TSA ready for busy summer travel season at Colorado airports

DENVER - Memorial Day weekend kicks off the summer travel season, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers across Colorado airports are fully prepared and staffed for a busy summer.

TSA anticipates passenger volumes at Denver International Airport (DEN) this summer will be similar to 2025 when TSA officers screened nearly 7 million travelers.

"TSA at Denver International Airport is fully prepared to support the busy summer travel season," said Douglas Cruz, TSA federal security director for Colorado. "Our dedicated transportation security workforce is ready to ensure a safe, efficient screening experience for all travelers."

In 2025, TSA officers at Denver International Airport had three of their 10 busiest days ever during the summer, including a record-setting day on July 6, when they screened more than 99,000 travelers. Sundays are typically the busiest screening days at DEN throughout the summer.

Colorado airports advance security

After years of planning, the DEN baggage recapitalization project is moving forward with the installation of four new explosive detection systems (EDS) in Module 1 West and Module 1 East, the first baggage EDS upgrades at DEN in more than two decades. These advanced units provide TSA officers with high-resolution 3D technology for efficient threat detection, reduce maintenance and downtime, and feature continuous scanning to significantly increase baggage handling speed.

Durango-La Plata County Airport (DRO) is pleased to announce the upcoming opening of a new security checkpoint, a key milestone in the airport's ongoing terminal expansion and modernization project. This new checkpoint is designed to improve passenger flow, reduce wait times, and enhance the overall efficiency of security screening. TSA is moving screening equipment to the new checkpoint area, which is expected to be operational by Thursday, May 21. Passengers can look forward to a streamlined and modernized screening experience as part of DRO's commitment to providing safe and efficient travel just in time for summer travel.

TSA passenger tips

With summer travel fast approaching, TSA and our nation's airports are gearing up for travelers who may not frequently fly. TSA strongly encourages these travelers to make sure they are REAL ID-compliant to enjoy a stress-free, seamless passenger experience. To avoid paying the $45 TSA ConfirmID fee, make sure you bring an acceptable form of ID.

To help make your summer trip through Colorado's airports as smooth as possible, consider the following tips:

1. Start with an empty bag and review TSA guidelines. Packing an empty bag reduces the risk of bringing prohibited items through security. Before packing, consult TSA's "What Can I Bring?" tool to ensure all items comply with regulations. Remember the 3-1-1 rule for liquids.

2. Allow extra time for your journey. TSA expects summer travel to be busy. Plan to arrive at least two hours before your flight to allow time for parking or returning a rental car, taking a shuttle if needed, checking in with your airline, dropping off bags, and proceeding through security.

3. Enroll in TSA PreCheck^®for expedited screening. TSA PreCheck offers a faster, more convenient security experience in dedicated lanes nationwide. Travelers now have three enrollment providers to choose from-CLEAR, IDEMIA, and Telos-offering more price and location options. Most applicants receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days. Throughout May, travelers aged 30 and under can save $20 on a new five-year TSA PreCheck membership, with costs reduced to $65 or less depending on the provider.

4. Reach out to TSA for assistance. The AskTSA team is available year-round to answer questions, address concerns, and provide assistance. Live support is available daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

• X: AskTSA
• Facebook Messenger: www.fb.com/AskTSA
• Apple Business Chat: AskTSA
• Text Message: Text "Travel" to AskTSA (275-872)

TSA encourages all passengers to remain vigilant. If You See Something. Say Something^®. Those traveling abroad for the summer should check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Know Before You Go page to learn about required documentation. For those traveling with children this summer, TSA offers kid-friendly videos for children packing for their upcoming trip.

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