Tips for DIA security?
 

Have never used DIA(Denver) except connecting and had a couple questions on security if anyone can advise.

1 The DIA (Denver) airport map doesnt seem to show the security checkpoints.
How many are there and any that are less busy ?

2 Can you use the premier (ua) security line with a boarding pass with another airline ? Please no flaming ;)

Any tips on making DIA(Denver) less painful than i hear is greatly appreciated

There is no DIA. Are you perhaps referring to IAD or DEN?

Ha! Maybe im wrong DEN isnt DIA also? Ok Denver

DEN is the airport code, but I think a lot of people also refer to it as Denver International Airport, or DIA.

(1) There are 3 checkpoints. Two in the main terminal (which I believe they refer to one as the "American Flag" and one as the "Colorado Flag", I call them the north and south). The third is over the bridge to Concourse A. While worth the walk, the Concourse A security is usually a shorter line but it has fewer machines and there is no elite line. I usually use the 1P line at the south, although some say the north is shorter.

(2) The elite line requires a minimum of 1P on UA. I would think if you are flying *G on another carrier (US, LH, etc.), you should not have an issue. I am not sure about another carrier. Consider a status match. I believe that F9 Ascent status can use the elite lines (I may be wrong here).

DEN has two basic security areas - one in the main terminal and the other at the end of the passenger bridge leading to the A concourse. The main security area in the terminal has two sides, both of which lead to the same train station beneath the security area. You can use either side. Both sides have an Elite/FC line that is for use by those with status on any airline. It is not UA specific.

If you are flying an airline that leaves out of the the A concourse (CO, F9, LH, BA and Ted) I would take the pedistrian bridge rather than bother with the trains. It is an easy walk and the security lines are typically shorter than those in the main terminal. It too, has an elite line although most of the times I go through the regular line is so short it makes no difference really.

In general, the security lines in DEN move rather quickly. Unless you will be passing through on a Monday morning or Friday afternoon the wait times shouold not be bad. If you can use the elite/FC lines the wait will be minimal, especially though the A concourse line.

REC said "I usually use the 1P line at the south, although some say the north is shorter. " The north end does seem to be shorter.

FWIWIMHO
After checking in, I always walk past the south end and if it looks the least bit busy I head north.
It seems that the "masses" leave the ticketing area and in bulk go to the south.

I have observed a large varience in the number of peolple waiting and the North end is always fewer.
At any rate either end seems to get the job done in a reasonable time.


BOYCRUZ "Any tips on making DIA(Denver) less painful than i hear is greatly appreciated" you could always just stay home and avoid the PAIN entirely ;)
Didn't someone say "Pain is in the eye of the beholder"?

Just kiddding have great trip :)

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All good comments. Another creative option duringbusy times is to take the walkway to the A concourse, and take the train to B. Note that UA is concourse B, while Ted is A..

Dupe...

Incorrect. There most certainly is an elite security line at A, its clearly marked with large overhead signage directing elites to the right of the moving walkways.

My two cents...The North security line is usually better than South. As always, your mileage may vary.

The Concourse A elite line is easy to miss (despite the big sign), but yes, it definitely is there.

I hope you enjoy DIA! It's a very nice airport.

Yeah - DEN is the official code, but there seems to be some tension about that - the local road signage and airport literature seem to use DIA (presumeably for Denver International Airport). I've never seen a good explanation of the disparity.