Learning how to manage your ostomy on long flights or road trips can make extended travel days feel much more enjoyable. From packing enough ostomy supplies to planning bathroom stops and staying comfortable while sitting for hours, a little preparation can help you handle your routine and unexpected issues along the way. Here, we'll go over some tips to help you maximize ostomy travel.
Quick Overview: How to Manage Your Ostomy on Long Flights or Road Trips
- Plan for delays by bringing more ostomy supplies than you expect to need for the journey.
- Keep a small ostomy change kit within easy reach rather than packing everything in checked luggage or the trunk.
- Empty your pouch regularly and plan bathroom or rest-stop opportunities before you urgently need them.
- Stay hydrated and stick with familiar foods to help maintain your usual routine and manage output.
- Prepare for leaks and other unexpected issues by carrying cleaning supplies, disposal bags, and a change of clothing.
Why Long-Distance Travel Can Be More Challenging With an Ostomy
Spending a lot of time on a plane or in the car can present a few unique challenges when living with an ostomy, primarily because you're spending several hours in one place with less control over your routine. On a typical day, you may be able to empty or change your ostomy pouch whenever you need to. During a flight or a long stretch of driving, however, bathroom access may be limited by turbulence, seat belt signs, traffic, or long distances between rest stops.
Sitting for extended periods can also make it harder to check your pouch regularly, while changes to your normal eating and drinking habits may affect your output. On flights, dry cabin air can contribute to dehydration, which is particularly important to consider if you have an ileostomy and lose more fluids and electrolytes through your stoma. Gas buildup may also become more noticeable during air travel and can contribute to pouch ballooning.
Long road trips come with their own considerations, but are often more manageable as you're in control of when and where you stop. Still, despite potential hiccups, there are plenty of travel tips to help you enjoy your vacation without sacrificing comfort or care.
The Importance of Planning Ahead Before You Leave
When you're going to be on a plane or in the car for several hours, preparation becomes an important part of ostomy care. You can't always predict when you'll have access to a bathroom, and delays can quickly turn an eight-hour travel day into a much longer one. Therefore, the more prepared you are, the more comfortable and calm you can be regardless of what happens.
Pack More Supplies Than You Expect to Use
Don't base your packing list on the best-case scenario. Instead, make sure that you pack all of your necessary ostomy supplies, plus some extras. Keep the following items in your carry-on luggage instead of checked luggage to ensure that you don't end up without access to what you need:
- Extra ostomy pouches and skin barriers
- Barrier rings or seals
- Ostomy belt or support garment, if normally used
- Stoma powder and skin barrier wipes or spray
- Adhesive remover wipes or spray
- Gauze or dry wipes for cleaning the skin
- Disposal bags for used ostomy products
- Pre-cut barriers or ostomy scissors for cutting barriers (scissors must comply with rules set in place by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA))
- Pouch deodorizer or lubricating deodorant
- Ostomy pouch filter covers, if applicable
- Hand sanitizer
- A small pack of tissues or toilet paper
- A change of clothes and extra underwear
- Any medications you may need during the journey
- Water and an appropriate electrolyte drink, particularly for people with an ileostomy
If you're traveling with a stoma, consider bringing a travel communication card from the United Ostomy Associations of America (UOAA) or contact TSA Cares at least 72 hours before your flight to request assistance. This can also help you better understand what to expect with airport security or ask questions about security rules or extra screening well in advance.
Airports and Security
According to the TSA rules and regulations, you can be screened without having to empty or expose your ostomy pouch during Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), a walk-through metal detector (WTMD), or a pat-down screening. However, You'll need to inform a TSA officer that you have an ostomy pouch, which may be subject to additional screening and may require you to conduct a self pat-down of the ostomy bag outside of your clothing, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives.
Long Road Trips
If you're going to be traveling by car, things are a little easier, as they're more within your control. However, there are still plenty of areas across the US that may have long stretches of highway in between rest stops or towns, so it's important to take the time to plan ahead. When traveling during the summer or in hot regions, avoid leaving your ostomy products in the car for extended periods of time, as the heat may cause minor issues with adhesives or barriers.
Create a Small, Easy-to-Reach Ostomy Kit
While you should keep your ostomy supplies in your carry-on bag, having a small emergency or travel kit allows you to avoid carrying your bigger bag into restrooms on the plane or at rest stops. This is a minor thing that can help improve your travel experience, as it can keep things discreet and ensure you have what you need within reach.
Plan for the Trip to Take Longer Than Expected
Traffic jams, turbulence, delayed flights, missed connections, and unexpected detours can all limit when you can empty or change your pouch. Keep extra supplies, water, snacks, and any necessary medications accessible so you're prepared to manage your ostomy even if the journey doesn't go according to plan.
Staying Comfortable During Long Flights and Drives
Spending hours sitting in a plane or car can make managing your ostomy feel a little different from your normal routine. A few simple adjustments can help reduce pressure around your stoma, keep your pouch comfortable, and make it easier to manage output throughout a long travel day.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing: Choose clothes that don't create unnecessary pressure or friction around your stoma or pouch, especially when you'll be sitting for several hours.
- Empty your pouch regularly: Try not to wait until your pouch feels overly full. Emptying it when it's around one-third to one-half full can reduce weight on the barrier and help lower the risk of leaks.
- Stay hydrated throughout the journey: Drink fluids regularly rather than avoiding them to reduce bathroom stops. Staying hydrated is especially important for people with an ileostomy, who may be at greater risk of dehydration.
- Stick with familiar foods: A long travel day isn't the ideal time to experiment with foods that could increase gas or significantly change your output. Choose meals and snacks you already know work well for you.
- Get up and move when possible: On long flights, walk around the cabin when it's safe to do so. During road trips, build short breaks into your route so you can stretch, move around, and check your pouch.
- Pay attention to your seat belt: Make sure the belt isn't placing uncomfortable pressure directly over your stoma. A seat belt should still be worn for safety, but adjusting your clothing or using an ostomy-specific seat belt protector may improve comfort.
- Check your pouch periodically: Long stretches of sitting can make it easier to lose track of how full your pouch has become. Checking it periodically can help you address gas, output, or early signs of a leak before they become more difficult to manage.
- Know what to do if you have a leak: If you notice a leak, address it as soon as you safely can rather than trying to reinforce a failing seal. Keep a complete pouch change, cleaning supplies, disposal bags, and spare clothing within easy reach so you can clean the skin and replace your pouching system in the nearest available restroom.
Contacting Your Healthcare Provider Before Traveling
Before embarking on your next trip, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor or ostomy nurse, if only for some added peace of mind. Doing so allows you to check and make sure everything is fine before you leave and that you have what you need during your trip. Scheduling an appointment with your doctor is especially important if you're traveling internationally, as they can help ensure you have everything you need for your time away. You may also want to ask for referrals based on where you're going, or if they know of any international ostomy support resources available.
If you're planning a long flight or road trip, having reliable ostomy supplies can help you travel with greater confidence. Byram Healthcare offers a wide selection of ostomy products delivered directly to your home, making it easier to prepare before your next adventure.
