Via iStockphoto / @madhungryslp TikTok
A woman says her flight into the Denver airport was incredibly turbulent. Here's why—and how you can avoid having a shaky landing.
Some flights make you feel like having a fear of flying is completely justified.
For the most part, flying is a pretty calm experience. Sure, you get the occasional person freaking out—but so long as everyone on your flight decides to stay calm, chances are high that your journey from point A to point B will be relatively peaceful.
That is, unless you’re flying into the Denver International Airport.
As if the Denver airport wasn’t already weird enough, DEN is notorious for turbulence and unpredictable flights. Here’s why that happens—and one woman’s experience dealing with all of that chaos firsthand.
What Happened During This Southwest Flight?
In a video with over 1 million views, TikTok user @madhungryslp documents her Southwest flight coming into Denver, Colorado.
The video’s text overlay reads, “The captain has informed us it will be bumpy coming into Denver.”
But the flight isn’t just bumpy. As the TikToker’s video progresses, one can see the plane violently shake. After @madhungryslp leaves the plane, she is visibly rattled.
Shockingly, this appears to be normal. In the caption, she writes, “Every flight I have coming into Denver ends snack service early to account for the minor turbulence. It’s never minor.”
“One time it was so bad I held the hand of the man next to me for an hour,” she continues. “ILY kind stranger.”
But why is landing in Denver so turbulent?
Why Is Flying Into Denver So Chaotic?
This TikToker’s experience was not unique. According to 2025 data from turbulence forecasting service Turbli, the Denver International Airport is the most turbulent airport in North America and is among the top 10 most turbulent airports in the world.
The reason for this turbulence is the airport’s location. Denver sits east of the Rocky Mountains—and when wind blows over them, it can create shaky conditions for those on board.
To be clear, these winds are not just a strong breeze. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that winds coming over a mountain can generate something called “mountain waves.” This is when winds pour over a mountain range to create atmospheric disturbances on the other side.
These disturbances can be chaotic. Updrafts, downdrafts, sudden shifts in wind speed and direction—all of these issues can occur when flying by mountains, which in turn can cause fairly severe turbulence.
Naturally, the mountains aren’t the only culprit behind Denver’s turbulence. Like any city, Denver is subject to the same issues that can cause turbulence in other places, such as wind shear, storms, and sudden gusts.
In short, if you’re flying into Denver, be prepared for a bumpy ride—and maybe finish your drinks and snacks before the plane comes in for a landing.
Viewers Have Tips For Flying Into Denver
In the comments section, users shared advice for easing the process of flying into Denver.
“Flying into Denver = taking the first flight of the day always,” a user wrote.
“Always fly in and out BEFORE 1 pm or earlier if possible,” echoed another.
While this isn’t a foolproof strategy for avoiding turbulence, it certainly helps. Some turbulence caused by daytime heating can be avoided by simply landing before the heating has had time to take place.
As this sort of heating tends to occur between 1 and 5pm, one can reduce their turbulence risk at most airports by flying before or after this time.
The National Weather Service also notes that storms in Denver tend to form in the early afternoon. To avoid these storms, one should land earlier in the day or later at night.
Others in the comments section simply recounted their own experiences flying into the Denver airport.
“I flew into Denver one time and it changed my life,” said a commenter. “I’m so scared of airplanes now.”
“Denver to Colorado Springs is by far the worst,” added a second. “You better hold on for those sideways mountain crosswinds.”
BroBible reached out to @madhungryslp via TikTok direct message and comment.