Your Flight is Delayed for 3 Hours at Denver International Airport: Here’s What to Do
There are some guarantees that I can make you when flying in and out of Denver International Airport. The first is that the traffic on Peña Boulevard will likely be insane-take the Train to the Plane instead. The second thing that I can guarantee is that 9 times out of 10 you’re likely to experience some turbulence flying in and out of the airport. The third is that if you’re flying (doesn’t matter which airport you’re at) sooner or later you’ll probably experience a delay-sometimes short, sometimes longer but they happen. If your flight is delayed for 3 hours at Denver International Airport: here’s what to do.
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Your Flight Was Delayed
You’re finally at Denver International Airport and you’re waiting to board your plane when your phone chimes. A text message is alerting you that your flight has been delayed for the next 3 hours. Everyone in the waiting area looks frustrated but what can you do. Flights are delayed for so many reasons:
- Issues from other airports creating a ripple effect at DIA/DEN
- Inclement weather such as a quick storm coming in with lightening, snow or crazy wind.
- Something is happening with the plane (as long as it’s not that poo plane-we’re ok)
Basically, delays happen when flying at more often than not you’re going to be impacted by one of those delays at an airport such as DIA.
What to Bring With You
Travel delays happen. The worst ones happen when you’re not prepared for the worst. Here are a few things that I travel with to help me manage those moments better.
- Eye mask so that you can sleep
Tip #1 Do Not Exit the Gates
Before exiting the gates check how long it will take to go through security to return to whichever gate your flight is departing from. Sometimes it’s just not worth the aggravation to go back through a security check point. Also, you’ll obviously need have your i.d. and boarding pass. If you’re carrying around a light piece of luggage it’s not a huge hassle to move around. But, consider that it might be a little annoying.
Tip #2 Be Aware that Denver International Airport is Under Construction
It feels like every airport that I’ve flown in or out of in recent years is having work done. Kind of like getting a facelift and some botox. DIA is no different and so you may find yourself dealing with construction or a space that’s beautifully done and another spot that looks like a dungeon.
Tip #3 Enjoy one of the 3 Outdoors Patios In Each Gates
Gates A-C each have cute patios that were completed in the past year or so. I believe that all three also have fire pits as well as a spot for your dog to do its business. If you’re going stir crazy inside and need some fresh air-I highly recommend spending some time on one of the patios.
Tip #4-Ride the Train (DO NOT EXIT THE GATES)
Again, you can move in-between the gates but do not accidentally leave the gates and have to go through security again. You should keep all of your personal items on you so that if you make this mistake-you can go through security. That said, different gates have different restaurants and amenities that you can enjoy.
Tip #5 Eat a Good Meal
There are some great restaurant concepts at the airport. Here are a few that I think you’ll enjoy. Check which gate they are in and bon appetit. By the way, these are all Colorado local companies.
- Root Down
- Mercantile Dining and Provision (restaurant space)
- Smashburger
- Snooze an A.M. Eatery
- Modern Market
- Half-Moon Empanadas
- Elways
Tip #5-Enjoy a great cup of coffee
Denverites love their coffee and I’m excited to see some great local coffee concepts at the airport (plus a few national chains).
- Novo Coffee (Colorado Company)
- Dazbog Coffee (Colorado Company)
- Kabod Coffee (Colorado Company)
- Mercantile Dining and Provision (coffee concept) (Colorado Company)
- Lavazza (National Chain)
- Caribou Coffee (my favorite out of the national chains)
- Starbucks
Tip #6-Focus on Relaxation
Traveling can be so stressful. In addition to sitting on a patio, check out Amassage-located in gate B. Or, if you have access to one of the many lounges located within the airport-spend some time relaxing in one of those as well. Finally, DIA has a canine therapy program (CATS) I love it when the dogs are in the terminal. I’m not even an animal person, but I do enjoy petting the therapy dogs. You can even bird watch while you wait for your next plane as birds are inside the terminal.
Tip #7 Pay It Forward
Sometimes you’ll see someone having a hard time because of a flight delay. Pay it forward with a nice unexpected gesture to help out a fellow traveler.
- Buy a coffee for the person behind you
- Buy a meal for a family
- Give someone a Visa gift card (because you planned on doing something like this)
- Leave the book that you finished reading on a seat so that someone else can enjoy it.
- It pains me to have to say this…but, I need to remind people of the following -NEVER watch someone else’s luggage or belongings.
Your Flight is Delayed for 3 Hours at Denver International Airport
It happens and these things can be stressful. Before you get on your next fly departing or transferring through literally any airport-design a plan to help you manage what can be a stressful travel experience. And remember, don’t exit the gates unless you have everything on you and you’ve checked the security lines.