Traveling with
an Ostomy

What to pack
How much to bring
What to keep in your carry-on vs. checked bag
TSA and body scanners
Managing long flights
Emptying or changing your pouch on the plane

What to pack
How much to bring
What to keep with you vs. a checked bag
Long car rides
TSA and body scanners
Managing long flights
Emptying or changing your pouch on the plane

It’s a good idea to empty your pouch before getting in the TSA line.
TSA agents are there to keep everyone safe, and body scanners may detect your pouch.

Most of the time, nothing will be said. Occasionally, an agent may quietly ask about something under your clothing. You can discreetly let them know you have an ostomy.

They may ask you to briefly touch the top of your pouch and then swab your hands.
This is routine and simply part of their safety process.

Your ostomy and pouching system will work the same on an airplane as it does on the ground.

If you’re concerned about needing to empty your pouch more often, choosing an aisle seat can make it easier to get up.

Airplane bathrooms are private, one-person spaces with a small shelf to hold your supplies. If you need to empty or change your pouch, you can do so there. Simply place your used pouch in an odor-blocking bag, tie it securely, and dispose of it in the trash.

✈️ Traveling with an Ostomy

What to Pack for Confidence & Peace of Mind

🧳 Start with What You Use at Home

Take note of your usual supplies:

Pouches
Wafers / Skin barriers
Barrier rings
Tape
Adhesive remover wipes
Barrier wipes
Lubricant
Deodorizer

🔢 Calculate → Then DOUBLE It

Figure out what you’ll need… then pack twice as much

Estimate how many of each item you’ll need based on the length of your trip.

💡 Why?
Travel can change your routine—new foods, drinks, and activities may mean using more supplies

🚫 Plan Ahead

Most pharmacies, big box stores, and medical supply stores
do not carry ostomy supplies

👉 Packing extra = less stress

✂️ Prep Before You Go

Pre-cut your wafers / skin barriers
No scissors needed while traveling

💡 Optional:

TSA-approved scissors
Discreet, opaque, odor-blocking disposal bags
(Example: BOS Odor-Sealing Disposal Bags)

🎒 Keep Supplies With You

If you're planning a long car ride, its a good idea to keep a small bag of supplies with you. That way you can make a quick stop and attend to your ostomy easily without having to dig through your luggage in the trunk.

When your out and about, sightseeing or going out for dinner, keep an ostomy change kit with you for peace of mind (BOS bags make it easy to

If you're flying, carry at least 2 weeks of supplies in your carry-on

💡 Why?