Denver celebrates opening of West Security Checkpoint

Passing through security at Denver International Airport (DEN) should get faster and more efficient from this week following the opening of the gateway’s new West Security Checkpoint.

The checkpoint, which officially opens today, is the first of two new state-of-the-art security checkpoints on Level 6 (passenger check-in) to open as part of DEN’s Great Hall Program.

The milestone was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony yesterday that involved Colorado Governor, Jared Polis; Denver Mayor, Mike Johnston, and US Congresswomanm Diana DeGette.

“This checkpoint upgrade means the travel time for people coming through security will be faster, more efficient, and incredibly safe,” enthused Mayor Johnston.

“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 centre, as well as the best place to live, work, and play.”

While DEN CEO, Phil Washington, noted: “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.

“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.”

Similar to other US airports, the new equipment will allow TSA to screen carry-on baggage and passengers, using the latest technology to do so, enhancing safety and improving the passenger journey.

Features of the new equipment include:

– Allowing multiple passengers to place their items in bins simultaneously to help expedite the process
–Enhanced technology that allows passengers to leave items like liquids and laptops in their bags
– Automatic diversion of any carry-on bag that may contain a prohibited item, allowing other travellers’ belongings to continue through the screening process uninterrupted
– Automatic bin returns to the front of the line

The Colorado gateway points out that unique Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that are attached to each bin, allowing for additional accountability of a traveller’s carry-on property as they move throughout the security screening process.

The West Security Checkpoint is part of the second phase of the $2.1 billion Great Hall Program. The phase was completed ahead of schedule and under budget.

The entire Great Hall Program will be completed by the end of 2027, with segments opening along the way.

The East Security Checkpoint will open by the end of 2025 and will provide another 17 screening lanes with advanced technology.