For many people, long-haul flights can be very tedious and uncomfortable, especially if at the same time, the person is having their period! Will you experience it in the near future? If you're worried about having trouble changing feminine products on board, throw those worries away! Remember, every plane will have at least one bathroom. In addition, you can also prepare various necessary equipment before the flight, to ensure your comfort is maintained!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Try asking the airline crew for a seat located near the road
If possible, reserve a seat located near the road as you will have to go to the toilet more often than usual. As a result, you don't need to be afraid to disturb the comfort of other passengers when you do it.
If you can't find a seat near the road, don't worry too much. Even if you'll have to repeatedly ask other passengers for permission to go to the toilet, and they might get a little upset about it, don't worry too much. You do have to go to the toilet, don't you? After all, their happiness is not your responsibility! Therefore, simply ask permission to pass by their seats politely. As long as you look polite and respect them, there's really nothing to worry about
Step 2. Bring as much equipment as possible
Make sure you bring as many sanitary products as you need. If you've only been wearing tampons or menstrual cups, try bringing some panty liners, which look like pads but are thinner, to absorb any blood that might seep from the tampon or menstrual cup. If you only wear menstrual cups, try bringing an extra cup if you have one. Most importantly, do not forget to bring feminine products in quantities that exceed your needs.
- Bring hand sanitizer. Although the toilet on the plane will definitely provide water and soap, keep it with you just in case the soap in the toilet runs out.
- If you want, you can also bring a small lotion to moisturize your hands. Since the soap provided on board is prone to drying out your skin, even though you should wash your hands regularly, try bringing a lotion to help moisturize your skin.
Step 3. Bring extra outer pants
This default will be very useful if there is menstrual blood seeping onto the surface of your pants.
- If that's the case, and if you brought a plastic bag large enough to store used trousers, try rinsing the pants in the toilet sink and then putting them in the plastic bag.
- Don't have a big enough plastic bag? Try rolling up your pants so that the blood-soaked area is inside, then stash them in your carry-on bag until you can wash and dry them properly.
Step 4. Wear comfortable clothes
Long-distance flights will actually feel uncomfortable for most people, whether they are menstruating or not. Therefore, try to wear clothes that feel comfortable but still neat. For example, wear sweatpants or yoga pants in a dark color, such as black, to hide any bloodstains that might seep out.
- Bring a few extra layers of clothing. In fact, the temperature inside the aircraft cabin is very difficult to predict. However, most aircraft used on long-haul flights will be cold. Therefore, try wearing a short-sleeved t-shirt just in case it gets warm enough in the cabin, then pack an extra sweater or light jacket that you can wear if the temperature gets colder.
- Bring an extra pair of underwear in case your period blood seeps into your underwear. If an undesirable situation occurs, all you have to do is put on new underwear, rinse the dirty underwear in the toilet sink, then put the used underwear into a plastic clip bag so it doesn't wet the rest of your belongings.
- Bring extra warm and comfortable socks to wear during the flight. If you want to sleep throughout the flight, you can also bring comfortable earplugs and eye patches.
Step 5. Bring one or two plastic bag clips
Try bringing an extra plastic bag so that whenever you need an extra trash can, or if the bin on board is full, you can throw away feminine products that have been wrapped in toilet paper inside. After the plane lands, you can throw the plastic bag containing the trash in the airport trash can.
- Although this method may not be ideal for some people, understand that having a plastic clip bag can be very useful if you are having trouble finding another container to dispose of used pads or tampons.
- In addition, you can also use used plastic bags to store underwear that has blood on it. In other words, you can immediately put the rinsed underwear into the plastic bag so that other items do not get wet.
- If you object to the idea of keeping used sanitary pads in your bag until the plane lands, a plastic bag containing used sanitary napkins can also be placed in the trash bag available in front of your seat. After that, take the bag to the flight attendant's room so they can help you dispose of it.
Step 6. Pack all feminine equipment in a small bag
If you don't want your feminine products to be seen by others, try packing them in a small handbag. Since the toilets on airplanes are so small, it's likely that you'll find it difficult to carry your carry-on bag inside. After all, packing all feminine products in a small bag will also reduce the possibility of forgetting things to bring.
