Airports, Airlines, Aviation

Denver Airport Gift Giving


Throughout the month of December, tripchi covered airport holiday celebrations, a special double-dose of an airport New Year’s Eve, and holiday flying freebies (including a mention of Denver Airport gift giving promotion). Since Seth only scratched the surface on coverage of the Denver Airport holiday promotion, I thought I’d do a more in-depth review based on my first-hand travel experience through the Denver Airport over Christmas – and highlight the Denver Airport gift giving promotion.

On December 23rd I traveled through the Denver Airport, en route to spending Christmas in Los Angeles with my parents. LAX Airport is never anything to write about, but – as usual – Denver Airport did not disappoint. As we’ve mentioned before, Denver Airport is a great airport for several reasons  – it’s like a mall, with shops and restaurants we actually enjoy; it’s easy to navigate, with a fast train connecting the terminals; and, it does a great job representing the local culture of Denver and a Western theme. Other than the fact that it’s located out in the boonies, and is hard to reach from the city, I always enjoy traveling out of DEN. My two big Denver Airport transportation tips for those coming in from the city to the airport – either park at the The Parking Spot and shuttle it in, or book a Super Shuttle (depending on how long you’re staying).

Christmas was no exception, and despite the busy time of year, I was in an out of security in no time thanks to my Pre-Check membership. So, I was able to spend a few hours photographing and exploring Terminals B and C before my flight boarded in Terminal B (the United Terminal).

Denver Airport Terminal C
Denver Airport Terminal C

At any given time, there is at least one promotion going on at Denver Airport – for example, the win a motorcycle on display in Terminal C.

Win a Motorcycle at Denver Airport
Win a Motorcycle at Denver Airport

But because this was the holiday season, Denver Airport had a little something extra special in store for its guests – in the form of free prizes for guests that spent money at airport concessions (one of the things our loyalty program recommends, incidentally).

As I usually get to airports several hours before my flight to do some sleuthing, I had ample time to check out the Denver Airport gift giving promotion across several terminals.

I found that at each terminal, near the entrance to the train and central shopping areas, there was a small kiosk manned by a festively dressed elf, beside an over-sized Christmas present. There were also markings on the floor with arrows leaving a Hansel and Gretel breadcrumb-like trail towards the Denver Airport gift promotion.

Denver Airport Gift Promotion Floor Signage
Denver Airport Gift Promotion Floor Signage

Every time I walked by the kiosk in each of the three terminals, there were passengers waiting in line to chat with the elf. Here’s a view of the kiosk located at the escalator entrance from the train in Terminal C:

Denver Airport Gift Promotion - Terminal C
Denver Airport Gift Promotion – Terminal C

By the time I made it to Terminal B, I decided to try out the promotion first-hand.  Thanks to the signage on the floor (and Seth’s previous blog), I already knew what I had to do. The first step in the process was spending at least $20 at airport stores and restaurants. That could mean a quick neck and shoulders massage at XpresSpa, a souvenir at Spirit of the Red Horse, or, in my case, a meal to carry on-board my flight. As long as the total amount I spent was $20 combined (across any and all vendors), I would qualify for the Denver Airport gift giving promotion.

I was feeling like Mexican food, so I headed over to Que Bueno, nearby my gate in Terminal B. I only had a few minutes to spare before my flight – I was really cutting it down to the wire, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to cover the Denver Airport gift promotion for our tripchi readers!

I ordered a burrito with some chips, guacamole, and threw in a drink, putting the grand total just above $20.

Que Bueno Receipt for Denver Airport Gift Promotion
Que Bueno Receipt for Denver Airport Gift Promotion

Then, I raced over to the Denver Airport gift kiosk at Terminal B – again, near the top of the escalator leading to the trains, next to Spirit of the Red Horse.

Denver Airport gift promotion - Terminal B
Denver Airport gift promotion – Terminal B

The magic hipster elf at the Denver Airport gift promotion counter explained the rules to me again when I asked him what it was all about. He said that if I showed receipts totaling $20 or more, I could reach into his stocking of goodies to  pull out a price (the red stocking on the table to the right). I showed him my receipt, which he marked with an “X” (so that I couldn’t enter again), and he presented the stocking to me to draw from.

The prize I drew was in the lowest tier of prizes – basically one of the knick-knacks on the upper counter towards the right in the picture. There were better prizes, such as gift cards to any of the airport vendors, but alas that was not my destiny. For me, there was a choice of magnets, a Airport branded sippy cup, some Mrs. Fields cookies, and various other tchotchkes (yes, this is how this word is actually spelled!). Can you guess what I picked?

Denver Airport gift prize
Denver Airport gift prize

Which make a delicious dessert after my scrumptious burrito on the plane.

Thanks Denver Airport for spreading holiday cheer throughout your airport. I hope you do it again next year!


2 responses to “Denver Airport Gift Giving”

  1. […] If you are traveling through Denver International Airport over this holiday season and make a meal or gift purchase be sure to keep not to throw away your receipt. The airport will be giving away 100k free gifts to pax who spent $20 or more at any single or combined retailer or restaurant. To claim gifts you must visit any of the giant gift boxes located throughout the airport. At the gift box you exchange your receipt for your prize. Many of the prizes are from concessionaires right at the airport, so you might win cookies and coffee, a massage, clothing, toys or a travel-related gadget. So make sure you get your drink on while in Denver. Read more about this promotion on Chandra’s blog. […]

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