Traveling with an ostomy: what to consider

We understand that travelling with an ostomy may seem challenging, but a stoma shouldn't keep you from exploring the world and traveling to see friends and family. As long as you are well-prepared, you are can enjoy traveling locally and abroad. In this article, we'll help you prepare for your travels and feel confident when you're on the go.

Keep in mind that you can always reach out to your healthcare professional or ostomy nurse who know your medical history and can provide instructions based on your specific condition.

Before you travel

Here's what to remember prior to traveling:

• Order extra products well in advance: This is important. Order extra ostomy products in good time to be sure you receive them before you leave. Ideally, plan to order 2 or 3 times the amount you need.

• Write down the name of your products: Noting down product names or taking a picture of them could be useful if you need to stock up while on the go. However, the products may look slightly different where you're going or be named in local language.

• Cut your barriers to the right size before you leave: It's nice not to have to worry about cutting your products when you're traveling. You may want to at least precut a few bags for your carry-on luggage in case you need them.

• Make sure you have proper travel insurance: You want to make sure that you're covered at the destination you're going to. Some policies may have age or pre-existing medical condition limits. Double-check your policy before you leave.

• Contact the airline: Some airlines allow extra luggage and/or weight at no extra charge when you're carrying medical supplies. They may also allow extra liquids if your medication or supplies come in this form. Double-check with the airline that you're flying with beforehand, so you know your luggage allowance.

• Check what resources are available at your destination: Consider researching local resources, so you are prepared in case you need assistance.

Traveling abroad with an ostomy bag

Here are some recommendations specific to traveling outside of your home country.

• Obtain a travel certificate in the language of the country you're traveling to.

• If relevant for your destination, get a universal access key for accessible toilets. For example, if you’re traveling to the UK, look up the RADAR key.

• Eat normally and don’t restrict your diet, as this may cause issues with your output. It may, however, be wise to avoid dishes that are too adventurous or new for you.

• Carry the phone number of the supplier of your ostomy products as they may be able to get you emergency supplies if needed.

• Drink bottled water where water quality is poor or unreliable and, if you irrigate, exclusively use bottled water.

Packing list

When you're traveling with a stoma, you will need all the items you usually use and some extras. Prioritize your comfort: it’s always better to bring more items and have peace of mind.

• Ostomy supplies: pack everything you would normally use. That can include pouches pre-cut to your stoma size (2-3x as many as you think you may need), skin barriers and accessories. Note: you may wish to request samples of different accessories in advance if you anticipate specific problems, like sticking issues due to high humidity or barrier edges rolling up while you swim. Remember to pack extras to avoid looking for emergency supplies.

• Additional comfort items: if you usually use a stoma support belt or stoma bag covers, bring those too.

• Everything you need to change and dispose of your bag: trash bags, adhesives, hand sanitizer or antibacterial wipes, skin barrier wipes, adhesive remover, soap, paper tissues, etc.

• Stoma caps for swimming or other activities that require extra discretion.

• Dry wipes for swimming

• A small ostomy travel bag to keep your ostomy appliance and accessories with you in case of emergency while you’re out and about.

• A Travel Communication Card if you want to notify TSA of your medical needs.

• Scissors (TSA now allows scissors in your hand luggage for domestic flights within the US, but if you’re traveling internationally the rules often differ. For travel abroad, try to pre-cut your barriers before you leave and/or pack scissors in your checked luggage only.)

• If you're worried about leakage, consider packing a disposable bed pad or a protective bed sheet that you can use at the hotel.

Advice: Pack a travel kit: Pack a kit to bring in your carry-on luggage so that you have all the stoma equipment and a change of clothes you may need at hand. This can also help you feel confident, knowing that you're prepared for any hold-ups or delays, or in case your checked luggage should get lost.

Product recommendations for your packing list

Brava® Lubricating Deodorant: Our lubricating deodorant masks odor and lubricates the pouch, making it easier to empty, which is convenient when you're on the go.

Brava® Paste: Our Brava paste protects against leakage by ensuring a tight fit between the stoma and ostomy barrier.

Brava® Skin Barrier Wipes: Our barrier wipes reduce skin leakage, whilst still protecting the skin, and it might be a nice accessory to have at hand when you're away from home.

Flying with a stoma

If it's your first flight after your ostomy surgery, we understand why the thought of being on a plane may seem overwhelming or even frightening. Don't worry - as long as you do some planning ahead of time. Here's how to have peace of mind while traveling with a stoma bag:

1. Book an aisle seat close to the toilet, so that you can easily get to the restroom during the flight in case you need to empty your pouch.

2. Get a travel card: Print your free travel card provided by United Ostomy Associations of America. You may show this to TSA agents to discreetly communicate your medical situation. Note that this is not a travel certificate that will help you avoid screening.

3. Change your pouch right before you leave for the airport - hopefully it will last you a while, so you don't have to change when you're on the go or in the plane.

4. Get to the airport early: Avoid creating a stressful situation for yourself. Be early so that you can take things in your own time.

5. Prepare for the security check: Knowing your rights can help feel more confident and comfortable when you're going through security. Head to our section on navigating airport security with a stoma. TSA has a notification card you can print out and hand to the agents if you're uncomfortable with verbally disclosing your ostomy to them. You can also call TSA Cares 72 hours before your flight and arrange for a TSA Supervisor to meet you at the airport and escort you through security if you're concerned.

6. Empty the contents of your pouch before you board the plane. There is a slight risk that the cabin pressure will cause your ostomy pouch to inflate like a balloon. Should this happen, simply go to the restroom and empty your pouch.

