We all love them and usually feel that we do too little of them. We are talking about travel and vacations. And now there is a new partner in our lives – our ostomy. Take her on the trip with you, because the pure truth is that it is no problem at all! Those wonderful days are not over!
However, some concerns may arise in your mind: flying with a colostomy bag – is it possible? How can I get through security at boarding? Will cabin pressure variation be a problem? And what will airport bathrooms be like?
The answer is simple: don’t worry! Other people with an ostomy have done it before you and successfully. All you will need is proper planning and preparation.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to best prepare for your trip: from booking your flight, to choosing the right items to take with you, going through airport security checks, and finally to the time of your flight. We will also make you aware of the things you should keep in mind for all different types of travel or destinations. First, in the following section, you will find a brief summary of the tips you should keep in mind for a safe and secure trip.
Can I travel by plane with an ostomy bag?
You can fly with an ostomy bag without worry. However, it is best to wait 4 to 6 weeks, post-surgery. On the plane, choose an aisle-side seat and near the bathrooms, and pay attention to your diet to prevent any unexpected bowel movements.
I have an ostomy, what should I pack to enjoy my vacation without worries?
Carry a travel bag with everything you need for a quick bag change. Also add an extra set of clothes in case the unexpected happens. Put a few extra gathering systems in your checked luggage so you can avoid stressful moments and enjoy your vacation.
In this article you will find the following:
- Planning: what to keep in mind when booking a flight with an ostomy?
- What to pack when traveling with an ostomy + travel list PDF
- Things to consider for any travel or vacation destination:
- At the airport – how to get through airport security with an ostomy
- By plane- flying with an ostomy, no problem!
- Having arrived at the destination – what now?
- Frequently asked questions
Travel planning – It all starts with proper preparation!
Flying with an ostomy: what should I keep in mind when booking a flight?
Follow these tips to better prepare for your next trip and face this time with total peace of mind:
- Before flying with an ostomy, consult your doctor. If you have recently had ostomy surgery, you should consult your doctor about whether it is safe to travel. Generally, once the healing period after surgery has passed (about 4 to 6 weeks later), you can travel safely, but seeking your doctor’s advice is always the best choice.
- Consider choosing a place on the corridor side and near the toilets. You may have to make frequent trips to the bathroom to empty the bag or simply to make sure there are no leaks.
- Choose your food plan carefully for your flight. Be sure to avoid foods that might be fatty or spicy, carbonated drinks, or anything that might produce more gas. If you don’t trust the food offered on board, by the airline, you can bring your own food! Bring solid snacks (nothing liquid like yogurt), such as sandwiches, chips, cookies, piadinas, other sweets, fruits and vegetables. These will pass through airport security without any problems.
- Get health insurance before you leave. It is important to have adequate insurance when traveling. A large majority of health insurance plans now cover the cost of ostomy bags, but the cost and details of coverage may vary. Some good travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions are: Globelink International and World First.
- Inform the airlines of your condition. Airlines pay special attention to passengers with special needs for a comfortable and safe flight. However, you need to contact the airline at least 48 hours in advance, to whom your personal medical condition should be reported. Therefore, be sure to call and inform them so that the cabin crew is aware and can be of help in any eventuality.
- Talk to your insurer about getting a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), if you are traveling in the EU. The TEAM card provides insurance coverage equivalent to the health insurance you have for Italy and covers a number of conditions, such as having an ostomy.
What should I absolutely pack when traveling with an ostomy?
When you pack her, it is helpful to have a check-list (checklist) of the items you want to take with you. This will allow you not to forget anything and be able to manage your ostomy with total peace of mind.
Whatever your travel or business destination, here are some essentials you need to include in your checklist:
- An ostomy travel bag: get a bag that is lightweight, compact and can carry all your ostomy medical devices you will need. If you need help choosing the right ostomy travel bag for you, check out this article.
Remember: Pack your ostomy travel bag in your carry-on luggage to avoid paying extra fees for excess luggage carried (in case your airline does not allow you to take an extra bag with you). In addition, if you carry your doctor’s certification of your medical condition, you may carry liquids in containers > of 100ml in your carry-on baggage.
- Passport and other essential documents: if you travel to a country outside Europe, remember to take your passport with you. Don’t arrive at the airport, and only there realize that you have forgotten your ID. Put all your essential documents on the checklist so you don’t forget them when you pack.
- Charger: for your phone and any kind of electronic device you wish to carry.
- Personal hygiene items: remember to bring a pH-neutral shampoo and bubble bath. Those offered in hotels could damage your ostomy and surrounding skin when showering. Also be sure to bring a cleanser with a self-balancing pH, as well as a moisturizer with an isodermic formula for hygiene and care of your peristomal skin.
Your skin needs extra care during the vacations.
Also, do not forget hygiene essentials such as toothbrush, toothpaste, creams, cosmetics, deodorants and perfumes, a manicure kit and other personal products.
