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Customs in Denver

is 45 minutes between flights enough time to go thru customs in Denver from Calgary?

Clearing customs and connecting to a domestic flight at Denver International Airport (DEN) from an international arrival, such as Calgary, requires careful timing. While 45 minutes is technically possible under ideal conditions, it is generally considered very tight and risky.

Here’s what to consider:

  • Upon arrival from Calgary, you must go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This involves passport inspection, potentially answering questions, and baggage claim if your luggage is not checked through to your final destination.
  • After clearing customs, you may need to re-check your luggage for your connecting flight unless it was checked through. This can add extra time.
  • You will then need to go through TSA security again before reaching your departure gate for the domestic flight.
  • Denver International Airport is large, so walking between terminals or gates can take 10–20 minutes depending on your arrival and departure concourses.

Additional considerations:

  • Peak travel times (morning or late afternoon) can increase wait times at customs and security.
  • Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks and CBP Mobile Passport app can speed up customs, but lines are unpredictable.
  • If you miss your connection, rebooking can be stressful, especially if you only have 45 minutes between flights.

Recommendation:

  • Ideally, allow at least 90 minutes to 2 hours for an international-to-domestic connection at Denver to ensure enough time for customs, baggage, and security.
  • If your itinerary only gives you 45 minutes, contact your airline. They may be able to advise, help expedite your connection, or rebook you on a later flight if necessary.

In summary, while 45 minutes is not impossible, it is very tight and risky at Denver Airport. For a stress-free connection, aim for at least 1.5 hours between your international arrival from Calgary and your domestic departure.

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