Denver, CO – As the Labor Day weekend approaches, travelers across the nation are gearing up for what the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) predicts to be the busiest travel weekend in 15 years. Whether you’re flying out of Denver International Airport or driving along Colorado’s popular mountain routes, expect heavy traffic and crowded conditions.
To help ease the holiday stress, Denver7 spoke with experts and airport officials, offering key insights and travel hacks to navigate this busy period smoothly.
Denver International Airport Preparing for High Passenger Volume
Denver International Airport (DIA) is bracing for approximately 429,000 passengers to pass through security checkpoints over Labor Day weekend, according to airport spokesperson Michael Konopasek.
In an exclusive interview, Konopasek highlighted a useful tip for travelers looking to avoid long lines: the newly opened East Security checkpoint. Despite its recent debut, many passengers have yet to utilize this option.
“But what’s kind of, I think, a cool travel hack during this Labor Day travel weekend is that East security sees some shorter lines sometimes. So if you can go over to E security, especially if you’re a pre-check customer,” Konopasek said. “We’re trying to get some of those pre-check customers going over to East security, getting them used to that new security checkpoint so they know that that’s an option as well.”
Parking Constraints at Denver International Airport
Travelers planning to park at DIA this weekend should anticipate reduced availability due to ongoing improvements.
- Fewer parking spots are available as upgrades continue at the West Economy Lot and West Garage.
- To avoid last-minute surprises, travelers are encouraged to check real-time parking availability at FlyDenver.com/parking before arriving.
Mountain Travel: Early Starts and Road Safety Recommended
For those heading westbound on I-70 or traveling along Highway 285, AAA Regional Director of Public Affairs Skyler McKinley advises getting on the road early to beat the expected congestion.
“We’ll see a lot of those folks on our roadways heading up and down I-70, up and down Highway 285,” McKinley said. “Expect that kind of traffic in the traditional tourist hotspots…Vail Pass, headed to Steamboat, headed to Aspen, as well as the broader Intermountain West.”
Good news for drivers: all construction projects along these routes have been suspended until Tuesday to help reduce traffic backups, thanks to Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
- Travelers can check road conditions, closures, and accidents anytime at CoTrip.org.
Helpful Reminders for a Smooth Labor Day Travel Experience
- Consider shifting to less crowded security checkpoints like East Security at DIA.
- Verify parking availability online before arriving at the airport to save time.
- Plan to travel early, especially on busy mountain routes such as I-70 and Highway 285.
- Stay updated on road conditions via official channels like CoTrip.org.
- Expect large crowds and increased traffic volumes nationwide during this holiday weekend.
For travelers wanting more detailed information, the full report and expert insights are available at the original source: Denver7 Labor Day Travel Tips.
What do you think about these Labor Day travel tips? Are you planning a trip through Denver International Airport or Colorado mountain highways this holiday weekend? Share your thoughts and travel plans in the comments below!
