Long flights are boring and uncomfortable for almost anyone. This is more true than ever for girls who have periods and worry because they don't know how to handle the situation, especially to change. Luckily, planes have at least one bathroom, and you can also bring various products with you to make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing for Flight
Step 1. If possible, try to reserve an aisle seat
You will probably want to get up every hour or two to go to the bathroom, so by staying close to the aisle you won't have to disturb other passengers.
If that's not possible, don't worry. Of course, every time you want to get up you will have to ask your neighbor to let you pass and maybe he will get a little annoyed, but remember that you have your needs and you have to respect them, what other passengers think or feel is not your responsibility. Politely ask him to let you pass because you have to go to the bathroom. If you are courteous and respectful, you have no reason to worry
Step 2. Prepare everything you need and make sure you have an adequate amount
If you are used to using only tampons or a menstrual cup, you should also bring some panty liners: they will be useful in case of any leaks. If you are using a menstrual cup, you may want to bring one more if you have a spare. If you use tampons, add one or two more than the amount you think you will need.
- You should also bring a mini pack of hand sanitizer. The aircraft bathroom probably has soap and water, but it's good to have this product in case of an emergency.
- You can also bring a mini pack of hand cream. Bath soap may dry out your skin. Since you have to wash your hands often, a cream will help you fight the problem.
Step 3. Bring an extra pair of pants
It is possible to have leaks and other accidents. In this case you will be happy to have a clean spare pair of pants.
- In the event of an accident, rinse your pants in the airplane bathroom and put them in a large enough plastic bag.
- If you don't have a large bag, roll up your dirty pants so that the stained side faces in, then leave them in the bottom of your carry-on until you can wash and dry them.
Step 4. Use comfortable clothes
A long flight is uncomfortable for anyone, with or without a period. You don't have to dress sloppily, but choose comfortable clothing. A pair of black sweatpants or leggings will help hide any leaks.
- Remember to dress in layers. You don't know if it will be hot or cold on the plane, but generally during long flights the temperature drops in the cabin. It is therefore advisable to wear a comfortable short-sleeved T-shirt and bring a warm sweater or a light jacket, which will come in handy if it starts to get cold.
- Bring an extra pair of panties, you may have some leaks. In the event of an accident, rinse the dirty laundry in the bathroom and put it in a plastic bag to prevent other things from getting wet.
- Bring a pair of warm, comfortable socks to put on during the flight. If you plan to sleep, don't forget ear plugs and an eye mask.
Step 5. Bring a couple of airtight plastic bags
They will be useful if there are no rubbish bins or if they are full. In this case, you can wrap the used pads in toilet paper, put them in the bag and throw them away later.
- It may not be the best, but a plastic bag is also useful for throwing away used sanitary pads. If while you are in the bathroom you find that you cannot throw them away, you will be happy to have one.
- A plastic bag is also useful if you need to rinse your stained briefs, so you can put them inside without worrying about getting other things wet.
- If you don't want to put the bag with the used pads in your hand luggage, put it in the vomit bag, which is in the seat pocket in front of you. Then contact the flight attendants and ask them if they can tell you where to throw it.
Step 6. Put all cycle related products in one bag
If you feel embarrassed by the idea of showing them to other passengers, keep everything in a clutch bag. Airplane toilets are quite small, so you won't be able to carry all of your hand luggage. A clutch bag will also allow you to keep everything in one place, so you won't forget anything when you go to the bathroom.
Alternatively, if you don't have or don't want to use a clutch bag, carry them in your hand. Having your period is normal and natural, so you have no reason to feel embarrassed. On a flight, most people are too busy sleeping, reading, watching movies or working to care what you do
Step 7. Try to bring some wet wipes
You can use them to clean and refresh the genital area. There are many intimate wipes on the market. Some are individually packaged, so you can open them one at a time and use them as needed. In principle it is good not to abuse these products and prefer toilet paper, but sometimes they are useful, especially for those with a particularly abundant flow.
- You could also bring a pack of baby wipes or moisten toilet paper (or a napkin), but use them carefully.
- If you use a washcloth (or moisten a napkin), don't throw it down the toilet, otherwise you risk clogging it. Instead, throw it in the trash or put it in a plastic bag and discard it later.
Step 8. Put some pain relievers in your hand luggage
If you experience cramps, back pain or migraines during your period, take a pain reliever specifically for menstrual symptoms. A painful period would make flying even more uncomfortable.
Make sure you take only the recommended doses
Part 2 of 3: Coping with the Cycle While Flying
Step 1. Go to the bathroom often
If you are using a tampon, it is a good idea to check it every two to four hours to see if it needs to be changed, especially if you have a heavy flow. If you use a tampon and have a heavy flow, you may want to check it every hour or two. Also remember that tampons should be changed at least once every six to eight hours.
- Holding a tampon for too many hours or using a highly absorbent one increases the risk of toxic shock syndrome. It is therefore important to use an appropriate one for your flow. For example, wear a high-absorbency one only on days when your flow is heavier and change it at least once every six to eight hours.
- If you use the menstrual cup, you can wait a little longer before emptying it. Either way, you should do this every four to eight hours, depending on the flow. Empty it every four hours in case of particularly heavy flow and small leaks. If the flow is lighter and you don't have any leaks, you can hold it for up to eight hours.
