Denver International Airport (DEN) has launched a pilot programme enabling travellers to pre-book checked luggage at remote airline check-in locations.
The pilot is a collaboration between the airport, CLEAR, and Baggage Airline Guest Services (Bags), which currently operates DEN’s free bag-check programme at two locations – on 75th Avenue near the Pikes Peak Shuttle Lot and at the Transit Center near the RTD A-Line. (Any passenger at DEN can use Bags’ free services and check their bags and get a boarding pass before entering the terminal.)
During the pilot project, CLEAR members will be able to pre-book checked luggage through the Bags website, meaning that their luggage tags and boarding passes are ready upon arrival at either one of the existing Bags locations. Members will drop their bags using a priority bag check lane, before proceeding to CLEAR’s existing expedited identity verification lanes at the security checkpoint.
The pilot programme, which will operate for three months, is intended to help reduce congestion at airline ticket counters and save passengers time and effort by allowing them to skip the airline check-in counter and the hassle of carrying luggage through the terminal.
“DEN is continuing to explore innovative ways to improve the passenger experience, and we’re excited to pilot this enhanced bag-check service in partnership with CLEAR and Bags,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “We hope this will encourage even more passengers to use our free bag-check programme and have a smooth airport experience.”
CLEAR has operated its signature expedited verification lanes at DEN since 2010. Members use CLEAR’s network of dedicated lanes to verify their identity with their eyes or fingers, replacing the need to take out their wallet and driver’s license. After verification, a CLEAR Ambassador escorts members through the dedicated lane and directly to TSA physical security, reducing the amount of time spent waiting in line at the security checkpoint.
Bags’ services are available to DEN passengers flying domestically on Alaska, United, American, Spirit, Delta, and Southwest airlines.
Image: Denver International Airport
