Established in 1995 close to the geographic center of the contiguous 48 United States, Denver International Airport quickly became one of the most popular airports globally. It's the largest airport in the United States; since 2000, DIA has been among the top 20 busiest airports in the world, currently serving over 200 destinations between North America, Central America, Europe, and Asia.

As the airport continues to grow, more and more passengers will connect through Denver. If your next flight brings you to the Mile High City, here's a list of lounges and how to access them, so you can avoid the crowds and find a comfortable place to sit.

United Club offerings

United Airlines uses Denver International Airport as one of its main hubs. It has a significant presence in Concourse B, with one main lounge, one on the way, and its latest lounge concept, "United Club Fly." The United Club open currently can be found near gate B32 and is a standard United Club lounge with comfortable seating, charging stations, light snacks, and a full-service bar. The second lounge, near gate B44, is currently being remodeled, and, as a result, the airline has set up a "pop-up" lounge near gate B59.

The pop-up location offers good seating, charging options, and light refreshments. However, according to Lounge Review, the United Club pop-ups are more susceptible to noise from the terminal, so if the lounge near B32 has available seats, we recommend heading that way. And for those looking for something different, there's the Club Fly near gate B60. The inviting space offers grab-and-go packaged food, drinks, a coffee bar, and limited bar-style tables with seats and charging ports. And although the airport is a central United hub and offers some long-haul flights such as DEN - NRT, no Polaris business lounge exists.

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To get into any of these areas just with your boarding pass, you must be traveling in one of the following cabins: Polaris Business on a long-haul flight, United Business on international or some transcontinental flights, or First/business class on a Star Alliance airline. Alternatively, you gain entry to United Clubs if you have an international itinerary with United Airlines or Star Alliance partner and Star Alliance Gold status.

Those with a United Club membership gain access to the lounges and can bring up to two guests into the formal lounge. Lastly, Air Canada Maple Leaf Club membership holders, Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer members, and active US military personnel can access United Club lounges.

American Airlines Admirals Club

American Airlines has an Admirals Club lounge in Concourse A, featuring cozy seats, plenty of outlets, light snacks, and a wide variety of beverages. However, according to One Mile At A Time, the Denver Admirals Club will be one of the first to get an impressive complete makeover, though American Airlines has yet to announce a timeline.

All annual and lifetime Admirals Club members, Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite MasterCard cardholders, ConciergeKey members, and AirPass members get access to all Admirals Club lounges when flying with American Airlines or a oneworld partner.

AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, Platinum members, oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members, First or business class passengers on an American Airlines or oneworld partner international flight can also access the Denver Admirals Club lounge. And finally, for those without a qualifying partner credit card or oneworld airline status, day passes can be purchased for $59 or 5,900 AAdvantage miles.

Delta Air Lines Sky Club

On the fourth floor of Concourse A, you'll find Denver's Delta Sky Club, with ample seating, a variety of snacks, and even complimentary alcoholic drinks and Starbucks coffee. The lounge is small, leading to busyness during peak travel seasons, but being slightly hidden above the concourse helps mitigate some of the traffic. While Delta Air Lines no longer offers day passes for purchase, there are many options for lounge access.

Delta Sky Club members, SkyMiles TRUST CLUB Gold or Platinum Visa card holders, and SkyMiles Diners Club card holders can get into DIA's Sky Club lounge with any same-day Delta or partner airline ticket. Travelers in Delta One, including domestic or those connecting to an international Delta One flight, along with SkyTeam premium cabin passengers, may also use the Sky Club free of charge. And for those with SkyTeam Elite Plus status, or Delta Gold Medallion or higher status, on or connecting to any international SkyTeam operated flight have complimentary lounge access.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card members with a same-day Delta marketed or operated ticket can get into this lounge for free. In contrast, Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card members and American Express Centurion and Platinum Card members must pay an extra $50.

Outside of SkyTeam, Delta enjoys partnerships with WestJet, Virgin Atlantic, and LATAM. As a result, Premium Cabin passengers with service on or connecting to an international flight with any of these airlines can enjoy the Sky Club lounge. WestJet Rewards Gold and Platinum members flying between the US and Canada on one of these airlines have lounge access, as do LATAM Pass Platinum or higher members flying internationally with Delta or LATAM.

Sky Club access is complimentary for Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold members flying on or connecting to an international flight with Delta, Virgin Atlantic, Air France, or KLM.

American Express Centurion Lounge

Denver International Airport's last lounge tucked away in Concourse C near gate C46, is the American Express Centurion Lounge. To date, it's American Express' second largest lounge and the only non-airline lounge at DIA. It's spacious and comfortable and offers a premium selection of food and spirits compared to the other options. Due to the lounge's advantages, it would get crowded, but after February 1, the company will change its policy, likely helping to keep numbers at a more comfortable level.

American Express Platinum, Business Platinum, Corporate Platinum, Centurion card members, Delta SkyMiles Reserve, and Reserve Business Card members all have complimentary access to this lounge. For passengers entering on an American Express card, all that's needed is a same-day ticket. If entering with a Delta SkyMiles card, the flight will need to be operated by Delta. Previously, guests of American Express cardholders were allowed, while Delta cardholders had to pay $50 per guest. However, starting February 1, American Express cardholders will also need to pay $50 per guest or spend over $75,000 per year.

What was your favorite lounge experience like? Do you have any tips on getting lounge access while traveling? Please share with us in the comments below!

Sources: OMAAT, The Centurion, Denver International Airport, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines

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  Denver International Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  DEN/KDEN

  Country:

  United States

  CEO:

  Phillip A. Washington

  Passenger Count :

  58,828,552 (2021)

  Runways :

  7/25 - 3,658m (12,000 ft) | 8/26 - 3,658m (12,000 ft) | 16L/34R - 3,658m (12,000 ft) | 16R/34L - 4,877m (16,000 ft) | 17L/35R - 3,658m (12,000 ft) | 17R/35L - 3,658m (12,000 ft)