Free WiFi at Denver International Airport

DIA drops wireless fees, adds workstations and opens new parking garage.

The first airport where I ever lucked into free wireless was Boise, but at other airports, when I've had time to kill and work to do, I've swallowed hard and pulled out a credit card to buy access. Since I use Denver International Airport more than all other airports combined, I was delighted to learn that DIA now offers free WiFi on all the concourses. I'm flying out again on Friday, and I'll check the electrical outlet situation, which is also important for those of us who tote laptops to work when traveling and who find ourselves with a lot of time at the airport. Since Denver is a key hub from United and Frontier, I'm guessing that not only local travelers but also those with connecting flights will happily be using the new free WiFi .

And travelers for whom plain old WiFi isn't enough, DIA now boasts kioks called Zook Worx on the concourses and in the main terminal. They offer word processing, spreadsheet, presentation applications, high-speed laser printers, media drives, USB ports and laptop charging equipment. These workstations feature a traditional office keyboard and mouse, and a 17-inch flat panel monitor. For confidentiality, the workstations features an enclosed booth design and privacy filters on the screens. Unlike free WiFi, the workstations do cost; users can charge the fees to a credit card.

Other news at DIA is the new, 1,800-car parking garage on the southwest corner of the Jeppesen Terminal (that's the first section you get to on the United side). With the new facility, which has been under construction since May 2006, DIA has just under 41,000 public parking spaces. The daily rate is $18, like the older garages. I wouldn't dream of paying that much. In fact, I try to take RTD's SkyRide at $10 one-way from Boulder. I can ride to and from DIA for just a couple of dollars more than one day of parking in a garage there.