Ready to fly?
Flying during your period doesn’t have to hold you back. With the right prep, you can travel comfortably, confidently and without stress.
Flying During Menstruation
Where from?
Where to?
Dates
Passengers & Class
Flying during your period
Worried about flying on your period? You’re not alone. Many travellers feel anxious about managing menstruation at 30,000 feet.
The good news? With some smart preparation, flying on your period can be just as manageable as any other day.
This guide covers everything you need to know, from packing tips and comfort hacks to how air travel might affect your menstrual cycle.
Does flying affect your menstrual cycle?
Yes, flying can affect your period, but not because of altitude or cabin pressure. The main factors are jet lag, disrupted sleep and travel-related stress.
Jet lag can throw off your cycle
Crossing time zones disrupts your body clock. This shift can affect hormone levels and change the timing of ovulation, which might cause your period to arrive earlier or later than usual.
Broken sleep affects hormone balance
Sleep loss on flights, especially long-haul, impacts your circadian rhythm. This will have a knock-on effect on reproductive hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.
Travel stress may delay ovulation
Rushing to the airport, dealing with delays or navigating new environments increases cortisol levels. This stress hormone can interfere with your cycle's regular rhythm.
Changes are temporary
Your period typically returns to its usual pattern once your routine settles. Flying during your period is safe, and with a bit of planning, it can be just as manageable as any other day.
Is it safe to fly during your period?
Flying on your period is perfectly safe. There's no medical reason to avoid travel just because your cycle starts. Menstruation won't interfere with cabin pressure, circulation or oxygen levels, so you can board that flight with confidence!
But what if you have a health condition?
If you have endometriosis, PCOS or a very heavy flow, speak with your doctor before travelling. They might recommend medication, double protection or specific self-care tips for your journey. A few ways to stay comfortable in the air:
- Pack pain relief and stick-on heat patches in your carry-on. These can help ease your cramps without needing a power source.
- Wear soft, stretchy clothes to avoid making bloating or tenderness feel worse. Pick comfort over style, especially for long-haul flights.
For most travellers, flying on your period is just a small extra layer of prep and not a reason to change your plans.
Pre-flight preparation
Choose your seat wisely
If you can, book an aisle seat. It will make bathroom access easier, especially on a full flight or when wearing products that need changing more often. You'll also have more space to shift around if you get cramps or feel bloated mid-flight.
Track your cycle before your trip
Use a period tracker app, like Flo, Clue, or Cycle Tracking in Apple Health, to see if your period might fall during your travel days. If you're on birth control, set reminders to adjust for time zones so you don't miss a dose.
Pack like you won't have access to anything
Even if you're flying short-haul, always bring supplies in your carry-on. Bring extra just in case of delays. This includes:
- A mix of products (tampons, pads or a menstrual cup - whichever works for you)
- Pain relief in original packaging (some countries require this)
- Spare underwear and a disposal bag for emergencies
- If you use reusable products like period underwear or a menstrual cup, take wipes, a small water bottle and a wet bag.
How to stay comfortable on your flight
Flying on your period isn't the most convenient thing, but these simple steps can help you feel more at ease:
- Manage cramps before they start. Take pain relief about 30 minutes before boarding. Stick-on heat patches are great for discreet, long-lasting comfort.
- Support your body during the flight. Make use of a travel pillow or a rolled-up jumper for back support. Do light stretches at your seat - ankle rolls and shoulder shrugs can ease tension and help circulation.
- Wear soft, stretchy clothing. Choose leggings or loose-fitting trousers in dark colours. Period underwear adds extra reassurance if you're prone to heavy flow.
- Stay hydrated and snack smart. Sip water throughout the flight. Pack an iron-rich snack like a nut bar or dried fruit, and avoid salty snacks that can worse bloating.
- Bring your own comfort kit. A scarf, headphones or a calming playlist can make a big difference.
Trusted globally
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Frequently asked questions
Can flying delay your period?
Yes, it's quite common for travel to affect the timing of your menstrual cycle. Disruption comes mostly from jet lag and stress, not the flying itself.
