If you have ever stood in a TSA line at Denver International Airport (DEN) clutching a coffee, checking your watch every 30 seconds, and mentally calculating whether you’ll make boarding, you already know one thing: security wait times can define your entire travel day. Denver International Airport is not just an ordinary travel hub; it is the 3rd-largest airport in the United States, handling over 82.4 million passengers annually through its Jeppesen Terminal, and three distinct concourses (A, B, and C).
In such a rush, navigating through various pre-boarding kiosks and, most importantly, the TSA security screening kiosk is itself an overwhelming process. But you do not have to worry about it anymore. In this guidebook, you will find all the essential details about Denver International Airport (DEN) TSA Security Wait Times, the trusted traveler programs available there, the time to reach the boarding gates, and more. So, why wait? Scroll down and grab all the information about DEN Wait times and enjoy a more soothing & safer trip ahead.
What are the Security Wait Times At DEN Airport
Navigating security at Denver International Airport (DEN) can feel like stepping into a bustling maze of travelers and suitcases, where wait times can swing wildly. But it is not impossible to crack! On a calm day, you might breeze through DEN TSA Security counters in just 15–20 minutes, but during peak hours, the early morning rush, late afternoons, or holidays, it can stretch well beyond 30 minutes, testing your patience.
However, if you have enrolled yourself for any trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, or Global Entry, it can be your lifesaver. These programs will help you breeze through the airport security within minutes and help you reach your gate without breaking a sweat, easily and comfortably.
Denver International Airport (DEN) TSA Security Wait Times: Location & Timings
DEN has two security checkpoint areas in the Terminal to access all airlines’ gates: West security on Level 6, and East security on Level 6. These counters operate from 4 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. For exact timings of the opening and closing hours of these counters, passengers are advised to contact their partner airline for details. However, the airport recommends you arrive early at your departure concourse to complete your pre-boarding formalities along with the security screening process without any hassles.
These recommended timings are:-
- 2 hours prior to your domestic flight departure time.
- 3 hours before boarding your international flight.
These recommended times include time to park your vehicle, reach the designated concourse (A, B, C), reach the check-in counters, complete baggage drop-offs, breeze through the TSA checkpoints, reach the boarding gates, and board your aircraft.
Average Times to Your Gate After Security
Below are the average walk times to get to your gate after you have passed the security checkpoint. These are estimates only, and persons with reduced mobility may experience longer travel times.
| Concourse | Gates | Average Walk Time |
| Concourse A | Gate 14–25 | 12 min |
| Gate 26–32 | 9 min | |
| Gate 34–39 | 6 min | |
| Gate 40–47 | 5 min | |
| Gate 48–53 | 7 min | |
| Concourse B | Gate 7–12 | 13 min |
| Gate 15–22 | 12 min | |
| Gate 23–29 | 10 min | |
| Gate 31–37 | 8 min | |
| Gate 38–44 | 7 min | |
| Gate 45–52 | 8 min | |
| Gate 53–60 | 11 min | |
| Gate 62–71 | 13 min | |
| Concourse C | Gate 23–31 | 13 min |
| Gate 32–39 | 11 min | |
| Gate 40–47 | 9 min | |
| Gate 48–54 | 11 min | |
| Gate 55–62 | 13 min | |
| Gate 63–67 | 15 min |
Skip the Line With DEN Reserve
Avoid long wait times at Denver International Airport security by booking a free DEN Reserve appointment. With this service, DEN lets travelers pre-book their TSA screening time, offering a faster, stress-free airport experience.
DEN Reserve is a reservation-based system that offers passengers quick access to the dedicated security lanes and allows them to move through TSA screening efficiently. You can take an appointment and enroll yourself in this service effectively.
- Appointments are available daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. for flights departing between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.
- The service is available at West Security 2 on Level 6 and helps manage wait times by ensuring a steady flow of passengers through security.
- Reservation to DEN Reserve is only allowed if made up to 14 days before your flight.
