How to Kill Time at Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport's Jeppesen Terminal has approximately 1.5 million square feet of space, including a 900-foot-by-210-foot atrium. During unavoidable flight delays, travelers can easily move through the terminal and the airport's three concourses via an airport subway system on their way to dining, shopping and overall relaxing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Travel Clocks
• Comfortable Shoes
• Travel Clothes
• Travel Kits
• Travel Pillows
• Paperback Books
• Travel Magazines
• E-mail Accounts
• Travel Services
• Athletic Gear
• Travel Games
• Telephone Calling Cards

For the Adults

1. Figure out how much free time you will have. Check to see whether your flight is late and whether it will arrive/depart in Concourse A, B or C.

2. Go to the www.CowBoy Bar in Concourse A to connect to the Web, check your e-mail and grab a quick meal, coffee, drink or brew.

3. Grab a meal at other food court eateries or restaurants in between browsing at the numerous terminal and concourse shops.

4. Shop for sports-related items, children's clothes and toys, sweaters, artwork, apparel and miscellaneous gifts. But keep airline carry-on policies in mind (see Warnings, below).

5. Take a walking tour of the unique artwork found throughout the airport's terminal, three concourses, passenger bridge and transit system. You will see many exhibitions of Colorado's history and ethnic diversity, including murals, fossils and Native American art.

6. Observe planes from the 365-foot-long glass-enclosed pedestrian bridge that connects Jeppesen Terminal to Concourse A. It is the only bridge in the world that crosses an active airfield.

7. De-stress your back and neck. Visit the chiropractor, located on the south end of the center of Level 2 of Concourse B.

8. Visit the interfaith chapel or Islamic prayer hall in the Jeppesen Terminal.

For the Kids

9. Cater to your kids' interests if they are with you to keep them from getting antsy, which may lead to unpleasant whining. You may also want to tire them out before they get on the plane.

10. Go to the KidsPort - Denver Children's Museum, on the northeast side of Level 3 of Concourse A.

11. Choose from one of three locations of the Airport Family Fun Center: the northeast corner of Level 6 of the Jeppesen Terminal, the east side of Level 3 of Concourse A, and the south end of the center of Level 2 of Concourse C.

12. Consider going to the Kid's Corner, located on the north side of the east wing of Level 2 of Concourse A.

13. Feed your brood at any of the numerous eateries located throughout the airport.

14. Shop at the children's stores located throughout the terminal and concourses.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are departing on a flight, you must check in at your gate at least an hour before the flight, longer on international flights. Check with your airline.
• Remember that many airlines have new carry-on restrictions and that you may have to check-in larger purchases or have them shipped.

on 11/22/2005 The fictional character Melvin Tiddywinkle has quite a reputation at this airport. Go to one of the information booths and have him paged, leaving your cell-phone number, and you'll start receiving tons of short calls (from the white courtesy phones) from Denver airport employees wishing Melvin well.

Even better, find a guy (or girl) who smells like jet fuel and wears a light blue shirt with ASIG written on it and dark blue pants. Ask them to call Melvin or Peter on the radio (I promise they will happily oblige). Melvin was created by Peter, the fueler at Aircraft Services International (ASIG). Have fun!

on 11/22/2005 If you have plenty of time, ride the train around (the one that goes between concourses). Either sit on the seats or hang on the poles. Better yet, be adventurous and try to stand on one foot in the middle of the train.