If you do not have a small bag or are reluctant to carry it, there is no shame in carrying feminine products with your bare hands. After all, menstruation is a common occurrence for any woman, and other passengers will likely not notice your luggage because they are busy reading, sleeping, watching television or doing other things
Step 7. Try bringing towelettes (cloth or small towels that contain cleaning agents)
Whenever needed, you can use the wet cloth or tissue to clean the vaginal area to keep it clean and dry. Generally, vaginal cleaning wipes are sold in packs in the market so that they can be used easily whenever needed. Although you should only use dry toilet paper, products that contain cleaning agents can still be used occasionally if absolutely necessary during your period.
- If you want, you can also use baby wipes, or simply wet the toilet paper with water. However, make sure the area around the vagina is rubbed very carefully, yes.
- If you use wet wipes, don't throw them in the toilet to prevent the drain pipe from clogging. Instead, throw the tissue in the trash, or put it in a plastic bag first and throw it away after the plane lands.
Step 8. Bring pain medication
If you experience stomach cramps, back pain, or headaches due to menstruation, try taking a pain reliever that is specifically intended to relieve menstrual symptoms. Be careful, flights can get even more uncomfortable when headaches or cramps strike!
Make sure the medicine is always taken in the right dose, yes
Part 2 of 3: Dealing with Menstruation During Flight
Step 1. Go to the toilet every few hours
If you wear pads, it's a good idea to check them every 2 to 4 hours, especially if the blood flow is very heavy. If you're wearing a tampon and the blood is still heavy, try checking it every 1 to 2 hours. However, understand that tampons should be changed at least every 6 to 8 hours.
- Wearing tampons or pads for too long, or wearing highly absorbent feminine products, can increase your risk of developing Toxic Shock Syndrome (TC). Therefore, make sure you adjust the absorption rate of the tampon or pad with the volume of menstrual blood. For example, make sure you only wear a tampon or pad with a high absorption rate when the blood flow is very heavy, and change it every 6 to 8 hours.
- Menstrual cups generally have a longer duration of use than pads or tampons. However, it is best to keep the cup emptied every 4 to 8 hours. Four hours if the condition of blood flow is very heavy and/or if blood is seen seeping out of the cup, or eight hours if the intensity of the blood has decreased and does not seep out of the cup.
- If the toilet is being used, be patient to wait. Or, you can also use a different toilet, as larger planes generally have at least two toilets. After all, you do need to get out of your seat and walk around for a while so you don't have to feel shy when you have to.
Step 2. Wash your hands
Before touching the genital area, don't forget to wash your hands! Remember, bacteria that stick to your hands after touching various objects in public places (such as airports) risk making your vagina infected.
- If you also bring hand sanitizer, feel free to use it.
- You should wash your hands again before leaving the toilet, even if there is no blood or dirt on your hands.
Step 3. Change feminine products that you use regularly
If a pad or tampon needs to be changed, do so immediately. Once removed, wrap used pads or tampons with toilet paper, then dispose of in the trash provided. If you use a menstrual cup, throw it in the toilet and rinse the cup thoroughly before putting it back on.
Step 4. Do not throw pads or tampons into the toilet
In fact, no matter where you are, throwing pads or tampons in the toilet is a no-no because there is a risk of clogging the drain pipe. Therefore, always wrap sanitary napkins with toilet paper, then throw them in the trash that has been provided.
Step 5. Clean everything yourself
If you accidentally soil your toilet or other area with blood, don't forget to clean it! Also, make sure you always dispose of your sanitary pads in the correct place so that the bathroom doesn't get dirty and disturb the comfort of other passengers.
After all, the high rate of blood-borne disease transmission can make other passengers panic if they find blood residue in the toilet. Worst case scenario, flight attendants could even be forced to seal the toilets until the plane lands
Step 6. Drink as much water as possible
Bring a reusable plastic bottle and fill it with water before boarding the plane, but after passing a security scan. Remember, the humidity level on the plane can be reduced by up to 20%, making it prone to dehydration.
- Even if you end up having to urinate more often, you don't have to worry too much about it because you also need to check the condition of your pads regularly.
- Do not fill bottles before performing a safety scan. Since this is not allowed, security will definitely throw your bottle away.
