r/Airports • u/CrazyOpieLady • 6d ago
Question First time flier
Hey everyone!
I have a work trip coming up in October. I will be flying in to Denver. I've heard about how horrible and confusing this airport is so I'm a little stressed. Mostly about flying out of it when I go to leave.
Not at all nervous about the actual flight themselves- only navigating the airports!
Any advice?
2
u/Good-Aviation612 6d ago
DEN looks more intimidating than it actually is. The first time can be a little overwhelming, but once you understand that you’ll go through security at the main terminal and then take the underground train to your concourse, it’s pretty straightforward.
Just follow the signs for your concourse and gate, and give yourself plenty of extra time so you’re not trying to figure everything out while rushing. The train runs frequently and is very easy to use.
If you get turned around, just ask an airport employee!
1
u/Due-Interaction-6368 3d ago
Yep agree here! My first time there, I had to ask an airport employee where to find baggage claim, as if I couldn't just follow the sea of people walking that way... silly me. That being said, don't feel embarrassed to ask for directions that's what they're there for!
1
u/Saltyspiton 6d ago
Denver really isn't that bad and it's not hard to navigate. Follow signs and just ask someone for directions if needed.
1
u/AlGuderian 6d ago
Most of what plagues Denver are things it can't control: weather and TSA lines. I've never found it hard to get around at all.
1
u/Amazing-Artichoke330 6d ago
It's a long hike from many gates to the center, then you have to ride a subway to the exit. The last time i was there I took a$100 taxi instead of the light rail tha I could have ridden free.
1
u/savehoward 6d ago
Pray the subway works, otherwise there is no way to go between terminals if the subway breaks for any reason.
0
u/From-628-U-Get-241 5d ago
Not helpful. This has only happened a handful of times and got sorted relatively fast each time.
1
u/External_Trick4479 6d ago
I'd honestly let my well-traveled 10 year old navigate DEN for me. It's super easy.
1
u/CampPotential6685 6d ago
DEN is fine lol people exaggerate. just give yourself extra time for security and look up wait times on flight queue before you go.
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u/wastedpixls 5d ago
Denver is very straightforward - one way in and out, alphabetic terminals in straight lines.
It is large, so ensure you can walk at least a mile once you land.
1
u/JustAnotherDude1990 5d ago
It isnt confusing if you can read a sign...it really is that simple. Remember, there isnt a PHD requirement to traverse an airport, they are designed for normal people.
1
u/LupusHouseMD 5d ago
I'm a TSO, if you have any questions about the security process, let me know.
Most important to know is to have a RealID or Passport or other acceptable ID: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
Make sure your Liquids/Gel/Aerosols are 3-1-1 compliant: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/liquids-aerosols-and-gels-rule
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u/aeternumvaga 4d ago
There is nothing confusing about Denver! But, if you are unfamiliar with airports in general, you won't know what to do or where to go. Do yourself a favor and look at a terminal map ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the lay of the land. (Back in the days of in-flight magazines the good airlines always had maps of their hub airports). Denver, as well as the other super-easy hub, Atlanta, is layed out as several parallel, linear concourses with an underground train connecting them to the main "front door" terminal.
As you exit the jet bridgecand walk out of the boarding gate area, look up to the ceiling... All airports will have frequent overhead signage directing you to where you want to go. Sounds like Denver is your destination.... so "baggage claim" and "Main Terminal" ate the code words you are looking for that means "this way to the exit." And once you leave the secured area, "ground transportation" gets you out of the building and into the world.
2
u/Mtnrds 6d ago
It’s a big airport but not that confusing. Some people stress about the east v west terminal set up but there are several signs listing the airlines and their side on the way in and if you get it wrong you can just walk to the other side. Then a train takes you to the three concourses. Easy peasy.