Denver International Airport / Screening + Baggage
Prep Now, Screen Faster
Denver International Airport is one of the busiest in the United States, so proper flight prep is the key to a seamless trip.
General Security Tips
- DEN has three security checkpoint areas in the terminal to access all airlines gates: Level 5 North, Level 5 South and the Bridge Security Checkpoint on Level 6.
- All baggage and vehicles are subject to search at any time.
- Do not leave bags unattended as they will be confiscated and may be destroyed.
- If you notice an unattended item or suspicious activity, report it immediately to airport personnel.
- If you’re a health-conscious traveler who wants to avoid the wait altogether, try our new VeriFLY program, offered exclusively at DEN.
TSA REAL ID
Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the national emergency declaration, the Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline by a year. The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is October 1, 2021.
Beginning October 1, 2021, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card. Learn more about REAL ID here.
Checkpoint Hours of Operation
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint hours are subject to change based on the TSA’s discretion. General hours of operation at DEN are:
Carry-On Bag Screening
TSA prohibits explosive materials, flammable items, and other hazardous materials in your checked baggage. For more details, check the TSA website.
Automated Screening Lanes
DEN has two Automated Screening Lanes (ASLs) at the North Security Checkpoint. Follow the steps below when using these lanes.
- At the security screening area, go to one of the three individual stations and retrieve a loading bin from beneath the station. Fill the bin with all of your carry-on items, including rolling suitcases and other baggage. Do not place anything on top of your laptop and remember to remove liquids.
- Push the bin onto a conveyor belt, which will move it through the X-ray machine. Use as many bins as you need and push them onto the conveyor when they are full. Then proceed to the checkpoint. There’s no need to wait for the person in front of you to finish loading their bin.
- Pick up your belongings on the other side of the X-ray machine. Please stack your empty bin so that it can be automatically returned to the start of the line. If a bin’s contents need additional screening, it will be diverted to an alternate conveyor belt for inspection.
Mobile Passport Control
International passengers entering the United States through Denver International Airport now have access to Mobile Passport, the first authorized app to expedite a traveler’s arrival in this country. With Mobile Passport, passengers will experience shorter wait times, less congestion in the customs area, and faster processing.
- Mobile Passport allows arriving U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors to submit their passport information and customs declaration form via a smartphone or tablet prior to being processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
- Android and iPhone users can download the Mobile Passport app for free from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
- The app does not require pre-approval; it is free to use and does not collect any new information about travelers.
- Travelers who use the app will be prompted to create a profile with their passport information.
- Eight specialized scanning units within the international arrivals area read mobile quick response (QR) codes generated by the app, which provide customs officers with each traveler’s relevant passport and declaration information.
- Upon landing in the United States, travelers will complete the “New Trip” section by selecting their arrival airport and airline, taking a photo of themselves, and answering a series of custom declaration questions.
- Then, using the app, arriving passengers can submit their customs declaration forms to receive an electronic receipt with an encrypted QR code.
- Travelers take their passports and mobile devices with the QR-coded receipts to a customs officer for processing.
Follow this link for more information about Mobile Passport.
Expedited Screening Programs
Move through security screening faster with one of these three programs. You must sign up with the program administrator in advance.
VeriFLY
VeriFLY is a new airport experience that brings less contact and congestion, and more safety and speed. It is only available at DEN and is perfect for health-conscious passengers looking for a little more confidence in their journey through the airport. Passengers at higher risk of contracting illnesses are encouraged to take advantage of this free program, which allows you to make a reservation to access a dedicated TSA screening lane and a reserved limited-capacity train car to the concourse. Learn more about the program here.
TSA Pre✓™
NORTH SECURITY (LEVEL 5)
SOUTH SECURITY (LEVEL 5)
www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck
TSA Pre✓™ is designed to enhance and expedite security by placing more focus on pre-screening individuals who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying. DEN has designated TSA Pre✓™ screening lanes located at the North and South security checkpoints. If a lane is not available, show your TSA Pre✓™ boarding pass to receive expedited screening in a standard lane.
Through the TSA Pre✓™ vetting process, information is embedded in a barcode on your boarding pass. This information alerts TSA agents that you are eligible for expedited screening. Benefits include no longer having to remove:
- Your shoes
- 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag from carry-on
- Laptops from bag
- Light outerwear/jackets
- Belts
NOTE: The TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.
The TSA Pre✓™ enrollment center at DEN is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal on the east side, between baggage claims 7 and 8.
CLEAR
CLEAR offers members speed and predictability through their own premium lanes and travel document verification kiosks at the North and South security screening checkpoints. CLEARlanes are easily identified with a large blue CLEARcube. Members present their CLEARcard to a uniformed CLEAR attendant, verify their identity with their fingerprints or iris image, and then head through to security screening.
- Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and be placed in a single, one-quart zip-top plastic bag.
- Remove the plastic bag from your carry-on bag and put it in a screening bin.
- Place metal objects, such as coins and keys, in your carry-on bag.
- Put laptop computers and other electronic devices in a screening bin.
- Remove shoes, jackets and belts and put them in screening bin.
Global Entry
Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States
- Global Entry members are processed by biometric identification in less than five minutes at kiosks at DEN.
- Global Entry is intended for frequent international travelers, but there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program.
- The Global Entry application center at DEN is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, adjacent to the international arrivals area on the north end of the terminal. The entry door is located just east of the main international arrivals area.
Follow this link to learn more about the Global Entry program.