- Ostomy supply: These are probably the most important items to bring when traveling with a stoma. Calculate the number of days of your trip and bring twice as many supplies as you normally use during that time.
It is better to have more and not need it, than to have less and need it!
- Ostomy travel card: a travel card and certificate for people with ostomy, which can help you avoid uncomfortable situations at the airport. Be sure to keep it handy when you travel, so you can avoid worrying about possible uncomfortable situations, such as airport security checks.
Of course, depending on your destination as well, you may need to add other items in your luggage as well.
Things to consider for any travel or vacation destination:
Now that you have your checklist for your next trip, it is time to focus on the type of trip.
Depending on the type of vacation you have chosen to take, you will need to add some specific accessories to your luggage to enjoy the experience to the fullest.
Click on one of the icons below, to discover useful tips for your vacation.
The time has finally come to fly!
Your checked and carry-on luggage is ready, the aisle-side seat and near the bathrooms have been chosen, you have avoided champagne toasts, and you have paid attention to your diet.
Congratulations! You are on the right path to smooth flying. Only one question remains to be solved before the trip:
How can I get through airport security with an ostomy?
One of the most daunting parts of flying with an ostomy bag is going through airport security. In such a situation, a travel certificate and an ostomy card can be especially helpful. Show these documents (which explain your medical condition in any language) to airport security personnel and thus avoid difficult questions about your ostomy. This way, you no longer have to worry about embarrassing situations that occur during security screening.
By plane: flying With an ostomy but no problems!
When the time comes to fly with an ostomy for the first time, you will understandably be very nervous. You may have heard that because of the pressure difference inside the aircraft cabin, the pouch tends to swell during the flight. And you’re probably wondering, “Will it be okay when the plane takes off?”
- In general, the risk of the ostomy bag inflating when flying with an ostomy is actually minimal. However, cabin pressure may cause it to swell. If this happens, simply go to the bathroom to empty or change the bag, as needed.
- If you are concerned about foul smelling stools when you fly, you could use an ostomy bag deodorizer, very few drops added to the inside of your garment will suffice.
- On the other hand, if you produce a lot of gas, a place near the toilets is certainly preferable, so you can empty the bag as often as you need to. Also keep a small deodorant spray handy to freshen the air.
- If a leak occurs, you will be able to detect it very quickly. Having an ostomy travel bag in your carry-on luggage will be very helpful in this situation. Talk to cabin crew members about your condition and needs so that they can help you in an emergency.
- Don’t worry about noise coming out of your bag. Most passengers on an airplane will have headphones on, and even if they don’t, a cabin is generally very loud to the point that noises from the collection system will not be audible at all.
Relax and enjoy the flight. Some airlines have installed screens on the seats and offer various types of entertainment. Choose your favorite and relax during the flight! Alternatively, prepare a Spotify list in advance with your favorite music so you can close your eyes and listen to the music you like best.
Having arrived at the destination – what now?
Now that you’ve managed to fly with your ostomy bag without any mishaps (or that you’ve managed just fine), follow these final tips to make sure everything goes smoothly, during your stay at your chosen location.
- Do an exhaustive research on the foreign location you are traveling to.
When you return, you will have to go through security checks at the foreign airport; be sure to bring your travel card or certificate, so that you can easily explain your medical condition in the local language in case they do not understand English. It has many languages besides Italian and English to overcome the language barrier difficulties. - Has your checked luggage been lost? A good tip is to divide your ostomy supplies among the different suitcases you will be carrying. That way, if one of the suitcases is lost, you won’t find yourself completely out of pocket.
- Look for where you could buy extra medical supplies if needed.
It is always best, however, if you bring your own supplies with you. The country you travel to may not have the products and accessories you usually use.
The last piece of advice is: relax, have fun and enjoy your vacation! Whatever problems you might encounter… there is always a solution!
Always remember that living with an ostomy bag does not mean living with limitations.
You can do anything you want, you just need a little preparation so that everything goes smoothly.
With these tips, you can live your life to the fullest and not miss out on all the wonderful trips you want to take!
CRUISE
- On a cruise, you will need an adequate ostomy travel bag with all the essentials. Since you will be somewhere on the ocean most of the time, you will not want to spend your precious little time on land searching for the supplies you will need or run out of.
- Get in touch with your cruise’s in-house hospital (almost all have one). Inform them of your ostomy and ask if they have supplies in stock that you would need, and if they have specific protocols for ostomy bag disposal.
- Knowing if they have adequate supplies can be helpful in deciding how much you will need to pack, or in case something unexpected comes up, it is important to know that you have your back.
- Regarding bag disposal, on cruise ships, garbage is generally emptied once or twice a day; therefore, you can throw your collection systems in the garbage cans.
- If you are concerned about odors, bring scented garbage bags in which you will put used garments before throwing them away.
TROPICAL/BEACH VACATIONS
- If you have decided to take a tropical vacation, keep in mind that plaques may come off with excessive sweating. Make sure you have sweat-proof products and bring appropriate wipes for removing the sticky barrier.