Expedited Security Screening Options At Denver Airport
Denver International Airport has a number of services that will help you complete your security screening at the airport within minutes. These expedited security screening options include TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, DEN Reserve, and Global Entry. It can make your travels quick and easy, and you can get to the concourse and relax before your flight.
Here, you will find detailed information about these screening options. So, what’s with the wait? Let’s get started.
- TSA PreCheck(TSA Pre✓™)
TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the DEN airport East Security (Level 6) and West Security (Level 6). This specialised screening program is designed to enhance and expedite passenger security by putting more focus on pre-screening the passengers who are volunteering to provide information about themselves before flying.
Passengers who will not be able to find specific lanes to this service at their screening checkpoints can show their TSA Pre✓™ boarding pass and receive expedited screening in a standard lane. The staff available at these counters will scan the barcode available on your boarding pass and grant you access to these lanes using the TSA Pre✓™ vetting process.
The airport also allows you to enroll in this screening program, which is handled by CLEAR. It will provide you with benefits, including no longer having to remove:
- Your shoes
- Laptops from a bag
- 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag from carry-on
- Light outerwear/jackets
- Belts
NOTE: The TSA will always apply random and unpredictable security measures at the airport to increase passengers’ safety. No travellers are allowed to access expedited screening without proper proof.
- CLEAR
CLEAR is an advanced biometric verification system that uses cutting-edge technology to ensure seamless, secure identification of travelers. This program offers members a speedy security screening process by providing them access to its own premium lanes.
At DEN airport, CLEAR lanes are available at the East and West security screening checkpoints (door where you can complete your travel document verification process.
- Global Entry
A Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that provides passengers with clearance to access specialised lanes for security screening, saving their time at the airport. This service is allowed for passengers with low risk upon their 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 designed for frequent travelers who fly internationally. There is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for this program.
- The Global Entry application center at DEN is available on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, closer to the international arrivals area at the north end.
- The entry door is located just east of the main international arrivals area.
What to Expect at TSA Security Checkpoints: Tips For A Smoother Screening
DEN has two security checkpoint areas in the Terminal at West security and East security, helping passengers to access all the departure gates easily without spending much time. But you are also required to keep a check on TSA rules for baggage packaging and other items so that you do not face any issues on your flight date.
Worry not! We have compiled security screening tips for the passengers traveling through the DEN airport, which will help you breeze through the airport security without any hassles. These tips include:
- Carry liquids/gels in containers 3.4 oz or less, placed in a single quart-size zip-top bag.
- TSA prohibits explosives, flammables, and other hazardous materials in checked baggage.
- Keep laptops and electronics in a screening bin.
- Place metal items (coins, keys) in your carry-on.
- All baggage and vehicles may be searched.
- Travelers with disabilities who need to use the TSA Restricted Access lanes at all security checkpoints.
- TSA offers a customer helpline for passengers with disabilities with additional assistance, medical support, and other special assistance during the security screening process.
- Leave shoes, jackets, and belts on for screening.
- Never leave bags unattended; report suspicious items or activity immediately.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you have now got all the information about the Denver International Airport (DEN) TSA Security Wait Times, haven’t you? The airport features 1 main terminal building with 2 TSA security checkpoint,s each located on level 6 of East & West security. Travelers enrolled in the TSA PreCheck or CLEAR program can use special lanes at these checkpoints. However, passengers can also register for the DEN Reserve program, which lets travelers pre-book their TSA screening time, offering a faster, stress-free airport experience. Your airport screening kiosks depend on your travel time, passenger traffic, and the TTP program.
FAQs
The TSA security wait times at the Denver International Airport are approximately 15 to 20 minutes on normal days. Moreover, these wait times may increase during rush hours, holidays, or peak travel hours.
Passengers are advised to reach the airport at least 2-3 hours before departure for domestic and international flights, respectively.
No! 30 minutes are not enough for the passengers to complete their security checks & baggage handling kiosks.
The TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids means passengers can carry liquids/gels in containers 3.4 oz or less, placed in a single quart-size zip-top bag.
The TSA security checkpoints at Denver International Airport open from 4 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
