Does anyone have airplane travel tips?

I was anxious about flying cross country, many hours too this past August, so I got a "restroom card" from www.MyIBD.org, it was free. It looks official and I hoped it would persuade the steward/stewardess in case I need the bathroom when the "fasten seatbelt" alert was on. Having it with me must have calmed me down because I didn't come close to needing it.

What was worse was how little legroom airlines now provide and I ended up getting bruises from lack of circulation and am now claustrophobic about ever flying again. Get an aisle seat, great for many reasons.

The best thing is that the airports had restrooms everywhere, no worries.
The other annoying thing was how many times I got patted down, U.S. and Canada, it seemed like 4 times because of plane connections. If you are bringing enemas don't worry, mine were carry-on and no problems in the original box with Rx label.

I didn't eat much food on airplane days but drank a lot of water and brought my own snacks so not to be tempted by on-plane or in-airport vendors (perhaps you aren't affected by diet but I am). Purse had Immodium, Bentyl and PeptoBismol.
Best of luck, I think pre-anxiety is worse than the actual flying.

I am curious obout osteonecrosis that someone mentioned came from steroids. I'm not sure I spelled it correctly. Ever since getting off of prednisone last summer I have had terrible knee and arm pain - not enough to make me stop moving - but enough to make me suddenly feel very old. I have never had this before and it started immediately after I stopped the pred. which I had been on for over 2 years. I really think they are related. As for the person who is traveling - I agree with the idea of the aisle seat and also being careful with diet. SOmetime imodium can help a bit. Also, maybe you could try pred. for a VERY short time and then ween off quickly - it does seem to stop inflamation and isn ot too bad if you don't stay on for too long. Good luck with your trip and I understand about the anxiety.

For gas pain - sometimes Gas-X (brand name) can help. Give it a try. I would love to hear if other people have any other remedies for gas. I am in remission from UC right now but have an ulcer in the lower rectum. I'm not really sure why that is different from UC but my doc says it is and the symptoms are being controlled with canasa suppositories. But, any advice on gas?
Weenie

UC since age 15. I am now 61. On asacol and canasa supp. No special diet.

I got a note from my GI doc & airlines such as Southwest allow for early boarding to get a seat right next to the restroom. (I have never actually had to show the note)
I've found most airlines very accommodating and remember you do have rights, so speak up and insist on them!

I haven't travelled since my diagnosis but have had symptoms for years and just dealt with the urgency. I always pre book my seats. You may be able to check out the plane layout when you prebook your seats. I always get as close to the back as possible as there is usually a bathroom there that is not used by a lot of people. The bathrooms in the middle of the plane service the majority of the plane.
I'm not sure how you do with stress but it sets my insides off big time so here is a "run down" of how I get to my destination :)
Head toward sercurity. Hit the bathroom. Go through security. Check where gate is. If there is a long walk I will head to bathroom again. Head to gate check where nearest bathroom is. Watch the airline staff. Once they get busy and there is an increase in staff head to bathroom, we will soon be boarding. Get to seat and settle myself. The worst times for me is when the cabin pressurises and then take off. Usually as soon as we are in the air I head to the bathroom. When you get about one hour from your desination go to the bathroom as a preventative measure. This is when they start with final descent. This is the worst part for me as the constant "dropping" and sinking feeling plays havoc with my insides. I close my eyes and do deep breathing excercises and try to keep myself as relaxed as possible. Once we are landed and taxi-ing to the gate if I need to I will head to the bathroom again. I always get stopped by the staff but tell them I am sick and NEED to go and I know I'm not supposed to. (Now I have Dx that card people are talking about might be very helpful). Once off the plane find the nearest bathroom (usually a loooong loooong walk). Make sure I go before we line up for passport control as it can take a while. Go over to luggage claim. Head to bathroom, grab luggage and then head out through customs.

That turn out to be a long post but good luck to you and remember to carry an underwear change at least in you hand luggage

If anyone heard about the first class seats - I could use the info as well But to be honest, I think it depends on how the plane is booked and how willing to help is the crew on board and before boarding. I travel to Europe every summer, with two kids "in tow" but so far, I was able to do it while in remission or while on predn (last year). So to be honest, I didn't have too much of bothering symptoms during the flight and hope, until March, you are better.

If you won't be able to pre book your favorite spot, just ask the crew at the gate that you should seat close to restroom. They usually are able to shuffle some other around and will make it work for you.

Good to have your meds on carry-on with the RX label on them, just in case anybody asks. And remember, take all meds you could possibly be using during your stay in Europe. When I visit my family, I usually look like pharmacy-on-the-go, but since I was diagnosed in US and staying on meds here, I rather have my full supply on me.

Avoid airplane food or pre order some vegetarian, kosher or kids meal, if unable to do it online, try call the airline. Or bring your own snacks, food. Even if they asks about them during the security scan you can always explain what's going on. You can even ask your GI in advance to write some kind of letter about it, that you have to stick to your diet etc. It depends on how well you tolerate different foods.

Bring wet tissues on borad with you. And since you struggle with controlling your urgency, the card would be good item to have as well as some famine pads, for easier cleaning.

If you have any food-related issues, gas etc, do as other suggested - ask your GI about any possible meds that you could use while traveling, for other symptoms.

Anyway, I hope you'll get your UC under control for the travel. And, as I'm from Europe myself, can I ask where you're planning to go?
Keeping my fingers crossed!

I will be traveling to London - I guess technically that is not Europe per se. 

I also have been studying the plane seat selections and I think I like the plane with two isles and seats in the middle - that way I can have two escape routes to get to the bathroom when the beverage cart comes around.  It is still hard for me to believe I have to consider these things and add an hour of flight time just to have the larger plane!

Again thanks for all the information.