The holiday period is typically one of the busiest times of the year at airports. About 900,000 passengers passed through Denver International Airport during Thanksgiving week last year. Traffic so far in 2005 is running nearly 3 percent higher.
DIA offers travellers the following tips to speed you on your way:
Call your airline or check its web site to confirm the status of your flight before you leave home.
All vehicles, travelers and bags entering the airport are subject to random search.
Give yourself plenty of time. Aim to be at the check-in counter 90 minutes before your flight.
Check in online in advance if your airline offers it. Checking bags at curbside can often save time. Remember that United Airlines charges $2 per bag for curbside check-in.
Check as much luggage as possible to minimize carry-on. Put medications and other required items in your carry-on bag. Travelers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item (purse, laptop, etc.). Airlines are enforcing this rule more strictly this year.
Electronic signs and variable message boards on inbound Peña Boulevard display real-time parking information. Parking messages are also broadcast on DEN’s radio channel, 540AM. Detailed parking information and maps are available on the .
Parking or stopping along any airport roadway is illegal and dangerous. Don’t do it!
The $9-per-day Economy Lots next to the terminal garages usually fill up first, followed by the $5-a-day shuttle lots. 3,400 new spaces have been added to the popular Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot this year. Allow an extra 20-30 minutes if you’re using a shuttle lot.
Last-minute travelers should be able to find space in the terminal parking garages, which cost $18 per day.
Curbside parking at the terminal is prohibited. New this year is a $3-per-hour short-term parking area just opposite curbside on Level 4 of the garages. This is very handy for picking up arriving travelers. Also, the free 45-minute waiting area is still available near the former Access Plaza.
Only ticketed passengers may go to the concourses. If you need to accompany a minor or an elderly or handicapped traveler to or from the gate, ask your airline for a demonstrated-need pass.
Hospitality Ambassadors and Guest Services staff will be available throughout the terminal and concourses to provide directions and information. Guest Services can be reached at 303-342-2000, or from out of town at 1-800-AIR-2-DEN. Travelers with special needs, such as oxygen, can make advance arrangements with the Travelers’ Assistance Program at 303-342-0400.
The International Performance Series will begin Nov. 21 and continue into the first week of January. A variety of musicians, dancers and other entertainers will perform from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. throughout Jeppesen Terminal.
Travel tips from the Transportation Security Administration concerning security screening are available .
Some helpful airport telephone numbers are:
303-342-TIPS (-8477) Information on security-screening wait times
303-342-PARK (-7275) Information on parking availability in airport lots
303-342-4059 Information on taxis, buses, shuttles and other commercial transportation; or e-mail ground.transportation@diadenver.net
