Expert tips for flying from DIA this holiday season

November 7, 2019

By Mark Cox

As the 2019 holiday travel season takes off, work continues on Denver International Airport's Great Hall renovation, meaning that it's more important than ever to chart out your flight plan well in advance. RED connected with Tracey Wright, executive travel and event planner for DIA and an Metropolitan State University of Denver alumna, to get her expert tips and picks for traveling this holiday season.

Navigate the current construction work

1. Check FlyDenver.com in advance for live information on security wait times and departures.

2. Closely follow the helpful signs; they will keep you on the right track.

3. When in doubt, ask a friendly airport employee for help. (Look for a green/orange/purple DEN badge.)

Eat right

Freshens Fresh Food Studio - Concourse A

This is a wonderful health-focused restaurant, which opened just last summer. Their blended smoothies and frozen yogurt are to die for!

Snarf’s Sandwiches - Concourse A

Born and bred in Colorado, Snarf’s Sandwiches opened its DIA outpost in summer 2018. The beloved eatery offers all its fave sammys as well as grab-and-go salads, daily soup options and Zapp's chips.

Grab one of Snarf's Colorado-famous sammys for your flight out of DIA. Photo courtesy Denver International Airport.

Little Man Ice Cream - Concourse C

The iconic Denver ice creamery is now serving delicious treats inside the airport – including several boozy options. Whiskey Apple Pie, anyone?

Get a beer passport

Grab a craft beer by Tivoli Brewing Co. at DIA's Tom's Urban Kitchen & Brewery. Photo courtesy of Denver International Airport.

DIA boasts four excellent, homegrown watering holes:

Tivoli Brewery inside Tom’s Urban – Pre-security, on the plaza between the terminal and the Westin
Breckenridge Brewery – Concourse A, Near Gate A71
New Belgium Brewing – Concourse B, Near Gate B30
Great Divide Brewing Co. – Concourse C, Near Gate C32

Want a free pint? Pick up DIA's new Beer Passport to earn a free pour after you've collected a stamp from all four breweries. Be sure to share your favorite Beer Passport photos on social media using #DENBeerPassport.

Relax

Cuddle a canine

Say hello to some furry friends, thanks to the largest airport therapy-pet program in the U.S.

DIA's Canine Airport Therapy Squad and features volunteer pet owners who share their time and pets to delight travelers with friendly wags and furry cuddles. Photo courtesy of Denver International Airport.

Go ice skating

From Nov. 22 through Jan. 22, travelers can get free skate rental, then hit a special seasonal ice rink on DIA's Plaza. Look for hot chocolate and hot cider or fun activities and entertainment on Friday afternoons.

The 4th annual Ice Rink at DIA Plaza will be open Nov. 22 through Jan. 20. Photo courtesy of Denver International Airport.

Relax those aching shoulders

Give yourself a break and enjoy some quality time at one of the massage centers around the airport:

A Massage – Concourse A, Center Core
A Massage - Concorse B, Mezzanine
XpresSpa - Concourse C, near Gate C30
XpresSpa - Concourse C, Center Core

Meditate

DIA's Interfaith Chapel and Prayer Hall, located on Level 6 East of the Jeppesen Terminal, is open 24 hours a day, everyday. It includes an interfaith chapel and Islamic Masjid and a Catholic Mass is held on Sundays at 1 p.m.

DIA's Chapel and Prayer Hall is open 24 hours a day. Photo courtesy of Denver International Airport.

Read up!

Jeff Price, aviation professor at MSU Denver and a trained pilot, and Jeffrey Forrest, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Aviation and Aerospace Science, last summer published "Images of Aviation: Denver Airports From Stapleton to DIA," which traces the fascinating story of the Mile High City’s airports. Pick up your copy to understand the vital role aviation has played in Denver's transformation from a cow town to a boomtown.