DEN or DIA? Denver Airport

What's in a name...
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Having spent quite a few years with the Federal Aviation Administration, I really like airports, and aviation in general.  I even like sitting in airports, watching other travelers.  And of course, being a RealTraveler, I love to fly.

I also love learning arcane little facts about airports, like why Chicago O'Hare's 3-letter IATA Location Identifier is ORD. (It used to be called Orchard Depot Field.)

Choose wisely

So maybe you can understand why I might wax a little eloquent over something as simple, as ordinary, as an airport.  The Denver International Airport has more land than any other international airport in the U.S.  One of its runways is the longest non-military runway in the U.S.  More airport trivia: The IATA code for the Denver International Airport is "DEN" though locals refer to it as DIA. Its famous "tented" fabric roof distinguishes it from any other airport in the world. Over 47 million people came through DEN last year.

Arriving at Denver’s International Airport for this trip was a real treat for me. I had connected there twice on a trip to Hawaii in 2006, but had never left the airport. This time, I did it all – went through baggage claim, took an airport shuttle bus to the rental car area, rented a car, visited the gas station, and made the (long) drive to the city. Only 12 years old, the airport facilities are still fairly new, and I had absolutely no problems. The next day when I picked up my friend Jayne there, I marveled at how easily the passenger pickup operated as well.  So far I love this big airport.

But it wasn't always so lovable.  Before the airport opened for business, it had experienced numerous construction delays, prompting a new "DIA" definition, "Delayed indefinitely Airport." Then there was the blizzard that tore open the roof, then another blizzard last winter that stranded thousands for several days.  But if you want to get somewhere on time, first check the connecting times at various airports.  DEN is one of the best; ORD is one of the worst.

So, choose wisely.