When you travel across time zones or miss sleep, it can throw your body's internal clock (your circadian rhythm). This can interfere with hormone signals that control ovulation and menstruation.
If your period shows up late or early after a flight, it's usually nothing to worry about. Your cycle should settle back into its usual rhythm once your body adjusts.
Does airplane cabin pressure affect menstrual flow?
Not in a major way. Some people report a slightly lighter flow while flying and a heavier one once they land, but there’s no strong scientific evidence linking cabin pressure directly to menstrual flow changes.
The more likely explanation is that high altitude, combined with limited movement and dehydration, may make symptoms like bloating or fatigue feel worse. But the bleeding itself isn’t caused or worsened by altitude - it’s more about what’s happening in your body around the flight.
Is it safe to fly while menstruating?
Flying on your period is completely safe for most people. Menstruation doesn’t pose any medical risk during air travel. You can still fly comfortably, even on a long-haul, as long as you prepare for the usual period-related discomforts like cramps or tiredness.
If you live with a condition like endometriosis or experience very heavy bleeding, it’s worth speaking to your doctor before flying, especially for longer trips. They may recommend medication or strategies to manage symptoms more effectively in the air.
Should I take pain relief before the flight?
Yes, especially if you usually get cramps. Taking painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol about 30-45 minutes before take-off gives your body time to absorb the medication so it starts working during the flight.
Keep it in your carry-on, in its original packaging, in case airport security asks to see it. You can also bring stick-on heat patches for added relief - they’re discreet and travel-friendly!
Can I bring pads, tampons or menstrual cups through airport security?
Absolutely! Menstrual products are fully allowed in both carry-on and checked bags. Pads and tampons won’t trigger security scanners and don’t need to be declared.
If you’re wearing a menstrual cup, there’s no need to mention it - it won’t show up or cause issues in a body scanner. If you’re carrying cup cleaner, make sure it’s under 100ml or pack it with your other liquids.
How do I manage my period in a plane bathroom?
It’s tight, but doable. Bring your supplies (product, wipe and disposal bag) with you when heading to the bathroom. Change your pad, tampon or empty your menstrual cup over the toilet, and use the trash bin provided for disposal.
Never flush pads or tampons, as this can damage the aircraft toilet system. If you’re using a reusable product like a cup, rinse it with bottled water or use a wipe to clean it before reinserting. Washing your hands before and after is essential, and bring hand sanitiser just in case!
What if I get my period unexpectedly on a flight?
Don’t panic. Flight attendants are used to this situation and often have emergency pads on hand. Ask quietly - they’ll help discreetly. In the meantime, you can fold toilet paper or tissues into a makeshift pad for temporary use.
If you don’t have a change of underwear, you can line your existing pair or use a jumper around your waist to cover up until you land. These things happen, and airline staff won’t make a fuss.
Can I use a menstrual cup on a flight?
Yes - menstrual cups are a great option for flying. They hold more than tampons and can go up to 12 hours between changes, depending on your flow.
To use one mid-flight, bring a small water bottle or cup wipes to clean it, since airplane sinks can be awkward. Empty it into the toilet, clean as best you can and reinsert. Some turbulence might make this tricky, so choose your moment. Always sanitise your hands before and after.
What clothes are best for flying during your period?
Go for comfort and confidence. Soft, stretchy clothing like leggings or joggers helps reduce pressure on your lower abdomen, especially if you’re bloated or cramping.
Dark colours are practical in case of leaks. Period underwear or leakproof leggings can offer extra peace of mind.
If you’re flying long-haul, consider packing a change of underwear or spare trousers in your carry-on, just in case.
Should I tell the airline I’m on my period?
No need - menstruation is a private, routine experience, and there’s no requirement to notify the airline.
That said, if you’re feeling faint, dizzy or unwell, don’t hesitate to let the cabin crew know. They’re trained to support passengers with medical needs and can help you find a nearby bathroom, offer a warm drink, or assist discreetly if needed.