Traveling with
an Ostomy
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What to pack
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What to keep with you vs. checked baggage
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Managing long car or plane rides
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TSA and body scanners
What to Pack for Confidence & Peace of Mind
🧳 Start with What You Use at Home
Make a list of the supplies you use every day or every week. For example, you may use:
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Pouches
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Wafers / Skin barriers
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Barrier rings
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Tape
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Adhesive remover wipes
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Barrier wipes
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Lubricant
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Deodorizer
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Irrigation supplies
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Night draining system
🔢 Calculate → Add+
Calculate how many of each item you’ll need based on the length of your trip. Then, pack MORE!
💡 Why?
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Travel changes your routine—new foods, drinks, and activities may mean using more supplies.
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Travel plans can change unexpectedly. Flights and itineraries may be changed, delayed, canceled, or extended. Pack more supplies than you think you'll need—you can always bring the extras home.
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Securing additional ostomy supplies while traveling can be very challenging.
TSA Reminder:
Liquids must be 3 ounces or less in your carry-on.
🚫 Plan Ahead
Most pharmacies, big box stores, and medical supply stores do not carry ostomy supplies
👉 Packing extra = less stress
✂️ Prep Before You Go
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Pre-cut your wafers / skin barriers
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Then, no need for scissors while traveling
💡 Optional:
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TSA-approved scissors available on Amazon
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Discreet, opaque, odor-blocking ostomy disposal bags
Traveling by Car 🚘
Take more supplies than you think you will need.
Keep a small supply kit inside the car. That way, if you need to empty or change your pouch during a quick stop, your supplies are easy to reach without digging through luggage in the trunk.
Be mindful of extreme temperatures inside your car when you're away from it for extended periods. In the summer, a parked car can become extremely hot, while in the winter it can become very cold. Prolonged exposure to these temperatures may affect the adhesive on ostomy barriers and rings.
Tips:
• Store supplies in an insulated bag.
• Take supplies with you if you'll be away from the car for several hours.
• Store supplies inside the passenger compartment rather than in the trunk, where temperatures are often more extreme.
What if there is no public restroom nearby?
Quick ostomy pit stop in your car:
Safely park. Lay out all your supplies on the dashboard or the car seat next to you. Cut your wafer/skin barrier before you begin and prep a disposal bag for your output or use the bag to dispose of the pouching system. Have a towel or paper towels covering your lap, just in case. Pull your shirt up slightly above your waistline, and you're ready to empty or change your pouch.
Traveling by Air
In your carry-on, pack a week's worth of Ostomy Supplies
💡 Why?
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Flights get delayed
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Luggage can get lost
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Leaks can happen anytime
🧴 TSA Reminder
Liquids must be 3 oz or less in your carry-on
Will the airplane's altitude affect my ostomy pouch?
No. Your ostomy and pouching system will function the same on the airplane as it does on the ground. Commercial aircraft cabins are pressurized, so changes in altitude do not affect your ostomy pouch.
Airplane Bathrooms
The good news is that airplane bathrooms, while small, are private and typically have a small shelf where you can place any ostomy supplies you may need. Emptying your pouch on an airplane is usually quick and easy.
If you need to change your pouch during a flight, simply place the used pouch in the trash receptacle provided. Please do not flush ostomy pouches or supplies down the airplane toilet.
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TSA
TSA agents are there to help keep everyone safe, and body scanners may detect your ostomy pouch. If you're comfortable doing so, you can discreetly let the agent know that you have an ostomy before entering the scanner.
Most of the time, no additional questions are asked. Occasionally, an agent may notice something under your clothing and quietly ask about it. Simply letting them know you have an ostomy is usually sufficient.
In some cases, you may be asked to briefly and discreetly touch the top of your pouch and then have your hands swabbed. This is a routine screening procedure and is simply part of the TSA's standard security process.
UOAA TSA Travel Communication Card
If you prefer, you can carry a TSA Travel Communication Card to discreetly notify TSA agents that you have an ostomy or medical condition.
The card does not exempt you from screening but may help facilitate communication.
Download the card here: https://www.ostomy.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/travelcard_20230111.pdf
Dinner, Sightseeing & Vacation Fun
Your ostomy shouldn't hold you back from enjoying all the adventures travel has to offer. Whether you're dining out, exploring new places, hiking, biking, swimming, or even skydiving, the possibilities are endless!
💡 Travel Tip:
Keep a small ostomy change kit and a disposal bag with you wherever you go. Having supplies on hand provides peace of mind and helps you feel prepared for whatever the day brings.
BOS™ bags make it easy to discreetly dispose of used ostomy pouches when you're away from home.
Now get out there, make some memories, and have fun!