Traveling Abroad With An Ostomy: Is It Safe?

Travelling with a colostomy bag requires careful planning and preparation, but it is possible. It is generally advised to wait at least four to six weeks after colostomy surgery before flying. When travelling, it is important to carry essential supplies, such as stoma bags, wipes, disposable bags, and a change of clothes, in your hand luggage. It is also recommended to calculate the number of days of travel and pack twice as many supplies as you would usually need.

To make your journey smoother, you can obtain a travel certificate, which explains your condition and the need for your stoma equipment. This can help you avoid awkward conversations with airport staff and security. It is also advisable to contact the airline at least 48 hours before your flight to arrange any necessary support and accommodations, such as extra hand luggage or an aisle seat near the toilet.

While travelling with a colostomy bag can be daunting, especially the first time, being prepared will help you feel more confident and ensure a pleasant journey.

What to pack in your hand luggage

Travelling with a colostomy bag requires a bit of extra planning, but it's entirely possible to do so without any major issues. Here are some essential items to pack in your hand luggage to ensure a smooth journey:

Ostomy Pouches and Supplies:

• Pack more than you think you'll need. Bring a variety of sizes, including smaller pouches for comfort and larger ones for longer flights or journeys.
• If you use closed stoma pouches, consider bringing some drainable versions in case of loose output or tummy bugs.
• Pre-cut your bags ahead of time, as scissors are not allowed in hand luggage.
• Ostomy caps are a good option for swimming.
• Pack wipes, disposable bags, and other accessories for quick and discreet bathroom trips.

Documentation:

• Obtain a travel certificate or a doctor's note explaining your condition and the necessity of your ostomy supplies. This can help with security checks and reduce potential delays.
• If flying, carry a statement from your healthcare professional stating your need for ostomy supplies.

Medication and Other Essentials:

• Ensure you have all your prescribed medication, and if necessary, a letter from your doctor if your medication is a controlled substance.
• Stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle.
• If travelling to a foreign country, have key phrases like "where is the bathroom?" written down in the local language.

Other Tips:

• Avoid foods and drinks that upset your stomach or cause excessive gas.
• Change or empty your pouch before boarding, and consider wearing a drainable bag when flying.
• Contact the airline in advance to arrange any necessary support, such as extra hand luggage or a seat near the toilet.

Preparing for security checks

• Make sure you have all the necessary stoma equipment before your trip. This includes items such as pouches, wipes, disposable bags, and any other products you usually use. It is recommended to bring twice the amount you would typically need per day, plus some extras, to account for any possible tummy bugs or other unexpected events.
• Obtain a travel certificate or stoma passport, which explains your condition, surgery, and the essential stoma products and medications you need to carry in your hand luggage. This can help expedite security checks and reduce any unnecessary stress or delays. Keep it close by, as you may need to show it to airport staff.
• Pre-cut your bags ahead of time, as scissors are considered dangerous items and are not allowed in hand luggage.
• Do not carry liquids or aerosols onboard if they exceed 100ml. Instead of your usual adhesive removers and creams, opt for wipes.
• Go through your bag-changing routine so you know exactly what to do when the time comes.
• Arrive at the airport early to avoid feeling rushed.
• If possible, change your pouch or at least empty its contents before boarding the plane. This will help reduce any potential embarrassment or complications during the flight due to cabin pressure changes.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The low humidity in plane cabins can cause dehydration.
• If you are concerned about leaks or odours, consider using odour drops in your bag or carrying a small can of deodorant.
• Some airlines and tour operators permit additional hand luggage for medical supplies, so check their policies when booking. This can ensure you have all your necessary stoma supplies without compromising your main luggage allowance.

Airplane toilets and in-flight tips

Before Your Flight

Make sure you have all the stoma equipment, medication, and travel documents you need. It's a good idea to carry a letter from your GP detailing your medication and a stoma travel card/certificate. Pre-cut your bags, as scissors are not allowed on flights, and pack a separate small travel kit with items needed for a bag change.

