The Holiday Travel Rush Arrives at Denver International Airport

DENVER - Dec. 19, 2025 - Denver International Airport (DEN) is wrapping up the year in holiday cheer and preparing for the holiday travel rush.

From today, Dec. 19, 2025, through Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, more than 750,000 passengers are forecast by TSA to travel through DEN's security checkpoints. DEN anticipates the busiest travel days to be Dec. 23, Dec. 27 and Dec. 28.

During the busy holiday rush, travelers have many ways to get into the holiday spirit. There are live piano performances in the arrivals area of the Great Hall through Dec. 22 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and holiday carolers in the concourses through Dec. 23 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Passengers can also take part in various festive photo opportunities with winter-themed vignettes.

Here are the key changes this year that passengers need to know about as they travel through DEN, especially for those who may not have traveled through the airport in the past year:

• All security checkpoints are located on the north end of Level 6 (opposite end of Terminal from the Hotel and Transit Center).
• South Security is no longer operational.
• The walkway/bridge connecting the Terminal to Concourse A is open for both arriving and departing passengers.
  • Departing passengers must go through security first to access the walkway.
  • Arriving passengers using the walkway will exit to either the east or west through automated exit lanes once they reach the Terminal and can take the elevators at door 600 (west side) and door 601 (east side) for access to baggage claim and ground transportation on Level 5.

Passengers are encouraged to check real-time TSA security wait times at FlyDenver.com/security and to arrive inside the airport at least two hours before their boarding time to ensure they have plenty of time to check bags, travel through security and arrive at their gate. Security wait times can change quickly and there is the potential for longer security lines, especially during peak times, which are 3 to 4:30 a.m., 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

Here are additional travel tips for passengers traveling through DEN during the holiday travel rush:

Airline counters serving DEN's largest carriers - United Airlines (Terminal West), Southwest Airlines (Terminal East) and Frontier Airlines (Terminal East) - are located on Level 6. All other airlines are in a temporary configuration located in the center of Level 5 through mid-2027.

Before You Leave for the Airport

• Check with your airline to confirm your flight status at FlyDenver.com/arrivals and check-in online if possible.
• Check real-time parking availability at www.FlyDenver.com/parking_transit/parking.
• Check real-time TSA security wait times at FlyDenver.com/security.

TSA

The East and West Checkpoints are mirror images of each other, with nearly identical lanes on each side. Passengers who don't need to check a bag or visit an airline counter upon arrival can be conveniently dropped off at specific doors on Level 6 and immediately access the security checkpoints.

If you are being dropped off on Level 6 West, look for doors 606-600, with TSA PreCheck access closest to doors 602 and 600. If you are being dropped off on Level 6 East look for doors 601-605 with TSA PreCheck closest to door 601 and 603.

• East/ West Security 1: This entrance is for standard screening passengers, which makes up the majority of DEN passengers.

• East/ West Security 2: This entrance is for Restricted Access, which consists of various groups including:
  • CLEAR without TSA PreCheck
  • Premium/ Premier Access
  • Accessibility and Functional Needs
  • Military Personnel
  • DEN Reserve (West Only) - This is a free service that allows all passengers to reserve a dedicated time slot through DEN's West Security Checkpoint. This option provides passengers with a more predictable and seamless travel experience. Book up to 14 days early and shorten your wait! Passengers with reservations can find their entry point at West Security 2 (near Door 606). Reservations are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
• East/ West Security 3: This entrance is for TSA PreCheck passengers as well as CLEAR with TSA PreCheck.

Both the East and West Security Checkpoints operate from 3 a.m. to 1 a.m. Please note, all security checkpoints will continue to be closed from 1 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.

Passengers may sign up for expedited screening programs available at DEN checkpoints. Learn more about DEN Reserve, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR.

TSA offers these tips for all flyers as they plan their upcoming holiday travel:

• Have a valid ID: Bring your REAL ID, passport or other acceptable form of identification and have it out to show the TSA officer at the checkpoint entrance. Beginning February 1, 2026, passengers without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification will need to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized identity verification system, TSA ConfirmID, to establish identity at security checkpoints.
• Pack smart by starting with an empty bag: Passengers who start packing with an empty bag are less likely to bring prohibited items through the checkpoint. All liquids, aerosols and gels packed in carry-on bags must be 3.4 ounces or less. Travelers must pack certain foods, such as sauces, jam, preserves and wine - which are considered liquids or gels - in checked bags if they exceed 3.4 ounces.
• Traveling with gifts: TSA encourages passengers traveling with gifts this holiday season to use gift bags, which they can easily open, or gift boxes with lids they can remove, so TSA officers can inspect those gifts, if necessary, and avoid the possibility of opening fully wrapped presents. Snow globes, a popular item this time of year, should be in checked bags due to the liquid inside them.

