Air Travel During Menstruation: What You Need to Know

Heading on a holiday or a business trip can cause a lot of anxiety, and it becomes even more severe when you discover you are on your period, a night before boarding a 12+ long flight. The thought of being struck with strangers around you in an uncomfortable seated position itself is creepy. 

But, accept it; we all know periods never come at our convenience. 

Don’t let your period get in the way of your dream holidays in Fiji or a big conference in San Francisco, as herein, in this blog, we put forth practical tips to fly with confidence, even during your menstruation. 

Is It Safe To Fly When I’m on My Period?

First things first, there is no health risk associated with travelling, while on your period, even when you have a heavy flow. 

Don’t fall for the most prevalent myth that cabin pressure causes the period to be light, and as the aeroplane is about to land, the flow becomes heavy; there is no science backing to this statement.

Just be well-prepared for your period, maintain healthy hygiene practices like changing your tampons frequently and emptying your menstrual cup whenever necessary. 

For extra protection, you can always wear a pair of period pants. 

Check out the top tips to make your long-haul air trip comfortable, while on period.

 

• Carry Tampons, Pads or Your Cup

 

Be sure to pack all the period essentials, including tampons, pads or menstrual cups. Even if you don’t expect your period to come, pack the period essentials just in case, as most airlines are incapable of supplying such stuff.  

 

• Cramp Soothing Essentials

 

Now, let’s talk about the menstrual cramps. If you generally suffer from painful cramps during your menstruation, then you’ve to be even more prepared before you board the flight. 

Warming up a hot bottle or getting in blankets layers and binge-watching your favourite Netflix web series is not an option here, ladies!

So, what to do to soothe your cramps while flying? Toss cramp relief balms, painkillers, ibuprofen, heating pads in your period essential bag.

If you’ve fear of flying or first-time anxiety, things can worsen. You must get over your phobia of flying before boarding the plane. Veteran pilots and crew members run several online courses to help nervous flyers tame their anxiety and travel with utter confidence. 

 

• Book an Aisle Seat

 

If you haven’t checked in, and you know there’s even a possibility that your period will arrive on take-off-day, ten it is a no-brainer to book an aisle seat. You can even request the stranger next by your side to switch sweats. 

You don’t have to explain the entire story, just say you’ve got cramps, and you’ve to walk every now & then. 

 

• Comfortable Clothing

 

When you’re on a long-haul trip, always wear loose clothing as they are comfortable. An hour into the flight, you’ll regret your decision of wearing a pair of tight jeans and a crop top. If you’re flying during your menstruation, it becomes even more crucial to dress for comfort. 

To let your body breathe easily during the flight, opt for casual & comfortable clothing options, best options are the organic cotton jumpsuit or culottes.

Wrapping up

So, in the end, air travel does not affect your period, and it is safe to travel. Just pack a period kit that includes the stuff you need to keep yourself dry and get immediate relief from your cramps. Don’t forget to book an aisle seat.