Denver International Airport Encourages Spring Break Travelers to Arrive Early and Relax

DENVER – March 14, 2016 – Denver International Airport (DEN) is encouraging passengers to arrive early this spring break travel season to take some of the stress out of traveling by enjoying the airport’s growing list of amenities before their flight.

“With so many people taking to the skies this spring break travel season, passengers should plan to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their flight,” said Ken Greene, DEN’s chief operating officer. “Passenger preparedness can have a significant impact on creating a smooth travel experience, and it also gives travelers sufficient time to relax, grab a bite to eat and just enjoy their time in the airport before takeoff.”

The airport is projecting above-average – and possibly record-setting – passenger traffic due to spring break travelers. On an average day, about 148,000 passengers travel through DEN. Preliminary forecasts show that passenger traffic from March 13 through April 4 will generally be 10 to 15 percent above average. About 1.1 million passengers are expected to pass through the airport from March 15-21.

Travelers who arrive early can take advantage of DEN’s growing list of restaurants and retail offerings, or even get in some extra steps with a walk around the concourses to see the variety of DEN’s leading public art program. Hungry? DEN was also recently named a passenger favorite among airport dining options, earning the No. 2 spot in the USA Today “10Best Reader’s Choice awards” for best airport dining, and has earned multiple distinctions for healthful, creative and innovative restaurants such as Root Down and Elway’s steakhouse. Want to treat yourself? DEN also offers many options for massages, manicures, shoe shining services and more.

Additionally, the airport has recently added other new amenities, including:

• The Westin Denver International Airport hotel is now open and accepting reservations online. The Westin offers stunning views of the airfield and the surrounding region, as well as an outdoor public plaza that offers views of the commuter rail platform below. The Westin’s Grill & Vine restaurant is open to all visitors and offers outdoor seating with great views. Both the restaurant and hotel lobby bar are excellent places to relax and enjoy a cocktail prior to takeoff, and both locations offer places to view the large-scale public art within the hotel and transit center.
• The Canine Airport Therapy Squad, or CATS, in which certified therapy dogs roam the concourses for travelers to pet, hug and relax with before takeoff.
• More than 140 shops and restaurants to choose from, including recent additions such as Time Travel watches and accessories, Victoria’s Secret, MAC cosmetics and more. Check out the new lounge seating, shops and restaurants at the west end of Concourse C, which features some of DEN’s newest concessions, including: the Coors Silver Bullet Bar, Happy Cakes & Allegro Coffee, Say Si Bon, eSavvy, Big Bowl, Modmarket, The Magic Pan, No Boundaries outdoor gear and more.
• New wayfinding touch screens are positioned throughout the concourses. These 10 digital directories provide flight and gate information, directions to nearby shops and restaurants and other helpful information.
• Fast, free public Wi-Fi throughout the airport
• Thousands of additional power outlets on the concourses

Some important travel tips include:

Before You Leave for the Airport

• Arrive early at the airport, at least two hours prior to domestic flight and at least three hours prior to international flight, to allow enough time to park, get your boarding pass, check your baggage, and go through the TSA checkpoint
• Before you leave the house, check with your airline to confirm that your flight is on time and check-in online if possible
• Check parking availability at fru-staging.flydenver.com

Packing

• Travelers may bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (purse, laptop, etc.) through security. Put medications and other required items in your carry-on bag.
• TSA restrictions on taking liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through security remain in place. For more information on security screening and smart packing tips, visit www.TSA.gov
• Know what is in your bag and check those items against the TSA’s prohibited items list at www.TSA.gov
• Know your airline’s checked bag policies and fees in advance

At the TSA Checkpoint

• Traveling with children? Check out http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/traveling-children
• If you are 75-years-old or older, you may leave on shoes and light jackets through security checkpoints. http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/screening-passengers-75-and-older

Parking

• For real-time parking information, visit www.FlyDenver.com
• Reserve a garage space in advance by visiting www.DIAreservedparking.com
• Valet parking service is available in the east and west garages

Checking-in

• If you didn’t check in online before leaving home, save time with self-service check-in kiosks near airline counters
• Even if you checked in online or at a kiosk, passengers checking bags still need to go to a ticket counter to hand off luggage to the airline
• Many airlines now offer smartphone apps for mobile check-in and flight information
• Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance should make arrangements with their airline in advance

Picking up

• Check with your friend or family member’s airline, or visit fru-staging.flydenver.com, to confirm that the flight is on time before leaving for the airport.
• The Final Approach cell phone waiting lot is located at 7684 N. Wenatchee St, approximately three miles west of the Jeppesen Terminal along Peña Boulevard. It can be easily accessed via eastbound Peña Boulevard to 75th avenue and northbound Gun Club Road; westbound Peña Boulevard to Wenatchee Street; or from East 78th Avenue. Signs are posted along all access routes.

Simply ask for help

• DEN’s volunteer Ambassadors and customer service staff are available throughout the terminal and concourses to provide directions and information
• Passengers without Internet access can use these helpful airport telephone numbers:
  303-DIA-PARK (342-7275) – Select “option one” for information on parking availability in DEN lots
  303-342-4059 – Information on DEN ground transportation
  TEXT 720-370-9002 – General airport questions
  303-342-2000 – DEN Customer Services
  1-800-AIR-2-DEN – DEN Customer Services for out-of-town travelers

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

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