Traveling with a colostomy on long-haul flights can be a bit challenging, but with some planning and preparation, it can be managed smoothly. Here are some helpful tips and insights for making your journey more comfortable:

1. **Understanding Accessible Lavatories**
- Wide-body aircraft entering the U.S. are required to have at least one accessible lavatory. It's a good idea to check with the airline to understand what "accessible" means for them.

2. **Traveling Without Your Usual Helper**
- If your usual helper, like a spouse, can't accompany you, consider arranging for another assistant who can help if needed.

3. **Managing Unpredictable Output**
- Since colostomy output can be unpredictable, sometimes occurring 2-3 times a day or not at all for over 24 hours, it's important to be prepared for any situation.

4. **Contacting the Airline and TSA**
- Reach out to the airline and TSA before your flight. Explain your medical needs and ask them to flag your ticket. This can help you gain access to larger lavatories and ease the security screening process.

5. **Security and Carry-On Preparation**
- Inform TSA about your ostomy supplies. Having a tagged ticket can make the screening process smoother. You can carry items like medications, stomach powder, aerosol adhesive remover, scissors, premixed electrolyte water, and personal food.

6. **Cabin Emptying Techniques**
- Bring a disposable mat to kneel on in the lavatory to minimize mess. Use extra-long or extra-large drainable pouches and empty them more frequently to prevent overfilling. Always have spare pouches on hand in case you need to change them.

7. **Considering Colostomy Irrigation**
- Colostomy irrigation can help manage output by providing 24+ hours of little or no output. This requires training, so consult an ostomy nurse and watch instructional videos. Use only potable or bottled water when abroad, and be aware that time-zone changes can affect the process.

8. **Dietary Pacing**
- Some travelers find it helpful to eat small meals or time their eating to slow colostomy output before and during flights.

9. **General Reassurance**
- Many people with ileostomies or colostomies travel frequently and find that accessible lavatories on modern aircraft are manageable with the right preparation.