new air travel security measures

Hi...I don't travel, but in the event that I would have to and with the restrictions, I would have absolutely NO problem to take Imodium. I don't know how long it takes to work, however, but it would only make sense to lessen one's anxiety about not having bathroom access.


I would also make sure that I used butt meds nightly wherever I was....that in itself will ease the rectal inflammation that can be exacerbated just by the sheer "excitement" of travel and being away from home and the normal stressors of having a different schedule/routine.



q

Ask your doctor if you can get a "bathroom" pass. I think you can also get them on the CCFA site.

I have flown a lot with IBS and now UC.  Imodium has always worked for me - thank goodness.  However, I also have an overactive bladder.  I try not to drink much which is not good for us.  Once the flight attendant told me to sit down because the seat belt light was on.  I told her I would either go to the bathroom OR she could clean up my mess.  I went!  Only time I had a problem so far.  We always sit next to restroom too.  However, under the NEW rules I would inform them of my "condition" before flight so they would not be surprised if I had to go.  I would not mind telling the phone plane full of people.  Who cares?   

ElaineNY

Yes, I fly a lot too, and haven't had a problem as of yet, but I like Rio -- eat very lightly before flying. I even just "sip" on water to avoid using the restroom. Sometimes it can't be avoided, so it is best to let your flight attendant know before hand especially since the rules have changed.

Yes, TSA is good idea. Also, I have emailed the airlines - we fly mostly Delta - and they have been very helpful.

ElaineNY

I also heard read it on the news that the restrictions have been lifted on domestic flights in the US but didn't say anything about international flights. Also I read that the restrictions can change from flight to flight. It depends on the flight crew on how strict they follow the restrictions.

I wrote the TSA today and I will let you know the response:

Dear TSA:

I am writing you today to ask that you have provisions in place to accommodate passengers with digestive disorders or other conditions that require urgent use of a restroom. After the attempted terrorist attack on 12/25, I heard that passengers on incoming flights were prohibited from getting out of their seats during the last hour of the flight. According to FAA regulations, once a flight lands, a passenger can not leave their seat until the plane has safely "parked" at the gate. This could mean passengers are not allowed out of their seat for an hour and a half to two hours in some cases.

I have Crohn's disease which is a painful digestive disorder that causes urgent and at times frequent trips to the restroom. When I fly I take medication to minimize the chance of flaring in flight. However, that medication has the side effect of causing frequent urination. Many people suffer from a variety of maladies that would prohibit them from sitting for an hour without using the restroom. Even if they experience this problem only occasionally, they will certainly face high anxiety in a situation such as this. It is hard enough for people with these conditions to wait in line for security screenings. I have had to ask someone to hold my place in line while I step out to use the restroom.

I visited your website and your section on disabilities to see if there were any accommodations for this situation in flight. I did not see any. Digestive disorders are afforded protection under the ADA as controlling one's bladder and bowels is considered a major life function. People with such conditions often have cards from support organizations or from doctors identifying their need to use a bathroom urgently. Please write your policies in such a way so that this need will be respected and that airline staff will have discretion to allow a passenger to use the restroom if they urgently need to do so regardless of where they are in flight. No one wants to sit next to a passenger who has had an accident and no passenger wants to be put in the position where they may be forced to go to the bathroom in their pants.

On all my flights I have encountered excellent flight attendants who allowed me to use the restroom as needed, even if the seatbelt sign was on. This, however, was due to turbulence and not security mandates. Please advise me how people in my situation will be treated under the current mandates and please advise me what if anything I need to bring on a trip to prove my medical need.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

XXXXXX

PS: For more information on Crohn's and colitis, please see www.ccfa.org.