Constipation and in-flight toilet use.
 

I'm on medication and one of the side-effects is constipation. Extra bran doesn't help too much. This isn't too much of a problem at home as I can take as much time as I require, but what about in flight? I assume I should let the cabin crew know I might require much more time? If so, how? Or should I advise the airline beforehand? Should I have any documentation or will just the medicine suffice?

Hello Quartz-1, welcome to the 'cabin'.

That is very considerate of you to think of the cabin crew and I many of them visit this forum. Whilst timing may not be entirely of your own choice, look for times when the aircraft is in the cruise and some hours before landing (if applicable). Of course, if there is a need for the flight crew to switch on the seat belt sign, you should return to your seat. If you do not and the aircraft experiences sudden and bad turbulence - then you may have no claim for insurance.

Hopefully, that will not happen.

No need to advise the airline beforehand. Whilst embarrassing I would be honest with the crew. I doubt if they would want 'proof*' of your condition, just that you will be in there longer than others. If possible, depending on aircraft, choose a loo that isn't isolated.

As S.o.S. said, choose a time when there is not a queue.

*Any proof that you could offer can be easily created on anyone's PC.

Hi,just adding a few ideas although a lot of useful info has already been offered.
We do not know where you are departing from and your arrival country but if its more than a 3 hour flight maybe consider a stop enroute say 2-3 hours to make use of the airport welfare facilities.Not possible on over the pond routes thou.
Maybe consider business class as often fewer wanting to use the facilities,this has helped me in the past.
I personally would not inform the airline before travel but when off the ground (when safe) have a chat with the senior cabin crew and explain you will need extra time in the wc,just mentioning the extra time as recently cabin crew had to open the wc due to my seat buddy falling a sleep in there,something to do with all the gin & tonics they gave him.
Have you asked your doctor for advice,some doctors will accept questions by post or email,so you do not have to visit their surgery.

Good luck with your travels.

Do not take a laxative and sleeping pill in combination :E

Sorry . . .

There was always going to be one and now we know it's Basil :hmm:

How much time are we talking about? Some passengers appear to spend ages in the loo while others are in and out in seconds. Your "time frame" will also be based on your history. The only time this really will be an issue is whe there is only one loo or the cabin crew wish to secure the cabin for landing.

With regard to the selt belt sign I totally disagree with SoS. Insurance is not and never ever will be an issue. All passengers are insured at all times. The problem is that the seat belt sign is a lawful command issued to ensure the safety of passengers. When on all passengers should remain seated (?) with their seat belts on. It is unlikely to be an issue unless you have chosen the wrong day to go flying.

It's been 15 minutes or so in the past, once over 30 minutes. Of course, I've been at home so there's less urgency and I have books to read.

Anyway, thanks everyone for the advice.

Will you be flying exLAX? :}

Perhaps S.o.S. is correct on domestic flights, but on the vast majority (99.99%, if not more) of international flights the Montreal Convention 1999 (or its predecessor the Warsaw Convention (1929!) as amended) applies. Airlines assume strict liability for all accidents and in exchange their financial liability is capped.

I'm ready to be corrected but the 'Seat Belt Sign' 'Return to your seat' are lawful commands from the Captain.

S.o.S. It is a fine point. Yes they are 'lawful' commands, however 'strict liability' means that the airline admits liability (regardless to the actions of the injured passenger) to all accidents that happen on board. So the actions, or not, of the passenger are irrelevant when it comes time to compensate the passenger for proven injuries. Yes they did something unlawful, or stupid, but the airline is still liable.

The other side of the coin "capping of financial liability" means that the airlines can secure adequate insurance. If liability was not capped no insurance company would insure an aircraft with more than 1 or 2 passengers.

This also means that the costs of litigation are avoided.

Read your Ts&Cs.

Ask the flight deck crew to pull a few extra g. It may help things along.

.....

Would it be possible for you to try to be as "empty"as you are able before travel? Of course time aboard and whatever condition you have may mean that this would make little difference. Either way, good luck - an aeroplane is no great place to be with toilet problems of any description.

I have a blue card, supposedly readily recognisable to the USA TSA,( hence its obvious colour, apparently ) that indicates that I have a medical condition that may affect the results of any airport screening. It doesn't exempt me from the screening process but explains why bells and whistles might go off, and if so not to jump to any conclusion regarding my possible terrorist status.

The other side of the card is headed " Gotta Go NOW !! " and explains to Cabin Crew that I possess an Ostomy Pouch and need to use the Restroom NOW, and that this is critical, not only for my well-being, but also public sanitation.

The card is issued by the United Ostomy Ass'n. of America Inc.

I gaily wave it at the TSA and have had no issues, neither have I needed to use it for airborne toilet facilities - yet. I assure you that if I do I will be most vociferous in my demand, even to threatening to change my "Bag" in the aisle if necessary ! That'll learn them.

Had an ileostomy pouch for six months. Luckily was able to have it reversed. But I'd be taking no instructions from anybody if it needed immediate emptying.