- If the bathroom is busy, wait outside or try another one - large planes have at least two per aisle. Either way, it's good to get up and stretch your legs during a long flight, so don't be afraid to annoy other passengers.
Step 2. Wash your hands
When they come into contact with the genital area, it is important to wash them. Hands touch everything and fill with bacteria, especially in a crowded place like an airport, so the risk of getting an infection also increases.
- If possible, use hand sanitizer as well.
- You should rewash your hands after using the bathroom, without exception.
Step 3. Change the tampon
If it's time to do it, don't put it off. Wrap the used sanitary napkin with lots of toilet paper and throw it in the trash. If you are using the menstrual cup, empty it down the toilet and rinse it in the sink before putting it back in again.
Step 4. Don't throw sanitary towels down the toilet, whether it's on a plane or elsewhere
They will likely clog the pipes, so wrap them in toilet paper and throw them in the trash.
Step 5. Clean up
Hopefully, you won't need to do much, but if you accidentally get the bathroom dirty, be sure to fix it. You certainly don't want other passengers to find it dirty because of you.
Also, given all the concerns related to blood-borne diseases, it could create quite a fuss should another passenger find blood on the toilet seat or elsewhere. Everyone will end up wondering if it is safe to use the bathroom and flight attendants may be forced to close it
Step 6. Drink lots of water
Bring a plastic bottle and fill it in the bathroom or at a drinking fountain after security, before boarding the plane. In the cabin, the humidity can drop by up to 20%, so you risk feeling dehydrated.
- If you drink more, you will feel the need to go to the bathroom more often, but that's not a problem, because you will have to check your private parts regularly.
- Don't bring any bottles of water to security. Airport regulations do not allow this. If the container is full of liquid, they will force you to throw it away.
Part 3 of 3: Survive the Flight in Comfort
Step 1. Distract yourself
Long flights can be quite boring, so you should have several ways to entertain yourself. Bring a book you want to read, listen to some music (with headphones), watch a movie on a tablet or laptop.
- On long flights many airlines offer a good selection of movies and other entertainment options, which is ideal, but it doesn't always happen, so don't count on it too much. Have a contingency plan available.
- Try to get some sleep. For many, sleeping on the plane is almost impossible. But if you can, try to rest for a few hours. Time will pass faster and you will arrive more rested at your destination.
Step 2. Lower the seat
If the flight is long (for example, intercontinental) or overnight, fold the seat slightly. Many consider it rude, but most people do it on trips that last several hours.
However, always try to be courteous: only lower it to the point where you feel comfortable and, before doing so, turn around to see who is the passenger sitting behind you. If it is very tall and has little space available, do not fold it, otherwise it will be even more uncomfortable
Step 3. Bring a travel pillow
While not planning to sleep, it can make a long flight more comfortable. If you're not using it to rest your head, you can put it behind your back or sit on it for more comfort.
Step 4. Bring some snacks
Sure, you'll be served some food on the flight, but it's usually not particularly tasty or healthy. For those suffering from menstrual pain, oranges, bananas, watermelon and wholemeal bread are highly recommended. Cut the watermelon and place it in an airtight plastic container, or put an orange or banana in your hand luggage. Not only are these foods healthier, they also help relieve discomfort.
Don't forget to bring yourself a treat. Indulging in something greedy is useful for dealing with a painful cycle. In this case, pack your favorite chocolate bar and enjoy it while on the plane
Step 5. Drink tea or coffee
These drinks are also believed to be effective for women who are menstruating. Thankfully many airlines offer them for free, so enjoy a hot cup of tea or coffee to ease the hassle.
Step 6. Use a heating band
There are several products on the market whose purpose is to warm up the muscles to relax them. Their function is similar to that of the heating pad: they must be applied to the affected area, but they must not be activated with electricity or hot water. There are also bands specifically designed to relieve menstrual cramps.
- These bands can usually be worn under your clothes, so you can put one on your lower abdomen (or anywhere else that has muscle pains during your period) before heading to the airport. You could also put it on while you are in the airplane bathroom.
- Cramps are caused by muscle contractions: the function of heat is to promote muscle relaxation.
Advice
- If you run out of pads or other products, you may want to ask the flight attendants for help.
- Do not throw sanitary towels down the toilet: they could clog it.
- If you bring gel or liquid products (such as cream and / or hand sanitizer) on the plane, you must put them in a clear plastic bag, which must be removed from the suitcase during security checks. Don't try to hide it, otherwise agents are likely to start searching your hand luggage.
- If the plane does not have a litter box or is full, wrap the sanitary napkin in toilet paper and place it in an airtight plastic bag for later throwing away. If you are afraid that it will give off bad smells, don't worry: they will be contained by the bag.
Warnings
- Never use a sanitary napkin that has already been opened: it may have been exposed to bacteria or other germs. Prevention is better than cure.
- During long flights the risk of suffering from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases. It occurs when circulation in the leg area slows or becomes blocked due to lack of movement. Getting up once an hour to take a walk helps prevent it. You could also invest in a pair of compression stockings, which put pressure on the lower legs and help avoid possible blockages. Remember that taking the contraceptive pill increases the risk of DVT.
- If you also bring a suitcase with you, make sure that the sanitary towels and other products you need for your period are in your hand luggage! During the flight you will not have access to the other suitcase, so it is important to have everything you need and know where to find it.
