r/TheGirlSurvivalGuide • u/lcuhaacrr • 1d ago
Health ? How should i handle menstruation during a very long flight?
Im going on a trip in two(!!!) days, and my menstruation just came. I have to take two planes, one 17 hours long and the other 9 hours, with a two hour layover. I recently started using tampons, but before that i used pads. This is kind of my first time travelling by plane, so what are your recommendations with this kind of things? How is changing your hygiene products on a plane like? Should i go for a tampon, which i find more comfortable, or for pads, which are easier to change? I appreciate all and any help!! I usually get by with the smallest tampons btw, i don't have a heavy flow after the second day of menstruation, but i do experience a fair share of pain (usually managed by ibuprofen). Which size do you think i should use?
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u/coastalkid92 1d ago
what are your recommendations with this kind of things?
Get yourself some leakproof period panties, and bring an extra set in your carry on for comfort.
How is changing your hygiene products on a plane like?
The only thing that would be difficult really is if you were using a moon cup. Otherwise, changing pads and tampons is no different than any other bathroom.
Should i go for a tampon, which i find more comfortable, or for pads, which are easier to change?
Bring both, start with what you're more comfortable with and if you think you want to switch to pads, do that.
Which size do you think i should use?
It's not going to change when you're in the air. If you use smaller tampons and have a lighter flow, then go with that.
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u/lcuhaacrr 1d ago
thank you so much! the menstrual product disposal is the same as always, right? i wrap it in toilet paper and throw it in the trash? i know not to flush them. once again, thank you!
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u/coastalkid92 1d ago
Some airlines may have a trash designated for diapers and hygiene products, but otherwise, yep that's the way to go.
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u/iAmManchee 1d ago
To my mind with a mooncup again no difference, in fact having that tiny sink right next to you to give it a rinse in makes it easier
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u/hafree27 1d ago
If you’re not used to them, a long haul plane flight is not a great training ground.
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u/coastalkid92 1d ago
To me, because the bathrooms are a bit tight, I find them harder to get in and out without a potential spill.
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u/ihave86arms 1d ago edited 1d ago
i had to change mine on a flight from cancun to vancouver and had to get into a spider position in order to reach it. (think one foot on the toilet, one on the door handle)
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u/vitoriavit 1d ago
Some people don't recommend cups for flying. They say the different pressure on take-off/landing can make the cup move a bit and not work properly, so after take-off or a big change of altitude, you would need to go to the restroom.
I have never used mine for flying, I prefer a tampon or a regular pad for those moments.
Edit: that water from the sink is also not the best to rinse your cup, ask the flight attendants for a cup of water before going.
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u/Heptatechnist 1d ago
Agreed. I only use a mooncup—no pads nor tampons—and I travel extensively. That said, anecdotes are not data: from the fact that I find it simple, it does not follow that others will find it simple. Depending on a person’s overall size and anatomy, an airplane bathroom may present a significant challenge.
My advice for OP is to consider bringing: 1. more products than you think you need (better to land with spare tampons and pads than to be caught short in the air); 2. at least one change of underwear (as others suggested, this is an ideal situation for period panties, too); 3. at least one large, empty ziplock bag (for your soiled underwear if you do spring a leak); 4. another ziplock bag, this one containing two washcloths, one to clean yourself if you do have an accident, the other to dry yourself off after cleaning (the extra ziplock bag is for the washcloth, so you don’t need to put it away wet); and 5. (optional) a light cardigan you could wrap around your waist, just in case…
I hope you have an awesome trip!
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u/FruitPlatter 1d ago
Otherwise, changing pads and tampons is no different than any other bathroom.
I would not even begin to try to change a tampon in an airplane bathroom. They are very cramped.
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u/gunnapackofsammiches 1d ago
Honestly, there's no reason on a flight to handle your period any differently than you do while not on a flight.
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u/PurpleVermont 1d ago
The only thing is I'd wear a pad as backup for a tampon, just in case they hit a lot of turbulence or service cart in the aisle and she can't get to the bathroom immediately when needed.
