Security

TSA Changes

DEN has worked closely with TSA to create a plan to improve passenger flow through security, especially during heavy banks of flights. As a result, the following changes to the checkpoints are in effect. It is extremely important for passengers to be aware of these changes to ensure they access the correct checkpoint. Please note, that from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., the South Security Checkpoint will continue to be the 24-hour checkpoint that remains open overnight.

North Security Checkpoint (Primary checkpoint for TSA PreCheck passengers): Open 4 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

  • TSA PreCheck: This checkpoint is primarily for TSA PreCheck passengers
  • CLEAR Customers: A CLEAR lane is available on the east side of this checkpoint for travelers who are CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck
  • Premium/Premier Traveler Lane: This lane is available on the west side of this checkpoint
  • Standard Screening: There will be up to three standard screening lanes open

South Security Checkpoint: Open 24/7 (see TSAPreCheck hours below)

  • Standard Screening: This checkpoint is dedicated to standard screening travelers
  • TSA PreCheck: There will be up to two TSA PreCheck lanes open from 4 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. PreCheck passengers traveling after 7:45 p.m. will receive an expedited screening through the standard lanes at this  checkpoint.
  • CLEAR Customers: A CLEAR lane is available at this checkpoint for standard screening. CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck may use this lane, but are strongly encouraged to utilize the lane on the North Security Checkpoint for a more efficient experienc

A-Bridge Security Checkpoint: Open from approximately 4:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.

  • Standard Screening: This checkpoint is dedicated to standard screening travelers. TSA PreCheck is not available at this checkpoint.

General Security Tips

  • DEN has three security checkpoint areas in the terminal to access all airlines gates: Level 5 North, Level 5 South and the Bridge Security Checkpoint on Level 6
  • All baggage and vehicles are subject to search at any time
  • Do not leave bags unattended as they will be confiscated and may be destroyed
  • If you notice an unattended item or suspicious activity, report it immediately to airport personnel

TSA REAL ID

Due to circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security is extending the REAL ID enforcement deadline. The new deadline for REAL ID enforcement is May 7, 2025.

Beginning May 7, 2025, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States. REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card. Learn more about REAL ID here.

Checkpoint Hours of Operation

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint hours are subject to change based on the TSA's discretion. General hours of operation at DEN are:

  • North TSA checkpoint -  Approximately 4 a.m. - 7:45 p.m. map
  • South TSA checkpoint - open 24 hours a day map
  • Bridge Security TSA checkpoint - Approximately 4:30 a.m. to approximately 5:45 p.m.   map

 

Screening of Carry-on Bags

Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. Place your containers in a single, one-quart zip-top plastic bag and remove the plastic bag from your carry-on bag and put it in a screening bin

  • Place metal objects, such as coins and keys, in your carry-on bag
  • Put laptop computers and other electronic devices larger than a cell phon in their own screening bin
  • Remove shoes, jackets and belts and put them in screening bins
  • See all TSA security protocols here. 

 

Screening of Checked Bags

TSA prohibits explosive materials, flammable items, and other hazardous materials in your checked baggage. For more details, check the TSA website

 

Expedited Screening Programs

Move through security screening faster with one of these three programs. You must sign up with the program administrator in advance.

TSA Pre✓™

North Security (level 5)

South Security (level 5)

www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

TSA Pre✓™ is designed to enhance and expedite security by placing more focus on pre-screening individuals who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying.  DEN has designated TSA Pre✓™ screening lanes located at the North and South security checkpoints. If a lane not available, show your TSA Pre✓™ boarding pass to receive expedited screening in a standard lane.

Through the TSA Pre✓™ vetting process, information is embedded in a barcode on your boarding pass. This information alerts TSA agents that you are eligible for expedited screening. Benefits include no longer having to remove:

  • Your shoes
  • 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag from carry-on
  • Laptops from bag
  • Light outerwear/jackets
  • Belts

NOTE: The TSA will always incorporate random and unpredictable security measures throughout the airport and no individual will be guaranteed expedited screening.

The TSA Pre✓™ enrollment center at DEN is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal on the east side. map

CLEAR

www.clearme.com

CLEAR offers members speed and predictability through their own premium lanes and travel document verification kiosks at the North and South security screening checkpoints. CLEARlanes are easily identified with a large blue CLEARcube. Members present their CLEARcard to a uniformed CLEAR attendant, verify their identity with their fingerprints or iris image, and then head through to security screening.

  • Liquids and gels must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less and be placed in a single, one-quart zip-top plastic bag
  • Remove the plastic bag from your carry-on bag and put it in a screening bin
  • Place metal objects, such as coins and keys, in your carry-on bag
  • Put laptop computers and other electronic devices in a screening bin
  • Remove shoes, jackets and belts and put them in screening bin

Global Entry

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon 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 intended for frequent international travelers, but there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program
  • The Global Entry application center at DEN is located on Level 5 of the Jeppesen Terminal, adjacent to the international arrivals area on the north end of the terminal. The entry door is located just east of the main international arrivals area.

Follow this link to learn more about the Global Entry program.