Pictured: Stranded flyers faced with a sea of suitcases after winter storms forced hundreds of flights to be cancelled in Denver

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For most holidaymakers, losing their luggage is one of the biggest fears involved with flying, but throw in the stress of Christmas travel and flight cancellations and you have the stuff of nightmares.

This hellish scenario was a reality for passengers at Denver Airport on Saturday. They were confronted with a sea of suitcases in the luggage hall after severe snow storms caused hundreds of flights to be delayed and cancelled at the hub.

Shocking photos showing rows nine-deep of suitcases piled around the luggage carousels have been shared by passengers forced to wait up to 14 hours for flights at the airport.

Flyer Bolmji captioned this image: 'Had to go back to the airport to pick up my bag due to delayed flights on Friday. Looks like the situation here is still a mess'

Traveller Bella Vita shared this snap with the comment: 'Airport disaster in #Denver at #DIA... 2.5 hour wait to get luggage ... fights... people climbing in the carousel... holiday fun!! How is this acceptable?!'

Winter storm Decima brought snow, freezing rain and bone-chilling temperatures to the United States' mid-section and East coast on Saturday.

Winter weather advisories were posted from Denver to Bangor, Maine. 

Hundreds of accidents were reported on icy roads and airports experienced hundreds of flight delays or cancellations.

Denver was hit with more than double the amount of snow forecast, according to the Denver Post, leaving airlines and airports unprepared to deal with the eight inches of snowfall.

Denver International Airport (DIA) spokesman Heath Montgomery told MailOnline Travel: 'Both the airport and the airlines were not expecting so much snow so it threw a curveball in operations.'

Flyer Jon Van shared a series of snaps with the caption: 'Four hours' sleep and back looking for our bags. Wish me luck!'

More than 300 flights of Denver airport's 1,500 a day were cancelled

A Frontier Airlines spokesperson admitted to Denver7 that 70 per cent of its US flights were delayed and around 275 cancelled due to stranded crews

Denver Airport issued a statement on its Facebook page, on Saturday, stating: 'It's snowing! Due to heavier than expected snow, please check your flight status as the airlines are resetting some schedules and catching up from the storm.'

More than 300 flights of the airport's 1,500 scheduled daily services were cancelled, according to the newspaper, leaving passengers stranded with nothing to do but to take to Twitter and Instagram to share their outrage and photos.

MTV The Challenge star Camila Nakawaga tweeted: 'Anyone else stuck in Denver airport? Come say hi B37 - 14hrs later & I'm losing my mind.'

Hinting at the chaos of passengers attempting to locate their bags in the hall, traveller Bella Vita shared a shocking snap on Instagram with the comment: 'Airport disaster in #Denver at #DIA... 2.5 hour wait to get luggage... fights... people climbing in the carousel... holiday fun!! How is this acceptable?!'

Paul Makarushka tweeted: 'Due to FlyFrontier delays&cancel[lations] I have seen so many of these ppl [people] for so long the last 2 days they are now family.' 

A Frontier Airlines spokesperson admitted to Denver7 that 70 per cent of its US flights were delayed and around 275 cancelled due to stranded crews.

Paul Makarushka tweeted this image with the message: 'Due to FlyFrontier delays&cancel[lations] I have seen so many of these ppl [people] for so long the last 2 days they are now family'

Denver International Airport (pictured) spokesman Heath Montgomery told MailOnline Travel: 'Both the airport and the airlines were not expecting so much snow so it threw a curveball in operations'

Frontier Airlines issued this statement on its Facebook page: 'We are experiencing higher than normal wait times in our call center and you may be unable to reach a representative. 

'If your flight has been cancelled due to Winter Storm Decima you may request a refund without speaking to an agent. Thank you for your patience.' 

The Frontier Airlines spokesman told the TV station that the focus on Monday was reuniting passengers with their luggage and getting them moving. 

Passenger Gavin Zickfoose tweeted his relief that he was finally going home after 16 hours stuck at the airport. 

Mr Montgomery added: 'Frontier Airlines this weekend experienced operational challenges ranging from lengthy delays on the airfield to issues at the ticket counters and with baggage claim.

'While these operations are all functions of the airline, the airport is communicating with Frontier and offering assistance where possible. 

'Frontier customers who are affected should contact the airline directly for assistance with flights, baggage, rebooking or refunds.'

MailOnline Travel has contacted Frontier Airlines for comment.