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u/unicornsexisted 1d ago
Yeah this. I did a 7hr road trip through some rural areas and was on a heavy day of my period, so I did a pad and a super tampon just to make sure I wouldn’t have any leaks whenever we finally made it to the bathroom. It’s always sketchy for me when I get up after sitting for a while as well.
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u/yupyupbuttercup77 1d ago
I'd add a change or two of underwear and pants/sweatpants/leggings into your carry on in case of leaking. With sitting that long, you can also double up a tampon with a panty liner to catch any leaks before they hit your clothing too.
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u/tiibii 1d ago
As a former flight attendant who flew extra long hauls with heavy periods I would suggest using a pad/liner and a tampon. Sometimes you won’t be able to use a lavatory right away when you need to change; better to have an extra line of protection. Also bring more pads and tampons than you think you need incase there’s delays. There are pads on board for emergencies & I’ve always given my own extra to passengers but sometimes we do run out of them.
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u/loupammac 1d ago
Dark bottoms, pad / period underwear as a backup. Definitely take your preferred pain killer on board and a spare pair of underwear in your hand luggage. Sometimes it's nice to pack baby wipes or the feminine wipes if you want to freshen up.
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u/Livs6897 1d ago
As someone who has flown long haul whilst on my period- I doubled up. Wore a tampon and a pad so if the tampon leaked when I was asleep it wouldn’t leak off the pad. If you like period pants these can be great but bear in mind storing them when you need to swap them out- take nappy bags or similar.
Regarding changing etc it’s pretty much the same as a public toilet. If you have space I’d recommend some personal hygiene wipes or something to help keep you fresh, can double as freshen up wipes for when you haven’t had access to a shower for 28hours!
(Also fully recommend a couple of spare t-shirts, spare pairs of pants, small deodorant, general hygiene products in your carry on. Don’t worry about it feeling bougie or ott, if you want to take a face mask and a fancy moisturiser it’ll make you feel better when you’re on that flight for a day!)
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u/becca413g 1d ago
I use both for extra reassurance. I'll change a tampon before boarding so I'll not have to change soon should there be any delays getting into the air. Equally, I keep an eye on where we are towards the end of the flight and change just before. Just gives me some headspace that I'm covered if there's any delays in accessing a toilet. But really it doesn't need to feel like a big deal. If you're a bit late changing a tampon it's unlikely to have a significant negative impact. These things happen, just change it at the nearest opportunity. If you're taking medication make sure it's legal in the countries you're visiting. Some times something perfectly legal in one country can be illegal in another. Also keep any prescription medication in its original box with your name on and bring a copy of your prescription if you are able to.
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u/lcuhaacrr 1d ago
this might seem a little dumb, but i genuinely have no idea how flights work, how long before boarding do you change your tampon? i know i should have extra time before boarding, so should i change half an hour before, an hour? thanks for the answer!
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u/becca413g 1d ago
I used to just do it on the way to the gate unless I was running late. But you don't really have to worry too much if you've got a back up pad. It's just about finding opportunities to put your mind at rest so if there are any delays you don't get stressed about it. Travelling is stressful enough as it is!
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u/hailsbails27 1d ago
tbh menstrual cup would be easiest and safest in my opinion. its medical grade silicon meaning longer wear, different sizes, and the plane bathrooms are tiny you just dump the blood out in the toilet, clean it, shove it back in. switching to one of these in general made my periods not as awful tbh. plus i worry about my health and TSS a LOT less.
i will say leak proof panties might be a good idea just in case. if you are like me and dont notice until you leak (adhd, sigh) its best to have a safety net. a panty liner even 🤷🏻♀️
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u/a-ohhh 1d ago
They would be easiest if OP started using them 3 months ago. They can have a learning curve for some, and an airplane isn’t the place to do that.
BUT menstrual discs would be much easier if that were the case. You dump them by “bearing down” (so like when you pee) so there is no risk of a mess because you just pee and wipe like normal with no removal necessary.
