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
Take note of your usual supplies:
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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 a few more!
💡 Why?
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Travel can change your routine—new foods, drinks, and activities may mean using more supplies.
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Flights and travel plans can change unexpectedly.
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Securing additional ostomy supplies while traveling can be 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
🎒 Keeping Supplies With You
Traveling by Car:
Keep a few supplies in the car for quick stops. No need to dig through luggage.
Quick pouch change in the car-
Safely park. Lay out all your supplies on the dashboard or the car seat next to you. Be sure to cut your wafer/skin barrier before you begin and prep a disposal bag or for output or to dispose of the pouching system, and 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:
If you're flying, carry 1-2 days of ostomy supplies with you in your carry-on
💡 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
Sight Seeing:
When you're out and about, or sightseeing, keep an ostomy change kit with you for peace of mind
(BOS bags make it easy to dispose of your used ostomy pouch discretely)
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TSA & Body Scanners
It’s a good idea to empty your pouch before getting in line at TSA.
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.