There is nothing like the fear of not making it to the bathroom on a plane so that the future traveler stays home. Take it easy. The situation is controllable.
Before the flight:
Reserve an aisle seat as close to the toilet as possible. This is not rocket science, as you don’t want to have to go through two people to escape your seat. The closer you are, the better your chances of getting there on time.
Book a vegetarian meal. Why vegetarian? Airplane food can sometimes be enough to trigger a bowel movement. Other foods include vegan, Japanese, and kocher. It also means that you will get your food before the other passengers. Time means you can go to the bathroom before the masses do after your meals.
Pack extra adult “briefs”, wet wipes and a change of underwear in your carry-on luggage. “Diapers” is apparently no longer a politically correct term. These items are not good for you in your checked luggage, so keep them within easy reach.
Read the Mayo Clinic literature. These proactive measures can help you control your bowels. Advice includes watching your diet, exercising, and documenting your food intake.
Decide if you want to take an anti-anxiety pill. Putting on diazepam / Valium can give you “false” security, but if it helps you be less afraid of an accident, it may be worth the risk. Discuss the problem with a doctor.
Select over-the-counter medications as an option just in case. Included in this list are Pepto-Bismol, Loperamide, or Bismuth. Those who want to be even more confident can opt for prescription drugs.
On the plane:
Talk to the flight attendant. Don’t be shy, just explain that you have a problem. Hey, you think they haven’t heard it all before? That way, if all the bathrooms are in use and there is a line, they will escort you to the facilities in business class or first class, even if you are traveling economy class.
Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water as airplanes are known for zero humidity and you don’t want to get dehydrated. Avoid alcohol, soda, coffee, and other irritating beverages. That said, you don’t want to drink enough water to do it every 15 minutes.
Go to the bathroom even if you don’t think you have to. That may sound strange, but sometimes just being there is enough to provoke a reaction.
Realize that an accident is not the end of the world. Yes, it is embarrassing, but not fatal. If people stare, just smile silently. There are likely to be more passengers who are understanding than not. And remember that once you’ve cleared customs, you will likely never see them again.
