Record-breaking traveler surge expected at Denver Airport this holiday weekend: What you need to know
May 22, 2024, 11:38 AM | Updated: 5:40 pm
390750 01: An exterior view of the Denver International Airport is visible June 17, 2001 in Denver, CO. (Photo by Michael Smith/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Smith/Getty Images)
Record-breaking traveler surge expected at Denver Airport this holiday weekend.
As summer kicks off in the Mile High City, Denver International Airport is expecting a record number of travelers this Memorial Day weekend. From Thursday, May 23 through Tuesday, May 28, nearly 450,000 passengers are forecasted to travel through TSA checkpoints. DIA estimates the busiest days during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday will be Friday May 23 and Saturday May 24. These days are expected to see more than 80,000 passengers move through security screening. This is a 9% increase from the same holiday travel period in 2023.
For those traveling this holiday, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time to get through security and navigate the airport before your flight. Passengers should arrive inside the airport at least two hours before their scheduled boarding time.
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Here are some travel tips for passengers traveling through DIA over Memorial Day Weekend holiday travel period:
- Arrive inside the airport at least two hours before your scheduled boarding time.
- Have plans for parking before you arrive at the airport.
- Plan for making it through security checkpoints, especially if you don’t have TSA Pre-Check
- For real-time security wait times and to help select the best checkpoint, passengers can check com.
- Be checkpoint ready and bring a valid ID.
- Pack smart and remember the 3-1-1 rule – Liquids, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes are allowed in carry-on bags as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less and placed in one quart-sized bag. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids.
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Parking
Due to the construction at the Pikes Peak lot, travelers should use the Landside parking lot located at 6975 Valley Head Street. This lot will be open for overflow parking at 3 a.m. until full, on Friday May 24. The Pikes Peak and Longs Peak shuttle parking lots will close on Friday, May 24 at 3 a.m. and re-open by 5 p.m. Travelers should follow signage from Peña Boulevard, exiting Jackson Gap. Regular shuttle service will be available from all parking lots to and from the Terminal.
Parking lots at DIA tend to fill up quickly during holidays. Consider taking the RTD A-Line into DEN. View the A-Line schedule here.
DIA Customer Service
Have a question about traveling through DIA? Passengers can reach out to the customer service team by calling 720-730-IFLY (720-730-4359). Text your questions by calling 720-902-9351. Passengers can also click the “Chat with an Agent” button on FlyDenver.com to connect with one of DIA’s Live Agents via chat between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily.
DIA Lost and Found
Lost an item while traveling through DIA? 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/.
If you follow these suggestions, even if you’re a frequent traveler, your experience through DIA this holiday weekend will go a lot smoother and stress free.
