Flying with an Ostomy: Tips and Recommendations

Does anyone have any recommendations for flying with an ostomy? What kind of clothes should I wear? Any tips or tricks? And how many bags should I bring?

First-time flyer with an ostomy.

Thanks :)

Try OstoAI; there is a lot of history on the subject. How long are you gone for? Drainable or closed? I take twice as much as I use at home. I did have to pick up some extras in PV once. I think most major centers will have shops for supplies. Empty before boarding. Your bag will not expand on the plane.

Have a good trip.

👋 

I just flew for the first time a few months ago after my colostomy surgery. 

I did get pulled to the side by TSA due to “bag” showing up on the scanner, but it was not a big deal.

Wear comfy clothes and get a seat close to the bathroom (more like a tiny closet LOL) if you are concerned about emptying the bag and/or changing the appliance. I would take twice as many bags/wafers as you think you might need.

You can probably type “airline travel” in the search bar and find a lot of good advice.

Enjoy!!

Flying with a stoma is no problem at all. I would double the amount of supplies you need for your holiday. Divide this between your carry-on and your suitcase. Also, pack one clean change of clothes in your carry-on. Bring a medication passport and a pouch with one or two stoma kits/medications, so you can quickly retrieve them when needed. Empty the pouch or put on a new one shortly before boarding the plane. If your suitcase is lost, you'll have a change of clothes and enough supplies for a few days in your carry-on. I also bring a toilet pass and a list of the supplies I use (with order numbers), just in case I need to order supplies abroad. Because I have an ileostomy, I also take an Imodium tablet before departure. Have a pleasant flight!

I am wondering the same thing, as I would eventually like to fly somewhere too! Please let us know how your trip goes! 🛩

Airport Security Tips Living with an Ostomy with April | Hollister

Wear loose, breathable clothes with a little stretch and a jacket or sweater.

Pants or a skirt with pockets for wipes or ostomy deodorant to use in the bathroom for quick emptying/cleaning up.

I just flew for the first time on Sat. It went fine. I brought way more than needed. There's a peace of mind in knowing I won't run out!

I had more trouble with my pelvic drain in security than the ostomies. The ostomies were routine, even if the TSA agent was a bit taken aback by my having two. She had me rub the area with my hands, and she did an explosive residue test. Easy. I had to spend a bit explaining the pelvic drain and showing her because I don't think she had seen one before. I just took a deep breath, remained friendly, helpful, and cooperative, and it all sorted itself. Give yourself a little extra time so you don't feel stressed.

I had to empty my urostomy on the plane because that thing never stops... lol. I had no trouble. Fortunately, urine goes down very easily, and it was better than before because I didn't need to sit. I've seen suggestions to bring a disposable cup to help wash down more solid output.

I'm not at all worried about the flight home.

Go and have fun!

I just flew from Philadelphia to London. I think the trip out was 7 hours with 2 hours just sitting at the gate. The return trip was about 10 hours.

Take plenty of ostomy supplies (watch the liquids and how much, I do believe ostomy supplies are exempt from TSA regulations) with you onto the plane. Yes, your bag may fill with gas. Just go into the airplane bathroom and burp it.

Wear loose-fitting pants and a shirt. It's a lot to sit on a plane for 7+ hours.

Yes, the TSA checkpoint body scanner will pick up your ostomy bag as an anomaly and you will get a pat down.

Safe travels.

Easy peasy - you got this.

I've traveled quite a bit and found that eating lightly before my flight or not eating until I am on the plane works best for me. Sipping liquids to stay hydrated is important. Do not restrict your intake.

From personal experience: flying with an ileostomy is no big deal when compared to flying with three-month-old twins experiencing explosive diarrhea. I'll just leave you with that image and the assurance that planes have restrooms and it'll all be fine!

😱

I have had an ileostomy for 60 years and have flown domestically and abroad many, many times. My big advice is to always bring more supplies than you need and NEVER pack them in your suitcase...keep them in your carry-on bag. If you get stopped by TSA, tell them you have an ostomy; they will do their thing, and you will be on your way. I often get stopped for a random check and just laugh it off. As far as needing to go to the bathroom, go whenever you need to. I always empty my bag before getting on the plane or right when I get on the plane if I'm running late. I also carry in my purse a bag change in a plastic bag, just in case I would need it... It never has happened. To sum up, traveling is no big deal; relax and enjoy...you can do this!

That does sound quite a bit worse than flying with a stoma. Poor twins and mama!

I do similar but will add a little something. I take a change of clothes or at least underwear. I don't eat much, especially things that produce gas in the bag. Sit near

a bathroom or on the aisle so in case of an ostomy emergency you don't have to worry about climbing over people. Oh, and one trick I've learned is to carry doggie poop bags to put used ostomy pouches into before disposal.

I have an extra appliance, etc. in a ziplock bag and would use the bag to dispose of my dirty one. I have never had to change my bag on the plane. I also sit in an aisle seat, so I don't have to climb over anyone. My husband and I sit aisle to aisle. I eat normally and didn't worry about how many times I might need to use the bathroom. Domestically, I go carry-on, so I have my clothes with me. When traveling overseas, I bring a change of underwear, socks, and a shirt and would wear the pants and sweater that I was traveling with.