Lois Larson
If you're travelling from Denver International Airport, it's recommended that you arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow time for security screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) aims to get passengers in and out of security in 10 minutes or less for TSA PreCheck and 30 minutes or less for standard check, but you may experience longer wait times depending on how busy the airport is. To avoid long lines, you can also consider arriving earlier than the recommended two hours, especially if you want to grab a bite to eat before your flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recommended arrival time | 2 hours before the flight |
| Ticket counter check-in | Opens 3 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure |
| Online check-in | Begins 24 hours before departure and ends 3 hours before departure |
| Checked baggage | Accepted 1 hour or more before departure |
| Gate check-in | Begins 1 hour before departure |
| TSA PreCheck | Open from 4 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. |
| Security wait times | Vary based on time of day and passenger volume |
| Busiest times at TSA | 4 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. |
| Busiest days at TSA | Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday |
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What You'll Learn
Recommended arrival time
The recommended arrival time for domestic flights at Denver International Airport is two hours before departure. This allows ample time for security screening, which can take up to 30 minutes or longer during busy periods. Passengers with TSA PreCheck can generally clear security in 10 minutes or less.
For international flights, it is recommended to arrive three hours before departure. This allows for additional time to clear customs and immigration, which can be time-consuming at Denver International Airport due to its large size and the potential for long walks to the gate.
It is important to note that boarding times can vary by airline. For example, United Airlines begins boarding 40 to 50 minutes before takeoff, while Southwest Airlines typically starts 30 minutes beforehand. Passengers must be at the gate and ready to board at least 10 minutes before departure or risk losing their seats.
When determining arrival time, it is advisable to consider the time of day and day of the week. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that security checkpoints are busiest between 4 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with the single busiest hour typically being 3 p.m. due to late afternoon and early evening flights. Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays tend to be the busiest days at TSA checkpoints.
Additionally, real-time security wait times can be checked online before arriving at the airport. This can help passengers anticipate potential delays and plan their arrival time accordingly.
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Check-in times
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world. The general advice is to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight time to allow ample time for security screening. However, some passengers prefer to arrive 1.5 hours before their flight time. If you want to grab a bite to eat, then arriving two hours early is recommended.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) aims to get TSA PreCheck passengers in and out of security in 10 minutes or less and standard check passengers in 30 minutes or less. However, depending on how busy it is, passengers may end up waiting longer. The TSA security checkpoints are busiest at DEN between 4 am and noon and 1 pm to 3 pm, with the single busiest hour on most days being 3 pm. The busiest days of the week are typically Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
The Denver Air Connection ticket counter opens three hours before departure and closes one hour before departure. Online check-in for Denver Air Connection flights begins 24 hours before departure and ends three hours before departure. Passengers are requested to arrive two hours before their flight but no later than one hour before departure. Passengers who do not check in at least one hour before departure will not be allowed to board and will not receive a refund for missed flights due to late check-in.
For those with a flight at the A gate, you can skip taking the train by going through Bridge Security on level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal. All other gates can be reached by train.
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Security wait times
It is important to note that starting May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 and above will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. Passengers can check the Real-Time DEN airport security wait times before arriving at the airport to better plan their journey.
For passengers who wish to grab a bite to eat before their flight, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early. Additionally, those travelling during peak traffic hours should consider the potential impact on their journey to the airport.
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TSA PreCheck
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their flight to allow ample time for security screening. However, TSA PreCheck members can save a lot of time in security.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you must first submit an application online, which takes about 5 minutes. You then need to complete your enrolment in person at an enrolment centre, which takes about 10 minutes and includes fingerprinting, document and photo capture, and payment. The cost varies by provider. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can add to your airline reservations.
Children under 17 can join an adult with TSA PreCheck for free when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on their boarding pass. TSA PreCheck is also included with Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and an active TWIC or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with an HME.
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Transport options
Denver International Airport (DIA) is one of the busiest airports in the world, so it's important to plan your transport options carefully. Here are some ways to get to and from the airport:
Car
You can drive to the airport and park your car in one of the economy lots. This option is convenient if you have a car and want to avoid the hassle of public transportation. However, be mindful of Friday afternoon rush hour traffic, especially around 4-7 pm.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are also popular choices for getting to and from the airport. The cost for these services can vary depending on traffic and demand, but you can expect to pay around $50 or more for a solo ride. If you are travelling with others, you might consider taking an Uber or Lyft to the RTD station and then taking the train to the airport, which could be more cost-effective.
Train
The RTD A Line train provides a direct connection between the airport and Union Station in downtown Denver. This option is ideal if you want to avoid traffic and don't mind walking to the train platform. The train is also a good choice if you're travelling solo, as it can be more cost-effective than ridesharing services.
Shuttle Services
There are several shuttle services that operate to and from the airport, such as SuperShuttle Express and Groome Transportation. These services offer stress-free travel with upfront pricing and insured drivers. They can pick you up and drop you off right at the airport terminal, saving you from long walks. Shuttle services usually require advanced reservations, and you should carefully review their luggage restrictions to ensure your baggage complies with their policies.
Bus
For those on a budget, taking the bus is an option. The R-line RTD bus can take you to the Peoria Station, where you can transfer to the A-line train to the airport. This option is especially convenient if you live close to an RTD station and want to avoid the hassle of driving and parking at the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Online check-in for Denver Airport starts 24 hours before departure and ends 3 hours before departure. At the airport, check-in opens 3 hours before departure and closes 1 hour before departure.
It is recommended that passengers arrive at Denver Airport at least 2 hours before their flight.
Security wait times at Denver Airport vary depending on the time of day and passenger volume. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reports that security checkpoints are busiest between 4 am and noon, and 1 pm to 3 pm. The busiest single hour is usually 3 pm.
The TSA aims to process TSA PreCheck passengers within 10 minutes and standard check passengers within 30 minutes. However, passengers may experience longer wait times during peak periods.
