DENVER - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates a record number of people will be screened through security checkpoints at Denver International Airport (DEN) and at airports nationwide this summer, surpassing 2019 pre-pandemic volumes. With sustained high passenger volumes, officials with TSA are encouraging travelers to plan ahead and be prepared for the air travel experience.
On Sunday, June 11, TSA screened more than 2.7 million travelers at more than 430 airports nationwide. On Monday, June 12, TSA screened more than 2.6 million people across the country. During the month of June, TSA has screened an average of more than 2.4 million people per day nationwide. Full national checkpoint screening statistics are available at www.tsa.gov/travel/passenger-volumes.
At DEN, TSA screened more than 75,000 travelers on Sunday, an increase of 6% over the same weekday a year ago. On Monday, TSA at DEN screened 69,000 departing travelers, an increase of 2.5% over the same weekday a year ago. With the Juneteenth holiday being celebrated this weekend, travel volumes starting Friday through Monday are expected to be even greater than what we have seen so far this month.
For the summer months, TSA is projecting an increase in the number of travelers who will need to be screened at DEN’s security checkpoints. Planning ahead, arriving early and being prepared will be crucial to make security operations go smoothly.
“The rest of the country is catching up to what we have been seeing at DEN for months: air travel is back and the number of people traveling continues to increase. TSA has been planning for the summer travel season for weeks, putting staffing and other operational plans in place to ensure a smooth and efficient security experience for all travelers,” said TSA acting Federal Security Director (FSD) for Colorado Anne Cross. “We want anyone who is departing DEN to know that we will be utilizing a combination of security assets to make the summer travel experience at DEN the best it can be.”
Security checkpoint info
The busiest times at DEN’s three security checkpoints are 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Due to an increased number of flights that depart after 8 p.m., travelers can expect to encounter large numbers of travelers being screened during the evening hours. The busiest days to travel are Thursdays and Fridays as well as Sundays and Mondays.
TSA strives to get travelers through the general security screening process in less than 30 minutes and through TSA PreCheck screening in less than 10 minutes.
Due to high departing travel volumes at DEN, there will be periods during the day when the number of passengers who need to be screened exceeds the capacity of the checkpoint. At these times and other times during the day, travelers may see the agency’s explosive detection canines working to expedite the screening of standard passengers. TSA will also be utilizing overtime to extend the shifts of local TSA officers and supplement the workforce with TSA officers from TSA’s National Deployment Force.
TSA continues to work collaboratively with the airport and airlines to evaluate and determine the type of screening offered at each security checkpoint. New this month, an access point for travelers with disabilities or other functional needs has been relocated. This change was made to put travelers who prefer or need to be screened by a body scanner in closer proximity to the unit.
This modification combines convenience and necessity for travelers who have requested this and are now benefitting from this change,” said acting FSD Cross. “We listened to travelers and are pleased to offer this option, improving their travel experience at DEN.”
Currently, this is the type of screening that is available at each security checkpoint:
North Security Checkpoint - multiple screening options for travelers including:
- Multiple dedicated TSA PreCheck® (only) lanes
- Airline premium access lane
- CLEAR lanes for TSA PreCheck-eligible travelers
- Disability and functional needs access lane
South Security Checkpoint
- All lanes general screening only
- CLEAR lanes for general screening travelers
A Bridge Security Checkpoint (open limited hours – generally in the morning through early afternoon)
- All lanes general screening only
There will be days when additional screening options may be made available at some checkpoints including a limited number of TSA PreCheck screening lanes at the South Checkpoint. However, this availability will be based on staffing and the number of travelers projected to depart DEN on any given day. TSA will consistently offer TSA PreCheck screening at the North Security Checkpoint.
Changes to TSA PreCheck screening
TSA PreCheck expedites a traveler’s airport security checkpoint screening process and allows travelers to leave on their shoes, light outerwear and belt, keep their laptop in its case and their travel size liquids, gels and aerosols in a carry-on. More than 15 million people nationwide have enrolled in TSA PreCheck and regularly enjoy the expedited screening process when they travel.
Previously, children 12 and under have been permitted to use the TSA PreCheck lane when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary. Effective immediately, teenagers aged 13-17 can now accompany TSA PreCheck enrolled parents or guardians through TSA PreCheck screening when traveling on the same reservation and when the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the teen’s boarding pass.
On average, 89% of TSA PreCheck-eligible travelers waited five minutes or less to be screened through the security checkpoint during the month of May. TSA PreCheck enrollment is offered at various locations in the Denver metro area including at DEN’s Level 5. Begin the pre-enrollment process online at www.tsa.gov/precheck.
Digital photo ID option for Colorado residents
Late last year, the Colorado Department of Revenue announced that state residents could add their Colorado ID to Apple Wallet. TSA at DEN has technology in place to accept digital driver licenses from travelers in lieu of them providing a physical photo ID for identity verification. Residents should continue to carry their physical driver license or photo ID.
Colorado is one of five states including Arizona, Georgia, Maryland and Utah that offer digital driver licenses as an option for their residents. There are currently five units with digital photo ID readers in use at DEN and they are located in the North Security Checkpoint. These five units are in addition to several first-generation Credential Authentication Technology units in use to scan physical photo IDs in use at each of the three DEN security checkpoints.
Summer travel tips
Travelers have the ability to impact the efficiency of the airport travel experience. Because there is no substitute for being prepared, TSA recommends the following:
Pack smart. Travelers should be aware of the contents of their carry-on bags prior to leaving home. Ensure that carry-ons do not contain prohibited items since they slow down the security screening process. To determine whether an item is allowed or prohibited in carry-on luggage, download the MyTSA app and use the “What Can I Bring?” feature. Another option is to snap a picture of an item and send it to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger for real-time assistance. Travelers can also send a question by texting “Travel” to AskTSA (275-872).
Empty your pockets prior to arriving in the checkpoint. Place wallets, phones, keys, sunglasses and other loose items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag instead of placing them in a bin. This will ensure personal items are not left behind.
Listen for guidance from TSA officers. Whether you travel regularly or infrequently, it is important to listen to the direction provided in the security checkpoint. DEN may have security screening technologies in use that allow travelers not to present a boarding pass during the travel document checking process or leave all items in their carry-on luggage as it is screened. Listen up for directions that will make for a more streamlined, convenient and time-saving passenger experience.
Follow the rule for traveling with liquids. Sunscreen, creams, bug spray and other liquids and aerosols are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less in carry-on luggage. The general definition for this rule is that if you can spill it, spray it, pump it or pour it, then it is subject to the liquids restriction rule. If a traveler brings liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces, TSA will have to conduct a bag check, which slows the screening process for that traveler and everyone in line behind them. Any liquids in quantities larger than 3.4 ounces should travel in checked baggage.
Eligible for TSA PreCheck? Enter your Known Traveler Number (KTN). Be sure that your airline reservation has your correct KTN and date of birth so you can “Travel with Ease.” Those who fly with multiple airlines should ensure their KTN is updated in each of their airline profiles every time you travel. TSA offers the TSA PreCheck experience at every airport nationwide, so this is a guaranteed way to save time and have a more convenient experience.