Flying with a colostomy can feel a bit daunting, especially if it's your first time. But with a little preparation and some helpful tips, you can make the journey smoother. Here's what you need to know about navigating airport security and staying comfortable in the air:

- Security and TSA procedures:
1. Let a TSA officer know about your ostomy either while in line or after going through the scanner. You can always ask for a private screening if you prefer.
2. Full-body scanners usually detect the pouch, but walk-through metal detectors might not.
3. Typically, an agent will ask you to rub your palms over the pouch through your clothing and then swab your hands for an explosive-residue test. This is usually quick and may involve a brief pat-down.
4. Consider TSA Precheck to speed up the process, as it allows you to keep your shoes on and use metal detectors.
5. Multilingual "I have an ostomy" cards can be helpful, though not all agents are familiar with them.
6. Keep your pockets empty when reaching the scanner, so you don't have to hand over the card at that point.
7. Small, blunt-ended scissors might be allowed but could be confiscated. Many travelers pre-cut wafers and pack scissors in checked luggage or skip them.
8. Security procedures can vary outside the U.S., so be prepared for different experiences.

- Packing and carry-on essentials:
1. Always carry ostomy supplies with you. Pack extra pouches, wafers, barrier rings, clips, wipes, and at least one full change of clothes in your carry-on.
2. Keep a small emergency kit in your purse or tote for easy access.
3. If traveling internationally, bring a doctor’s letter explaining your appliance.
4. Declare any additional medical items you have, like insulin or a CPAP machine.

- In-flight comfort and bathroom use:
1. Empty your pouch before boarding. Some people eat lightly or wait until an hour before the flight to eat to limit output.
2. On longer flights, ileostomates may need to empty more frequently, while colostomates might not have output on short flights.
3. Airplane cabins are pressurized, so bags won't explode. They might collect a bit more gas, but filtered pouches or manual "burping" can help.
4. Choose an aisle seat near the lavatory to reduce stress from frequent trips.
5. Carry a small water bottle to help flush thick output in the airplane toilet.
6. Avoid carbonated drinks and gassy foods before and during the flight.
7. Don’t hold it through long customs lines; your bag is durable, but it's not worth the stress.

- Products and suppliers:
1. Filtered pouches from Coloplast work well unless the output is watery. Change them more often or use pouch deodorant if needed.
2. The Osto-EZ-Vent is an add-on valve that lets gas out of any pouch.
3. Perfect Choice barrier rings can help extend wear time.
4. Axe body spray can be used as a deodorant courtesy spray.
5. Edgepark is a U.S. mail-order supplier that stocks filtered pouches, Osto-EZ-Vent, and more.

- General reassurance:
1. Many people with colostomies, ileostomies, and urostomies have flown domestically and internationally without issues like ballooning, leaks, or serious TSA problems.
2. Being open, prepared, and carrying your own supplies can make flying much easier, even for first-time ostomates.