Travel With An Ostomy (Colostomy, Ileostomy and Urostomy)

Whether you had your stoma surgery decades ago or if you are new this week. Traveling with a stoma can be a challenge and one worth preparing for. Intestinal and urinary diversion surgery will result in three basic types: urostomy, ileostomy and colostomy.  Each has its benefits and they are somewhat unique in caring for them. Airplane, road trip, cruise ship, or camping all require a little planning when you have an ostomy appliance and stoma to look after.

It’s important to consider your ostomy supply needs when planning a trip.  Arrive early to allow time to screen medical items and for excessive lines.  How many pouches, skin barriers, and accessories will you need until you return home?  What about if you experience some kind of emergency and exhaust your supplies? Do you know how to get more (either locally or from a mail order supplier)?  These are some questions you should consider when planning your trip.  Also, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has guidelines regarding travelers with ostomy appliances.  You should familiarize yourself with them in case you get an officer who is not familiar with an ostomy.

Tips to Plan Your Trip

• Arrive early.
• Request a passenger support specialist for assistance going through TSA.
• Communicate your needs to the TSA officer (verbally or with TSA notification card).
• 3-1-1 liquid rule does not apply to “medically necessary liquids” in specific situations.
• Request a pat down if you don’t want to walk through a screening machine.
• If you have a pat down, ask for a private screening and to be accompanied by a companion of your choosing.
• Separate medically necessary liquids/equipment for quick screening.
• Ostomy product suppliers. Know where you can get items locally and the telephone/website of a supplier that can ship directly to you.
• Know what hospitals are nearby in case of emergency.
• Always carry more supplies than you might need in both carry-on bags and checked luggage. You could even ship some to the hotel you are staying at in advance.

TSA Contact Information

www.tsa.gov      Toll Free Helpline 1-855-787-2227   

(Available for passengers with disabilities and medical conditions to get the latest screening information).