Little Ones Taking to the Skies: A Diapered Travel Guide
Greetings, little ones and happy Big Diaper Friday!
With spring now in bloom (and summer just around the corner!), many 2025 events and conventions are starting to fill up the calendar. That means lots of waddling fun, hotel room changes, and travel plans ahead. If you’re flying to your next padded adventure, this BDF article is here with tips and tricks to make your diapered travel as stress-free as possible.
✈️ Flying While Padded
Flying padded can feel daunting at first, but with a little planning, it can be just as validating and empowering as it is practical.
1. Skip the Bulk & Ship Ahead
Checked baggage is expensive, and diapers take up a lot of space. Many hotels are happy to hold packages for incoming guests, so consider shipping your diapers to your destination ahead of time!
Just check with your hotel first to confirm their package policy and how they prefer shipments to be addressed. Our customer support team is also happy to help make sure your order arrives on time: ABUCares.com
2. Pack Smart & Plan for Changes
Think through your travel time, including layovers, and pack enough diapers and wipes to get you there (and back!) comfortably. Don’t forget disposable bags for discreet disposal along the way.
- Consider wearing dark-colored pants to help mask any possible leaks
- Keep a full spare outfit in your carry-on, just in case
- Avoid soda and coffee; both can irritate your bladder and tummy
- Stick with water, and sip, sip, sip!
3. Navigating Airport Security
Let’s be honest, this part causes the most nerves.
“Will they see my diaper?”
“What if my bag gets pulled aside?”
Breathe. TSA and other airport security teams have truly seen it all and a padded passenger isn’t likely to ruffle any feathers. That said, a little prep goes a long way.
If you’re bringing changing supplies in your carry-on:
- Remove your baby powder or cream from the bag and place it in a TSA bin
- Expect that it may be swabbed, even if unopened
Keeping it accessible means they won’t have to dig through your things
When stepping into the body scanner, be aware that your diaper may show up as an anomaly. The agent might flag it and request additional screening. This is usually a quick back-of-the-hand pat-down of your waist, groin, and padded butt.
Just be honest. You can say you’re wearing an “incontinence brief” and ask for a private screening if that makes you more comfortable. Most travelers find that agents are calm, respectful, and just following procedure.
If you’re managing incontinence, wearing a Sunflower Lanyard can be helpful. It’s an internationally recognized signal for invisible disabilities and may prompt added consideration from staff.
Too stressed to wear through security? You can always change into your diaper after screening in a restroom or changing space airside.
4. Need a Place to Change?
Here’s a wonderful community-maintained map of adult-accessible changing spaces around the world:
Just remember to be courteous:
- Change promptly
- Clean up after yourself, leaving the space ready for the next visitor
Remember these spaces are for people with different needs, including yours
Flying padded can be an adventure all its own and a really affirming part of living your diapered life with confidence. We hope these tips help you feel more prepared (and less stressed!) for wherever your next crinkly journey takes you!
Safe travels, little flyers!
– Ian River
