Managing In-Flight Bag Emptying for Frequent Travelers

Hello to all! Just wondering how many of you have traveled out of the country and how you have managed emptying your bags on flights? My output is a little unpredictable, and sometimes I need to empty twice within an hour. Any ideas? Help!

How long is the flight? Before you get to the airport, don't have a big meal and empty your bag just before boarding. Keep eating down to a minimum when on the plane, and if you have to empty, try to get a seat close to the toilet with an aisle seat. Carry most of your supplies in your onboard bag; that way, if they lose your main bag, you don't lose all your goods. Enjoy the trip.

Regard's IGGIE

Imodium could help calm your b.m.'s.

You have time to experiment using it before the trip?

I have an ileo. You have a colostomy. But it works in general to slow output.

I just did my first 13-hour road trip and 2-hour flight. During the road trip, I was able to stop every 3-4 hours. I was careful about eating and made sure I stayed hydrated. I took a small dose of Imodium before the trip. For the flight, I made sure I arrived at the airport with plenty of time. I have a hidden disability lanyard and an ileostomy card, so I was able to get through TSA quickly and without any embarrassment. I ate a very small meal and emptied my bag right before the flight. During the flight, I only drank water. I also had a small dose of Imodium. I never had to use the plane bathroom. Truly, I think I worried for nothing. This worked for me; hope it helps. Try to relax and enjoy your trip.

I just took a 13-hour flight 6 weeks ago, and my ileostomy did not cooperate. I had a window seat and drank a lot of Gatorade to keep hydrated for the trip. They fed us 2 times, and I think I went to the bathroom 4 or 5 times. The person in the aisle seat was very nice, but I had to wake him a bunch of times. I would recommend an aisle seat if you are planning on getting up at all. It just makes it less imposing on those around you. Good luck and travel safe.

Airport Security Tips Living with an Ostomy with April | Hollister

I have emptied and changed my colostomy bag, but twice in an hour seems extreme. Is this a urostomy bag?

Since my surgery (2018), I flew almost 10 times: to Las Vegas, to Hawaii, to Europe, and so on. I never had any problems. Just don't eat too much, and for sure don't eat any fresh fruit.

Hi, treetops. I have flown many times, no problem with the toilet on the plane. Hope this helps.

Hi Treetops, here urostomy is for urine, closed pouches; colostomy, drainable pouches; ileostomy. Hope this helps.

You can go to www.ostomy.com and print out two legal cards to keep with you. One is just for flying - if you show it to the TSA agent, they can't pat down your belly. Also, on the plane, it gives you access to the restroom at all times, even if the seatbelt sign is on. The second card deals with public restrooms. Airport bathroom lines can be quite long, and this card allows you to go to the head of the line in any public place. I have dumping syndrome and always carry Imodium and silica gel packets, which absorb odor and liquid. They're expensive through Convotec, but I found a bag of 100 packets on Amazon for $5.00. Safe and happy travels!

It's a 3-hour flight from Florida to NY and then 7 hours to Italy. I'm just really going to eat very little and hope for the best! Thanks for responding.

No, it's a colostomy. That doesn't happen all day long, but sometimes after eating, it fills fast!

Thank you for all of the good tips!

I thought urostomy because of the frequency the person was emptying the pouch. I believe urostomy pouches are drainable.

@ tree tops.

A uro bag is drainable. From the ones I have seen, the opening where it drains is quite small. Whereas ileo and colostomy bags, being drainable, have larger openings.

Think of it this way: with a uro drainable bag, it would be like pushing a golf ball through a garden hose.

An ileo patient—mostly liquid output—would want a larger capacity bag, say for sleep.

A patient with a colostomy—thicker output—would have trouble. Just my 2 cents.

SueT. could comment better. She has both.

I don't know where you got your information from that uro bags aren't drainable?

I'm sure someone more experienced will help with this comment you made and my reply. We are here to learn and trying to correct inaccurate information out there. 🤔

You had no issues with air/gas in your bag from the cabin pressure? Your post quieted my fears; thanks!

A comment on this thread saying urostomy pouches were closed.

I flew this summer to Norway, about 15 hours, with no problem. I, like many people said, emptied before boarding and ate light. I wore my hidden disability lanyard and had an ileostomy card. I did have to empty on the plane given the length of the trip. It wasn't fun because it's such a tiny space, and there's some movement happening, but I managed fine. One trick - bring a small plastic squeeze bottle. You can fill it in the bathroom sink, and then you have water to flush down your poop.

Enjoy your travels!