This topic is about managing the challenges of changing or emptying an ostomy bag during a flight. Donna, who has a colostomy, is planning a vacation that involves air travel and is concerned about handling her ostomy needs in the limited space of an airplane lavatory. Here are some helpful tips and advice for travelers with ostomies:

1. Most people with ostomies find that they rarely need to change the entire appliance during a flight. Emptying the pouch is usually enough, even on long flights.

2. It's best not to fast before flying. Eating and drinking normally can help prevent excess gas and frothy output, especially for those with an ileostomy.

3. Make sure to pack all your ostomy supplies in your carry-on bag. This includes spare pouches, wafers/flanges, adhesive remover wipes, disposal bags like Ziploc, hand sanitizer, and napkins. Checked luggage can sometimes be delayed or lost.

4. Bring both closed-end and drainable pouches so you can choose which to use on the day of travel.

5. Try to get up every 1–2 hours to stretch and empty your pouch. This helps keep the volume low and avoids urgency during turbulence.

6. For in-flight disposal, you can remove the used closed-end pouch, seal it in a small plastic or Ziploc bag, and discard it in the lavatory trash. If available, use handicap or accessible lavatories for more space and a sink for clean-up.

7. A letter from your physician can be helpful for requesting early boarding, wheelchair or golf-cart assistance, and extra time in the lavatory.

8. Over-the-counter medications like Imodium can help slow output if you expect loose stool. Some people with colostomies prefer to irrigate beforehand to ensure minimal output.

9. If you plan to irrigate while traveling, use treated or sterile water to avoid introducing pathogens. Milton sterilizing tablets can be used for this purpose.

10. Keep a small emergency kit in your purse or pocket, including one spare pouch, one spare wafer, sanitizer, and tissues or napkins.

11. Remember that anxiety often eases once you're airborne. Focus on enjoying your trip.

For airline and security tips, British Airways staff have been noted for their helpfulness in arranging lavatory access for irrigation. Additionally, having a Global Entry or global security passport can speed up customs processing and reduce the time without restroom access.