If you’re new to living with a colostomy, urostomy, or ileostomy, you might have questions about traveling with an ostomy bag and packing your ostomy supplies for a trip. The good news is that your ostomy does not have to hold you back from taking vacations, visiting family and friends, or traveling for work.
With some planning and preparation, many ostomates travel confidently and comfortably with their ostomy supplies. So, whether you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, this ostomy travel guide can help you prepare.
Quick Tips for Traveling with an Ostomy
- Pack more ostomy supplies than you expect to need
- Keep ostomy supplies in your carry-on bag if you’re flying
- Empty or change your ostomy pouch before leaving home or boarding a flight
- Always keep disposal bags, wipes, and a backup change of clothes for emergencies
- If you want help explaining your ostomy discreetly at airport security, use a Travel Communication Card
- Contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight if you’d like extra screening support
- Store your supplies away from extreme heat or cold
Can You Travel with an Ostomy?
Yes! You can still travel with an ostomy. Whether you have a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy, you can still take road trips, fly on airplanes, go on vacations, or just spend a day away from home.
It just takes a bit of planning ahead. When you know how many ostomy supplies to pack, how to handle airport security, and what to do about unexpected changes to your pouching routine, you can feel more prepared for your time away from home.
How Many Ostomy Supplies Should You Pack?
First, add up the number of ostomy pouches, skin barriers, and other ostomy accessories you use daily.
Multiply that by the number of days you plan to be away from home. That number is the minimum to pack. It’s a good idea to bring extras to be on the safe side. The last thing you want is to be caught without any backup supplies.
For example, if you typically change your pouching system once a day and plan to be away from home for three days, you’d want to pack at least 6 pouches, along with your usual pouching routine accessories.
This can help ensure you have all the necessary supplies on hand in case of unexpected travel delays due to bad weather, above-average output, pouch leakage, or other changes to your routine.
What Ostomy Supplies Should You Bring When Traveling?
You’ll want to bring along any supplies you use regularly. Before your trip, make a packing list for all the ostomy products and accessories you use. Then, add backup supplies in case you need to change your pouching system more often than usual.
Common ostomy products that you may use and want to pack include:
- Ostomy pouches
- Skin barriers, wafers, or flanges
- Seals, barrier rings, or ostomy paste
- Adhesive remover wipes or spray
- Ostomy pouch cleaner or deodorizer
- Clamps for drainable ostomy pouches
- Ostomy belt or wrap
- Ostomy scissors (if you use cut-to-fit skin barriers)
- Any prescribed medications
- Gauze or sterile dry wipes
- Disposal bags
- Small mirror (may make it easier to see your stoma during pouch changes)
- Extra change of clothes in case of emergency
- Hand sanitizer for when soap and water may not be available
Just make sure to pack enough supplies to keep you more than covered throughout your trip.
Tips for Flying with an Ostomy
If you’re flying with an ostomy for the first time, it can help to understand airport security guidelines before your trip. Knowing what to expect may help you feel more comfortable going through TSA screening with ostomy supplies.
1. Keep ostomy supplies in your carry-on bag.
If you’re traveling by plane, keep enough ostomy supplies in your carry-on bag to get through your travel day and any possible delays.
Since there’s always a risk that checked luggage will be lost or delayed, it’s best not to pack all your supplies in a single checked bag.
Pack backup supplies in your carry-on and, if you have room, in your checked luggage. This gives you more than one option in case anything unexpected happens during your trip.
2. Planning an extended trip? Have your orders shipped to your destination.
If you know you’ll be away from home for an extended trip, you can call your ostomy supplier, such as 180 Medical, to have your regular monthly order shipped to your destination (if within the United States).
This can help free up space in your suitcase. Plus, you’ll have your supplies when and where you need them, without worrying about your luggage getting lost or delayed.
3. Follow the TSA 3-11 Liquids Rule.
Per the TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule, you can bring a quart-sized clear bag with liquid items, aerosols, gels, creams, and pastes through security checkpoints in your carry-on luggage as long as each item is 3.4 ounces or less. Only one bag per passenger is allowed.
Make sure to pack your lubricating drops, pouch deodorizers, stoma paste, barrier ointment or sprays, and any other liquids, such as shampoo or skin cleansers, in compliance with the 3-1-1 guideline. This may help you avoid any potential hold-ups at TSA security checkpoints.
4. Know the TSA Rules for ostomy scissors.
If you use ostomy scissors for your cut-to-fit skin barriers, TSA allows scissors in carry-on bags if the cutting edge is less than 4 inches from the pivot point.
If you’re traveling internationally, be sure to check the security rules for your destination before packing your ostomy scissors in your carry-on. Regulations can vary by country or airport.
There are newer product options available today that don’t require scissors to get a secure fit for your stoma. Some people prefer products with Convatec Moldable Technology™, which provides a more secure, personalized skin barrier fit around your stoma without cutting or trimming.
