Ruth Haines
Denver International Airport is one of the world's busiest airports, serving as a primary economic hub for Colorado. As with any airport, security protocols are in place to ensure the safety of travellers. While Denver has specific regulations, certain items are universally prohibited on aircraft, including explosive materials, flammable items, and other hazardous substances. Denver International has implemented additional restrictions to maintain security and facilitate smooth travel. Understanding these restrictions is essential for travellers to ensure a seamless journey through this bustling airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Explosives | Prohibited |
| Flammable items | Prohibited |
| Hazardous materials | Prohibited |
| Hoverboards | Prohibited |
| Marijuana | Possession, consumption, use, display, transfer, transport, distribution and sale banned |
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What You'll Learn
Explosives, flammable items, and other hazardous materials are prohibited
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) prohibits explosive materials, flammable items, and other hazardous materials in checked baggage. This federal law also applies to items on your person or in your carry-on luggage. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, explosives, flammable liquids and solids, compressed gases, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials.
Explosives are strictly forbidden at Denver Airport, and by federal law, this includes items in checked baggage, carry-on luggage, and on your person. This is a standard security measure at airports and is implemented by the TSA. Explosives are highly dangerous and can cause significant damage to the airport and aircraft, as well as harm to people.
Flammable items are also prohibited at Denver Airport. This includes solids and liquids that have the potential to ignite and cause fires. Flammable liquids, such as lighter fluid or gasoline, can be highly dangerous if they come into contact with an ignition source. Flammable solids, such as matches or certain types of chemicals, can also be a fire hazard. These items are prohibited to prevent fires and ensure the safety of passengers and staff.
Hazardous materials, as defined by federal law, are not permitted at Denver Airport. This includes a wide range of items beyond explosives and flammables. Compressed gases, for example, pose a risk due to their potential to explode or cause asphyxiation. Poisons and toxins are also hazardous and can cause serious harm if inhaled, ingested, or if they come into contact with the skin. Corrosives can damage equipment and harm individuals, while radioactive materials pose a radiation risk. These items are prohibited to ensure the safety and security of all individuals at the airport and on aircraft.
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Hoverboards are banned due to fire risk
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for transitioning passengers through the airport's security checkpoints. The TSA prohibits explosive materials, flammable items, and other hazardous materials in checked baggage.
Federal law also forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard aircraft, including explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials. Denver Air Connection, for example, will not accept hoverboards aboard its passenger aircraft in either checked or carry-on baggage.
Hoverboards are small, motorized, two-wheeled, self-balancing scooters, also known as swegways. They are powered by lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries. If metal objects such as keys, coins, tools, or other batteries come into contact with both ends of these batteries, it can create an electrical current that can cause extreme heat and sparks and even start a fire. The UN aviation safety arm ICAO has proposed that when lithium-ion batteries are transported as cargo, they should be no more than 30% charged to reduce fire risk.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission received at least 10 reports of hoverboard fires, and that number is increasing daily. By the end of June, 158 incidents involving batteries carried as cargo or baggage, several of which involved burning and smoke, had been recorded by the Federal Aviation Administration. As a result, the three largest U.S. airlines banned hoverboards in carry-on and checked baggage in 2015, citing the product's fire hazard risk.
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Medication is allowed but must be declared
Medication is allowed at Denver Airport but must be declared at the checkpoint. This is in line with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) procedures, which require certain items to be declared at the airport's security checkpoints. Medication, baby formula, breast milk, and baby food are allowed in larger quantities but must be declared.
The TSA is responsible for transitioning passengers through the airport's security checkpoints. It provides travel tips and information on its website, including details on what items are prohibited. For example, federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials, including explosives, flammable items, and other hazardous materials, aboard aircraft or in luggage. This includes items such as compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives, and radioactive materials.
It is important to note that while some sources indicate that travellers can bring medication into the airport, it is always a good idea to check the TSA website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding what items are permitted. The TSA website provides a comprehensive list of prohibited items, as well as specific guidelines for travellers with special needs or medical conditions who may require additional assistance during the security screening process.
Additionally, travellers should be aware that while Denver has legalised the recreational use of cannabis, it is still illegal at the federal level. As such, travellers risk confiscation if cannabis or related products, such as edibles or vape pens, are discovered during security screening. While some travellers have reported successfully bringing these items through security, it is not without risk, and it is advisable to comply with federal laws and regulations to avoid potential legal consequences.
To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is recommended that travellers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight to allow ample time for security screening. Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and security wait times can vary based on factors such as the time of day and passenger volume. By planning ahead and familiarising oneself with the TSA's regulations, travellers can navigate the security checkpoints efficiently and safely.
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Marijuana is banned, despite Colorado's state laws
Despite Colorado legalising the recreational use of marijuana, Denver International Airport (DIA) has banned any possession of cannabis on its premises. This means that passengers travelling through the airport are prohibited from carrying marijuana with them, even if it is for medical use.
The ban on marijuana at DIA is due to the airport falling under federal jurisdiction, and marijuana remains illegal at the federal level in the United States. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is a federal entity that follows federal transportation laws, and its policy mandates that any TSA agent who confiscates cannabis refer the incident to local law enforcement. Local law enforcement will then decide whether or not to pursue criminal charges, depending on the jurisdiction's laws regarding cannabis possession.
While some people have reported successfully bringing marijuana into the airport by disguising it in ziplock bags or removing it from its original packaging, it is still illegal to do so. TSA agents are not actively searching for marijuana, but if they find it, they will confiscate it. The Denver City Council has made it an offence to possess marijuana within the airport, punishable by a fine or imprisonment, although enforcement of this ordinance may vary.
The discrepancy between Colorado's state laws and the federal laws governing the airport has led to confusion and debate. Some have questioned why Denver, which legalised recreational cannabis before Los Angeles and Portland, still uses the federal-prohibition argument to prohibit it from the airport. However, DIA communications manager Emily Williams has stated that they do not plan to revisit their policy due to the federal illegality of marijuana.
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TSA PreCheck and CLEAR offer expedited screening
Denver International Airport offers expedited screening options like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR to help streamline your experience. TSA PreCheck is open from 4 a.m. to 8:45 p.m., while CLEAR is available at both checkpoints for expedited screening.
TSA PreCheck allows passengers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on, while electronics and 3-1-1 liquids can remain in their bags. Children 17 and under can join an adult with TSA PreCheck when it appears on their boarding pass. To enrol in TSA PreCheck, you can either enrol online or walk into any enrolment location. Once approved, you will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN), which must be added to your airline reservations.
However, it is important to note that TSA uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. Certain violations of federal security regulations, such as assault, threat, intimidation, interference, physical or sexual assault, providing false documents, or bringing prohibited items, can result in a denial of expedited screening for a period of time, with membership suspensions lasting up to five years for a first-time offence or permanent for repeat offences.
CLEAR is another expedited screening option available at Denver International Airport. CLEAR uses biometrics to verify your identity and expedite the ID check process. By enrolling in CLEAR, you can save time and avoid long lines at airport security.
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Frequently asked questions
Hazardous materials that are forbidden include explosives, flammable liquids and solids, corrosives, oxidizers, and poisons.
Denver Air Connection prohibits hoverboards on their aircraft, and they cannot be placed in either checked or carry-on baggage.
Although Colorado has legalised recreational marijuana, Denver International Airport has banned the possession, consumption, use, display, transfer, transport, distribution, and sale of the drug. However, some travellers have reported being able to take edibles through security without issue.
From May 7, 2025, every air traveller aged 18 and over will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, a state-issued enhanced driver's license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
