Long haul flight - disposable pants?

[Deliberatenamechange1]

Hi - I have a (very) long haul flight tomorrow night and am in the middle of my period. Also tend to have quite heavy periods. I really can’t face having to change multiple tampons or pads in some awful airplane loo. Has anyone tried wearing disposable pants in a similar situation and, if so, how long did you go without changing them?

In particular, Always now have Tenalady-style disposable pants specifically for periods (www.amazon.co.uk/Always-Overnight-Disposable-Underwear-Leakproof/dp/B08VCJS1MX) but just need some reassurance they won’t leak and I’m not being gross!

How is changing knickers less bothersome than changing a tampon or pad?

Surely a mooncup is the answer.

I've used washable period pants and tbh can't think of anything worse in that situation, especially with a heavy flow or if you flood at all. They start feeling soggy and it's unpleasant. I'd say pads are your best bet.

Thanks for the responses. I’d assumed that the Tena Lady style disposable pants would hold more so might work for the entire flight (helpful given I’m in a window see and it’s overnight), and might be better than the reusable ones, but maybe that’s a bit too optimistic?

She's flying tomorrow so that would give her one day to acquire and get used to using a cup. Hardly sensible to be grappling with a cup as a first time user on a plane. Even as someone who regularly uses a cup I'd be dubious about trying to use one in a tiny jolting washroom.

OP, I'd layer several pairs of period pants and a pad.

I have very heavy flows so you have my sympathy I use multiple pads to contain the flow on long journeys but it will depend on how long the flight is I used 5 thick pads for a 5 hour journey once and it held perfectly not the most comfortable but it worked anything above that you could try period pants and pads and just bulk up on pads that way the period pants will be a extra holder just Incase you need it leaks etc
Don't know about tena lady underwear unfortunately

I would get a mooncup if you can, put it in just before you fly and wear some period pants as well for if it starts to leak.

But surely pads are plastic backed so the blood won't flow through to the pad underneath? You'll just be sat on a huge lump.

In situations where I’m concerned about being able to contain things, I wear a tampon with a pad, or pad plus period pants. Pad or pants are the extra insurance. I wouldn’t trust disposable pants you’ve never used before to last all the long.

Realistically, do you flood through pads at home? You won’t be sleeping for like 12 hours on a flight. You should be up and moving anyway for DVT. You’ll be going to literally be 4-6 hours max between toilet trips, which is better than overnight at home.

Surely you'll need a wee at some point anyway? If genuinely super heavy I'd use a tampon and maternity pads.

Thanks for the helpful responses. I might have to start experimenting with a mooncup once I’m back.

For tomorrow, sure I will be able to use the loo if needed but, just to be on the safe side, I think the pants / adult nappy option is probably the safest bet. Not going to be particularly flattering, but I’m working on the basis that if they’ll hold up to incontinence, they should make light work of a heavy flow.

Honestly a mooncup is not the answer here. If it gets full, the blood slips down the sides and the whole thing fails catastrophically.

apologies for my naiveté but if each pad has a plastic base layer (always etc) how does stacking them up work? I can understand folded muslin cloths etc layered up but I can’t figure out layering of sanitary towels

Yes I’d do this. Tampon and period pants, take out tampon after a few hours on the plane and the period pants should last the rest.

i'd have overnight period pants + a pad (+ tampon if you like). then remove the pad (& change tampon) half-way through the flight and you'll still have the pants to cope with the rest of the trip.

I used them post-birth for the bleeding. Worked very well tbh. Might be a bit of a faff to change in an aeroplane loo, though.

I used the Always ones when in hospital. They worked well. I'd be tempted to put a pad on top then remove it during the journey if you're REALLY heavy. But the pants definitely coped with 2-3 days for me. (Terrible hospital stay!)

I would also use a tampon and night pads, and the period pants/tena pants and dark trousers. Plus I would bring a dark towel.

Sit on towel, change tampon even if I didn't replace it and then keep changing pads.

As for mooncups, for the future I do recommend them. I still leak and I couldn't change one in an aeroplane toilet but they still have made my periods better.

I'd absolutely go for the doubling up with heaviest flow tampon and large, long pad and change frequently. A regular plane toilet really isn't that bad to do something as everyday as this in.

Period pants, towel and tampon. Extra clothes layer e.g leggings under dark trousers and sit on a dark coloured shawl to protect the seat and your blushes.
Easy enough to change the towel before departure, in the plane toilets and at airport when you land. That should see you through. Have a great trip.
Could you talk to your GP re heavy periods (try the pill or hrt (not sure of your age ;) ) when you get home? And you can take pills to delay periods (good to know for next time).
I had a shit time as a teen with heavy periods and I couldn’t afford to buy the whole shelf so often leaked onto clothes and chairs. And my mum told the whole family (with me present) how expensive my periods were and that I change my products too often. Hideous times! Now I always buy as much as I need and change more often than I need to. It still feels like I am treating myself. Have the occasional leak still though. Grrh

I absolutely love my mooncup but I have to empty it every 2 hours max on my heaviest days. I’m not sure it’s the answer here!

Agree re a maternity pad and a tampon. You do not want to have to change knickers in the plane toilet if the knickers fail. The floor will be disgusting. Much quicker, neater and less fuss to change a tampon and pad. Wear black trousers.

Taking Ibuprofen should also considerably lessen the flow

I used the boots staydry pants after giving birth and during my first few periods post partum. I put a maternity pad inside and just didnt stick it down. They are brilliant, comfy and I didn't have any leaking at all.

I have never had that issue myself but yes it could happen and I'm a heavy flow person it was a suggestion not a yes do this

I only layer to catch blood leaking into clothes so for example I put 2 at the back middle and front this stops leaks doesn't build up blood pools well not for me however I only do the pad layers if I'm on a long journey other than that I use 2 pads one middle and one slightly over lapping the other and period pants as a extra but what works for me may not work for others