How to Kill Time at Denver International Airport

Between traffic on Peña Boulevard (the A Line is an option, if it doesn’t have another snafu), record holiday travel, high winds and weather-related delays, it’s never a bad idea to give yourself plenty of time when flying out of Denver International Airport. Maybe even a ridiculous amount of time, especially during peak travel days.

But the Denver airport is actually a pretty sweet place to hang out while waiting for your boarding group to be called. True, it’s no Singapore and yes, the construction maze remains a pain, but otherwise DIA is clean and well-appointed with seating and charging spaces, as well as outstanding food and beverage offerings…and have you even been to MIA?

Gripe about it if you gotta, rush if you must, but you’ll find us chillin’ like a villain while toasting Blucifer at our favorite airport during Christmas crunch time. Here are some ways to live your best life before takeoff.

Check Out the Art

Even if you don’t count our demonic equine overlord, there’s plenty of public art to admire around the airport. Peep the “It’s Not What You Take, It’s What You Bring Back” suitcase sculpture by Thomas “Detour” Evans (B Concourse, near Gate B60), temporary installations including a costume exhibition celebrating Cleo Parker Robinson (C Concourse, C Mezzanine Gallery), the fashion journey of Pret-A-Porter, Rocky Mountain Reverie (A Bridge) and, of course, “Notre Denver,” two whimsical gargoyles that watch over the east and west baggage claim areas on Level 5.

Thirty years of art purchases under the city’s 1-percent-for-art construction commitment can create quite a gallery.

Swing a Little

Fore! Play! No, not the way they do it in Highlands Ranch. The newly opened Golf DEN has five virtual fairways where you can get in some simulated swings before flying off to the real thing. There are also comfy lounge chairs and a snack bar with beer, wine and cocktails. 

You’ll find the swingers on the A Concourse, Center Core Mezzanine Level, West.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

There are many first-class food offerings throughout the facility, but for oysters, champagne and caviar, there is only The Bindery. Opened in July, the airport outpost of the popular LoHi eatery features flagship favorites like lavender chocolate chip cookies as well as an oyster bar, tins of caviar and splits of Moët & Chandon champagne.

When you hear that DIA is on a ground delay, head straight for the A Concourse near Gate A24. Cheers, darlings.

Take in the Views

Catch some rays, watch planes, enjoy the Rocky Mountain majesty and let Fido take a wee at one of the airport’s three outdoor decks, located on each concourse. Relax around the firepits and get a breath of fresh air before heading off to your destination. The outdoor patios are open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, subject to weather, and although they are outdoors, no smoking or vaping is permitted. 

They’re located on Concourse A near Gate A15, Concourse B near Gate B7, and Concourse C near Gate C67.

Take a Snooze

You can brunch to your heart’s content at Snooze An A.M. Eatery (Concourse B, Center Core Mezzanine Level), but sleepyheads will want to head to the mezzanine level at Concourse A for the Rest and Recharge area. Partitioned for privacy and featuring padded recliners and plenty of electrical outlets, this free area is ideal for grabbing 40 winks and getting to (at least) 40 percent battery on those all-important devices.

Be a Lounge Lizard

What’s in your wallet? If it’s a fancy-schmancy credit card or you have “head honcho” status with an airline, you can waltz right into any number of airport lounges — if there’s not a waitlist — and wait like a one-percenter. The rest of us can still live large courtesy of day passes, throwing down complimentary hooch, hoovering up hors d’oeuvres, and even taking advantage of private showers or meditation rooms. While day passes are NOT available at the American Express Centurion Lounge, the Delta Sky Club or the American Airlines Admirals Club, the unwashed masses can easily gain admittance to the Capital One Lounge or the United Club for $90 or $59, respectively.

Here’s where to rise above the little people: Capital One Lounge/Plaza Premium,  A Concourse near Gate A34; United Club, A Concourse near Gate A25; United Club, B Concourse West near Gate B32; United Club, B Concourse East near Gate B44

Take a Swim

You heard it here: Booking a room at the pet-friendly Westin Denver International Airport is not only a great way to avoid getting up at oh-god-thirty to catch an early flight, but the hotel also has a fitness center with Peloton bikes and TRX, a heated indoor pool and hot tub —  which are available to non-hotel guests for a mere $35 via ResortPass.

The hotel is directly connected to DIA’s Jeppesen Terminal.

Unwind at the USO

At ease, soldiers: The USO at DEN is here for you. The facility at A Concourse, Level 4, is open to currently serving military personnel and their dependents, U.S. military retirees with valid U.S. Department of Defense ID cards and Gold Star Families/Families of the Fallen and their guests, the airport’s recently refurbished USO lounge has Xbox gaming consoles, food and beverage offerings, and a children’s area, all to say “thank you” to those who serve.

With entertaining options like these, you may not care if your flight ever takes off.