As a Denver-based travel writer, Denver International Airport might as well be my second home—or at least my satellite office. For the past decade, I’ve flown out of DEN a couple of times a month (on a slow month). Along the way, I’ve gathered a toolkit of tricks and honed a few rituals that make travel days—yes, even during peak season—feel much more manageable.
After all, Denver’s airport is no small operation. According to Airports Council International, it ranked as the No. 6 busiest airport in the world in 2024, with more than 82 million passengers passing through its tented halls.
Here are 10 tips for navigating DEN like a pro.
Make a Reservation for the Security Line
If you don’t have TSA PreCheck but still want a faster trip through security, there’s a great option at DEN: you can reserve a spot in the security line. Taking a cue from amusement parks’ fast passes, the airport offers free DEN Reserve appointments to help you save time. Appointments are available daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. for flights departing between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., and you can book yours up to two weeks before your flight.
READ MORE: New Eateries, Activities and Shops at Denver International Airport
On your travel day, you’ll head to West Security 2 within 15 minutes of your reservation time. An agent will scan your DEN Reserve QR code, and you’ll be on your way. Just note that CLEAR and TSA PreCheck aren’t available at the DEN Reserve lines.
Traveling with others? You can book for up to 10 people under one reservation.
Check the ‘Misery Map’ Before Your Flight
The golden rule of travel says to get to the airport two hours before a domestic flight. But if you’re the type who prefers a stress-free stroll through security all the way on to your gate, and have bags to check, aim for two hours before boarding time. We’ve all seen those TikToks—security lines curling and trams packed tighter than a carry-on on day seven.
Before you head out, bookmark FlightAware’s Misery Map. It’s a live look at which airports are suffering the most delays and cancellations like a little crystal ball for chaos. Whether it’s a winter storm, summer rush, government shutdown, or just plain bad luck, you’ll get a sense of what you’re walking into.
One caveat: Even if you get a delay notification, don’t get too cozy. Flights can suddenly move back up, and you could miss your “delayed” flight because it left on time.
Dine at One of Your Favorite Local Restaurants
Denver International Airport has recently undergone a restaurant renaissance, with several beloved local spots opening outposts across the concourses. Grab a gourmet pizza from Bar Dough (near C54), warm up with a bowl of ramen from Uncle (near A24), savor fry bread tacos from Tocabe (A38), or pair tacos and ceviche with a frozen strawberry margarita at Mister Oso (near C54).
READ MORE: 7 Delicious New Eateries to Check Out at DIA
Don’t miss Williams & Graham, a cocktail lounge tucked behind a bookcase facade in Terminal A. Keep an eye out for this Prohibition-style speakeasy near gate A38. It’s one of the airport’s best-kept secrets (for now) and that says a lot given all of the conspiracy theories swirling around the airport.
Get Some Fresh Air Or Kick Back and Relax
Final call for fresh air and sunshine! On a long travel day, when you’re about to spend hours cooped up on a plane, it’s always nice to relax outdoors before your flight. Denver Airport offers three outdoor decks that are perfect for planespotting and soaking up some Vitamin D.
You’ll find the outdoor plazas, complete with cozy fire pits, patio seating, and pet relief areas, at:
- Concourse A: Near Gate A15
- Concourse B: Near Gate B7
- Concourse C: Near Gate C67
Another area that’s great for some relaxation is DEN’s Rest & Recharge area on the mezzanine level of Concourse A. The comfy seating where you can kick up your legs is reminiscent of airport lounges but there’s no charge to use this space that’s available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Let Your Kids Burn Some Extra Energy at the New Play Area
If there was one thing that the Denver airport was missing, it was some great places to play before your flight took off. Last year, that changed when the airport opened up a play structure with a subtle outer space and alien theme (a nod to the airport’s conspiracy theories) that’s located on Concourse C near gate C48.
The area has climbing structures and plenty of space to run around and burn off some extra energy before boarding the plane.
Denver has plans to add more play structures on other concourses in the future.
Go Golfing
Tee time at DEN?
One of the coolest new openings at Denver International Airport within the last year is Golf DEN, which has golf simulators that let you (virtually) play some of the world’s most remarkable golf course like the Old Course in St Andrews, Scotland. You can book your simulator in advance: An hour-long slot is $65. Golf DEN is located on Concourse A on the Mezzanine level.
Enjoy the Art
DEN practically doubles as an art museum, with a mix of permanent pieces and rotating exhibits throughout the terminals.
If you’re flying out of an A gate and have a little time to spare, skip the tram and take the walkway instead. You’ll find art installations along the way. The current exhibit on display through mid-January, “Prêt-à-Porter: Rocky Mountain Reverie,” transforms the corridor into a fashion runway.
READ MORE: See the Colorful New Sculpture at Denver International Airport Made of Upcycled Luggage
Among the airport’s permanent collection is Thomas “Detour” Evans’ colorful sculpture made from 183 pieces of upcycled luggage donated by Colorado residents. You can find it near Gate B60, and, online, you can read the travelers’ stories of where their luggage has been.
Check Security Wait Times
Curious which security line you should hop in? DEN gives real-time updates of the wait time in its East and West security lines, broken down by standard screening as well as TSA PreCheck and CLEAR.
Get through Customs Quicker with Mobile Passport Control
Returning to DEN after an international trip? Even without Global Entry, you can still move through customs quickly with the use of the Mobile Passport Control app, which is free and helps you skip lines. The app is available to download on both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.
Once you download it, you can create a profile with your passport or Lawful Permanent Resident card information. When you return stateside, you’ll answer a series of Customs and Border Protection questions about your trip, snap a photo of yourself and you’ll get a QR code that lets you go through a Mobile Passport Control line that’s typically shorter than the regular line and often on par with the Global Entry queue.
