Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport (DEN) is just 6.3 miles from the Gaylord Rockies.

Spanning 53 square miles (34,000 acres or 137.8 square kilometers), DEN has ample room to grow. The airport’s footprint is twice the size of Manhattan and larger than the city limits of Boston, Miami, or San Francisco. In fact, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles International, and Dallas Fort Worth airports could all fit within DEN’s vast property. Its award-winning architecture and sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains make DEN one of the most distinctive airports in the world. The Jeppesen Terminal’s iconic peaked roof — designed by Fentress Bradburn Architects — mirrors Colorado’s snow-capped mountains and pays tribute to the region’s heritage, evoking the image of Native American teepees that once dotted the Great Plains. DEN has over 180 direct destinations in the US and more than 40 direct international flights.

Mobile Passport Control (MPC)

Denver International Airport allows entry with the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app. This is an official application created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection that streamlines your CBP inspection process at select U.S. entry locations. Simply complete your travel information, answer CBP inspection questions, capture a photo of yourself and of each member of your group, and follow the instructions provided on your receipt. For more information on how to get through Customs faster click here.

Denver: 'Mile High City'

Denver is called the “Mile High City” for a reason. The city’s elevation is actually about a mile high, and adjusting to that altitude can cause trouble for visitors and new residents to the city. It’s not uncommon for people unused to higher elevation to develop altitude sickness.

Could you be suffering from altitude sickness? If so, what can you do about it? Find out the symptoms of altitude sickness and how to treat it.

 

What Causes Altitude Sickness?

The higher you go, the lower the oxygen levels get. When you breathe, your brain gets fewer oxygen molecules. If this happens suddenly, without gradually getting used to the rise in altitude, fluid may begin to accumulate in the brain and lungs.

Your susceptibility to altitude sickness may rise depending on your: 

  • Age
  • Weight 
  • Blood pressure

Existing heart or lung conditions can also contribute to the likelihood of developing altitude sickness. How long you stay at high altitude can impact the length of your sickness. The chances of developing altitude sickness are lower if you go to a higher altitude gradually, but this isn’t always possible when you take a plane trip to Denver, for instance. 

 

Common Symptoms of Altitude Sickness

Symptoms often vary per person, but the most widely experienced side effect of altitude sickness is headaches. Since this is also a common symptom of dehydration, make sure to drink plenty of water if you suspect you have altitude sickness.

Other common side effects include: 

  • Light-headedness
  • Fatigue
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Vomiting or nausea
  • Becoming winded when performing light exercise
  • Swollen hands and feet