Travel is another huge, unforeseen expense. Like the procedure funding, there are groups that help pay for travel and other logistical needs that you may have. PSO’s can cover flights, gas money, parking, tolls, hotels, childcare, meals, and after-care expenses (like pads).

Here is a list of PSO’s you can contact. The Brigid Alliance is a PSO that works with most pregnant people over 15 weeks. Your clinic will need to refer you to them for support.

1. Bring ID and ticket

• You need a government photo ID to fly.

  • See accepted IDs here: tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

  • If you don’t have a REAL ID or Passport, talk to the practical support organization you are working with about options for additional screening at the airport, or help with paying a fee (about $45) that will still allow you to travel.

• Your plane ticket will show two times:

  • Boarding time (when you get on the plane)

  • Departure time (when the plane leaves)

  • Arrive at the airport 2 hours before boarding time.

2. Bags and packing

• Most tickets allow two bags

  • One personal item (purse, backpack)

  • One carry-on (medium suitcase that fits overhead — about 22” x 14” x 9”)

• You can check a bag (give it to the airline) or carry it on the plane.

• Don’t pack valuables or important items in checked bags — they can sometimes be delayed or lost.

• You can’t pack batteries, lighters, aerosols, or anything sharp (like knives or scissors).

• Liquids

  • Only in containers 3 ounces or smaller

  • Must fit in one clear quart-sized bag inside your carry-on.

• See our recommended packing list for ideas of what to bring (see Step 3).

3. Airport check-in and security

• Show your ID and boarding pass to the airport worker at security.

• You may be asked to:

  • Take off shoes, jacket, belt, and hoodie.

  • Put your bags on a belt to go through an x-ray machine.

• You can’t bring sharp objects, alcohol, illegal drugs, or weapons in your carry-on.

• Some airports use police dogs to check for drugs like marijuana.

4. After security

• Find your flight on the departure screens to see your gate number.

• Follow signs to your gate.

• You can walk around, eat, or shop — just be back at your gate before boarding starts.

• Listen for announcements in case your gate or boarding time changes.

5. Boarding the plane

• When it’s your group’s turn, line up and show your boarding pass and ID.

• Find your seat and store your bag overhead or under the seat in front of you.

• Buckle your seatbelt and listen to the safety demonstration from the flight attendants.

6. After landing

• Take your bags and double-check you have everything.

• If this is your final destination, follow signs to Baggage Claim to get your checked bag, then follow signs for Exit.

• If you have a connecting flight, don’t exit the airport — check the screens for your next gate number.

• If you’re unsure, ask a flight attendant or airport staff for help.

1. Before you board

• Trains and buses travel from one city to another, stopping at several towns along the way.

• If you’re boarding where the trip starts, you can usually get on a little before the departure time on your ticket.

• If you’re boarding at a stop along the route, the train or bus will only stop for one or two minutes, so be ready to get on quickly.

2. Seats

• On Amtrak trains, you usually don’t have an assigned seat unless you paid for business class.

• If there’s no seat number on your ticket, you can sit anywhere that’s open.

3. Knowing when to get off

• If you’re not going to the final destination, keep track of your stop so you don’t miss it.

• You can follow along using your phone’s map, or ask the person next to you when your stop is coming up.

4. If you’re unsure

• It’s normal to feel nervous about getting on the right train or bus or finding the right track.

• Ask people nearby or a station worker — most travelers are happy to help.

5. Food, drinks, and bathrooms

• Trains usually have bathrooms and sometimes a snack car or snack cart (but snacks can be expensive).

• Buses often have one small bathroom on board — sometimes it’s out of order, so it’s best to use the restroom before boarding.

1: Checking in

• When you arrive, go to the front desk to check in.

• The staff will ask for a photo ID and a credit card to keep on file.

• You usually need to have a credit card with you in person to stay in a hotel.

• If you don’t have a credit card, a practical support organization or abortion fund may be able to help, but you need to let them know in advance, especially if you are checking in to the hotel after hours.

2. If someone helped book your travel

• If a practical support organization or abortion fund arranged your stay, they can help with the check-in process and answer any questions you have.

• If you are a young person traveling alone, or you are worried about your safety due to unsafe people or circumstances in your life, your practical support organization can book you at a hotel using an alias. Let the clinic or your practical support org know if you need support with this.

3. Talking with hotel staff

Often clinics and abortion funds have relationships with local hotels that are used to having abortion travelers. However, it's still good to remember

• Hotel workers may ask where you’re from or why you’re visiting. They’re usually just being friendly, but you don’t have to share personal details.

• It can help to plan a simple answer ahead of time (for example: "I'm here on vacation" or "I'm here to see friends.”)

4. Check-in and check-out times

• Most hotels let you check in around 3:00 PM and ask you to check out around 11:00 AM.

• When you check out, stop by the front desk to return your room key before leaving.