No Return to Sterile at DEN Terminal Station?
Jun 27, 2017, 2:54 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 324
No Return to Sterile at DEN Terminal Station?
Hi all,
I was flying LAX-DEN-ATL yesterday and was comparing the two similar train systems between concourses. One big difference was at the domestic baggage/ground transportation station in ATL, there are big red signs notifying you about "no reentry" before you leave the sterile area up the escalators.
Unless I couldn't find it, I didn't see any such warnings at DEN and so it seems that if you fail to exit the train at A you are no longer able to return to the terminals without re-entering security. Is that so? It wasn't a big deal as I was exploring anyways and have lots of time, just curious. Can you simply stay on the train and wait for it to reposition or will you be arrested on suspicion of domestic terrorism?
I was flying LAX-DEN-ATL yesterday and was comparing the two similar train systems between concourses. One big difference was at the domestic baggage/ground transportation station in ATL, there are big red signs notifying you about "no reentry" before you leave the sterile area up the escalators.
Unless I couldn't find it, I didn't see any such warnings at DEN and so it seems that if you fail to exit the train at A you are no longer able to return to the terminals without re-entering security. Is that so? It wasn't a big deal as I was exploring anyways and have lots of time, just curious. Can you simply stay on the train and wait for it to reposition or will you be arrested on suspicion of domestic terrorism?
Jun 27, 2017, 5:16 pm
#2
Join Date: May 2016
Location: ATL
Programs: DL GM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,241
It's been about a year since I've been to DEN and ATL, but DEN doesn't have any gates at its checkin/security building (unlike ATL's T gates) - thus in theory everyone who did not exit the train at A isn't going to be going to a gate.
However, I don't think you're necessarily forced out of the train when you arrive in the main terminal. I believe DEN (and most airport people movers) employ Spanish solution platforms at the end point - that is one side of doors will open first to an "exit" platform that lets people out to baggage claim, while the other side of doors will open a few seconds later to a "boarding" platform that lets people in going to gates. Then the train reverses (switching over to the right side if necessary), going back to A/B/C - thus there's no "repositioning" to worry about. Presumably all you would have to do is not exit the train and let everyone else board, and go with them back to A/B/C.
However, I don't think you're necessarily forced out of the train when you arrive in the main terminal. I believe DEN (and most airport people movers) employ Spanish solution platforms at the end point - that is one side of doors will open first to an "exit" platform that lets people out to baggage claim, while the other side of doors will open a few seconds later to a "boarding" platform that lets people in going to gates. Then the train reverses (switching over to the right side if necessary), going back to A/B/C - thus there's no "repositioning" to worry about. Presumably all you would have to do is not exit the train and let everyone else board, and go with them back to A/B/C.
Jun 27, 2017, 8:53 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,702
It's been about a year since I've been to DEN and ATL, but DEN doesn't have any gates at its checkin/security building (unlike ATL's T gates) - thus in theory everyone who did not exit the train at A isn't going to be going to a gate.
However, I don't think you're necessarily forced out of the train when you arrive in the main terminal. I believe DEN (and most airport people movers) employ Spanish solution platforms at the end point - that is one side of doors will open first to an "exit" platform that lets people out to baggage claim, while the other side of doors will open a few seconds later to a "boarding" platform that lets people in going to gates. Then the train reverses (switching over to the right side if necessary), going back to A/B/C - thus there's no "repositioning" to worry about. Presumably all you would have to do is not exit the train and let everyone else board, and go with them back to A/B/C.
However, I don't think you're necessarily forced out of the train when you arrive in the main terminal. I believe DEN (and most airport people movers) employ Spanish solution platforms at the end point - that is one side of doors will open first to an "exit" platform that lets people out to baggage claim, while the other side of doors will open a few seconds later to a "boarding" platform that lets people in going to gates. Then the train reverses (switching over to the right side if necessary), going back to A/B/C - thus there's no "repositioning" to worry about. Presumably all you would have to do is not exit the train and let everyone else board, and go with them back to A/B/C.
Unless it's one of the very rare trains that go directly out of service at that point, and you happen to choose that one.
(Hint: if the opposite doors don't open within a few seconds after the doors to the exit side open...get. out.)
Last edited by DenverBrian; Jun 27, 2017 at 8:59 pm
Jun 28, 2017, 12:35 pm
#4
Join Date: May 2002
Programs: WN F9 HA UA AA IHG HH MR
Posts: 3,305
Or maybe they park in the secret doomsday bunkers.
Last edited by cblaisd; Jun 28, 2017 at 12:59 pm Reason: Fixed coding
Jun 28, 2017, 8:56 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,702
Jun 30, 2017, 8:55 pm
#6
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Denver CO
Programs: HHonors Gold, National Emerald Club, no airline affinity status
Posts: 3,351
I haven't looked when I get off the train but I know if you are walking acroos the A concourse bridge, there is a sign that says "no re-entry without a valid boarding pass" or something like that. It is near the security point on the right.
Jun 30, 2017, 9:36 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Denver, CO, USA
Programs: Sometimes known as [ARG:6 UNDEFINED]
Posts: 26,702
Both the A concourse bridge and the train escalators/elevators up to the main terminal are staffed by TSA peeps watching out for anyone who goes in the wrong direction.