There’s the way most people navigate Denver International Airport. And then there’s the way savvy business travelers do it.
If you travel a lot for work, you know that getting through the airport quickly is the key to having time to finalize that last email, make one more call, or even just chill for a few minutes before you hit the skies.
From how to skip long security lines to the best place to charge your phone, here are our favorite tips for breezing through DIA.
#1: Check in online
Before you head to the airport for your business trip, check in online. After you check in, add your mobile boarding pass to Apple’s Passbook or Android’s PassWallet to stay organized on the go.
#2: Park in a private lot
Save your business budget from high airport parking prices by parking your car in an off-airport private lot. These lots are generally more affordable than the official DIA parking lots, and some of them (like ours!) are even closer to the terminal.
Parking tips:
- If your business travel coincides with a school break, holiday, or other busy travel periods, make a reservation to secure your parking spot ahead of time.
- You can save even more if your business belongs to our Corporate Program.
For details on all of the DIA parking options, including prices and shuttle info, check out our Ultimate Guide to DIA Parking.
#3: Check your bag at the curb
Ideally, you’ll have optimized your packing down to just a carry-on. But if you need to check a bag, do it at the curb.
These airlines offer curbside check-in:
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
#4: Use CLEAR or TSA Pre-Check to skip the security line
If you travel often for business, leisure, or bleisure, programs like CLEAR and TSA Pre-Check are definitely worth the investment. These programs let you skip the security line by confirming your identity prior to travel, so you can keep your shoes and your belt on and you don’t have to take your laptop out of the bag.
Going without CLEAR or TSA Pre-Check? Head to the shortest security checkpoint line. The A Bridge TSA checkpoint sometimes sports shorter lines, but it’s only open until 5:30 p.m. Check the official DEN Security Page for wait time estimates.
#5: Arrive at DIA with time to eat
After skipping the check-in and security lines, you should have plenty of time to eat! You’ll find the typical airport grub scattered throughout each concourse: McDonald’s, Quiznos, and Panda Express. But do yourself a favor and enjoy a bite at one of these top spots.
Root Down
Location: Concourse C
Root Down is a sit-down restaurant that features fresh farm-to-fork meals. Peruse the whole menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.
Lounge 5280 Wine Bar
Location: Concourse B
Good food, good drinks, and access to power outlets at each table make Lounge 5280 a go-to spot for business travelers. Give yourself extra time to enjoy a Bloody Mary made with a handcrafted mix and pickled, local green beans! See their whole list of wine, food, and cocktails.
Looking for something quicker? Then check out these spots.
Modern Market
Location: Concourses B and C
Start your trip with a seasonal breakfast made with local ingredients. Modern Market is a favorite among DIA travelers for its healthy, affordable options. Check out their menu.
Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs
Location: Concourse B
If you’re originally from the East Coast, or simply love a good hot dog, swing by Steve’s Snappin’ Dogs. Their gourmet New Jersey dogs feature toppings like green chili sauce and coleslaw. See the whole menu.
Search all your DIA dining options here.
#6: Finish last-minute work in DIA’s business center
Need a quiet spot to send out that last-minute email or make a phone call? DIA’s business center, located in the Concourse B Mezzanine, offers up cubicles and plenty of plugs to charge up your devices and tie up any loose ends before you hit the friendly skies.
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Do you have any DIA business travel tips you wouldn’t mind sharing? Let us know in the comments or share them on Twitter!
