to the TSA officer. Denver Airport also offers facial recognition technology as an optional step in the process. You will then proceed to one of the available stations to place your items in bins for screening. All items, including suitcases, backpacks, roller bags, and shoes, must be placed in bins. Denver Airport's West Security checkpoint features automated screening lanes, which provide larger bins and automated conveyor belts for a more efficient process.

It is important to note that security wait times at Denver Airport are estimates and can change at any time. The airport suggests arriving at least two hours before your boarding time to account for potential delays. Additionally, starting from May 7, 2025, all air travelers aged 18 and above will need a REAL ID-compliant form of identification to fly within the United States.

TSA PreCheck wait times at Denver Airport

Denver Airport has two security checkpoints: South and West Security. The South Security Checkpoint is dedicated to general screening and CLEAR, while the West Security Checkpoint offers TSA PreCheck screening, TSA PreCheck with CLEAR, DEN Reserve, premium access, active-duty military access, and functional needs access. The West Security Checkpoint also features new screening technology, which may impact the screening process.

To ensure a smooth and efficient experience, passengers are advised to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their boarding time and use resources such as DEN Reserve to estimate and reduce security wait times. Additionally, TSA PreCheck lanes at the South Security Checkpoint near baggage carousel 7 are available from 4 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., while the TSA PreCheck lanes at the West Security Checkpoint are open from 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

It is worth noting that TSA PreCheck members can also use the CLEAR lane at the West Security 3 checkpoint. However, those with CLEAR membership but without TSA PreCheck must use the South Security Checkpoint.

For those with early morning or afternoon flights, it is important to plan accordingly as the estimated wait times during these periods are usually the longest.

TSA PreCheck eligibility and benefits

TSA PreCheck is a service that allows eligible passengers to undergo expedited screening at over 200 airports and with more than 90 airlines.

Eligibility

To be eligible for TSA PreCheck, applicants must be US citizens, US nationals, or lawful permanent residents. Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI also allow some foreign citizens to apply. Applicants may be deemed ineligible due to incomplete or false application information, certain violations of federal security regulations, or disqualifying criminal offenses and factors.

Benefits

TSA PreCheck offers a smoother security screening process, with no need to remove shoes, laptops, 3-1-1 liquids, belts, or light jackets. About 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. Children 13-17 may access the lanes if they have the TSA PreCheck logo on their boarding pass and are on the same airline reservation as a TSA PreCheck-eligible parent or guardian.

TSA advice for travellers departing from Denver Airport

Denver International Airport (DIA) is one of the busiest airports in the world, and it's recommended that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your boarding time.

TSA PreCheck

If you have TSA PreCheck, you can use the dedicated lanes at the North Security Checkpoint. The North Security Checkpoint is open from 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and has multiple dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes. There are a limited number of TSA PreCheck lanes open from 4 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the backside of the checkpoint near Bag Claim 7. If you are travelling after the PreCheck lanes close, you can receive expedited screening through the standard lanes at this checkpoint.

If you don't already have TSA PreCheck, you can sign up at a dedicated enrollment centre in Terminal B near Gate B35. The walk-up enrollment process takes around five minutes, and you will need proof of citizenship (like a passport or birth certificate) and another official photo ID, like a driver's license.

General Security Advice

To ensure a smooth security screening process, it is recommended that you:

• Listen to guidance from TSA officers, especially regarding new technologies that may be in use.
• Empty your pockets before arriving at the checkpoint and place items such as wallets, phones, keys, and sunglasses in your carry-on bag.
• Follow the rules for travelling with liquids: gels, liquids, and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage.
• Pack smart: be aware of the contents of your carry-on bag and do not bring prohibited items to the checkpoint. You can use the MyTSA app and the "Can I Bring?" feature to check if an item is allowed or prohibited. You can also contact @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for more information.
• Give yourself plenty of time at the airport for parking, checking in, and security screening.

Wait Times

The busiest times at the checkpoints are 4 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., especially on Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays. During these peak times, you may encounter large numbers of travellers and longer wait times. To check current wait times for various times of the day, you can search for "TSA precheck times DIA".

Frequently asked questions