7 Tips for Traveling with an Ostomy

Are you a recent ostomate wondering if it’s possible to travel while managing your ostomy? The good news is: Absolutely! An ostomy is a life-saving procedure meant to help you get back to a semblance of normal. Traveling with an ostomy can be a part of that. It doesn’t have to be a stressful or unpleasant experience as long as you’re properly prepared for your trip. 

Get Prepared! 

To show you how, we’ve compiled some valuable travel tips below. From packing a travel bag for ostomy supplies ahead of time to keeping your routine normal on vacation, read on to become a confident traveler again!

1: Pack a Carry-On

If you’re traveling on a plane with an ostomy, you should pack your supplies in a carry-on as opposed to a checked bag. Although lost or delayed luggage is rare, it does happen from time to time. It’s best to keep your ostomy travel bags on you at all times to avoid what could be a disastrous situation.

Ostomy carry-on checklist:

• Several extra appliances (1-piece pouches or 2-piece systems), enough to last the entire trip and then some
• Ostomy scissors, as long as the cutting edge is not more than four inches, per TSA
• Adhesive remover wipes or sprays
• Seals/rings or paste
• Skin prep sprays or wipes, if you use them
• Ostomy pouch deodorizer and/or lubrication
• Adhesive barrier strips
• Other accessories, such as powder or pouch covers

2: Be Ready for TSA

As we all know, security is tight at the airport. So keep in mind that gels, aerosols, and/or creams may be confiscated if they do not meet the TSA’s very specific standards. For guidance on size/volume limits, refer to the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule.

As a failsafe, you may want to obtain a travel communication card from the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA). It explains what these supplies are and their medical importance. Show this card to the TSA officer if they question your carry-on. It can also be helpful in reducing the chances of further screenings.

3: Be Extra Conscious of Your Hygiene

Maintaining hygiene while traveling will prevent contamination and possible infection. Since hundreds or thousands of people use public restrooms in airports daily, you must take extra precautions to protect yourself.

Be sure to:

• Wash your hands thoroughly
• Use hand sanitizer
• Use antiseptic wipes to clean counters/sinks/toilets before changing your pouch

4: Regularly Empty Your Pouch

If you use a drainable pouch, maintain your regular emptying schedule. Don’t hesitate to drain your bag inside the airplane or in a public restroom. The absolute last thing you need is to be caught with an overfilled pouch at an inopportune time, such as take-off or landing.

To be safe, you may even want to increase the frequency that you empty. For instance, if you’ve been drinking lots of water or eating more than usual, making adjustments won’t hurt.

If you have an ileostomy or urostomy, the liquid output can be particularly hard to deal with in travel situations. For you, a gelling agent like Trio Pearls might be in order. These little packets are placed in an empty pouch and will thicken liquid output on contact, making for a more manageable pouch and easier drainage. They also do a great job mitigating pouch odor.