Comedian Ralphie May Ranted About Denver Airport

May's 2008 comedy special featured an 11-minute rant about the confusing layout and size of Denver International Airport.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 4:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Late comedian Ralphie May was known for his humorous rants, and one of his most memorable was about Denver International Airport. In his 2008 comedy special "Austin-Tatious", May spent 11 minutes criticizing the airport's massive size, confusing layout, and other frustrations he experienced while traveling through it.

Why it matters

May's rant highlighted the common frustrations many travelers face at Denver International Airport, one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States. His comedic take on the airport's challenges resonated with audiences who could relate to the difficulties of navigating the sprawling facility.

The details

In the bit, May described being afraid while riding the airport's escalators and having an uncomfortable experience on the train with a group of travelers carrying a dead, cooked duck. He called the airport "one of the worst in the country" and "hot garbage", lamenting its needlessly large size.

  • Ralphie May recorded the "Austin-Tatious" comedy special in 2008.

The players

Ralphie May

A late comedian known for his humorous rants, including a memorable one about Denver International Airport in his 2008 special "Austin-Tatious".

Denver International Airport

One of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, known for its confusing layout and massive size.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you ever have to go to Denver, drive, don't fly. Denver Airport is one of the worst airports in the country, ok? It's hot garbage. I hate...Denver Airport. It's needlessly large.”

— Ralphie May, Comedian

The takeaway

Ralphie May's humorous rant about the challenges of navigating Denver International Airport resonated with many travelers who have experienced the frustrations of the airport's massive size and confusing layout. His comedic take highlighted the common frustrations faced by passengers at one of the country's busiest airports.