At the Airport

Arrive early and consider checking in with staff to see if you can sit close to the plane's toilets. If you have time, change your pouch or at least empty its contents.

On the Plane

Stay hydrated—ask the cabin crew for water. Don't worry about the smell—use odour drops or a small can of deodorant. If you experience leaks, use the stoma travel bag in your hand luggage. If you're comfortable doing so, speak to the cabin crew about your needs. Don't worry about any sounds your stoma bag might make—the noise of the plane and general chatter will likely drown it out.

During Take-Off and Landing

There is a slight chance that your stoma bag might inflate or balloon when flying due to changes in cabin pressure. If this happens, a quick trip to the toilet to release the gas or change the pouch will solve the problem.

Travel insurance

While travel insurance is not a mandatory requirement for travelling with a colostomy bag, it is highly recommended. When purchasing travel insurance, it is important to shop around and compare prices, as they can vary significantly. It is also crucial to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions, recent surgeries, and ongoing treatments to ensure that your policy adequately covers your specific needs.

Big-name insurers tend to be expensive and may not cover pre-existing conditions. Therefore, it is advisable to consider insurance companies that specifically cover cancer patients, as they are more likely to provide coverage for existing conditions at a more reasonable cost. Organisations such as Colostomy UK, the Ileostomy Association, and the Urostomy Association can provide guidance on finding competitive insurance options.

When travelling within the EU, it is recommended to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), which entitles the holder to state-provided medical treatment. These cards provide the same access to healthcare in the EU as the existing European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Additionally, when travelling outside the EU, it is worth checking if the country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK, as this can provide access to free or subsidised healthcare services.

Dealing with leaks and odours

Preventing Leaks:

• Ensure you are using the right ostomy supplies for your body and stoma. The right size and type of skin barrier (also known as a wafer) will fit snugly and protect your skin from irritation and leakage.
• Measure your stoma regularly to ensure your skin barrier is the correct size. Stoma sizes and shapes can change over time, especially during the healing process after surgery.
• Apply your skin barrier to clean, dry, and shaved skin. Avoid using oily or alcohol-based products, and only use ostomy-safe skincare products.
• Keep your peristomal skin healthy. If the skin surrounding your stoma is irritated, it can interfere with the seal of your ostomy appliance. Consult a doctor or ostomy nurse if you have any skin issues.
• Use an ostomy belt for additional support, especially during physical activity.
• Empty or change your pouch frequently. Do not let your bag get too full, as this can cause strain on the seal and lead to leaks.
• Avoid pancaking (when thicker output collects near the top of the pouch instead of falling to the bottom). Use a pouch lubricant to help stool slide down to the bottom of the pouch.
• Check that your ostomy products are not expired or damaged. Adhesive properties can change if products are used past their expiration date or if they are exposed to extreme temperatures.
• Try ostomy accessories, such as adhesive removers, barrier wipes, or convex wafers, to enhance your pouching routine and improve the seal.
• Consult a stoma nurse if you have ongoing issues with leaks. They can provide specific instructions and recommendations to help prevent leaks.

Managing Odours:

• Monitor your body's response to different foods and beverages. Certain foods, such as those high in soluble fibre or sugars, can increase gas and odour. Introduce new foods gradually to understand how they affect your body.
• Empty your ostomy pouch regularly. Odours tend to become stronger as waste builds up. Aim to empty your pouch when it is about one-third to one-half full.
• Consider using an odour eliminator, such as a pouch deodorant (liquid or gel) or an odour eliminator spray. These products can help neutralise odours and provide discreet options.
• Try a different type of ostomy bag. Different shapes and sizes are available, and finding the right fit can help prevent leaks and odours.
• Consult a doctor or ostomy nurse for advice on managing odours. They may recommend dietary changes or suggest trying oral medications like Devrom, which helps neutralise odours.

Frequently asked questions