New DIA “bag drop” option streamlines air travel for Thanksgiving

Just in time for the busy Thanksgiving week, Denver International Airport travelers can check their bags and print their boarding passes at two of its shuttle parking areas.

The free bag drop service will mean DIA passengers parking in the Pikes Peak and Mount Elbert lots or the transit center can get their luggage unloaded even before they park their cars, DIA officials announced Thursday.

“This new bag drop service is the first of its kind in the country and is another way Denver International Airport is working to make travel easier for our passengers,” airport CEO Kim Day said.

The bag drop service eliminates the hassle of carrying luggage onto the shuttle and through the terminal, according to Mindy Crane, DIA spokeswoman.

To use the service, passengers follow signs in the shuttle parking lots to a bag drop kiosk, where a greeter will remove the luggage from their car, check in the passenger and print boarding passes. Passengers then board the shuttle and head directly to security once they arrive at the terminal.

Passengers must be checked in and have dropped off their bags at least 90 minutes before their flight. Airline bag fees are paid at the bag drop kiosk. The service is available Saturday through Thursday from 2 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday from 2 a.m. to 7 p.m.

To accommodate passengers arriving at the airport by train or bus, DIA also offers bag drop services at the Transit Center.