DENVER - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Denver International Airport (DEN) anticipates screening more than a million people during the official end-of-the-year holiday season. Nationwide, TSA anticipates it will screen more than 39 million people at airports nationwide during the same period.
The official holiday travel period starts nationally and locally on Thursday, December 19, 2024, and will continue through Thursday, January 2, 2025.
“TSA has been preparing operationally for the end-of-the-year holiday travel period for the past several months. We have worked closely with the airlines and airport to ensure that we have a comprehensive staffing plan that ensures we will be ready for the increase in people who will be traveling for the holidays,” said TSA Federal Security Director for Colorado Doug Cruz. “Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead for every step of the air travel process. With increased passenger volumes and slight changes to the security screening configuration at DEN, preparation will be key for a successful and smooth trip.”
The busiest days at DEN during the holiday travel period are likely to be Thursday, December 19, Friday, December 20 and Monday, December 30. The busiest times at the DEN checkpoints daily are 4 a.m. to noon and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The busiest hours for TSA at DEN are routinely 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., which are the times when those departing on late morning and late afternoon flights are coming through the security checkpoints.
Security checkpoints at DEN
At DEN, departing travelers are reminded to go to the security checkpoint that offers the type of screening they are eligible for.
- West Security Checkpoint: TSA PreCheck® screening; TSA PreCheck screening with CLEAR; DEN Reserve; premium access; active duty military access and functional needs access. Hours are 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- South Security Checkpoint: General screening and CLEAR. Hours are 3 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- South Security TSA PreCheck Checkpoint (located near baggage carousel 7): 4 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Effective Monday, December 9, 2024, TSA no longer operates the A Bridge security checkpoint. TSA has redirected its security screening officers to work at the West Security Checkpoint, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies that are designed to increase the overall efficiency of the security screening operation. In November 2024, TSA screened 2.5% of travelers departing DEN through the A Bridge security checkpoint. By comparison, TSA screened 47.8% of travelers through the West Security Checkpoint and 49.5% of travelers through the two South Security Checkpoints.
Next generation Credential Authentication Technology
Travelers departing DEN will experience the latest technology used to verify the identity of travelers prior to going through security screening. TSA is using Credential Authentication Technology units equipped with a digital ID scanner and a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler. The unit, referred to as CAT-2, compares the facial features of the traveler’s photo on the government-issued ID against the in-person, real-time photo. Once the unit confirms a match, a TSA officer verifies it and the traveler can proceed to security screening without presenting a boarding pass.
Photos captured by a CAT-2 unit are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process.
Colorado mobile driver license option
As an added convenience, the CAT-2 units at DEN are equipped with readers that allow travelers to use their Colorado mobile driver license for TSA identity verification purposes. Travelers can add their mobile ID to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet. More information is available at dmv.colorado.gov/Colorado-id-on-your phone.
Five things travelers can do today to be prepared for holiday travel
Unpack your bag before you pack it. To avoid bringing prohibited items in carry-on luggage, start with an empty bag or suitcase. If you aren’t sure how to travel with an item, 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).
Place gifts in gift bags instead of wrapping them.
Wrapped items are screened just like any other item. If a wrapped item alarms the security screening technology whether in carry-on or checked luggage, a security officer may have to unwrap it to determine what the item is and confirm it does not pose a security threat. Consider traveling with unwrapped items or placing them in a gift bag for easy access and resolution.
Enrolled in TSA PreCheck? Confirm your KTN is in your airline reservation.
Make sure your Known Traveler Number (KTN) and correct date of birth are in your airline reservation so you will be eligible for TSA PreCheck screening. There are more than 100 airlines that participate in TSA PreCheck and TSA offers the TSA PreCheck experience at every airport nationwide.
Statistics show that 99% of travelers eligible for TSA PreCheck waited 10 minutes or less to be screened at airports nationwide. Another benefit of the program is that children 17 and under are eligible for TSA PreCheck screening when traveling with an eligible parent or guardian on the same itinerary.
Make a plan for traveling with holiday foods. Most foods can be carried through the TSA checkpoint, but there are some items that will need to be transported in checked baggage. If the item is a solid, then it can go through a checkpoint in a carry-on. However, if you can spread it, spill it, pump it or pour it - and it’s larger than 3.4 ounces (100 ml) - then it should travel in a checked bag.
Food items often need some additional security screening, so TSA recommends placing those items in a clear plastic bag or other container when packing them at home and then removing those items from your carry-on bag and placing them in a bin for screening at the checkpoint.
Plan ahead to request passenger support. Travelers or families of passengers who need assistance may call the TSA Cares helpline toll-free at 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours prior to travel with any questions about screening procedures and to find out what to expect at the security checkpoint. TSA Cares also arranges assistance at the checkpoint for travelers with specific needs.