7. Be mindful of what you eat and drink: Even though the cabin pressure is unlikely to cause ballooning, you may also want to be careful with what you eat and drink prior to flying, as certain foods and beverages can cause excessive gas. As an example, avoid carbonated beverages and foods that causes gas such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, eggs, certain beans etc.

8. Stay hydrated: Make sure you have plenty of water with you on your trip so that you always have something to drink in case you feel dehydrated. If you have an ileostomy or urostomy, it's even more important to drink plenty. Being on the go can cause you to forget to keep your fluid intake up.

9. Notify the cabin crew: If you feel comfortable with it, you can let the cabin crew members know about your medical condition so they are aware if you have special needs or requirements during the flight.

Getting through airport security with an ostomy

The security check can seem daunting, but there's no need to worry. The security scanner might detect your pouch, even if it's empty. However, the TSA agents cannot ask you to show your pouch or remove clothing that exposes it or let them touch it. You may be asked (or you can volunteer) to do a self-pat down - this means simply rubbing your hand against the pouch on the outside of your clothes (to rule out explosives), but that should be the extent of the examination. Remember that any passenger can be asked to do a pat down and that it's sometimes randomized samples.

You can always show them a Stoma Travel Certificate like this one from Coloplast® Care which is available in multiple languages, or a Travel Communication Card.

If you're worried about the security check, you can reach out to TSA prior to your trip and discuss your trip. Ask them for the best way to approach the situation in the airport you are departing from.

As someone who does frequent trips by air travel, you can consider enrolling in the TSA PreCheck. Being part of this program, you're allowed to keep your shoes and belt on and leave your "3-1-1" baggie and laptop in your carry-on. You can apply for the TSA PreCheck online.

Warm weather tips

Remember to apply sunscreen after you put on your pouch. The lotion could affect the barrier and make it harder to stick to the skin. If the climate is warm enough to make you perspire more than usual, you may need to change your pouch more frequently. Make sure your skin is completely dry before you apply a new pouch for good adhesion. It can be a bit tricky if the weather is hot and humid – if drying your skin is difficult, you can use a hairdryer on low heat to dry the area (be careful that it doesn't get too hot by keeping it at a distance).

Swimming with an ostomy

Your ostomy pouch shouldn't prevent you from splashing around in the pool or taking a dip in the ocean. Just make sure your pouching system is intact and emptied before going swimming. It's a good idea to bring some stoma caps with you.

Water can affect the adhesion if exposed for long periods of time, so you may need to change your pouch more frequently. You may want to add accessory items like barrier extenders prior to your swim or after. Once you're out of the water, remember to pat dry the pouching system as well as your skin.

Choosing your swimwear

Whatever you choose for swimwear is your personal choice. If you feel more comfortable covering your stoma bag, consider a high waisted swimsuit or a one-piece option. You may also consider bringing a loose wrap skirt or other garments for cover-up.

For men, you can either choose to have your stoma bag exposed or covering it with your swim shorts. If you'd prefer to have your stoma bag concealed, you can also consider a swim shirt. There are different brands that offer swim wear and other garments specifically designed to cover up a stoma bag.

Want to learn more? Our user Nicola shares her experience swimming with a stoma bag in this article.

Water recommendations and hydration

Most people should try for eight 8-oz glasses of water per day, unless your healthcare provider says otherwise. If it's hot outside, it's important to stay hydrated. It can also be a good idea to bring medicine for diarrhea with you, just in case. Warmer weather brings a higher risk for dehydration and diarrhea, but with some preparation you do not need to worry. Here are some other helpful tips:

• If you are not sure about the quality of the drinking water, buy bottled water or hydration drinks as recommended by your provider.

• You may also want to avoid ice, depending on where you're traveling.

• Don't brush your teeth with tap water – buy a bottle of water instead.

• If you irrigate, use drinking water such as bottled water. If you cannot drink it, do not irrigate with it.

FAQ:

Can I get travel insurance if I have a stoma bag?

You can get travel insurance if you have a stoma, but it may be more expensive than you have previously paid. Only attempt to travel with insurance, as it can be costly if you need medical help abroad without it.

Does a stoma bag inflate on a plane?

There is a small chance your bag might inflate on the plane.

Does flying affect a stoma bag?

There is a slight chance that your stoma bag might inflate or balloon when flying due to changes in cabin pressure. Avoid food and drink that can cause excess wind, but don't avoid eating before traveling; make sure you drink plenty of fluids. Once you are able, you can empty or change your bag in the plane toilet.

How soon can I travel after ostomy?

You should ask your healthcare provider when they believe it would be safe for you to resume travel. Usually 4-6 weeks of downtime is required following surgery.

Is having an ostomy considered a disability?

Even if you can walk just fine and are not limited physically in any way, you are classed as disabled in the eye of the law. As such, you are covered under the Equality Act 2010, which is meant to protect people who live with a long term chronic illness or prescribed disability.

Where can I get emergency ostomy supplies?

It’s highly advisable to try and avoid this situation by packing extras in both your hold luggage and carry-on (and potentially even your travel companion’s luggage just in case). However, if you’re in need of emergency supplies, try contacting your ostomy supplies provider (if they are present in the country you’re in). Local hospitals, clinics and ostomy support groups may maintain a donation closet. Additionally, contacting one of these WCET (World Council of Enterostomal Therapists) international delegates or one of the 70 member associations of the International Ostomy Association (IOA) may prove helpful.