If you’re ready to step away from scissors, contact 180 Medical’s Ostomy Specialists. We can help you find the right products for your needs based on your prescription and insurance coverage.
5. You should not have to empty or expose your ostomy pouch during screening.
According to TSA, you can be screened without having to empty or expose your ostomy pouch during Advanced Imaging Technology, a walk-through metal detector, or a pat-down.
If additional screening is needed, you may be asked to touch your ostomy pouch over your clothing, and your hands may be tested for traces of explosives.
Please know you can request a private screening if you prefer more privacy.
6. Pack a travel communication card.
Be ready for any potential delays or questions by printing and filling out a Travel Communication Card from the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA).
While this isn’t a pass to skip screening, it can discreetly let security know that you have an ostomy without having to discuss it out loud.
The United Ostomy Associations of America also designed a Restroom Access Card that can help when you need urgent access to a restroom when no public restroom is available. This might be helpful to carry in your wallet, just in case.
You might also get a signed doctor’s note stating the medical necessity of your ostomy and accompanying supplies. While it may not be necessary, it could prove helpful if you need to communicate your medical needs to any TSA agents or flight attendants. Just keep it with your other flight documents.
7. Contact TSA Cares before your flight.
The Transportation Security Administration offers passengers with medical conditions, special needs, or disabilities a special support program called TSA Cares. Through TSA Cares, you can get help and learn more about what to expect at security checkpoints. You can also ask for assistance from a Passenger Support Specialist.
You can either fill out an online request form in advance or call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227. TSA recommends contacting TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight.
Tips for Road Trips and Days Away from Home
If you’re traveling by car, bus, or train, or if you just plan to be away from home for a while, it’s still important to plan ahead for pouch changes, restroom access, and carrying or storing your ostomy supplies.
When you’re packing your car, keep your ostomy supplies inside the cabin rather than in the trunk. You don’t want your ostomy products to get too hot or too cold, which can sometimes damage them.
You may want to keep a small travel kit or bag within easy reach. This kit can include a few ostomy pouches, skin barriers, adhesive removers, a disposal bag, wipes, and an extra change of clothes in case of leaks. Having these items nearby can make it easier to handle a pouch change or leak without having to dig through your luggage.
And of course, before heading out, make sure your pouch has been changed or emptied.
Food and Hydration While Traveling with an Ostomy
Travel can disrupt your normal routine, including when and what you eat.
If you know certain foods or drinks cause an upset stomach, gas, or above-average stoma output that could fill up your pouch fast, you might want to avoid those items the day before you leave and during your time away from home.
Depending on your ostomy type and your individual medical needs, staying hydrated might also be an important part of your travel days. Traveling can sometimes involve long waits, unfamiliar foods, weather changes, and more walking or moving around than usual.
Talk to your healthcare provider or ostomy nurse about what they recommend for you.
Maintaining Ostomy Hygiene While Traveling
Public restrooms aren’t always the cleanest environments. So, when it’s time to change or empty your pouch, wash your hands with warm, soapy water before and after.
You may also want to carry antiseptic wipes or alcohol-based hand sanitizers for additional protection when soap and water aren’t available.
When you’re changing or emptying your ostomy bag away from home, try to keep your ostomy supplies organized and easy to access. Disposal bags, wipes, and a small mirror may also help make pouch changes easier in unfamiliar restrooms.
Can 180 Medical Help with Ostomy Supply Needs?
Do you still have more questions about traveling with your ostomy? Contact 180 Medical’s friendly, trained Ostomy Specialists.
We’ll gladly help with any questions or concerns about your approaching trip or ostomy products and samples.
Plus, if you’re planning an extended trip, contact us ahead of time so we can review your supply needs and go over your options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling with an Ostomy
Can I still travel with an ileostomy, urostomy, or colostomy bag?
Yes. Many people with ostomies travel with their ostomy bags and supplies. Planning ahead, packing extra supplies, and knowing what to expect may make the trip easier.
If you’ve recently had ostomy surgery, however, talk to your doctor, ostomy nurse, or healthcare provider before planning any trips.
Can I fly with a colostomy bag?
Yes. You can fly on an airplane with a colostomy, ileostomy, or urostomy bag.
Do I have to show my ostomy pouch at airport security?
TSA states that travelers with ostomy pouches can be screened without removing or exposing their pouch.
Should I pack my ostomy supplies in a carry-on bag?
If you’re flying, it’s a good idea to keep your ostomy supplies in your carry-on bag in case your checked luggage is lost or delayed.
Check your airline’s rules to learn if there is a fee for carry-on luggage.
On many flights, you can usually also bring a small bag or backpack (if it fits under the seat) to hold backup supplies and an extra change of clothes in case of an ostomy leak.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Information provided on 180medical.com should not be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions about your condition, treatment, or medical supply needs.
