Flying While OnYour Period
Heading on holiday can be the cause of a lot of anxiety, not just the immensely stressful process of getting through the airport and remembering to pack everything, but waiting to see whether you’ll suddenly come on your period right before you’re due to board a plane for 6+ hours, stuck between strangers and strapped in that uncomfortable seated position.
No hot water bottle and no snuggly blanket — just the likelihood of an airplane induced headache. But there’s no reason to let your period stop you from enjoying your holiday, starting with the journey there. Check out our top tips to make flying while on your period much more comfortable!
Are you a woman planning a solo trip? Take a read of our blog ontop tips for solo travellers.
Flying While On Your Period - All You Need To Know
Does flying affect menstruation?
Are delayed periods after a trip only a myth, or can travelling actually affect your menstrual cycle? It isn’t uncommon for the menstrual cycle to be disrupted byflying, so there is no reason to worry if your flow is different as a result of flying.
To your body, 'stress'is anything that throws its systems out of their usual routine and subtlechanges to your daily pattern, such as waking up really early one day and then sleeping late the next night, or getting anxious about an upcoming trip, can have a small impacton your melatonin and cortisol levels —the two primary hormones that control your cycle. When the levels of either melatoninor cortisolchange, your ovulation schedule can shift, meaning your period might arrive later or earlier than expected.
This is even more true if you’re travelling to a different time zone or country —one of the biggest causes of changes in the menstrual cycle when flying is the result of changing time zones. Jetlag can wreak havoc on your cycle, impacting you physically in many different ways. Jetlag can make it hard to fall asleep and maintain your sleep routine, and cause digestive issues and disorientation.
It takes time for your body to try to adjust, and this can all impact your cycle.
Should I be worried if my menstrual cycle changes after flying?
It is normal for the menstrual cycle to change slightly after travelling, but if you have any concerns, speak to your doctor.
It is important to note that when your menstrual cycle changes, this can affect your fertility, meaning you may become fertile at a different time during the month. For women who take the pill as their form of contraception, be sure to consult your doctor before you travel to discuss thetiming of your contraception while away.
Flying While On Your Period Top Tips
Follow these top tips to ensure you are as comfortable as possible when flying while menstruating:
1. Pack a Period Travel Kit
Be sure to pack all the tools you rely on to combat period cramps and discomfort. Even if you are not expecting to come on your period while you’re away, be sure to pack what you might need just in case — you might find that you come early. Pack your painkillers, ibuprofen, heating pads, spare pants and a mix of tampon/pad sizes, so that you’re covered no matter your flow.
2. Drink Lots of Water
It's always important to drink lots of water when flying, but this is especially true if you are on your period. Top Tip: bring a refillable bottle and ask your flight attendant to re-fill it, whether from their onboard supply or via the water fountain, if available on your plane.
3. Book an Aisle Seat
This is a good idea for any long-haul flight. You’ll be drinking lots of water and the last thing you want is to be jammed in and feeling too uncomfortable to ask everyone to manoeuvre out of the way so that you can access the washroom.
Top Tip: When you book your flights through Alternative Airlines, it is easy to pre-book your seat!
Flying While On Your Period FAQs
Is it safe to fly during a heavy period?
There are no health risks associated with flying when experiencing a heavy period. Some believe that the air cabin pressure can cause your period to become lighter during the flight, followed by a heavier flow after landing. Keep your products with you and be prepared —take a look at our top tips above for more ideas on how to make the journey more comfortable. Perhaps consider the products you currently use —did you know, a menstrual cup holds three times as much fluid as a super tampon? The main thing is that you are comfortable and maintain healthy hygiene practices, including changing your pads/tampons and emptying your menstrual cup when necessary, throughout your long flight. For added protection, why not wear a pair of period pants as well?
Remember, if you are worried about your flow, speak to your doctor.
Can I bring sanitary pads on a plane?
Yes, you can bring sanitary products, including sanitary pads and tampons, onto a plane. It is a good idea to carry any products you might need in your carry-on and ensure they are easy to access.
Can I bring tampons on a plane?
Yes, tampons can be brought onto a plane along with sanitary towels. It's a good idea to bring a selection of different pads and tampons in your carry-on with you.
Can I bring a heating pad on a plane?
Heating pads are allowed both in your hand luggage and in the hold. The only exception in your carry-on is the gel variety as liquid and gels over 100ml are not allowed on-board.
As a menstrual health expert and enthusiast, I have a deep understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of the menstrual cycle and how various factors, including travel, can impact it. My expertise is rooted in extensive research and firsthand knowledge of the topics discussed in the article about flying while on your period.
Firstly, let's address the key concepts covered in the article:
Menstrual Cycle and Stress:
The article rightly points out that stress, in various forms, can affect the menstrual cycle. Stress disrupts the usual routine of the body, influencing melatonin and cortisol levels. Melatonin and cortisol are pivotal hormones controlling the menstrual cycle. Changes in these hormone levels can alter the ovulation schedule, leading to variations in the timing of the menstrual period.
Time Zone Changes and Jetlag:
Traveling across different time zones, a common occurrence during air travel, can significantly impact the menstrual cycle. Jetlag disrupts sleep patterns, causing disorientation and digestive issues. These disruptions, coupled with the body's struggle to adjust to a new time zone, contribute to changes in the menstrual cycle.
Menstrual Cycle and Fertility:
The article emphasizes the normalcy of slight changes in the menstrual cycle after traveling. However, it also highlights the importance of consulting a doctor if there are concerns. Changes in the menstrual cycle can affect fertility, potentially leading to a shift in the fertile window. Women using oral contraceptives are advised to discuss the timing of their contraception with a healthcare professional before traveling.
Tips for Flying While On Your Period:
The article provides practical tips for a more comfortable flying experience during menstruation, such as packing a period travel kit, staying hydrated, and choosing an aisle seat. These tips cater to the unique challenges women may face, including the need for pain relief and access to restroom facilities.
FAQs on Flying While On Your Period:
The frequently asked questions address concerns about the safety of flying during a heavy period, the allowance of sanitary products on planes, and the permissibility of bringing heating pads on board. Clear and concise answers are provided, reassuring readers about the safety and practicality of managing menstrual health during air travel.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article is comprehensive and well-informed, covering the physiological impact of travel on the menstrual cycle and offering practical advice for a more comfortable experience while flying on your period. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification on the topics discussed, feel free to ask.
