Getting Around in Colorado
All that you need to know about the Denver airport, weather in Colorado, and how to get around
Many of the people we work with travel in from out of state. We know that figuring out how to get around in a new place can be confusing.
We’re here to help!
I’ve never flown before, what should I know?
Flying for the first time doesn’t have to be stressful! Here are some tips to make the process easier:
Make sure you understand the luggage requirements. When you’re flying, there are two types of luggage:
Carry-ons are small suitcases or duffle bags that you can bring with you to your seat (you’ll store them in the overhead bins or under the seat in front of you). Many airlines will allow you one carry-on and one personal item (e.g., purse or backpack) for no extra cost.
Checked bags go in the plane’s cargo hold, and you’ll pick them up at baggage claim after the flight. Typically, you have to pay extra to check a bag.
If you had an abortion fund book your flight for you and have questions about the luggage requirements, please ask them in advance of getting to the airport.
Your flight confirmation should tell you what kind of luggage you’re allowed. One important tip: you can’t bring liquids over 3.4oz. This includes large shampoo bottles, lotions, perfumes, etc. if they are over 3.4 oz.
Pack essentials in your carry-on bag. If you get delayed or your checked bags get lost, you want to have the important things with you. Pack medications, glasses, important documents, and anything you don’t want to get lost in your carry-on.
Get to the airport about two hours early. This will leave you plenty of time to check in and get your boarding pass (you can also do this online or through the airline’s app), check your bag if you need to, go through security, and find your gate.
Leaving the Denver airport can get busy, particularly at the security line. We definitely recommend 2 hours to get through the Denver airport if you are returning home.
Be ready for security. Before you can go to the gate where your plane will be, you need to go through airport security. Look for signs pointing you to TSA or security. Once there, there are a couple things to do:
Show the TSA agent your boarding pass and ID (drivers license, passport, or ID card). If you do not have a valid copy of your ID (a photo does not count!), you need to figure out alternative methods before getting to the airport. TSA can verify your identity without an ID, but you may need additional documentation.
Remove your shoes and anything from your pockets. If you have a water bottle with you, make sure to empty it completely in the bins provided.
If you have a laptop or tablet, remove it from your bag.
Put all of these items in the provided bins and send them through the X-ray machine, along with your carry-on bag(s). Stay with your bags until they go through the X-ray.
Follow the TSA agent’s instructions to walk through the metal detector or body scanner.
Find your gate. After security, follow signs for your gate. Typically, your gate number will be a letter followed by a number. The letter refers to the terminal, while the number refers to the gate in that terminal. Follow signs for the correct terminal -- you may have to take an airport train and/or get on a moving walkway. Your terminal should have lots of food options, bathrooms, and fountains where you can fill up your water bottle.
Your gate number can be found on your boarding pass or on large monitors labeled “Departures”.
Pay attention to the flight monitors and gate agents. There will be monitors throughout the airport that will show your flight status. Check to see if your flight has been delayed or if your gate has changed. Once you get to your gate, follow the gate agent’s instructions to board the plane. Your boarding pass should tell you what boarding group you’re in -- wait for the gate agent to call your group before you board the plane.
Plan ahead for the flight. Make sure your phone is charged before the flight so that you can listen to music, watch videos, read, etc. Some airlines also have in-flight entertainment that you can access through your phone. You might also want to bring snacks, water, or other things to do. Some people also find it helpful to chew gum -- it can keep your ears from popping too much during take-off and landing.
If it’s helpful, here’s a video to help you navigate an airport for the first time: https://youtu.be/3BrPg4fVnOg?t=101
Otherwise, listen to the flight attendants and have a good flight!
What do I do if I need to change my flight?
If there is an emergency or issue and you need to change or cancel your flight itinerary (including the date and time of your flight), most airlines will charge a fee. If an abortion fund helped you book your flight, please let them know as soon as possible so they can assist. Some airlines do not allow for travel changes less than 24 hours before a flight. Please plan accordingly. Some abortion funds will require that you will cover any subsequent travel change charges.
What do I do if my flight gets cancelled or I miss my flight?
If you miss your flight or your flight gets cancelled, please contact the airline to reschedule your flight. If you are at the airport already, please speak with a desk agent of the airline to reschedule your flight. If an abortion fund booked your flight for you, let them know as soon as possible.
Navigating the Denver Airport
Welcome to Denver International Airport (DIA)! The airport is large and undergoing renovations, so expect construction and some walking.
Landing at the airport: Your plane will land at Terminal A, B, or C. After getting off the plane, follow the signs for baggage claim, even if you didn't check baggage -- this is where the exit is, too. Many of the people from your flight will also be leaving the airport.
Getting out of the airport: The baggage claim signs will eventually lead you to a central area in your terminal with restaurants and cafes. The baggage claim signs will direct you down escalators on either the left or the right side — it doesn’t matter which side you go down — to a platform for the internal airport tram. The tram does not leave the airport, so don’t worry about getting lost. Take the tram past terminals C, B and A (depending on which terminal you landed in) until it stops at the baggage claim. At this point, the announcement will direct everyone to leave the train. Leave the train (everyone will be exiting with you) and head up the escalators to the arrivals area.
Getting your checked bag: If you checked a bag, go to the baggage carousel to pick it up. The carousels are numbered -- your flight attendant will tell you what carousel to use, and there will also be monitors in the arrivals area.
