DENVER – Taking a trip to the airport can be stressful for some travelers at any time of the year. Denver International Airport has seen its fair share of changes in recent months. Add to that the increase in the number of travelers for the holidays, and it can become a frustrating experience if you are not prepared.

Here are 7 tips if you are heading to DIA during the holiday season to make sure your trips are as smooth as possible.

1. Yes, you must always wear a mask

Federal law requires a mask to be worn on public transportation, that is, at the airport, on buses and on airplanes. The mask’s tenure was due to expire in September, but has now been extended until January 18, 2022.

2. Make sure you arrive early

We’ve all heard it before, but the busy holiday season is not the time to try your luck by cutting it too close at the airport. Travelers should arrive two hours in advance to ensure they have enough time to check in their bags, go through security and get to the airport. The queues will probably be longer than usual.

3. Getting to the airport

With busy travel days ahead, the parking lots will fill up. DIA recommends using the Line A RTD or by carpooling when possible to get to the airport.

4. Speaking of parking …

The East Economy lot was officially closed to inbound traffic on November 15. This is because the airport plans to 24/7 opening of the Pikes Peak shuttle from November 19 to January 6 to take into account the peak travel season. If the Pikes Peak terrain reaches full capacity, DIA will also open the Mt. Elbert shuttle terrain.

Due to an ongoing shortage of bus drivers, the shuttle may take longer to arrive at the shuttle parking lot. The airport therefore recommends arriving 45 minutes earlier if you plan to park in the shuttle parking lot.

You can check the condition of the car parks and see the prices of the car parks here.

For anyone parking their car, the airport has seen an increase in vehicle theft. They are partnering with the Denver Police Department for additional patrols, but drivers should remember to secure their vehicles, park in a well-lit area with other vehicles, and remove all valuables from the vehicle.

5. TSA checkpoints have officially changed

DIA changed the way they operate TSA checkpoints in the hope of getting passengers through security in the most efficient manner possible.

For standard checks, proceed to the southern security checkpoint. Travelers with TSA PreCheck, Clear, and Premium customers should use the northern security checkpoint. Travel-Lite customers or people who only have one small item, such as a backpack, briefcase or purse, can also use the northern security checkpoint.

If you are traveling late or overnight, the southern security checkpoint is the only checkpoint operating from 9:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m.

If you need help navigating the airport, ambassadors in purple vests or employees with purple shirts who say “ask me” will be there to help.

6. If you are traveling with gifts, do not wrap them

If your gifts set off an alarm, TSA officers are going to need to check it. If you use your beautiful wrapping or tissue paper, it will be a real disappointment if the agents have to tear it up. If you want to bring a wrapped gift, TSA recommends that you use a gift bag. Solid food is fine to take on the fly, but remember any liquid should be less than 3.4 ounces if you are bringing carry-on.

7. The holiday season is busy, but some days can be busier than others.

Over the next two weeks, the airport will be busier on certain days. Here is the DIA’s current TSA screening forecast for the number of travelers traveling, keeping in mind that these are subject to change:

• Tuesday November 23: ~ 71.5,000
• Wednesday November 24: ~ 79k
• Thursday November 25: ~ 38.5k
• Friday November 26: ~ 56.5k
• Saturday November 27: ~ 72k
• Sunday November 28: ~ 78k

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The holidays are stressful. The pandemic has drained so many of us not only of quality time and missed opportunities to make memories with loved ones, but also of our patience. Remember that a little kindness to other passengers, airport workers, TSA officers, and flight attendants does a lot of good.