Travelers with disabilities or medical conditions may contact TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 to request assistance while at the TSA checkpoint. For general information, visit TSA.gov.

Travelers uncertain about a specific item can use the free MyTSA app's "What Can I Bring?" tool, text "Travel" to AskTSA (275872), or message @AskTSA on X or Facebook Messenger.

Parking

The Pikes Peak Lot will remain open until full, at which point the Longs Peak Lot will open and remain open until full.

During the holiday period, DEN will continually evaluate the need and space availability. Lots may fill sooner or later than forecast.

Please check FlyDenver.com/parking-and-transportation/parking-lots/ for the most up-to-date information for DEN parking lot availability. Please also check the signage when approaching the airport for up-to-date parking availability.

Shuttle service will remain available in all lots. DEN now offers the Passio Go app, where passengers can view shuttle statuses and expected time of arrival in real-time. View DEN's Passio Go status page.

Premium Reserve Parking: For those not wanting to hassle with finding a parking spot, Premium Reserve Parking offers a reserved spot as early as 90 days in advance or as soon as five minutes in advance, depending on parking area capacity. Book early as this parking can fill up.

Reservations cost $45 a day with a one-time $5 service fee per reservation. Premium Reserve is conveniently located at Arrivals, on Level 4 East and West. Visit the reservation page.

Transit

Parking lots at DEN tend to fill up quickly during the holidays. Consider taking the RTD A Line to DEN. View the A Line schedule.

DEN Travel Assist

DEN Travel Assist, brought to you by Airport Butler, is a program designed to help travelers navigate DEN efficiently and with ease.

Airport Butler can provide meet-and-assist services for both domestic and international flights, at any stage of passengers' journeys, including arrivals, departures and connections. Personal assistants can meet customers at a predetermined location, provide check-in and luggage assistance, help navigate TSA security checkpoints or customs and immigration, and help determine the best ground transportation options for travelers' journeys beyond DEN.

In addition to their meet-and-assist services at DEN, Airport Butler offers personalized services including car service reservation, lounge access and other customized options to fit travelers' unique needs while waiting at the gate.

Travelers needing extra assistance can visit FlyDenver.com/DENTravelAssist to make a reservation.

Picking up Passengers

• Check with your friend or family member's airline or visit FlyDenver.com/arrivals to confirm that the flight is on time before heading to the airport.
• It's recommended that those picking up travelers wait for their call at Final Approach, the airport's cell phone waiting lot, until they are ready to be picked up. Final Approach is located approximately three miles west of Jeppesen Terminal. It can be easily accessed via eastbound Peña Boulevard to 75th Avenue and northbound Gun Club Road; westbound Peña Boulevard to Wenatchee Street; or from East 78th Avenue. Signs are posted along all access routes.

Shopping, Dining and Entertainment

DEN has a variety of new food and beverage options for passengers to enjoy. The most recent additions include Denver Street Eats, Freshens (Concourse B), Santo, Osteria Marco, Tocabe, The Bagel Deli, D Bar, Williams & Graham, Aletitude, Maria Empanada, Uncle and The Bindery. Check out all other amazing offerings at DEN.

DEN Customer Service

Have a question about traveling through DEN? Passengers can reach out to DEN's customer service team by calling 720-730-IFLY (720-730-4359). Text us your questions at 720-902-9351. Passengers can also click the "Chat with an Agent" button on FlyDenver.com to connect with one of our DEN Live Agents via chat between the hours of 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.

In November, DEN officially opened new information booths in the center core of each concourse, replacing old units originally located at Stapleton Airport that were transported in 1995 for DEN's grand opening. Passengers can ask for DEN-themed crossword puzzles, word searches and coloring sheets suitable for all ages at any of the main information booths from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily.

DEN Lost and Found

Lost an item while traveling through DEN? The airport's lost and found only receives items lost in public areas of the airport. To file a claim, or learn more, visit FlyDenver.com/ at-the-airport/services-and-amenities/lost-and-found/.