OVERVIEW
Stomas - Tips for Travel
Having a stoma shouldn’t prevent you from travelling. The important thing is to plan ahead and be prepared. Take plenty of supplies and always make sure that you carry an emergency travel kit in case you need to change your bag away from home. You don’t need to tell anyone on the flight that you have one, but it is recommend that you keep your stoma equipment in your hand luggage so it's always with you.
If you have a stoma, the prospect of completing security checks may seem daunting, however it is expected that all security officers receive stoma awareness training, so you can be confident that you will be guided through the security process with dignity and care.
All stoma products are considered medical essentials, so you are allowed to take them through security. Most airlines also offer extra luggage weight allowance of around 5kg, for free, you just have to call “Special Assistance” at least 48hours in advance.
Make them aware that you require discretion with handling of your equipment through security so you do not have to suffer the embarrassment of decanting into clear bags.
Make sure you have packed plenty of stoma equipment in your main luggage, in your hand luggage and in a smaller discreet bag which you can keep next to you during the flight.
Accessible toilets and National Key Scheme (NKS)
RADAR Key
NKS offers access to locked accessible public toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with NKS locks can be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department stores, bus and train stations and many other locations across the country.
If you are out and about in the UK a RADAR key can open the door to 9,000 accessible toilets. You can obtain a RADAR key from Colostomy UK for £2.50 + £1 shipping
Alternatively you can get one from Disability Rights UK for £4.50 including p&p.
FURTHER INFORMATION
10 Useful Tips for travelling with a stoma
1. Plan and prepare in advance of your trip.
2. Wrap clingfilm around liquid medication to prevent it leaking into other belongings.
3. Pack enough stoma bags – better to have too many than not enough, and have extra in hand luggage in case your hold bag does not arrive at your destination.
4. Liquid stoma glue will fit in a clear liquid bag and you should always remove it from your hand luggage.
5. You can carry scissors in your hand luggage with a blade length less than 6cm and with rounded ends.
6. At security, a private screening room is available – you can request this if selected for a manual body search.
7. Wear loose clothing, remove belts and place these in the screening trays.
8. Carry medication delivery notes on your person as this details what the medication is.
9. There can be queues at security – always be comfortable before entering the Security area.
10.Pack spare clothes in your hand luggage.
For more advice visit OakMed
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Helpful factsheet from Crohn's & Colitis UK - Travelling with Crohn's or Colitis
Factsheet from Action Bladder UK on Travelling with a Stoma
Sign up with Coloplast to receive a free ostomy travel kit and view other useful information about travelling with bladder and bowel conditions