Lois Larson
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 77 million passengers in 2023. The airport has recently undergone a series of renovations, including the addition of a new West Security checkpoint on Level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal. This new checkpoint features 17 screening lanes with advanced technology, allowing for a more efficient and expedited security screening process. With upgraded technology, each lane can handle 250 people per hour, significantly reducing wait times for travellers. In addition to the new West Security checkpoint, the airport also offers a main South Security checkpoint and is expected to open an East Security checkpoint identical to the West checkpoint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of security checkpoints | 2 |
| Location of security checkpoints | West Security and South Security |
| Level of West Security checkpoint | 6 |
| Level of South Security checkpoint | 5 |
| Number of screening lanes at West Security | 17 |
| Number of screening lanes at South Security | A handful |
| West Security checkpoint hours | 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. |
| South Security checkpoint hours | 3 a.m. to 1 a.m. |
| Wait time at West Security checkpoint | 4 minutes |
| Wait time at South Security checkpoint | 11.5 minutes |
| Denver International Airport's rank in 2023 | Third busiest airport in the US |
| Number of passengers in 2023 | 77 million |
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What You'll Learn
Denver International Airport's (DIA) new West Security checkpoint
Denver International Airport (DIA) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 77 million passengers in 2023 alone. To accommodate its high volume of passengers, the airport recently opened a new security checkpoint as part of its $2.1 billion Great Hall Program.
The new West Security Checkpoint is located on Level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal's northwest end. It features 17 screening lanes equipped with advanced technology, enhancing the efficiency of the security screening process. For instance, the new equipment allows multiple passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously.
The construction of the West Security Checkpoint included extending the balcony overlooking Level 5 to increase circulation capacity. Additionally, a triple escalator was built to transport screened passengers from Level 6 to the train platform on Level 4.
The Great Hall Program is a renovation project aimed at preparing the airport to serve 100 million passengers annually within the next five to eight years. The program is divided into phases, with the West Security Checkpoint being completed during Phase 2. The East Security Checkpoint, scheduled to open by the end of 2025, will offer an additional 17 screening lanes with advanced technology.
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TSA security wait times at DIA
Denver International Airport (DEN) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving more than 77 million passengers in 2023. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This allows sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and boarding.
DEN has multiple TSA checkpoints: North, South, and Bridge Security for Concourse A. The airport recently opened a new 17-lane TSA security checkpoint as part of its $2.1 billion Great Hall project. This new checkpoint, located on the northwest end of Level 6, features advanced technology for more efficient screening, including allowing multiple passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously.
The busiest times at DEN are typically early morning (5:00-8:00 a.m.) and late afternoon (3:00-6:00 p.m.), as well as during holiday and ski seasons. Security wait times can vary, but on average, passengers can expect to wait around 15-20 minutes for standard security screening. However, during peak travel times, wait times can be significantly longer, with some travellers reporting wait times of 30-40 minutes.
To expedite the security process, passengers can enrol in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. TSA PreCheck allows travellers to use dedicated lanes and免es the need to remove shoes, belts, or laptops. CLEAR uses biometric screening, such as fingerprints and eye scans, to speed up security clearance. Additionally, passengers can check real-time security wait times before arriving at the airport to better plan their journey.
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South Security checkpoint at DIA
The South Security checkpoint at Denver International Airport (DEN) is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal. This checkpoint provides access to all airline gates and is one of two security checkpoint areas in the Terminal, with the other being the West Security checkpoint on Level 6.
The South Security checkpoint offers expedited screening options like TSA PreCheck and CLEAR. Passengers can check real-time security wait times before arriving at the airport to better plan their journey. It is recommended to arrive at least two hours before your flight to account for security screening.
The South Security checkpoint at DEN is part of the airport's ongoing Great Hall renovation project. As part of this project, 24 airline check-in and bag drop counters at the south end of the Jeppesen Terminal's east and west sides were temporarily relocated from Level 6 to Level 5 between April 9 and June 30. These counters will remain on Level 5 through mid-2027.
The Great Hall renovation project aims to improve the airport's efficiency and capacity for future growth. The West Security checkpoint, which opened in April 2024 as part of Phase 2 of the project, features 17 screening lanes with advanced technology for faster and more efficient screening. With this renovation, DEN continues to adapt to meet the needs of its passengers, ensuring a smooth and seamless travel experience.
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DIA's ranking as one of the busiest airports
Denver International Airport (DIA) is ranked as one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2024, it was the sixth-busiest airport worldwide and the third busiest in North America, serving over 82 million passengers that year. This ranking solidifies DIA's position as a global hub with an expanding reach.
DIA's high ranking can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it is a major hub for several large airlines, which have contributed to the airport's continued growth. Secondly, there has been an increase in flight frequency by these airlines, providing more options for travellers. Lastly, the addition of new carriers, some with overseas service, has further boosted passenger traffic.
In 2023, DIA served more than 77 million passengers, which made it the third busiest airport in the US that year. When considering aircraft movements, which include takeoffs and landings, DIA ranked even higher. In 2024, it had the fourth most aircraft movements worldwide, a nearly 5% increase over 2023. This ranking placed it behind only Atlanta, Chicago/O'Hare, and Dallas-Ft. Worth.
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DIA's Great Hall construction project
The Great Hall at Denver International Airport (DEN) has been undergoing a major renovation project since 2018. The project is aimed at enhancing security, improving the overall passenger experience, and accommodating the rapid expansion of passenger traffic, which has made DEN the third busiest airport in the world. The Great Hall, encompassing 1.5 million square feet, will feature new dining and shopping options, an updated facility, and a more flexible and open airline check-in space.
The project has faced several challenges and delays, including issues with the original contract setup and the termination of the first contracting team in 2019. The total cost of the project is now estimated at $2.1 billion, with Phase 2 completed in April 2024, featuring a new 17-lane TSA security checkpoint on Level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal.
The security enhancements include relocating TSA screening checkpoints from Level 5 to Level 6, implementing automated security lanes, and introducing new queue management concepts to reduce lines and wait times. The new security checkpoint features advanced technology, allowing multiple passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously, thus expediting the screening process.
The Great Hall renovation is part of DEN's future growth and efficiency plans. The airport served more than 77 million passengers in 2023, and the improvements will aid in accommodating future growth to 80 million passengers. The project is expected to be completed by mid-2027, with temporary relocations of check-in and bag drop counters during the construction phase.
The Great Hall Partners, with proven experience in developing world-class airports, were initially selected as partners for the renovation. However, issues arose, and the contract was terminated in 2019. The project then underwent a reboot, with Hensel Phelps Construction leading the project team under greater DEN oversight. The total amount of the contract, including design, construction, operations, finance costs, and 30 years of maintenance, is capped at $1.8 billion.
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Frequently asked questions
Denver International Airport (DEN) has two security checkpoint areas in the Terminal to access all airline gates: West security on Level 6, and South security on Level 5.
Wait times vary depending on the time and day. The average wait time at the West checkpoint is about four minutes, while the South Security checkpoint has an average wait time of 11.5 minutes.
Travelers will have their faces photographed by an ID machine at the checkpoint. They will also need to remove their shoes unless they have PreCheck.
