7 Key Insights About DIA New Security Checkpoint (2025)
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the endless maze of long lines and hours of waiting at Denver International Airport (DIA)? Well! All that is about to change with a revolutionizing step by the airport authority. With a heavy influx of travelers every year, there was a dire need for a DIA New Security Checkpoint.
In order to combat this issue, DIA opened its state-of-the-art West Security Checkpoint in 2024. This blog is the comprehensive guide diving into the various aspects of DIA new security checkpoint from the benefits to navigation. Let’s begin!
Overview of the DIA new security checkpoint
DIA is all set to establish two advanced security checkpoints-:
- The West Security Checkpoint is located on Level 6 of DIA’s Jeppesen Terminal. It will operate daily from 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM.
- The East Security Checkpoint is under construction and is all set to open in 2025. It is constructed in a manner that mirrors The West Security Checkpoint.
- The 17 brand new lanes are designed to process 200 passengers per hour per lane. Unlike the South Security Checkpoint which could process 130-150 passengers.
Note: The West Security Checkpoint replaces the North Security Checkpoint at DIA.
Key Features of DIA New Security Checkpoint
These technology-driven checkpoints offers various innovative features focusing at enhancing both security and convenience:
Automated Screening Lanes:
Manual screening at DIA security used to take forever to process all the travelers. Hence, these automated screening lanes allow up to three passengers to load their items simultaneously. The size of the bins is 25% bigger than that of standard ones and automatically returns to the front of the line.
Automated diversion:
If there is a carry-on property that poses a potential threat, it gets automatically diverted for manual checking. This ensures the rest of the bins continue with the screening process uninterrupted.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners:
The process of manually checking the electronics and other items has been eliminated at DIA security. The CT scanners are installed with the latest X-ray technology, allowing the TSA officer to do detailed 3D imaging of carry-on items, enabling passengers to leave electronics and liquids in their bags at Denver airport security.
Facial Recognition Technology:
Travelers can opt for Digital IDs (facial scans linked to their boarding passes), eliminating the need for physical documents. For subsequent airport visits, you just need to have a single tap of your phone and it will pull up the details required. This eliminated the tiresome process of manual verification of physical documents at Denver airport security.
Bottled Liquid Scanners:
DIA allows the passengers to carry medically necessary liquids in quantities larger than 100 ml / 3.4 ounces. To ensure they don’t pose any threat, the Transportation Security Administration utilizes a liquid explosive detection system, which measures the density of the liquid using laser-technology without having the need to open the bottle. It works for both liquids and gels.
Source: DIA
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tags:
The bins are attached with RFID tags with integrated microchips. This technology uses radio waves to wirelessly identify and track objects. This provides aided accountability, while a person is being processed through the screening.
Source: FutureTravelExperience
Explosive trace detection screening:
TSA officers may conduct ETD screening for additional security. It involves a swab of the traveler’s hands or their belongings. Further process involves inserting the swab into a programmed Explosive Trace Detection unit which is specially designed to trace even the smallest amount of residue.
Top 3 Benefits for Travelers
These technology-driven state-of-the-art checkpoints at DIA security offers numerous benefits to the travelers:
- Reduced Wait Times:
With the screening process becoming exceptionally faster, average wait times have dropped from over 11 minutes at older checkpoints to just four minutes at the new West Security Checkpoint.
- Simplified Screening Process at DIA new security checkpoint :
The most frustrating part of the screening process for the passengers was to hand over their electronic items for manual checking. All this has been eliminated by the upgraded DIA new security checkpoint. Passengers no longer need to remove laptops, liquids, or other items from their bags.
- Improved Accessibility:
Features like advanced body scanners and automated systems have made the process hassle-free for the travelers. People facing mobility challenges are at a great advantage here.
These improvements ensure a smoother experience for everyone passing through Denver airport security.
How to Navigate the New Checkpoint Efficiently
Here are few tips and tricks to make your navigation through DIA’s new checkpoints as seamless as possible:
- Reserve your spot at the top parking facilities like Park2Jet to eliminate delays while reaching the terminal. Learn More!
- Arrive early to get yourself acquainted with the layout of the DIA new security checkpoint.
- Use digital IDs or boarding passes on your smartphone for faster processing via facial recognition technology.
- Follow signage directing you to appropriate lanes based on your screening type (e.g., TSA PreCheck or general screening).
- Place all carry-on items in the provided bins without removing electronics or liquids.
By following these tips, you can take full advantage of the Denver airport security checkpoint’s advanced features.
Future Expansion Plans at DIA
DIA’s transformation doesn’t stop with the West Security Checkpoint. The East Security Checkpoint, featuring similar technology and design, is expected to open by late 2025. Together, these two checkpoints will replace outdated facilities and significantly boost the capacity of DIA security.
Additionally, a new post-security area will connect screened passengers directly to Concourse A via a pedestrian bridge. This enhancement will eliminate the need for train transfers, further streamlining the travel experience.
Reserve Your Spot at Park2Jet
Denver International Airport is evolving with a technology-driven approach to ensure smooth travel experience for the travelers. The parking facilities have also been upgraded with top-notch features such as various types of parking, CCTV surveillance, free shuttle services and much more. RESERVE YOUR SPOT at Park2Jet!
FAQs
Q: How long are the security lines at Denver International Airport?
Security wait times at DIA vary depending on the time of day and checkpoint. The new West Security Checkpoint averages a wait time of about 4 minutes, while the South Security Checkpoint can range between 16 to 27 minutes during peak hours. During holidays or busy travel days, lines may extend to 30-40 minutes.
Q: What time does security open at Denver International Airport?
The West Security Checkpoint operates daily from 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM, while the South Security Checkpoint is open from 3:00 AM to 1:00 AM (the following day).
Q: Which security checkpoint is faster at DIA?
The West Security Checkpoint is generally faster due to its advanced technology, including automated lanes and CT scanners, which process up to 250 passengers per lane per hour, compared to the South Checkpoint’s capacity of 150 passengers per lane per hour
Q: What makes the West Security Checkpoint checkpoint different from older ones?
The West Security Checkpoint upgraded and advanced version of the previous North Security Checkpoint. It has advanced CT scanners, automated lanes and facial recognition technology.
Q: What are the operating hours of West Security Checkpoint?
The West Security Checkpoint operates from 4:00 AM to 7:30 PM. However, as of May 2024, DIA no longer has a 24/7 TSA checkpoint.