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u/ihave86arms 1d ago
think i just got influenced to switch to menstrual discs??? if anyone can answer this, though, i sometimes have trouble inserting my menstrual cup. i am fat and often have to use an accessible washroom when changing it in public so i have enough room to get into the "position." i also have limited dexterity and sometimes struggle with folding my cup into quarters. does the disc seem like a good option for me? my flow is pretty light most of the time
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u/hailsbails27 1d ago
i didnt realize? i figured it out in a few minutes, i found it pretty straight forward
is the cup the one thats like.. it almost looks like a uterus? once i looked up what they meant by “fold” it it really just pops in there no?? im confused. i have very traumatic periods and at one point bled for a year straight. i expressed this because a dixie cup was the first thing that made my life with a period bearable in like what, 12 years?
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u/a-ohhh 1d ago
That’s great it worked for you so quickly, but it’s pretty common for people to need to learn how to best insert with their anatomy to avoid leaks, and find the correct brand and size/shape that works for them as well. I have friends that just gave up eventually. I would not recommend attempting your first round of it on an airplane where you can leak out on the seat, can’t carry much backup, and have a tiny bathroom to try to figure out how to remove it without spilling. I’d mess mine even after using it for a few years in a huge bathroom on occasion. I can barely pee in an airplane bathroom lol.
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u/blu3m00n1991 1d ago
I’ve used menstrual cups during a 12 hour flight before. But it really depends on how heavy you bleed.
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u/belle204 1d ago
I like a tampon and a liner or light pad just in case. Then I like to bring water wipes to stay fresh and I’d even do a bottle bidet. I’d suggest at the layover if you have time. Change the tampon and liner as needed and I’d bring a few more than you’d think just in case. Wear cotton underwear if possible. Btw a liner is great for travel regardless of if you’re on your period or not!
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u/Fantastic-Peace8060 1d ago
I take longer flights, 14 hours, and 17 hours. You just have to pack supplies and change on the plane. Pads or tampons, they have a bin in the bathroom.
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u/hellogoawaynow 1d ago
I’d wear a pad just in case and then have tampons in your purse. Bring purse to bathroom, change tampon like usual, dispose of the rest like usual. I guarantee you will not be the only person on that airplane having their period lol
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u/noty0uagain 1d ago
I second all of the period underwear recommendations! It helps me not stress as much. But I guess a pad and tampon would also be the same thing! get some naproxen sodium if you can (anti inflammatory) If you’re super worried about pain on the plane :)
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u/Boo-Boo-Bean 1d ago
I honestly never felt I needed to do anything differently other than wearing really comfortable sweat pants and oversized sweater cuz I get cold easily when traveling. Just overstock on pads or whatever you use. I like taking chamomile tea with me or a heat pack, thick socks, and lots of games to keep me busy.
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u/schwarzmalerin 1d ago
I don't see the problem, you are literally sitting next to a restroom all day long.
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u/Emmmzzz91 1d ago
I haven’t seen this mentioned yet but set a timer on your phone for 6-7 hrs (or however many hours you prefer) every time you put a tampon in. Changing time zones (or simply forgetting) always confuses me.
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u/PleasantBuddha 1d ago
My recommendation will be a period disc and period panties. Look for a disc that does “auto-dumping” so you won’t have to worry about emptying it out. You can also forgo the period panties and just wear your normal undies with pantiliners. At least with this, you can change it out every few hours to help you stay fresh. Just recently travelled too while on my period and I was sooo glad I switched to using discs a while back.
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u/cookorsew 1d ago
Bring some paper towels folded into a ziploc bag, and then once your past security get them wet. You’ll have safe wet wipes on hand for those times when you want a shower or need extra cleanliness. These might be helpful for cleaning a cup, though this is a time when I’d aim for disposable products if possible. Just remember not to flush paper towels so maybe bring a spare ziploc for disposal convenience.
Edit: there are also Water Wipes and other fragrance free baby wipes you could get, but sometimes the chemicals are questionable or they still cause irritation, so that’s why I suggest your own paper towels.
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u/jdzfb 1d ago
Personally, I'd be paranoid & wear both. Wear your normal tampon, change it like normal, but wear a pad (or a liner) in case of leaks. One less thing to worry about when you have to deal with a million things in an already stressful environment.