Reply: Catheter question for long flight..

Thanks for that info. Really helpful.

May I ask what brand of Cath you use?

Hi guys,

“Experienced cath user” here. I know I’m late to the party but for the benefit of anyone reading.

An experienced cath user can safely and hygienically empty their bladder in around the same time a normal man would, you get really used to the process. If you’re worried about taking too long and that makes you nervous, just spend time looking out the airplane door window whilst stretching your legs, then if anyone asks why you took a while you just say you needed a leg stretch.

As for airport security, I’ve been on hundreds of fights with catheters in my hand luggage now and I still haven’t had to remove them from my bag once, they don’t even go in my liquid bag despite containing some liquid.

As Andrew says though they are liquid so you could fall foul of the rules on bagging them, so be prepared to bin any liquids you have and put your catheters into an airport plastic bag if they force you, but I’ve never had to.

A tip if you’re using the type which are stored in a plastic tube, when you take it out of your pocket on the plane before opening it rotate it a few times up and down and roll it so it lubricates nicely, I’ve found on planes that the liquid doesn’t seem to cover the catheter as nicely as when it’s bouncing around on your backpack or pocket on a day out.

Hello David,

No issues with security. In the end I didn't use them, still had paruresis but just suffered until I got to the hotel.

Good luck with your travels.

Hi David
No problem: medical necessities. They do not contain 100+ml liquid so do not break regs. They will not be interested in a reason for having them. In the unlikely event, "a urinary condition" is all that need be said.
Andrew

Hi Martin

Hope you are well and your flights went ok?

I'm planning to do exactly the same on a 4 flights I have coming up shortly.

I'm just wondering if you had any advice following your flights - were security and customs ok with the Catheters for instnace?

thanks

David

Thanks Andrew.