Meet your driver: Now you’re ready to meet your driver or pick up your ride share. Plan ahead for how you will leave the airport. If you are meeting one of our volunteer drivers, please coordinate in advance with them for your pickup. Please contact us at least 2 days in advance of your flight if you need a ride from the airport, otherwise we cannot guarantee support.
Is there a map of the Denver Airport?
There is! Here’s a digital map of the airport.
How do I find my Uber/Lyft or taxi at the Denver airport?
Uber/Lyft picks up at Island 5 outside the airport. From baggage claim, look for signs for Ride App Pick-Up. You’ll have to exit the airport doors and use the designated crosswalks to get to Island 5. This is the same area that taxis will pick up from as well. Wait until you are at Ride App Pick Up before you order your Uber/Lyft to ensure that you have enough time to meet your ride.
There are two sides in the airport -- East and West. It doesn’t matter which side you exit on; Uber/Lyft will pick up from either side. You will need to know which side you are on when you call the Uber/Lyft.
How do I know if I’m on the East or West side of the Denver airport?
East side doors are odd numbers. West side doors are even numbers.
What is the weather like in Denver?
The best way to describe the weather in Denver is changeable. You might experience all four seasons while you’re here! Please check the weather in advance of arriving to Denver. A couple things to know:
Temperatures can swing up to 40 degrees in a single day -- mornings and evenings can be cool, even in summer, while daytime temperatures can get pretty warm. It’s helpful to dress in layers and bring a jacket, whatever the season.
If you’re coming in winter, dress warmly! Wear layers and warm coats. Bring gloves, a hat, and warm socks. The cold winter air is usually very dry.
The sun is very strong in Denver, and the air is pretty dry. Sunscreen, lip balm, and lotion can all be helpful. If you are coming in summer, it can get really warm and the sun can be particularly scalding. It is not usually humid in Denver.
Denver is called the Mile-High City for a reason -- the elevation is no joke. It can take a little time to get used to the thinner air, so go easy on yourself. You might notice the higher altitude as soon as your flight lands. It helps to drink a lot of water.
What should I pack?
Here’s a recommended packing list for a quick trip to Colorado. Make sure to check your weather app first to get a sense of what the weather will be like when you arrive. Try to fit all your stuff into a carry on sized bag. If you are flying Southwest both directions, you can check a bag for free but if you’re on any other airline, there will be an additional fee that is usually around $35. Click here for a guide to help you understand what sized bag counts as carry on.
Comfy clothes for traveling and relaxing.
Extra underwear.
A warm jacket or sweatshirt, especially if you are traveling between October to May. If you are traveling between November and March, bring the warmest winter jacket you can find.
Closed toe shoes. If you are traveling between October to May, you’ll need shoes to keep your feet warm. Boots are recommended during winter months, but sneakers are okay too.
Ibuprofen and, if you are having a medication abortion, Pepto Bismol and Imodium.
Whether you have a medication or surgical abortion, you will likely experience cramps that are similar to or worse than the ones you experience during your period. If you are having a medication abortion, you may experience nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Even if you are receiving meal support from Colorado Doula Project, we cannot legally purchase or give you any medications like Ibuprofen so it’s best to bring those from home.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and toiletries including sunscreen, lotion, and lip balm.
Heavy duty sanitary pads (like overnight ones) or adult diapers.
A heating pad.
An official government ID like a driver’s license or passport.
A reusable water bottle.
A book, tablet, or magazines.
Phone charger.
How do I get to my hotel from the airport?
There are a few ways to get to your hotel from the airport. You can take an Uber/Lyft, taxi, arrange volunteer rides through us, take the train, or use a hotel shuttle. If you are working with an abortion fund or another organization for transportation, please make sure to talk with them well before your flight. They may help to arrange an Uber/Lyft. If you need a volunteer ride from us, please contact us at least 2 days in advance of your flight.
Taking the train: It's easy to get from the Denver Airport to downtown Denver on the airport rail line. The train costs $10 each way. You can use the A Line to get from the airport to Denver Union Station in downtown Denver. From Union Station, you can access buses, taxis, and light rail. The train takes about 37 minutes to get from the airport to Union Station.
Hotel shuttle: Hotels that are near the airport may offer a free shuttle from the airport. Please contact your hotel in advance of your flight to confirm if they offer this service. They will tell you the times and location of the shuttle pickup.
What can I bring on the plane?
The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) is specific about what you can bring and not bring in a carry-on onto the plane. If you bring anything not approved, they will make you take it out of your bag and throw it out or put it in a checked bag — even if it’s valuable.
Items you CAN pack in a carryon:
Liquids under 3 oz
Electronics (smart phones, laptops, iPads, kindles)
Clothing
Medications (inhaler, insulin and supplies, other prescription medications) – ideal to have with medical label
Unused syringes (that are accompanied by the medication it is used for)
Food (non-liquid)
External Medical Devices (these will need to go through X-Ray)
Hair Dryer
Pillows
Electronic cigarettes (cannot be used in the airport or on airplane)
Items you CANNOT pack:
*These are items that Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does not allow you to travel with:
Liquids (unless under 3oz)
Illegal drugs (including Medical Marijuana, even if it is legal in the state that you are traveling to or from)
Flammable liquids
Weapons (knives, firearms, pepper spray, nunchucks etc)
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