Denver, CO

What are TSA wait times at DEN? Spring break adds to challenges

Published

2 months ago

March 19, 2026

What are TSA wait times at DEN? Spring break adds to challenges

Denver International Airport expects to see more than 1.3 million passengers go through security during the spring break window between March 11 and 29, a challenging amount of traffic in and of itself.

And doing that with Transportation Security Agency workers who are not getting paid because of the partial federal government shutdown seems like a recipe for massive lines.

That scenario is playing out in airports across the country already, as security workers are calling out so they can work other jobs to pay their bills.

Denver International Airport has yet to be hit as hard, but the potential remains there. March 20 and 22 are expected to be among the busiest days for screenings during the season, according to the airport.

Here is how to get real-time updates on security wait times.

How to check wait times at DEN?

To check wait times at Denver International Airport, go to flydenver.com/security. The page gives waiting times for each checkpoint, differentiating for those who will undergo a standard screening and the line for those with TSA Precheck and CLEAR.

The page also has other important information, including directions on how to sign up for an appointment to skip part of the line at the checkpoints, the latest directions on what to do with your belongings at the screening and how long average walking times are to go to gates.

How long are wait times at Denver International Airport?

As of 2 p.m. MT on March 19, times were:

East Security, standard: 3 to 7 minutes
East Security Precheck: 3 to 7 minutes
West Security, Standard: 0 to 4 minutes
West Security, Precheck: 1to 5 minutes

DEN warned wait times can change quickly and noted that the peak times when lines tend to be longest are 3 to 4:30 a.m., 8 to 10 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.

What can people do to support TSA security screeners?

With security screeners now missing paychecks and no end to the shutdown in site, DEN is accepting donations of gift cards for gas stations and grocery stores for the workers who continue to show up despite not being paid.

The donations can be dropped off in collection bins and secure lock boxes in the Great Hall of the Jeppesen Terminal and Final Approach, the airport’s cell phone Lot.

“TSA employees just missed their first paycheck, and as we enter a busy Spring Break travel period, we want to do what we can to ease the stress of this moment,” Denver International Airport CEO Phil Washington said in a statement.

Why are TSA security screeners not getting paid?

While most of the federal government is fully funded, the Department of Homeland Security ran out of funds allocated by Congress through the typical budget process at midnight on Feb. 13. The dollars are tied up in a dispute over the tactics and practices of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with congressional Democrats saying they will not approve more funding for the department without reforms at ICE.

Essential employees can still be called to work during a shutdown, and most workers in Homeland Security’s alphabet soup of agencies and bureaus tasked with protecting the nation are considered essential.

Essential workers are required by law to be paid in full after a shutdown ends, but they do not typically get paid during a shutdown. Most of Homeland Security’s workers are getting paid on time through funds allocated in the Big Beautiful Bill in 2025, but TSA screeners are a notable exception.

How long will the government shutdown last??

There is no clear end in sight. Funding passed by the Republican-led House has been blocked by congressional Democrats. An end-around by Democrats, known as a discharge petition, to get the House to vote on funds for most of DHS — but not ICE — faces an uphill battle. And the Senate has a recess scheduled for March 30 through April 10.

Projections on Kalshi and Polymarket, a pair of prediction markets, have the partial government shutdown lasting through April 13.

Nate Trela covers trending news in Colorado and Utah for the USA TODAY Network.

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Denver, CO

Police investigate shooting at Montbello Recreation Center

Published

2 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Press Room

Police investigate shooting at Montbello Recreation Center

DENVER (KDVR) — Police are on the scene of a shooting on Thursday at the Montbello Recreation Center.

The Denver Police Department initially reported the shooting happened in the 15000 block of East 23rd Avenue.

Police said a juvenile was pronounced dead at the scene.

There is no suspect in custody at this time, but officers said they are gathering suspect information.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.

This is developing news. FOX31 will update.

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Denver, CO

Denver weather: More sunshine, high plains storms

Published

14 hours ago

May 21, 2026

Press Room

Denver weather: More sunshine, high plains storms

DENVER (KDVR) — Morning sunshine helps to warm metro Denver highs on Thursday, but there could be some severe storms in the plains this afternoon.

Weather today: Plains storms

Denver will see mainly sunny skies Thursday morning, allowing for temperatures to climb into the upper 60s with some late clouds. Storms can fire up in the afternoon and push across the plains in the evening.

There is a slight risk for severe storms in the eastern plains, with chances for gusty winds, isolated large hail and the potential for a tornado. Keep an eye on the sky this afternoon.

Weather tonight: Extra clouds

Clouds from the afternoon will linger as the showers and storms push east on Thursday night. Overnight lows will end up in the lower 40s with a light wind.

Looking ahead: Warmer and drier weekend

Friday finishes off the workweek with mostly sunny skies, small storm chances and mild highs in the lower 40s. Saturday kicks off the holiday weekend with partly to mainly sunny skies with seasonal highs in the lower 70s.

Sunday is a little warmer as highs hit the 80-degree mark with mostly sunny skies. Memorial Day has a small chance for a late storm as highs reach the lower 80s and Denver sees partly cloudy skies.

Tuesday keeps temperatures in the lower 80s with a mix of sun and clouds and small storm chances. Wednesday also has small storm chances in the afternoon with extra clouds and mild highs near the 80-degree mark.

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Denver, CO

Denver weather: More rain to end the week

Published

1 day ago

May 20, 2026

Press Room

Denver weather: More rain to end the week

DENVER (KDVR) — More below normal temperatures and rain showers are in the Denver weather forecast ahead of Memorial Day weekend.

Rain showers will start to taper off just in time for puck drop of the Colorado Avalanche game, and temperatures will stay seasonally cool, in the 50s.

Denver weather tonight: Showers ending

Rain showers will wrap up Wednesday night, followed by clearing clouds. Low temperatures will fall to the upper 30s, which is about 5 degrees cooler than normal for this time of year.

Denver weather Thursday: Afternoon showers

Clouds will build back in on Thursday ahead of afternoon showers and thunderstorms. High temperatures will climb to the mid-60s, which is still nearly 10 degrees cooler than normal for this time of year

Looking ahead: Warmer Memorial Day Weekend

Friday will start with a few morning showers, with the better chance for a few showers and thunderstorms returning by the evening. Temperatures will be cooler, and only reach the lower 60s, which is about 10 degrees below normal.

Warmer weather moves in for Memorial Day weekend. Saturday, temperatures will be near seasonal and reach 70 degrees with plenty of sunshine. More sunshine in the forecast will help to boost highs toward 80 degrees on Sunday, then lower 80s are in the forecast on Monday, alongside a few afternoon showers and thunderstorms.