Flying Transatlantic with an Ileostomy: Seeking Advice

Do any ileostomates have experience flying transatlantic? I've flown from the UK to Europe a few times (three-hour or so flights), but the prospect of being up in the air for 9 to 12 hours with all the possible bag management issues that might bring is giving me concerns. Am I likely to experience issues such as the bag ballooning, air pressure causing the bag to puncture, etc., due to the extended flight time? Two or three trips to struggle with those so tiny to be claustrophobic aircraft toilets isn't filling me with joy either, lol.

Any advice gratefully received.

Every time I board a plane, I think my bag will blow up like a balloon and explode with poop landing everywhere. Never happens.

I have taken long flights from California to the UK... I eat small, low-fat, and low-sugar meals a couple of days before flying. I have a colostomy.

If you've flown before and had no issues, why would you think you would be flying farther? Your bag won't blow up.

We all worry about “what ifs.” I am a mega-worrier…plan ahead to compensate for any issues…with a name like Chance, I say - go for it!!! jb

There's a lovely post about travel from just today.

https://www.meetanostomate.org/discussion-forum/viewtopic.php?t=35308

In short, you should be fine. The tiny airplane bathrooms are a challenge that you can overcome.

My Ostomy Journey: April | Hollister

I fly a lot (my son is a pilot). I have an ileostomy, and I do not notice any real difference. I make sure to empty pre-boarding, then a couple of times during the flight, then immediately upon landing—no issues.

I have flown all over the world with an ileostomy. I found my bag would sometimes balloon a little after takeoff but never exploded or even sprung a leak. The small bathrooms are doable. I usually carry a travel-size air freshener so as not to offend the next user. You can do it. Have a great trip.

Hello!

When I traveled to Europe, I informed the flight attendant about my stoma situation. I asked her if I could use the first-class restroom. Although I didn't have a first-class seat, she agreed and let me use the first-class restrooms. Since first-class seating is only for about 25 to 30 people, this would allow me fast access to use first-class restrooms rather than using coach restrooms, which about 150 to 275 people would share.

It's always good to ask. She could have said no to my request. She didn't! I was grateful to her. Since stoma-mates need more time in the restroom to change our bags, and we all know the restrooms on the airplane are so small and tight, we need more time than others!

Bumba, what travel-sized air fresheners do you use?

I have an ileostomy and have made several transatlantic trips. No problems with ballooning, but the small bathrooms can be a challenge. My best advice is to minimize your intake before the flight to limit output and reduce bathroom trips. Once on the plane, you should be able to eat as usual.

Scott flew from DFW to Japan for over 11 hours. No ballooning and emptied 3 times. Coming back, I reduced my eating and only had thickening foods. Emptied only twice. Do "belch" your pouch in the potty and don't wear a filter; your seatmates will thank you.

Sayonara!

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I have flown to Canada six times, the USA twice, Antigua, Tobago, Barbados six times, and Dominica, with an ileostomy, since 1996. Make sure you take extra bags and supplies. Be careful when eating something new - I almost ended up in the hospital on one of my Caribbean trips. Try to find out if there is a Stoma Care Nurse in the country you are visiting. You can get this information from your Stoma Care Nurse here in the UK. Hope this helps. Have a great time!!!

Panda85

You should have no problems really - no different from flying to Europe.

My tips? Enjoy a drink on the plane and save the little bottle as a pocket-sized way of adding a little water to rinse the bag when you empty it. Put a few squares of paper in the pan first, as those vacuum loos don't really rinse well!

I always use a bag with a filter - I've never had an issue with odor, and I know if there is a pressure issue, the filter will allow for that. I've never needed to do a bag change when traveling, but I always have a week's worth of supplies in my cabin bag. I have had to be firm with a flight attendant who wanted everyone to return to their seats in turbulence, explaining that I would be quick emptying, but I wasn't about to tighten my seat belt around a full bag!

I have no problems. I am sure to empty before the flight and right after. Stay hydrated and be aware of what you are eating or drinking. The small bathroom is a challenge but not a difficulty. I normally pack an emergency change, just in case, and always worry about the worst-case scenario, which has not happened in my four transatlantic flights. Have a great trip.

Scott,

I've flown quite a few times overseas. My plan is to have supplies for a change in one Ziploc bag. Plan on having to make a change beforehand. What will you need, and where will you put it while in the small bathroom, etc.? Plan for the worst, hope for the best. It will give you the confidence. As gross as this sounds, remember, airline toilets have no water. Bring a bottle, cup, or some source to use for water in the event you don't get a clean flush. Hitting the flush button numerous times will get you plenty of dirty/curious looks while walking back to your seat. One last thing, know the word for ostomy bag when traveling to an airport that may not speak English. I was in Amsterdam once, and the TSA agent kept pointing to my bag and asking, "What?" He didn't understand "ostomy bag," and I was getting frustrated. I finally said "Sh!+bag," and he let me pass. At the gate while boarding, I was taken to a room for further inspection. Kinda funny looking back at it. You'll be fine. Enjoy your trip!

SharkFan

Thanks, everyone, for your insightful replies and kind wishes. Some good tips there.

Bumba,

Hollister has a travel size ‘m9' drops. The bottle contains 1 oz.

Take care,

D. Hernandez

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I just finished a flight from San Francisco to Zurich. I had a change of supplies and drank plenty of water. I used the restroom twice and lined the toilet before emptying. No issues at all. Trust yourself and the appliance (but have supplies ready just in case); you're going to be fine. If you start having doubts, remember how challenging travel was before surgery.