Denver International Airport officials expect 1.11 million passengers will use the airport for the week that ends Monday, making it the busiest Christmas week in DIA’s 15-year history.
The week’s passenger volume is expected to be 6 percent higher than the comparable period a year ago.
Officials expect passenger totals to hit about 170,000 today and again Thursday.
DIA spokesman Jeff Green noted that the airport is forecasting a surprisingly high volume of 144,038 passengers on Christmas Day.
Of record-breaking travel for the week, he said, “I think this is the result of really good airfare deals the last few months and a gain in consumer confidence.”
Parking
DIA has about 40,000 parking spaces of its own, and private parking operators have thousands more spaces at lots near the airport.
Green said DIA expects its economy lots near the terminal and the Pikes Peak satellite parking lot along Peña Boulevard will fill up during the holiday travel period. When that happens, travelers will be steered to the airport’s Mount Elbert satellite lot, he said. Mount Elbert typically handles overflow demand.
Travelers can get information on DIA parking at or by calling 303-DIA-PARK (303-342-7275).
For people picking up passengers at the airport, DIA suggests motorists consider parking in the garages next to the terminal for $2 an hour. Those garages usually have plenty of spaces at holiday time.
Green said too many motorists are illegally parking along the roadway near the terminal as they wait to communicate with arriving passengers by cellphone.
Police will be patrolling the approaches to the airport and writing tickets for parking violations such as stopping on the shoulder, he said. “We would advise just taking advantage of the $2-an-hour parking in the garage versus risking a $25 ticket.”
RTD is monitoring its park-n-Ride lots for availability for those planning to use skyRide to DIA. You can keep track of parking in RTD lots, by going here: .
Air travel tips
Airlines ask passengers to check their websites or call the toll-free numbers to confirm flight status. Officials advise travelers to get to the airport early enough to deal with the expected heavy traffic of passengers.
And remember, don’t bring wrapped presents through security checkpoints as carry-on items. Screeners may require you to unwrap them as part of the security process. Check the Transportation Security Administration website at to see lists of food items that cannot come through the checkpoints because they fall into the category of being liquids or gels.
Security screening
To get information on how long it is taking to get through security screening, travelers can check or call 303-DIA-TIPS (303-342-8477).
“TSA is fully staffed and prepared for this busy holiday season,” said agency spokeswoman Carrie Harmon. “We are committed to maintaining the flow of passenger traffic while properly screening travelers. We also ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.”
AAA Colorado forecast
AAA predicts a 2.4 percent increase in holiday travel for its Mountain region this year, and the organization notes that nationally, more than nine out of 10 of those people on the move will drive to their holiday destinations.
To get the latest on Colorado driving conditions, check the state Department of Transportation travel website, .
