Denver International Airport (DEN) has officially opened its East Security Checkpoint and reopened the pedestrian walkway to Concourse A.
A gathering to mark the completion of the checkpoint took place on 4 August, attended by US Representative Diana DeGette, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, officials from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and members of the design and construction teams.
The East Security Checkpoint is located on Level 6, directly across from the West Security Checkpoint. It opened to passengers at 3 am on 5 August. This facility is part of the ongoing Great Hall Program, a multi-phase redevelopment of the Jeppesen Terminal.
With the opening of the East Checkpoint, all security screening at DEN is now consolidated at the north end of Level 6. The South Security Checkpoint has closed permanently.
Passengers travelling to or from Concourse A now have the option to use the pedestrian walkway again, bypassing the airport train service if preferred.
Departing passengers must go through security before accessing the walkway, while arriving passengers using the bridge will exit through automated lanes and can access Level 5 for baggage claim and ground transport via lifts at doors 600 (west) and 601 (east).
Both the East and West checkpoints feature 17 screening lanes each and are equipped with updated screening technologies. These facilities support standard screening, TSA PreCheck, CLEAR, and CLEAR with PreCheck.
The security technology in use at both checkpoints includes:
- Lanes allowing multiple passengers to load items at once
- Scanners that enable liquids and electronics to remain in bags
- Automatic bin return systems and diversion of flagged bags without slowing the main line
- Larger bins fitted with RFID tags for improved tracking
- Imaging systems that align bin photos with X-ray scans
Passengers are advised to place all items, including bags and jackets, into bins. Liquids (up to 3.4 oz) and electronics can remain in carry-ons. Shoes may also stay on, regardless of TSA PreCheck status. Bins will return automatically to the loading area and should not be removed from the conveyor belt.
The opening of the East Security Checkpoint marks the completion of Phase II of the Great Hall Program, which was delivered five months ahead of schedule and 10 million USD under budget. The programme is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2027, with staged openings continuing throughout.
The next major development, scheduled for late summer 2026, will see eight new security lanes open on the north end of Level 5, near International Arrivals. This addition aims to facilitate smoother connections for international passengers.
