Denver Intl Airport (DEN) Flights & Flight Status

Colorado’s Denver International Airport (DEN) sits on a piece of land that’s twice the size of Manhattan and 25 miles from the city center. The airport serves more than 77 million passengers a year with flights offered by about 2 dozen airlines to 200 nonstop destinations. United Airlines, Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines are among the airlines that have hubs at DEN and if I’m traveling across country on an itinerary that requires a connection, I’ll always choose DEN over say, Chicago’s O’Hare Airport (ORD), to take advantage of the mountain views, the artwork, the shops and the opportunity to chill by a firepit at one of the airport’s outdoor patios.

Layout of Denver International Airport

The DEN airport layout includes three concourses – A, B and C – and the multi-level Jeppesen Terminal, which first opened in 1995 and is named for aviation pioneer Elrey B. Jeppesen. The terminal is known for its iconic white peaked roof and is designed to mimic passing clouds and to evoke Colorado’s snow-capped mountains. A major upgrade of the terminal should be completed in a few years. In the meantime, you may encounter construction in some areas.

How to get to and from Denver International Airport (DEN)

DEN is 30 – 40 minutes from downtown Denver by car, taxi, Uber or Lyft. A less expensive way to make the journey is on the Regional Transportation District’s (RTD) A line train, which travels between the airport transit center and Union Station in downtown Denver in about 40 minutes. That train station has shops, bars, restaurants and a hotel and from there you can hop on the free 16th Street Mall Ride to explore the city or walk to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies baseball team.

How to navigate security lines at DEN

Denver International Airport has three security checkpoints, referred to as Bridge, South and West. When it’s completed, an East Security Checkpoint will replace the Bridge checkpoint and, eventually, the South Checkpoint.

For now, the Bridge Security Checkpoint only offers standard screening; there is no TSA Precheck screening at this checkpoint. Most lanes at the South Security Checkpoint are also for standard screening, with TSA PreCheck lanes open in the early morning.

The West Security Checkpoint has the most lanes and has screening technology that, among other advances, allows all passengers to leave liquids and laptops in their bags. This checkpoint accommodates standard screening passengers and those with memberships in TSA Precheck and other programs. (CLEAR passengers without TSA Precheck must use the South checkpoint).

Passengers without a paid membership in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR can access an expedited lane at the West Security Checkpoint through the free appointment-based DEN Reserve program. Make reservations online up to 3 days in advance for slots from 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. If slots are full, don’t give up. When you get to the airport, scan the QR code on the signs by the checkpoint. There’s a good chance a slot will be open.

Getting around Denver International Airport

An underground train with four stations connects the Jeppesen Terminal with Concourses A, B and C and is the only way to reach flights departing from the B or C gates. If your flight is leaving from Concourse A, however, I urge you to skip the train and instead walk to the A-Bridge security checkpoint and use the 40-foot wide, 365-foot-long pedestrian skybridge to continue to the gates.

I choose this route every time, even if my flight is leaving from Concourse B or C, because the skybridge is built over a taxiway and has glass walls that offer magnificent views of the Colorado landscape and of airplanes moving to and from the gates.

Listen up on the underground train. The musical chimes played on DEN’s train were commissioned with other public art for the terminal and are quite catchy. Local celebrities and the mayor record the announcements played on the train and platforms. And the 5,280 stainless-steel propellers you may spot spinning as the train travels in the east side train tunnel aren’t part of the machinery, as I once thought, they’re art too.

Eat, drink and shop at Denver International Airport

DEN has a full array of sit-down restaurants and grab ‘n’ go options, including many venues serving Colorado craft beers. In-line shops are mixed with a kiosk program highlighting Colorado-made products and local and underrepresented businesses. Be sure to sign up for the DENPerks loyalty program to earn points for money spent at this airport (and others) that you can exchange for gift cards, airline miles or cash.

Art at DEN

DEN has a permanent public art collection and a robust schedule of temporary exhibitions. My favorite work inside the terminal is Terry Allen’s “Notre Denver,” with its two cast bronze gargoyles watching over travelers from suitcases in the bag claim area. Outside the terminal I’m intrigued, and a bit scared, by “Blue Mustang,” the 32-foot blue rearing horse sculpture with glowing red eyes by Luis Jiménez that has earned the nickname ‘Blucifer.’

CATS: DEN’s canine airport therapy squad

With more than 90 dogs, and one cat, DEN’s canine animal therapy squad, CATS, holds a Guinness World Record for the “Largest Airport Therapy Animal Program.” In addition to petting, hugging and taking selfies with the animals, you can collect their trading cards. I’ve got a dozen.

Lounges and relaxation spaces at DEN

DEN airport has an American Airlines Admirals Club (Mezzanine, near Gate C30), an American Express Centurion Lounge (Mezzanine, near gate C46), a Capital One Lounge (Plaza Premium; near Gate A34) a Delta Sky Club (A gates pedestrian bridge) and United Clubs by Gates A25, B44 (the largest in United’s network) and B60 (a grab-n-go United Club Fly). Access depends on your ticket class, airline status or credit card.

For those without lounge access, there’s a free Rest and Recharge Area with comfortable seating, loungers and charging outlets on the mezzanine level of the A gates. On the mezzanine level of the B gates, the A Massage service provides chair and table massages as well as reflexology treatments. DEN also keeps its restrooms smelling nice with a special Black Bamboo scent.

Outdoor patios

Unusual for any airport, let alone one that gets lots of snow, DEN has an outdoor deck on each concourse with comfortable seating, firepits, pet relief areas and spectacular views. Find them near Gate A15, Gate B7 and C67.

Outdoor plaza

The 82,000-square-foot covered outdoor Plaza that sits between the Jeppesen Terminal and the Westin Hotel transforms into the Park on the Plaza each summer, complete with lounge seating, games and cultural events. There’s also free ice skating each winter and free mini golf each June.

Luggage services at DEN

If you’re checking bags and flying on a domestic American, Delta, Frontier, Southwest or United Airlines flight there’s no need to drag those bags into the terminal. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. you can check bags at DEN’s Transit Center, just outside the Jeppesen Terminal. The convenient service is free, checked bag fees still apply and you’ll need to check in your bags at least 90 minutes before your flight.

Hotels at and near DEN

The Westin Denver International Airport is the only hotel right at the airport; most others are clustered about 10 miles away. The Westin is right on the Plaza, by the Jeppesen Terminal. Beyond its convenience, the hotel has an impressive art collection as well as a gym and a heated indoor pool with sweeping views. If you’ve got a long layover, ask about day rates for rooms or passes to the fitness center and pool. Or look for me hanging out in the comfy chairs in the Sky Lounge Lobby Bar.

Aliens at DEN? Could be

Kooky conspiracy theories abound about strange underground tunnels, space alien visits and ominous messages hidden in various artwork at DEN. Airport officials chuckle along to help differentiate DEN from other airports, but that could just be the lizard people’s cover story. I’m keeping an open mind because, as my mother used to say, “It could happen,” but look around and decide for yourself.

What’s nearby Denver International Airport

If you’re got extra time before or after your flight, stop by the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. It’s home to hiking and biking trails, bison, deer, prairie dogs, raptors and more and is about a 15-minute drive from the airport towards Denver.

The air traffic control tower from Denver’s original airport, Stapleton International, is now a brewery, bar, restaurant and entertainment center with bowling lanes, mini-golf, ax throwing, arcade games and more in the Central Park neighborhood between DEN and downtown.