With the pandemic slowing down and summer trips starting to begin, my time on airplanes have started to increase. For a long time, air travel was the most stressful part of vacations and trips. I would dread preparing for flights due to the unpredictable nature of flights, being stuck in the middle seat, the restricted bathroom access during takeoff and landing, and the tight quarters with little room for movement. Additionally, I often experience GI distress during flights. Air pressure changes during flights can lead to increase bloating which can be painful and uncomfortable. Changes in time zones and sleep schedules often impact my mood and IBD symptoms as well. However, I feel more excited about flying after finding some activities that help manage my IBD on flights.
Some of my tips and tricks:
Leave plenty of time to go through security and find the gate. More stress often can lead to more symptoms.
Wear comfortable clothing that can easily adapt to different temperatures.
Stay hydrated, prepare to carry an empty water bottle through security, and find the nearest water foundation
Walk around the airport before the flight. Light movement can help decrease stress, boost mood, and help with relaxation.
Bring snacks that are easy to open and fit dietary needs
Go to the bathroom before the flight.
Create an emergency pack, which can include as-needed medications, wet wipes, an extra pair of clothes, or even a hot pack. Try to find travel-friendly items that can help relieve symptoms quickly and can be accessed easily during the flight.
If traveling with liquid or refrigerated medications, bring a printed prescription label and try to leave it in its original packaging (prevents spilling). Also, prepare to spend a bit of extra time through security.
If it is a night flight, bring items for sleeping (e.g., face mask, headphones, pillow). If the destination is in a different time zone, try adjusting to the time zone a couple of days earlier.
If needed, call the airline's customer service or disability line to request accommodations. You can request a seat with easy access to the bathroom.
Ask for help if needed; this can be your neighbor or a flight attendant. Sometimes we need an extra hand, so do not be afraid to speak up.
Don’t forget to breathe. Flights can be frustrating, and tensions can run high when flights are delayed or canceled. The goal is to get to the final destination safely. Having the bigger picture in mind helps pass the momentary stress from traveling.
Although flights are not my favorite part of vacations and trips, I have found ways to manage my IBD symptoms. IBD has taught me to “go with the flow,” as not everything always goes as planned. But preparing a few days ahead of my trip helps me feel more confident and less stressed. As air travel continues, I hope to continue refining my list of activities and items to make traveling with IBD easier!