Part 3 of 3: Maintaining Comfort During the Flight
Step 1. Keep yourself busy
Since long-haul flights can be so boring, try to find different ways to entertain yourself! For example, bring the book you always wanted to read, your favorite music that you can listen to with the help of headphones, a tablet, or a laptop containing your favorite movies that you can watch along the way.
- Some airlines provide movies that can be watched onboard on long-haul flights. However, don't rely on that option and always have a backup plan in place!
- Get some sleep. For many people, sleeping on a plane is impossible. However, if possible, try to get a few hours of sleep. In addition to so that time can pass unnoticed, doing so will also provide an opportunity for your body to rest for a while.
Step 2. Move the back of your chair back
If you're on a long-haul flight (such as an international flight) that lasts the whole night, don't forget to back your seat back. While this behavior is considered impolite by some, there's no need to worry as most people will also do it on long-haul flights.
However, keep the comfort of others when doing it. In other words, back off the chair only until you feel comfortable enough, and don't forget to observe the condition of the person behind you beforehand. If the person is very tall and the position already looks uncomfortable, don't back your chair back and make it even more uncomfortable
Step 3. Bring a small pillow for travel
Even if you don't plan to sleep throughout the journey, still bring a small pillow to keep your body feeling comfortable during the flight. If you don't use it as a headrest, at least you can still put it on your back or even sit on it so that your body position remains comfortable.
Step 4. Bring enough snacks
Even though it's very likely that airline staff will serve food on board, usually it doesn't taste good and its nutrition is not guaranteed. Therefore, try to bring snacks that are proven to relieve menstrual discomfort, such as oranges, bananas, watermelon, and whole wheat bread. Before the flight takes place, cut the watermelon and place it in a plastic clip bag or closed container. Alternatively, you can pack whole oranges or bananas the same way. Besides being healthier, all these foods can also relieve the pain you are experiencing.
Don't forget to bring snacks that you like. To deal with unbearable menstrual pain, you can also eat a variety of favorite snacks that may be considered less nutritious. For example, you can bring some of your favorite candies or chocolates to eat on the plane
Step 5. Drink tea or coffee
Both are believed to be able to relieve pain due to menstruation in women. Fortunately, most airlines provide both drinks so you can enjoy them whenever you feel uncomfortable.
Step 6. Apply a hot bandage
In fact, various large supermarkets sell hot-tempered bandages which are claimed to be able to relax muscle tension. In general, these bandages have a similar function to a warm compress when applied to the cramped area, but do not require electricity or hot water to work. In fact, there are bandages that are specifically designed to relieve menstrual cramps!
- Generally, you can wrap the bandage under clothes, specifically in the lower abdomen area (or areas that often experience cramps during menstruation) before entering the airport. If you want, you can also wear it in the airplane bathroom.
- Cramps are caused by muscle contractions, and hot temperatures can help relax tense muscles a little.
Tips
- If the ration of sanitary napkins is running low, there is no need to worry because most airlines provide additional sanitary napkins if needed by passengers.
- Do not throw sanitary pads into the toilet so that the toilet hole is not clogged!
- If you want to bring gels or liquids (such as lotions and/or hand sanitizer) on board, make sure you pack all of them in a clear plastic bag and remove them during the security scan. Do not violate these rules because after all the contents of your bag will be manually checked again if caught holding liquid or gel.
- If the plane you are flying on does not provide a trash can, or if the available trash can is full, wrap the sanitary napkin with toilet paper, then put it in a plastic clip bag. Discard the bag after you get off the plane. Worried that the pads will give off a bad smell? Don't worry, the clip plastic bag has been specially designed to trap air and any scent in it.
Warning
- Never use pads or tampons that have been opened! Remember, you don't know what bacteria or germs have contaminated the product, so prevention is better than cure.
- If you're going to put some stuff in your baggage, make sure everything you need during the flight has been moved into your carry-on bag! Since you will not be able to access the luggage stored in the trunk, don't forget to put all the basic necessities in the bag that is brought into the cabin.
- Be careful, the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) will increase on long-haul flights. Specifically, DVT occurs when blood circulation in the leg area is blocked or blocked due to lack of movement. That is why, every hour you have to get up from your seat to prevent these risks. If you want, you can also wear compression socks to compress the lower leg area and prevent blood clots from forming. For those of you who are taking birth control pills, be careful because these actions can also increase the risk of DVT!
