Although the final destination is usually worth it, getting there—especially by plane—isn’t exactly relaxing. In fact, about 55 percent of Americans find air travel so stressful that they would prefer filing taxes or visiting the dentist over maneuvering through the airport, according to a 2023 report by Expedia. The plot thickens further when you add ulcerative colitis (UC) to the mix.
Any type of stress and anxiety can cause a UC flare—and the long lines, delays, and common hurdles that come with air travel are no exception, according to Will Bulsiewicz, M.D., a South Carolina gastroenterologist. Plus, being in a pressurized, dry airplane cabin can cause severe dehydration in people with gut health problems, which can exacerbate symptoms, he adds.
However, traveling with UC is possible—you just need a plan. Holly Firestone, 40, an Austin-based consultant, knows from experience that this is true; she flies about 20 times per year. So, we asked Firestone and two gastroenterologists to share their tips for feeling your best at 30,000 feet. Here’s what they had to say.
Tweak Your pre-departure routine
Three days before your trip, Dr. Bulsiewicz recommends making the following shifts to your diet and lifestyle:
- Avoid alcohol
- Prioritize sleep—aim for eight or more hours each night
- Steer clear of your known dietary triggers
- Consume a low-FODMAP diet, which is low in fiber (like those found in beans and whole wheat), sugar (like fructose and lactose), and artificial sweeteners
Book an aisle seat
One of the golden rules of flying with UC, according to Firestone, is booking an aisle seat near a restroom—it may even be worth paying extra for, depending on the cost and your budget. This way, you won’t have to crawl over everyone whenever you need to use the restroom, which could be quite often if you’re having a flare.
Additionally, once you’re on board, you may want to privately mention to a flight attendant that you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which is an Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)–recognized disability. This way, you’ll have an ally or someone to help smooth the way if you need to skip the restroom line or visit a toilet in another cabin, Firestone explains.
Arrive early
In addition to arriving at least 90 minutes before her flights, Firestone utilizes services like Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, and CLEAR to avoid long, slow-moving lines and other headaches as often as possible.