Denver Airport DEN - TSA Security Wait Times Information
DIA Security Overview
Denver is a very large airport, but it operates only 3 TSA security checkpoints that service all gates. According to the airport, the busiest times for Denver airport security are from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. It is best to check with your air carrier for recommended check in and airport arrival times for your flight. Note that we use DIA and DEN interchangeably - because the locals still refer to it as DIA!
Get CLEAR Expedited Security at Denver Airport - and COORS FIELD!
DEN Airport features CLEAR expedited security screening. Joining CLEAR will save you time and stress in Denver security lines. Note that you can also use your CLEAR credentials at Coors field. See below for TSA/CLEAR hours for enrollment and screening.
In partnership with iFly, CLEAR is offering a 2 month free promotion - it only takes a minute to sign up. NEW: You can add up to 3 other family members for the 2 month trial (siblings, parents, aunts/uncles, etc.). CLEAR is also available for entry to Coors Field - Gate C. Learn more about CLEAR Airport Security and how it works.
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Denver FLIGHT DELAYS
Before you head to the airport, be sure to check DEN Arrival Delays, DEN Departure Delays, or use iFLY’s DEN Flight Tracker.
DEN Security Checkpoints - Location and Hours
There are a total of 3 security checkpoints at DIA to access all airline gates. The South checkpoint is open 24/7. Here’s the thing: Because all 3 DEN concourses (A, B, C) run in a straight line, all the checkpoints get you to the same gates. So, if you see that the North checkpoint is jammed, head over and take a look a the South checkpoint!
North TSA Checkpoint
Location: Level 5 North
Type: All passengers (standard), CLEAR Plus, TSA PreCheck, and Premium/Premier travelers
Hours: Daily, 4:00 AM to 7:45 PM (times are approx.)
South TSA Checkpoint
Location: Level 5 South
Type: All passengers (standard), CLEAR Plus, TSA PreCheck
Hours: 24/7, with PreCheck open between 4:00 AM and 7:45 PM
Note: All CLEAR Plus passengers will be sent through Standard lanes (no TSA PreCheck).
Bridge (A Bridge) Security TSA Checkpoint
Location: On Level 6
Type: All passengers (Standard screening only - no CLEAR/PreCheck access)
Hours: 4:30 AM to 5:45 PM (times are approx.)
CLEAR Lanes
Don’t get stuck in a long Denver airport security line! DEN features CLEAR expedited security screening, with CLEAR stations at the North and South TSA checkpoints.
DIA Security Wait Times
You can check estimated DIA wait times, including TSA PreCheck wait times, on their Security Page. Note that the times shown are approximate, as the length DIA security lines can go from just a few people to hundreds of people in a short period of time.
TSA PreCheck at DEN
DEN TSA PreCheck Lanes are located in North Security (Level 5) and South Security (Level 5).
DIA TSA wait times can be cut down considerably if you participate in the TSA Pre program. You can even sign up for TSA PreCheck before your next Denver flight - there’s an enrollment center on Level 5 in the Jeppesen Terminal (east side), between baggage claim 7 & 8. To enroll, you will need to bring your ID or passport.
TSA PreCheck passengers can enjoy expedited screening at DEN, and in most cases you don’t have to remove your: shoes, laptops, liquids, belts and light jackets. For more information and to enroll, visit the TSA website.
About Denver Airport Security Wait Times
Denver DEN Airport's security wait times are not set and can fluctuate depending on multiple variables such as severe weather, TSA staffing levels, ongoing airport construction, and more.
This website's security wait time estimates for DEN TSA checkpoints are determined by utilizing flight volume data and TSA staffing models. Through the use of advanced data science, wait times for Denver Airport are projected and generally accurate within five minutes, as verified by major US airlines, unless there are extraordinary circumstances. The TSA advises travelers to arrive at the airport well ahead of scheduled flight departures and has offered wait time information for security checkpoints as a reference to help with travel planning. Remember to confirm with your airline for ticket counter wait times and potential flight schedule adjustments, as these and other variables may affect your decision on how early to arrive at DEN. Keep in mind that every airline has a recommended arrival time, and some even have more stringent required arrival times.
All airlines require passengers to arrive at the check-in counter, the flight's departure gate, and even in their assigned seat a specified amount of time prior to the flight's scheduled departure time. The exact amount of time needed varies depending on the airline being used. Most airlines' conditions of carriage state that if passengers do not arrive at the check-in counter, the flight's departure gate, and their assigned seat by the specified time before the flight's scheduled departure time, they may be denied boarding and forfeit any refund or compensation for the unused ticket, even if they have advance seat assignments and boarding passes.
TSA Pre Check at DEN
AVAILABLE
Terminal MAIN
A Bridge Checkpoint
CLOSED
North Checkpoint
OPEN
South Checkpoint
OPEN
Denver Airport wait times Q&A
The Denver International Airport has three security checkpoint areas: Level 5 North, Level 5 South, and the Bridge Security Checkpoint on Level 6.
Yes, the South Security Checkpoint at Denver International Airport has a CLEAR lane for standard screening. However, CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck are encouraged to utilize the lane on the North Security Checkpoint for a more efficient experience.
The busiest times for security at DEN are typically from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM. It is best to check with your air carrier for recommended check-in and airport arrival times for your flight.
There are TSA PreCheck lanes at both the North and South security checkpoints at DEN.
The Bridge (A Bridge) Security TSA Checkpoint is located on Level 6 of the airport and is available for all passengers, but it only offers standard screening without access to CLEAR or TSA PreCheck.
You can enroll in TSA PreCheck at DEN at the enrollment center located on Level 5 in the Jeppesen Terminal (east side), between baggage claim 7 & 8. You will need to bring your ID or passport to enroll.