If it hasn’t happened already, chances are you’ll end up flying on your period sooner or later. Don’t fret because it’s not that different than living your life on your period, but if you want some helpful tips for flying on your period here you go!

Tip #1 - Track Your Cycle so you’re not caught ill-prepared.

Although it’s easy enough to buy your preferred period products on the road we’d all rather have it with us ahead of time so we don’t have to scramble in some airport bathroom, shoving toilet paper into our underwear while we run to go find some overpriced tampons before our flight.

Tip #2 - If you’re anxious about whether your period is going to come during your trip or not, just pack the necessities to give you peace of mind. It’s better to just have them on hand than to fret the whole time about being unprepared. But if you find yourself on a plane without any products, check the bathrooms for a period product compartment, or ask a flight attendant.

Tip #3 - Bring lots of yummy snacks, and some sort of entertainment - kindle, sudoku, download a movie or show beforehand.

Tip #4 - Make sure you have a water bottle with you that you can fill up after TSA and bring onto the flight. Being dehydrated isn’t going to help with any cramping you might experience.

Tip #5 - Wear an overnight or heavy flow pad, even if you don’t normally use them. Something about altitude makes me bleed heavier on a flight. And it gives me peace of mind knowing I have that extra layer of backup if my tampon leaks.

Tip #6 - Book an aisle seat if possible. That way it’s easy to get up and head to the bathroom whenever you need and if you’re like me and get anxious about asking the person next to you to let you out then skip that and just sit in the aisle seat. If you booked a window seat and want to switch either check the airline app or talk to a desk agent when you get to the gate.

Tip #7 - Wear comfortable, but secure clothing. For me, I like having a layer of spandex to hold it all snug to my body to help mitigate any leaks that might sneak by in loose clothing. So either biker shorts under sweats, leggings, or something similar. But if you feel more comfortable in just sweats or lounge pants go for it. I’d also recommend choosing a dark color for your pants, just in case. This has saved me more than once.

Tip #8 - Bring extra underwear, and a bag to keep soiled ones sealed until you can wash them. Also bring some wipes in case you need to freshen up in the bathroom, especially on long-haul flights. And if you’re one to leak, have an extra pair of pants/shorts in your carry-on.

Tip #9 - Bring more than you think you need. This way you can make sure you’re changing your products regularly. Avoid any TSS and feel fresher/cleaner. If you find yourself on a flight without anything there’s a good chance there are period products in the bathrooms. Or don’t hesitate to ask a flight attendant.

Tip #10 - Make a little period care kit to have accessible in your personal item under your seat. Don’t put it in your carry-on suitcase in the overhead bin. Things to include:

Pain killers
Disposable heat patches, or cordless heating pad
Period products
Overnight or heavy flow pads
Wipes
Hand sanitizer
Extra underwear + baggy in case you need to store a soiled pair until you can wash them at home or in a hotel

Normally if I’m flying on my period I just make sure I have whatever period products I need. But if it’s a long-haul flight I might bring a bit more. And don’t worry, you’re probably not the only one on the flight with your period.