Traveling with a colostomy bag can bring up some concerns, especially when it comes to airport security. If you're planning your first trip since surgery, like a holiday in Italy, you might be wondering what to expect during security checks. Here are some helpful insights and advice to make your journey smoother:

- Many travelers with colostomy bags report little to no trouble at airports around the world, including the US, UK, Europe, and Mexico.
- Full-body scanners might detect the pouch. Security staff may ask you to touch the pouch area, swab your hands, and test for explosives. This process usually takes just a few minutes.
- Pat-downs are generally not problematic. Often, officers either don’t notice the pouch or ignore it once informed.
- Being upfront and informing security agents about your colostomy before scanning can make the process smoother.

For documentation and language aids:
- Ostomy declaration cards can be obtained from Securicare or a five-language travel certificate from CMOstomySupply.
- Some stoma or ostomy nurses and clinics provide multilingual cards for free.
- Carrying a letter from your surgeon or GP, or a photocopy of a "certificate of permanent colostomy," can be useful, though rarely needed.

Optional security arrangements:
- You can request a private room for a pat-down or detailed search.
- TSA Pre-Check in the USA helps avoid full-body scanners and speeds up screening.
- If selected for extra screening, politely remind staff not to press on the stoma.

Preparations before flying:
- Empty or change your pouch before entering security and again before boarding.
- Pre-cut all wafers since scissors are not allowed in hand luggage.
- Pack your supplies in your carry-on; security is accustomed to seeing them.
- Eating light meals before the flight can help reduce output and gas. While being abroad doesn’t usually cause major output changes, diet and time zones might affect you individually.

Regarding liquids and ancillary items:
- The usual 100 ml / 3-oz liquid rules apply to items like peribottles and deodorizing sprays. Place them in the clear liquids bag.

Special country considerations:
- In countries that ban plastic bags, such as Kenya, carry a doctor’s letter for a medical-supply exemption and keep ostomy items in their original packaging to show officials.

Reassurance:
- Security personnel are becoming more familiar with ostomies. Some travelers noted that agents seemed more embarrassed than they were.
- Even in cases of false positive explosive swabs, issues were resolved without incident.

Humor and attitude:
- Staying calm and treating security as a routine part of travel can help. One traveler humorously noted that if staff think it’s a bomb, a quick explanation usually resolves the concern.