Denver International Airport unveils cutting-edge West Security Checkpoint

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Denver International Airport (DEN) celebrated the inauguration of the West Security Checkpoint in collaboration with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, and U.S. Congresswoman Diana DeGette. Scheduled to officially open tomorrow, this checkpoint marks the unveiling of the first of two cutting-edge security checkpoints on Level 6, as part of the Great Hall Program.

“Today is a great day for Denver and a great day for Colorado,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “This checkpoint upgrade means the travel time for people coming through security will be faster, more efficient, and incredibly safe. We are adding more and more international capacity to Denver, which will help our state and city become the financial center of the country, the tourist center, as well as the best place to live, work, and play.”

Passengers can access the West Checkpoint located on the northwest end of Level 6, adjacent to United’s ticketing/check-in lobby. Drop-offs on Level 6 should aim for doors 606-600, with TSA PreCheck access nearest to doors 602 and 600. Operating daily from 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., the West Security Checkpoint features three separate entrances catering to different traveler groups:

West Security 1 (behind the United ticketing/check-in lobby): Standard screening for the majority of DEN passengers.

West Security 2 (near Door 606): Reserved for Restricted Access groups, including DEN Reserve, Premium/Premier Access, Accessibility and Functional Needs, and Military.

West Security 3 (near Door 600): Designated for TSA PreCheck passengers and CLEAR customers with TSA PreCheck.

“The impetus of the Great Hall Program has always been to enhance safety and security by moving the security checkpoints from Level 5 to Level 6 while also increasing capacity,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “This new checkpoint, which is opening on schedule and under budget, is equipped with 17 screening lanes. These have advanced technology creating a more efficient process and an overall better experience for our passengers. Next year we will open another checkpoint of the same caliber on the east side of the terminal to serve our ever-increasing passenger traffic.”

Like other U.S. airports, DEN’s upgraded equipment enables TSA to employ cutting-edge technology for enhanced safety and efficiency. Key features include simultaneous bin loading, leaving liquids and laptops in bags, automatic diversion of prohibited items, and RFID-tagged bins for enhanced accountability.

With the introduction of new technology, passengers will notice changes in the security process. Here are some tips for navigating the West Security Checkpoint:

• Have identification ready when approaching the document checker.
• Look for an open station at the lane to prepare items for screening.
• All items, including bags, must be placed in bins.
• Place lighter items at the bottom of the bin to maximize space.
• Liquids and electronics can remain in carry-ons, regardless of TSA PreCheck status.
• Bins will automatically return to the front of the line; do not remove them prematurely.

The West Security Checkpoint is part of the second phase of the $2.1 billion Great Hall Program, completed ahead of schedule and under budget. The entire program is slated for completion by the end of 2027, with the East Security Checkpoint set to open by the end of 2025, offering an additional 17 screening lanes with advanced technology.

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