Spring Break is fast approaching! With only two more weeks left, you may have some travel plans. If you plan on boarding a plane this spring break and find yourself stressing out about the airport, this is for you. 

  What I will be talking about is specific to the Denver International Airport however, rules tend to be similar wherever you find yourself.   

There are many different ways to get to the airport; the most common is driving yourself. There are currently 10 accessible parking lots. Depending on how far you are willing to walk, there are different prices of parking ranging from $7-168 per day. If you do park in the farther parking lots there are free shuttles that run every ten minutes. To look at pricing and get directions to your parking of choice go to: https://www.flydenver.com. 

There is also the possibility that you can have a friend or family member drop you off. The drop-off is located on the East and West sides of the terminal on level six. When you get closer to the airport there will be signs to direct you. You will know you are on the right path when you see a giant blue horse statue nicknamed “Bluecifer” by locals due to its red eyes and the fact that it killed its sculptor.   

The last option is taking a shuttle. The ones available from Fort Collins are Green Ride, Groome, Landline, and Super Shuttle. It costs anywhere from $30-50 per person. It is the slowest option but will get you exactly where you need to go without the hassle of parking.

Now that you are at the airport, it’s time to check in. If you are flying with United, get the app and check yourself in through it before you get to the airport. Other airlines may have ways to check in online, so do it. It will make your trip a lot smoother and you can head straight to the security checkpoints.

To check in, go to level six. There you will see counters with different airline logos above them. There you will check your bag and check yourself in. If you are patient and nice, the workers will direct you to what you’re supposed to do. 

You will get a ticket and your bag will be tagged and sent to your plane. Your terminal, gate number, and boarding number will be on your ticket. Make sure you don’t lose it!

Navigating security at DIA can be hard, especially because some parts are currently under construction. There are three security checkpoints. Only South Security is open 24/7 and is the main checkpoint. That is found on the 5th floor and is fairly easy to find. Follow the crowd, down escalators and you will see it. This gate also includes lines for TSA pre-check, CLEAR, and accessibility needs customers. The next line is the West Security. This is open from 4 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. On level 6 the West Security is available to the same people as South Security. To get there you have to enter from the west side (behind the United check-in counters). The last and most unknown is the Bridge Security. This is open 24/7 and is only available to standard travelers__TSA and CLEAR are not available here. Also on level six, it is located to the north. This is mainly for anyone traveling from A gates.  

While checking in, here are some things to keep in mind. Your shoes will have to be taken off so don’t wear anything with lots of laces. All your liquids have to fit in a clear quart-size bag and have to each be 3.4 ounces or less. You will take out your liquids, and electronic devices from your bag.  Jackets and belts will also have to be taken off, as well as anything metal on your person. 

You’re past the scary part! Now it’s time to find your gate. DIA makes it easy. First, as you’re going to the train that will take you to your terminal, look at your ticket. It should say A, B, or C. Get off at your determined terminal, the speaker will say it, and follow the signs to your gate. To follow your gate look at the screens when you get off at your terminal. If you are there too early, it will not show up yet but it should tell you where to go.

Once your boarding starts, check your ticket once more to see what group you are in and board accordingly. 

Airports are good at signage. Take a deep breath you will figure it out, and if not people are there to help. Fly safe, Rocky!