Denver Airport Departures (DEN)

Denver International Airport is located approximately 25 miles from the city of Denver, in Colorado, the United States of America. This American airport is one of the largest in the country, as it handles over 52 million passengers every year, and is also considered as one of the busiest airports in the world for passenger traffic and aircraft movements. Many refer to the airport as DIA, or by its official IATA code of DEN. Denver departures are offered by a large number of airline carriers, in particular, Frontier Airlines, Great Lakes Airlines and United Airlines. Departing passengers will find all the facilities they require, and can reach their departure flight by a number of public transport services.

Denver International is found nearby the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, to the east of the city, and on Pena Boulevard. Pena Boulevard is accessed from the Interstate-70, or from the Highway E-470. Passengers on departure flights will find plenty of parking options at Denver Airport, including two economy car parks and the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot, with cheaper parking rates that are ideal for longer-term stays at the airport. There are also two garage parking lots that are located right next to the terminal building, ideal for short-term parking and for passengers who prefer to be nearer to their point of check-in. Valet parking is available in the garages as well. Denver Airport departure flights can be reached by bus or taxi, but the airport currently has no train station. The skyRide buses are run by RTD, and there are several routes to the airport. They operate seven days a week, and are a convenient way to travel from downtown Denver and from several other locations. Taxis are available from all areas of the city, but from downtown, will cost about $55.00 for a trip to the airport.

Regardless of the form of transport by which passengers travel to the airport, all passengers will start their journey in the airport’s Jeppesen Terminal, which is a large dual-sided building. Its two sections are referred to as East and West, and it contains all the main passenger facilities. Level 4 of the terminal is the arrival area, from where arriving passengers are collected, however, the baggage reclaim areas are on Level 5. Level 5 is also where many of the buses will drop off departing passengers. Level 6 is considered as the departure level of the terminal, and the airport has three passenger screening checkpoints. All passengers will need to pass through security before moving on to the departure gates. There are two checkpoints in the Jeppesen Terminal, on Level 5, and one at the entrance to the pedestrian bridge to Concourse A.

The airport has three concourses that hold the departure gates. As mentioned, Concourse A is accessed by a pedestrian bridge. The bridge is a truly impressive construction measuring a length of 365 feet, and is 45.61 feet above the ground at its highest point. Whilst walking the bridge, passengers can enjoy some spectacular views over the airfield to the east, and views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains to the west. Passengers can also look down at the aircraft passing below the bridge. Concourse A handles the majority of the airport’s international departure flights, including flights by the carriers of Frontier Airlines, Horizon, Great Lakes Airlines, Continental and jetBlue. Some of the airport’s most important international carriers include Air Canada, British Airways, Aeromexico and Lufthansa. Popular international destinations from Denver Airport include Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto and Winnipeg in Canada, Frankfurt in Germany, London in England, San Jose in Costa Rica and Mazatlan, Mexico City and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.

Concourses B and C (as well as Concourse A) can only be reached by the airport train, officially known as the Denver International Airport Automated Guideway Transit System, or the AGTS. This train is bi-direction, automated and an essential part of the airport’s operations. It runs in an underground tunnel and links the Jeppesen Terminal to all the concourses. The train is free for use by all airport passengers, and is efficiently designed to ensure maximum safety. Concourse B has 77 departure gates, and is home to many flights offered by United Airlines. There are also two United Clubs in Concourse B. This concourse is also used by other Star Alliance partners, such as US Airways, SkyWest Airlines and Shuttle America. These airline companies offer departure flights to a wide variety of American cities, including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Houston, New York, Miami, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, San Francisco and New Orleans. Concourse C has 22 gates, and its main carrier is Southwest Airlines, however, it is also used for flights by Delta Air Lines, AirTran Airways, Pinnacle Airlines and Comair.

Facilities for passengers on Denver International Airport departure flights within the main terminal and in the concourses, include Co-Op Network ATMs, a Credit Union branch, free Wi-Fi services, baggage services, four smoking lounges (The Aviator’s Club Level 6, the Mesa Verde Restaurant – centre mezzanine, the Aviator’s Club – centre mezzanine and the Smokin’ Bear at gate level above the train station), a number of VIP lounges and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. Some restaurants present are Burger King, the Cantina Grill, the Colorado Sports Bar, Dazbog Coffee, the Denver Chophouse and Domino’s Pizza, while airport shops include Amber Room (jewellery), the Beauty Box Emporium, Bella, Brookstone, Climax Jerky, Connections made EZ and Colorado Crossroads. Additional services at Denver Airport include chair or table massages, Airport Mailers, battery charging stations, FedEx Drop Bags, a U.S. Post Office and shoeshine services. The entire airport complex, including the airport trains, are accessible to disabled passengers as well.

Departing passengers should arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight, and at least two hours before an international departure. More time should be allowed if taking a shuttle from the remote parking areas, or if travelling with children, elderly persons or a disabled passenger. There are curb-side check-in facilities as well as self-service check-in kiosks in addition to the conventional ticket counters, and many airline companies offer online check-in options. Ensure that your bags are correctly packed, containing no illegal items or objects, and that they are within the weight and size limitations as set by your airline company. Liquids and gels in carry-on luggage should be placed in containers of three ounces or less, and these containers should be shown to security in a one-quart-sized, zip-top plastic bag. Further details can be obtained from the airport or from your airline company.

Live Denver departure schedules can be viewed online, from various websites. The current waiting times at security can be obtained by contacting the airport at (303)342-8477. Call (303)342-7275 for parking space availability, or (303)342-2000 for any general enquiry. In the airport terminal, there are also information counters available, and Airport Ambassadors wearing white cowboy hats circulate the buildings for the assistance of departing and arriving passengers.