Traveling can be stressful for anyone. The combination of bustling crowds, random security checks, and the monotone voice over the intercom is enough to make even the most experienced traveler frazzled; add an ostomy bag in to the mix and it may be one long day!
Watch Laura’s video about traveling with an ostomy:
I’ve traveled quite a bit in the last two years with my ostomy. I’ve had many different experiences, and have finally found a great routine that makes it very easy for me to brave the airports and airplanes.
I want to describe the two experiences I learned from the most. The first instance was three months after I had the surgery to create my ileostomy. I was flying from Chicago to Phoenix, and was extremely nervous. I had learned in an ostomy support group that the TSA is supposed to be aware of what an ostomy is. I figured that when I went through security I should tell the TSA that I had an ostomy, instead of risking being patted down. When I told one of the employees he pulled me aside and asked his colleague what an ostomy was. Neither knew, so they made me pat my stomach and tested my hands for any dangerous residue.
I learned three things from this experience. One, don’t start by telling the TSA you have an stoma. I have no problems going through security if I don’t tell them about it. You’re more likely to be stopped if you do. Two, empty your ostomy before going through security so there is no visible bulge in your clothing. Three, this experience doesn’t have to be embarrassing. I find the best way to approach experiences like this is with patience, a big smile, and a quick, succinct explanation of my surgery and stoma.
The second experience I learned from was when I was on the airplane. It was a three hour trip, and in the first hour, I realized that I had a gas buildup in ostomy bag. Rather than bothering my seat mates, I decided to “burp” my two piece appliance. I discretely burped my ostomy – but quickly realized it wasn’t gas. I felt so silly for not going to the bathroom instead. I got up (even though the fasten seat belt sign was on) and headed to the bathroom to clean up.
I learned three things from this experience as well. One, even if you think you don’t need to go to the bathroom in order to let out gas, go anyway! It’s better to be safe than sorry! Two, use odor neutralizing drops before traveling. It will make you less apprehensive about any odor that may come from emptying or releasing gas from your bag. Three, I always travel with a washcloth in my carry-on just in case I have to clean up. Paper towels just end up leaving paper residue all over your clothes.
My experiences all came from plane travel, but if you’re traveling by car or bus, many of these tips still apply. And for both plane and bus travel, where you have to share a bathroom with many other passengers, a product like “Poo-Pourri” (https://www.poopourri.com/) may come in handy.
Great supplies to keep in your carry-on when traveling with an ostomy:
- Hand or face towel- to clean up
- Hand sanitizer
- Wafers – precut so you don’t have to bring your scissor in your carry-on
- Bags – I always carry all my supplies on just in case my luggage is lost
- Stoma powder
- Stoma paste
- Safety scissors – if you don’t feel comfortable pre-cutting your wafers
- All pills you need for the trip
- Thin pair of sweatpants and thin T-shirt – just in case of a leak
- Grape juice – I always buy after security and put it in my carry-on in case of a blockage
- Snacks – like crackers to help retain water and keep you hydrated
- Extra supplies – with unpredictable weather and flights, it’s always best to pack more than you think you’ll need
The best advice I can give about traveling with an ostomy is to handle things as they come at you. I have flown at least a dozen times with nothing going wrong at all (including a 13-hour overseas flight). Worrying will only take away from the experience. Be prepared for issues, but always hope for the best! If you are met with an issue, don’t let it ruin your trip! Try to keep a positive attitude and deal with the problem, then move on. Remember, you are capable of handling any issue that comes your way! Hope you’re healthy and happy! Safe travels!
Click here to watch my video about traveling after having ostomy surgery.
For more information, see related everyday ostomy tip articles and ostomy resources here:
- Sleeping with An Ostomy Video
- Dressing with an Ostomy
- Odor Management with an Ostomy
- Exercising with an Ostomy | Products That Can Help
- Showering with an Ostomy | Ask Laura
Shield HealthCare | Stronger with Shield
Dear Laura, I wear a two piece ostomy bag. I need help with concealing an ostomy bag. When I move around my shirt hikes up and the tip of the bag peeks out from under my shirt.
