Guide to TSA wait times at Denver International Airport (DEN)

Quick insights

• TSA wait times at Denver International Airport (DEN) are typically under 15 minutes.
• During peak periods, airport security wait times may extend to 30 minutes or more.
• DEN Reserve offers travelers the option to book a time slot for their security screening in advance.

Looking for TSA wait times at DEN? Whether you’re a Denver native or are visiting the Mile High City, navigating airport security can be a stressful part of travel. Luckily, wait times at DEN are often short, and there are several resources available to help you anticipate your wait time and pass through the security checkpoint efficiently.

In this article, we’ll explore TSA wait times at DEN and provide some tips to help make your experience at airport security smoother.

Airport security wait times at DEN

TSA wait times at DEN are generally under 15 minutes. However, during peak travel periods—such as early mornings, late afternoons or holidays—wait times could take 30 minutes or more.

DEN features two security checkpoints—South and West. The airport provides current wait times for both standard and TSA PreCheck® lanes and allows travelers to reserve a security screening time in advance. Learn more about DEN security from their official website.

MyTSA and other mobile apps provide up-to-date information regarding airport security wait times at DEN. However, wait times can fluctuate unexpectedly due to factors such as increased passenger volume, TSA staffing levels and equipment availability.

Timing your arrival at DEN

DEN recommends that travelers arrive no less than 2 hours before a flight. Your airline may also provide guidance on how early to arrive.

There are several ways to help plan your airport arrival time and streamline your airport experience. You can reserve a parking spot in advance through Premium Reserve Parking, eliminating the need to spend time searching for an open spot.

Shuttles run every 7 to 10 minutes to transport you from the parking lot to the terminal.

Additionally, DEN provides average walk times to get from security to your gate, which range from 7 to 15 minutes. For travelers with limited mobility, the walk time could be longer.

How to get through TSA faster at DEN

DEN offers several ways for travelers to streamline their journey, but there are additional steps you can take to expedite your security screening and reduce the time it takes you to reach your gate. Here are our tips.

Avoid busy travel times

To avoid crowds at TSA, you may consider booking your travel outside of peak times. Traveling during early mornings, late afternoons or holidays often results in longer wait times.

You can estimate your wait time for a specific travel day using mobile apps that use historical data to make predictions. While these apps cannot guarantee accurate wait times, they may be helpful when planning your itinerary.

Prepare for the security screening

Reviewing TSA guidelines, especially carry-on restrictions, could potentially speed up your screening process. Keeping your carry-on bag organized may reduce the screening time, too. You’ll likely need to remove your shoes, belt, jacket and jewelry, so you may consider wearing items that are easy to take off.

Become a TSA PreCheck member

The TSA PreCheck program is designed to expedite security screenings. Members can use TSA PreCheck security lanes at participating airports, including DEN. If you enroll in this program, you can usually keep your shoes, jacket and other items on, and you won’t need to remove laptops or liquids from your bag.

Download your airline’s mobile app

Many major airlines offer mobile apps that allow travelers to check in, access a mobile boarding pass and check their bags before arriving at the airport. While using these apps won’t directly impact your TSA wait time, they can reduce the time it takes you to arrive at your gate.

In some cases, travelers using the app can proceed directly to airport security without stopping at the airline self-service kiosk or counter. Although you can pay for checked bags through the app, you’ll still need to drop them off at the airline counter.

In summary

At DEN, airport security wait times are generally under 15 minutes, but during busy periods, wait times can extend to 30 minutes or more. Factors such as TSA staffing levels, surges in passengers and equipment availability can all impact your wait time.

To access current wait times, you can use the DEN website, MyTSA and other mobile apps. You may be able to expedite your TSA experience by strategically choosing your flight itinerary, packing and dressing appropriately, enrolling in TSA PreCheck and using your airline’s mobile app.