Flying with a Stoma: Tips and Concerns

I had an ileostomy back in December for cancer. I'm now finished with chemo and looking to fly commercial to Spain, a 3-hour flight from the UK. I have a few questions. My concern is how the stoma will react at 36,000 feet with cabin air pressure:

1. Does the bag always overinflate? Can this be a problem?
2. If it will inflate, how long into the flight does it take to react?
3. I wear a support belt and have two types; I am not sure which would be better to wear. One belt is tight, and I use it at the gym, while the other is loose for general use. Would the tight belt cause a problem if the bag wants to expand with cabin pressure?

Any other useful tips when flying commercial are appreciated.

G-Day Macro,

I haven't flown myself after having my ileostomy 4 years ago, but a lot of people on here fly all the time with little or no problem.

I would suggest not eating much before you fly and emptying your bag just before boarding. If the bag should blow up a little, get to know how to burp the bag by carefully opening the end and letting the gas out.

Other than that, enjoy Spain.

Regards, IGGIE

Hi Macro

I've flown many times and never had a problem with my bag inflating - even on long haul. I know other ostomates do. Avoid fizzy drinks and chewing gum. Keep hydrated and no alcohol.

I always keep all my supplies in my hand luggage.

I don't eat before I go, so my bag is quite flat and empty going through security. It varies quite a lot how you get treated there, but the main thing is the staff don't embarrass you.

I always eat on the plane and choose an aisle seat near the restrooms. They are cramped, but I easily manage to empty.

Loose, comfortable clothing. I think your looser belt might be better.

You can get a free medical certificate online explaining your condition, which you can show if necessary.

Good luck and enjoy your holiday!

Megs

Hi Macro, I've flown several times since my ileostomy, and I've never had an issue with my bag ballooning in flight. I empty before I get on and on the plane if I need to, like everyone else. Your bag will show on the scanner at the airport, and they need to check into that. I've never had my top lifted by any TSA; they simply wipe your hand with a special cloth, have you put it over your stoma on the outside of your clothes, and scan everything. Checking for gunpowder, I assume. All the other passengers are so busy trying to get through that they don't notice this little aside. Hope it's a happy trip!

They may still take away your scissors if needed; better check them. Just pre-cut a couple of bags.

My Ostomy Journey: Keyla | Hollister

As Iggie pointed out, "a lot of people here fry" - (waves to Iggie👋).

Their advice is solid. No issues - stoma wise.

Having had a 3-hour ✈️ flight 3 weeks ago, you should concern yourself with a few things non-stoma related.

1 - you can board the plane earlier, as people with special needs are allowed to.

2 - explain to the flight attendant your situation where you may need to use the toilet while the seat belt light is on. (Restricted getting out of the seat due to turbulence)

3 - get the outside seat, not the middle or window seat. This aids for an emergency run.

4 - get a comfortable seat, pay extra if need be. 3 hours sucked for me. But I had no issues.

There are I.D. cards available online. The UOAA website has them to identify yourself as having a need for the toilet. You can print a card from the site.

5 - TSA checkpoint. When you are scanned, they will see your belt/wrap. I have heard stories where you had to lift your shirt. Nope. They understand or are supposed to. You are under no public obligation to raise your shirt. My TSA guy was very cool. Dunno abroad, but you owe it to yourself to know what you can do and what's not allowed.

Contact TSA. I found they are very understanding.

Enjoy the flight, be comfortable.

I haven't flown since my ileostomy, but you have gotten a lot of good advice here. I am glad everyone has given you some things to think about.

G-Day Warrior,

Thanks for picking up on that; it's just that before I made the comment, I had been singing "Fly Me to the Moon."

Hope you're having a great day, my friend.

IGGIE

Never had any problems myself. You can get a lanyard to wear in the UK. Stoma comes under hidden disabilities. Never used one myself, but as it's your first time, it might make you feel more confident.

LOL…more like “Fry me on the moon and let me live among the scars show me what it's like to live on melted chocolate bars.” Love happy songs!!! Okay, okay, I'll stop singing now 🙂‍↔️😝…jb

Thanks, Iggie. Eating little is a good idea, and I will definitely pay a visit before boarding. I have only had this ileostomy for 7 months, so I am having to reorganize my life around this, especially leaks. Thanks again.

Thanks, Meggs. Very helpful. My travel will be long haul, probably next year. I thought I would do a 3-hour flight first before 10-15 hours.

I had a 4-hour flight and no issues. I ate a little before the flight and drank hydration powder in water.
TSA agent treatment varied. I walked through the scanner to say I had an ostomy bag and pointed to it before stepping back to be scanned. One had me touch that area, then wiped my hand. One waved me through without comment.
Have a wonderful trip!

Hi eefyjig, thank you for the feedback. My support belt fits under my T-shirt. My loose support belt does stick out a bit, especially since I have a hernia as well, but with the tight one, it is not so bad. I am new to all this, so I am pleased to hear everyone's experiences.

That's a good idea, thanks, and I will cut a few bags.

Thanks, warrior. I am looking to book an aisle seat and upgrade myself for less hassle for my first time flying with a stoma. Next year, I'm planning on flying to the USA. I have been many times before, but not with this. I have a lanyard I can wear that shows I have a hidden disability; I got that from Amazon. Thanks for the reply.

Thanks, infinitycastle. It's great to get this support.

Hi Ben, yes, I bought a lanyard from Amazon. I will wear it to make life easier on the day.

Thanks, ziploc, all this feedback is helping build my confidence on what to expect.

Hey macro. I have been on an airplane, and I have had my ileostomy for 14 years. I didn't have any problems at all. Like what IGGIE said, empty first before getting on. Don't eat much and just let air out every so often. I wore my belt. God bless you and have a wonderful time…🙏

I have flown a few times with mine and never had a problem. Having said that, I also only drink water on the day of travel and don't eat just to be on the safe side. I don't recommend it for everyone, but it works for me.

Sorry, IGGIE, that I sent the reply to you instead of sending it to Macro.

Thanks 004, all the replies have been useful in building my confidence. I see you are in Tennessee; I was in Jackson, TN, pre-COVID on business and had a great time.

Hi Crohnsguy. I will probably do the same to see how I go. I have electrolyte powder, so I will add it to water for drinking when I don't get through security.

Thanks, everyone. I have booked my flights to Spain; fingers crossed all will be fine for my first time.

Marco! 🙃

Polo

G-Day JB,

I like your version better. The problem now is I can't get the tune out of my head.

IGGIE 🦘🥰

I have had an ileostomy since July 1975. I've flown back and forth from MO to California many years on commercial flights. I never had any trouble whatsoever with my appliance.

I love living in Tennessee in the summertime for sure, but when it gets cold, I am ready to go to Florida. These old bones can't take the cold. I sure hope you are having a wonderful day. Remember, God loves you.