Security FAQs

About DIA - Airline Security Guidelines and FAQS

 What should I remember before I go to the airport?

Pack smart. Travelers are limited to one carry-on bag and one personal item (i.e. purse or briefcase). Check as much luggage as possible to minimize carry-on. Remember, most airlines will allow you to check only two bags. Do not forget to label your luggage both inside and out.

Travel light. Your carry-on baggage should contain only necessities such as medicine, cash, jewelry, passports, visas, business papers and valuables.

Don't hide things. Do not plan to carry wrapped gifts on board the plane. Wrap your gifts when you reach your final destination. If a package is questioned at the security checkpoint, you will have to unwrap it to show it to the security officer.

Help us keep wait times down at the security checkpoints by not packing prohibited items in your carry-on luggage.

What Can I Bring On Board?
ITEMS PROHIBITED ON BOARD:   ITEMS ALLOWED ON BOARD:
  • Knives of any length, composition or description
  • All cutting and puncturing instruments. This includes pocketknives, carpet knives and box cutters, ice picks, straight razors, scissors, metal nail files
  • Corkscrews
  • Athletic equipment that could be used as a weapon, such as baseball/softball bats, golf clubs, pool cues, ski poles, and hockey sticks
  • Weapons - firearms, ammunitions, gunpowder, mace, tear gas or pepper spray
  • Aerosol spray cans - hair spray, deodorant, insect repellant or butane fuel (such as in curling iron refills, scuba tanks, propane tanks, cartridges and self-inflating rafts)
  • Explosives - fireworks, sparklers or signal flares
  • Flammable liquids or solids - fuel, paints, paint thinners or cleaners, lighter fluid or perfume (no more than 10 oz.)
  • Other hazardous items - dry ice, gas-powered tools, wet cell batteries, camping equipment with fuel, radioactive materials, poisons and infectious substances
  • Walking canes
  • Nail clippers
  • Safety/disposable razors
  • Syringes ( with documented proof of medical need)
  • Tweezers
  • Umbrellas
  • Eyelash curlers

What time should I arrive at the airport for my flight?

Arrive early. Travelers at DIA are advised to arrive two hours before the scheduled departure of their flight.  DIA is busiest in the mornings with the most departures before noon.  You may need to allow extra time for potential traffic and parking delays, and longer check-in times.

Call ahead.

  • Call 303-342-8477 (303-DIA-TIPS) for current wait times at security screening.

  • Call 303-342-7275 (303-DIA-PARK) for parking space availability.

  • Check your flight status and ticket counter opening times.

Denver Airport Transportation. especially during the busy holiday season.  If you choose to drive, remember that your vehicle is subject to search.  Checkpoints are set up just before vehicles enter parking garages.

What changes should I expect when I check in?



Have ID ready.  Be sure to have a government-issued picture ID available when you check in.  You may be asked to show this ID at subsequent points.

Curbside check-in is offered by several carriers.  Contact your carrier to see if it is offering this service or visit our web page.

E-ticket travelers.  Check with your airline to make sure you have the proper documentation.  Written confirmation, such as a letter from the airline acknowledging the reservation, may be required.

What do I need to know about security-screening procedures?

Be ready.  Passengers must have a paper ticket, boarding pass, voucher or itinerary generated by an airline or travel agent in order to go through the security checkpoints.

Be quick.  Check all your bags and use the express lane at north or south security screening.  This will save time.  You are allowed to have only a briefcase (eight inches maximum width) or a moderate-sized purse to use the express lanes.

Be considerate of fellow passengers and help your flight take off on time by removing metallic objects electronic devices and coats prior to walking through the magnetometers.  Laptops must be removed from their cases and be x-rayed separately.  Photographic film above a speed of 1000 could be damaged when your carry-on or checked luggage is x-rayed.  We recommend you buy unprocessed film at your final destination.

Don't forget anything at the checkpoint.  Please remember to take all your belongings with you after security screening.  It is easy to forget something when you are in a hurry.

Be prepared for additional screening that may take place at the gate.

 Can friends or family accompany me to the gate?

Say goodbye in the Terminal.  Only ticketed passengers are allowed beyond the screening checkpoints, except for those with specific medical or parental need.  Please contact your airline in advance for these special arrangements.

Say hello at the baggage claim.  You may meet an arriving passenger at the appropriate baggage claim carousel.

 
Safety Reminders
 
  • All baggage and all vehicles are subject to search at any time.
  • No unattended vehicles are allowed at curbside.
  • Limit metal objects on your person.
  • Do not leave bags unattended.  Report any unattended items to airport personnel immediately.

 Finally, don't forget to relax and enjoy your trip

Remember to visit the variety of stores and restaurants at DIA and enjoy a meal before your flight.  If you have additional concerns or questions, we recommend you contact your airline.