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Carry a statement from your healthcare professional stating your need for stoma supplies
You can also sign up to me+ to download and print our Stoma Travel Pass to show to security officers with questions.
Airport security rules state that you can be screened without having to empty or expose your stoma;
however, you may need to conduct a self pat-down of the stoma bag, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives.
If you are traveling to a foreign country, bring this information written in the appropriate language
Google Translate may be helpful with translations. If you find you need additional supplies while travelling, a local pharmacy is a great starting point. The local pharmacist should be able to provide you with the necessary supplies and/or refer you to a local clinic/hospital for support.
Pre-cut all cut-to-fit baseplates at home
Although current UKGOV rules¹ allow small scissors (with blades no longer than 6cm), and round-ended/blunt scissors in your carry-on luggage, keeping your stoma scissors in your checked luggage may avoid delay and extra screening
Consider purchasing travel insurance that guarantees getting you to a hospital, if necessary.
When it comes to supplies, OVERPACK!
Better safe than sorry. Pack at least three days’ worth of stoma supplies in your carry-on luggage, just in case your checked luggage is misplaced or there are delays and/or non-availability at your destination. Here are some packing tips.
Drink, drink, drink
Nothing slows down a vacation more than dehydration. Read more about tips on hydration.
If travelling by car, take advantage of rest areas.
Stop and empty your pouch regularly; you never know how far it will be until the next one!
Pack stoma-friendly snacks
Keep a set of clean clothes handy
whether in your carry-on luggage or in the trunk of your car.
Carry a few plastic bags and wet wipes for quick clean-up
Featured Articles
10/10/2024
me plus Community
Travel
Travelling with a Stoma Bag: What to Pack
The idea of taking long trips with an ostomy may seem daunting at first. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime! Here’s our tips below to help make packing for your next adventure a little easier.
Read more04/12/2024
Everyday life
Travel
Road Trips with a Stoma
Now that you have an ostomy, the idea of taking long trips can seem daunting. But with a little extra preparation, you can enjoy the trip of a lifetime.
Read more11/12/2024
Travel
Stoma Travel Tips
Extra security precautions are being taken at airports and other transit hubs worldwide. A little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.
Read more12/12/2024
Diet
Everyday life
Living with a Stoma: Hydration
Learn about the importance of hydration when living with a stoma. Our guide provides tips on fluid intake, recognising dehydration symptoms, and more.
Read more12/12/2024
Fashion
Fashion Tips for Men Living with a Stoma
After stoma surgery you can wear the same clothes as anyone else – and do it with style! Here are some fashion tips for men living with a stoma.
Read more11/12/2024
Fashion
Fashion tips for women living with a stoma
Here are some practical fashion tips from Jearlean Taylor, a successful model, author, and businesswoman who has never known life without an ostomy.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Tips for Managing Anxiety After Stoma Surgery
One of the biggest worries for people who have recently had stoma surgery is what other people will think.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Returning to Work with a Stoma
From industrial jobs to the classroom, from long shifts at the hospital to dancers – and all workplaces in between – people living with a stoma are successfully returning to work following stoma surgery.
Read more22/01/2025
Everyday life
Back to school with a stoma
As your child begins to recover from ostomy surgery, it is normal for them to feel fearful or anxious about their needs when going back to school.
Read more11/12/2024
Activity
Exercise After Stoma Surgery: Back to Basics
No matter what level of physical activity you want to pursue, stoma surgery shouldn’t hold you back.
Read more12/12/2024
Everyday life
Bathing or showering with a Stoma
Showering or bathing with a stoma should not interfere with your regular cleaning routine. Here are some tips on bathing or showering with a stoma.
Read more16/12/2024
Everyday life
Peristomal Skin Care
Knowing how to identify irritated skin around your stoma early and keeping it healthy could help avoid greater complications and make for a stress-free experience with your stoma.
Read more