Holiday travel tips for DIA passengers

COLORADO HOLIDAY GUIDE
DENVER - Denver International Airport officials are urging the estimated 5 million holiday travelers this season to arrive early, plan ahead and be prepared to pay some fees.

Thanksgiving week alone, some 930,000 people will travel through the airport. DIA officials say overall, seating will be tight because airlines have reduced the number of available seats from November to January by 1 to 1.5 percent from last year.

Additionally, travelers on the Wednesday before and Sunday after Thanksgiving will be faced with the two busiest days of the holiday week. As a result, DIA is recommending passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours early.

It is important that all holiday passengers follow the Transportation Safety Administration's restrictions when it comes to liquids and gels, as improperly packed items will cause delays in security lines. Visit TSA's Web site for complete travel tips.

Families, passengers with specials needs and those traveling with more than three ounces of exempt liquid are urged to use the TSA's family/medically exempt liquids lane.

All passengers should check with their airline before leaving for the airport to to confirm flight times. If possible, passengers are urged to check in online.

Also, holiday gifts can often be problematic and the TSA says leave all presents unwrapped, otherwise your holiday items may be opened by officials to check the contents.

Tips on getting to DIA and parking

When traveling to the airport, be sure to pay attention to the electronic signs on inbound Peña Boulevard for up-to-date parking information. You can also visit www.flydenver.com or listen to DIA's radio channel, 540AM. Parking or stopping along any airport roadway is illegal and dangerous, and violators are subject to towing and a fine.

If you plan to park at the airport please not that the $10-per-day economy lots next to the terminal garages usually fill up first, followed by the $6-a-day shuttle lots. Allow an extra 20 to 30 minutes if you are using the Pikes Peak or Mt. Elbert shuttle lots. The garages normally do not fill during the holidays.

The Mt. Elbert shuttle lot offers the new QuickPark service, which allows parkers to avoid pulling a ticket by swiping the same credit card on entering and leaving the lot.

Curbside parking at Jeppesen Terminal is prohibited. If you are picking up or dropping off passengers, the $2-per-hour garages are handy to park for a short time. Close-in short-term parking is available on Level 4 of the garages for $3 per hour. The free 45-minute waiting area is also available at the 75th Avenue exit from inbound Peña Boulevard for people waiting to pick up arriving passengers.

Finally, keep in mind that all vehicles, travelers and bags entering the airport are subject to random search.

Helpful information, phone numbers

DIA says its Hospitality Ambassadors and guest services staff will be on duty throughout the terminal and concourses to provide directions and information.

Guest Services can be reached at 303-342-2000, or from out of town at 1-800-AIR-2-DEN. Travelers with special needs, such as oxygen, can make advance arrangements with the Travelers' Assistance Program at 303-342-0400.

Some helpful airport telephone numbers are:

303-342-TIPS (-8477)
Information on security-screening wait times

303-342-PARK (-7275)
Information on parking availability in airport lots

303-342-4059
Information on taxis, buses, shuttles, and other commercial transportation; or e-mail ground.transportation@diadenver.net