www.incontinentsupport.org

Ok sorry for yet another post but reading the replies really does put my mind at rest about things I am currently worrying about. Ok so if you have read my other post you will be aware I am flying to America in a few days to go on a epic road trip something I have always wanted to do.
However the problem is to get there I have to endure a 11.20 hour flight according to the world wide web! I have flown before with my incontinence but never for that long!!! and the last time I flew was a good 4 years ago!
I have booked an aisle seat so that should make things a little easier but just wondering how you lot all manage etc? discretely getting a nappy/diaper to the bathroom, disposing in that tiny bin in the toilet etc.
I may just be over worrying due to the fact I am thinking things through too much as the time to leave looms closer. I will be using Tena Slip Maxi (uk version)
Any advise, hints or tips would be greatly appreciated.

I assume you will be checking your luggage...

Keep at least three nappies with you (plus the one you changed into after security at Heathrow). This way you will have enough to last you for the flight and one more change after, in case your luggage gets lost. Keep these in the carry-on you put under the seat in front of you so that you can take one out for a change while flying. If the bag is small enough, perhaps a knapsack size, then you can tote that into the loo with you for the change. If you can roll the used one up tight enough, it will fit into the rubbish bin.

Have a great trip!

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- Tom

I am trying to imagine what kind of Houdini you would have to be to contort yourself enough to change in an airplane restroom. If you manage it, might I suggest a change in careers.... I hear the circus is hiring!

Seriously, that is a good question. Now that that is covered, how do you manage the TSA? The thought of that scares the bajeezus out of me, as we've all heard horror stories on that account.

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When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.

Marcus Aurelius

Although I do not fly frequently, I have not had difficulty with the TSA folks. My worst experience was a whole-body pat-down at the Las Vegas airport when I was in the midst of a full-blown Meniere's attack. The agent who did it repeatedly apologized, telling me that my number came up randomly. On other trips I am sure that the X-ray of my luggage revealed my diaper supply, but the agents did not bat an eye. Clearly, they frequently see incontinent folks whose luggage carries diapers. Good luck, and have a safe, enjoyable trip.

Your trip is going to be amazing. I fly several times a year between the US and Europe/Eastern Europe. I usually try to go through security wearing just a pullup or a single thin diaper and try to keep it dry if possible. I don't know if they are using the full body scanners there in England, but when you leave the USA you will be put through one. The security people are usually very professional and will not cause you any problems. Just be as helpful as you can. I have never been pulled aside because of wearing a diaper or a pullup.

After you clear security I go to a family restroom if available or a handicapped stall and there I put on one or two diapers over the pullup if it is still dry. OK, I know it will feel like your butt is huge, but nobody is looking at it after you clear security. Be sure these are super absorbent diapers, like the Tena slip maxi or Molicare super plus. On the plane when I need to change I just go into the restroom or loo as you call it and take off the wet diaper. If I have taken off both diapers I was wearing, I have a photographers vest that has a large pocket covering most of the back and I can take a diaper with me in that. Sometimes I just take one out of my carry on that I have with me in a plastic bag and just take that to the restroom, nobody is really looking at what you take with you. The newer aircraft sometimes have a handicapped restroom and it has a bit more room. Changing is possible in those small spaces, just remember to have wipes with you. If you roll the diaper up as small as you can, you can usually get it into the rubbish bin ok. Always, always wear more protection than you think you will need and as someone earlier said bring extras in your bag under the seat. Sometimes they will turn on the seat belt sign if you get into some rough air and it is usually after you have had a soft drink, water and maybe coffee after your meal! However, drink lots of water and very little alcohol, you can get very dehydrated in the dry air, even if it means you change an extra time. Also be aware that when you land you can be in a line to clear immigration for quite a while, so if you need, stop in a restroom before you get in that line so you can change there. Looking forward to hearing about your trip! Sorry this is so long, hope it helps a bit.

Maximusno2: You've already received some great advice; so I don't have much more to add to that. One thing I will say is that it's a lot easier than you may think it will be. Security (on the USA side) is usually not a concern. If you can use a pull up to get thru security and then change into something more appropriate, then that will be better. If not, the worst that can happen is that they will do further investigation since wetness shows up in a body scanner. Of course, a standard "metal scanner" won't flag wetness. This is the main reason why I will I always opt-out of a body scanner if they are going to force me into a body scanner. Of course if they don't force me into the body scan line, then all the better for me!

As mentioned, keep very well hydrated. It's been said a person should drink 1 liter of water for every hour of flight because a plane is typically kept at less than 15% humidity! If you do that, then you will need to change on a long haul flight. And even though an airplane's loo is tiny, changing and disposing has never been an issue for me (even in turbulence! ).

I tend to pack enough diapers and accessories to get me thru 24 hours. This is "just in case" something goes wrong and there are interminable delays or misplaced luggage.

Lastly, keep in mind that in LA and the States, premium diapers are not easily found in our average, general retail shops. We tend to sell very low end, low capacity diapers at the retail level. So I would suggest you keep a list of medical supply stores (which should carry better, premium diapers) near your touring locations.

Best Wishes and Enjoy My Country!

ILuvLA.

Well thanks for all your helpful replies I really have got some good advise off this forum. Well tomorrow is the day. Spending today finishing my packing (don't think its going to make its way into the suitcase by itself) and then off to the airport where I decided I am going to stay in a hotel overnight before catching my flight in the morning.
Like a few of you mentioned I have packed more than enough supplies to get me through the flight and enough for if my luggage gets lost/delayed. I will of course stay hydrated during the flight like some of you mentioned.
I will keep you lot updated on how everything goes if that's what you would like?

Yes ... Do keep us posted!

Have a fabulous trip, maximusno2!

Wetters

Have a great trip, Maximos and enjoy yourself. Looking forward to hearing how you get on, whilst away!