- Also be aware of the quality of tap water in tropical areas. Drink only mineral water in sealed bottles. Be sure to carry medication for diarrhea and consult your doctor to see which medication is right for you.
- Above all, maintain optimal hydration! Oral rehydration solutions (powder) can be very effective. Also, carry extra moisturizer with you to keep the skin hydrated and prevent dryness or cracking.
We recommend that you use this specific cream to nourish the peristomal skin. It is much more effective than conventional moisturizers because it does not contain mineral oils that would prevent plaque from adhering to your skin. In addition, this cream promotes the restoration of the hydrolipidic content of the protective coat. Just make sure the cream is absorbed completely before applying the new presidium. - You will also need to protect your ostomy supplies from heat. For this purpose, a thermal bag in which to store your ostomy travel bag is useful.
- Remember: having an ostomy bag does not prevent you from swimming and enjoying your beach vacation.
OUTDOOR VACATIONS/EXCURSIONS/CAMPING
- If you are hiking with an ostomy, carry a bag with a waist strap so you have your garrison under control. Wear comfortable clothes and a supportive ostomy bun to make sure the bag is securely in place during outdoor activities. Also, bring disinfectant wipes and moisturizer with you.
- Having an ostomy bag is no problem at all for camping, you just need extra preparation and have a designated clean space to change your bag.
- If it is a campground with on-site bathrooms, set up your tent near the bathrooms.
- However, if it is a true outdoor camping trip, having an ostomy bag can even be an advantage!
You don’t have to worry about going out at night looking for the right bushes to squat behind to do your business. You simply need to work out a bag disposal plan.
VACATIONS IN THE SNOW OR IN COLD PLACES
- Having an ostomy bench, will help you keep your collection system tight, especially during those times that require more physical activity such as skiing and walking on groomed snow.
- Use ski pants one size larger so as not to create excessive pressure on your garment.
- It is also helpful to have extra-large ski pants to make sure nothing is pressing against your collecting garrison.
- Finally, protect your extra supplies from the cold with a cooler bag.Remember: with an ostomy you can ski safely, just be very cautious and avoid any extremely strenuous activity.
LONG-TERM TRAVEL
- If you plan to travel for an extended period, be sure to locate a reliable hospital and doctor in the area you will be traveling to in advance.
- You might also look for a pharmacy or parapharmacy that sells ostomy medical devices in the locality to which you travel.
- Talk to your doctor about this; he or she may have some contacts. If not, do some preliminary research. If you have friends or family in the area, ask them if they can recommend a doctor and hospital.
Your local doctor should be able to advise you on where you can buy medical supplies or how to contact an ostomatherapist. - Also, consider preparing extra supplies of ostomy devices and other medical supplies to leave at home and which, at a later time, your family or friends might mail to you. This will provide you with extra security, allowing you to enjoy your vacation with complete peace of mind.
BUSINESS TRIP
- If you are traveling on business, and the company where you work is making travel arrangements, make sure that your supervisor or boss is aware of your conditions and keeps them in mind while making travel arrangements for you.
- Carry a belly pan with you to wear under your work clothes so that your ostomy is in place during meetings or work activities.
- Business travel is often very hectic, things need to flow quickly, easily, at their best and without complications. Therefore, take enough supplies with you and be prepared for any eventuality.
In addition, to maintain perfect hygiene while traveling, we recommend that you take Bioderm Stoma Plus cleanser with you .
In this section we have collected for you the most frequently asked questions related to traveling and flying with an ostomy.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to pay an additional fee to carry the ostomy travel bag with me on the plane?
When you travel by air, you usually do not have to pay extra to take your essential medical supplies with you. Be sure to contact the airline at least 2 days before your flight and inquire about your medical condition.
Can I travel abroad with an ostomy?
Ostomy should not prevent you from traveling abroad. You can travel anywhere with your ostomy, just be sure to do preliminary research on your destination country and locate a pharmacy or parapharmacy where you can buy your medical supplies.
Keep in mind that depending on the country you travel to, you may not find the brands you are used to. Therefore, we recommend that you bring enough supplies with you so that you can travel with total peace of mind.
How difficult is it to travel with an ostomy?
If you prepare well, traveling with an ostomy is not difficult at all! Be sure to consider factors such as your seat selection on the plane and the type of diet you will follow in the days leading up to your departure, so you can avoid embarrassing situations.
Also, no matter whether you travel by car, plane, ship, train or any other means: having a ostomy travel bag with everything you need for emergencies is definitely very useful; check out this article.
Is having a colostomy considered a disability, is having an ostomy bag a disability?
Ostomy is often referred to as a “hidden disability” because a major bodily function is impaired. The European Union has authorized free travel assistance to all people with disabilities or reduced mobility. In addition to this, many airlines offer discounts on airfare.
Be sure to inform them about your medical condition at least 2 days before your flight.