Flying with an ileostomy can be a bit of an adventure, especially when it comes to managing your pouch during a flight. One traveler shared their experience of having their pouch fill with gas and burst during the descent of a one-hour flight. They had emptied their pouch before boarding and had only a small amount of output, yet the pouch still filled with gas. They are seeking advice from others who have traveled with an ileostomy to prevent this from happening again. Here are some helpful tips and insights:

1. Containment
- Consider wearing a tummy sleeve or ostomy wrap to keep the pouch secure against your body and help capture any leaks.

2. Diet & Gas Reduction Before/During Flight
- Make sure to empty both your stomach and pouch before boarding.
- Avoid foods and drinks that can cause gas, such as dairy products, carbonated drinks, coffee, chewing gum, and large or carb-heavy meals.
- Opt for in-flight foods and drinks like plain chicken and Gatorade.

3. Managing Air Pressure & Gas
- Keep your ostomy belt snug, but leave your aircraft seatbelt loose around your waist.
- If you use a two-piece pouch system, you can "burp" it in the lavatory if gas builds up. Simply unclip or lift the top of the pouch to release the air, which might make a whistling sound.
- A two-piece system is recommended as it allows for quick burping or fast replacement, letting you snap on a fresh bag in about 10 seconds.

4. Odor Control
- Carry a travel-size can of Lysol disinfectant spray or a small perfume atomizer to use in the lavatory or near your seat after burping or emptying.

5. Preparedness
- Pack a carry-on kit with full ostomy change supplies and a clean outfit in case of leaks.

These tips can help make flying with an ileostomy a smoother experience.