Ostomy Travel Tips

Stick with What You Know: Avoid trying a new type of pouching system just before your trip.

Double Up on Supplies: Bring twice as many supplies as you would usually use during your time away. This includes any necessary accessories.

Pack Smart: Store your supplies in your carry-on and
precut your flanges or barriers. Remember to pack your scissors in your
checked baggage.

Convenient Seating: Choose an aisle seat close to the washroom for easy access.

No Pouch Expansion: The pouch will not expand due to cabin pressurization.

Manage Gas: To reduce gas, avoid carbonated drinks, drinking with a straw, eating too quickly, and foods that cause gas. Moving around can also help.

Medical Device Exemptions: Health Canada allows exceptions for traveling with medical devices:

• Carry-on limits do not apply to medical supplies – you may bring an additional bag for your ostomy supplies.
• Ostomy paste tubes may exceed the liquid/gel maximum but must be presented separately to screening officers.
• These rules apply to travel within or departing from Canada but may vary in other countries.

Mind Your Diet: Traveling can disrupt your usual
eating habits. To avoid issues, stick to familiar foods that you know
are gentle on your system. Be cautious with new or exotic foods, and
stay hydrated. For more detailed information, visit our Nutrition and Diet page.

Keep Supplies Cool: Store your supplies in a cooler spot, like a cooler (not in the trunk).

Seat Belt Safety: Ensure your seat belt rests across your hips, not over your stoma.

Larger Pouch for Longer Trips: Use a larger ostomy pouch for longer journeys, such as a leg bag for urostomies or a high-output bag for ileostomies.

Prepare Your Documents: Along with your passport, tickets, and visas, carry a travel communication card from the UOAA.
This card explains the purpose of your pouches, skin barriers, and
medications to help avoid extra questions at customs or security
checkpoints. These cards are available in various languages.

Medical Documentation: Have a letter from your healthcare professional explaining your medical condition.

Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel
insurance to cover loss of luggage or money and cancellations. Check the
policy for guidelines around age limits or pre-existing conditions.

Inform Security Officers: Notify the screening officer about your ostomy pouch before the screening process begins.

• Liquids, gels, or aerosols must be in containers smaller than 100 ml
  in your carry-on and placed in a 1L clear plastic bag. Any size can be
  packed in checked baggage.
• Use the Family/Special Needs security line for additional assistance. For more information, visit CATSA Medication and Medical Items.
• Be aware that security regulations may differ by country.

Maintain Your Routine: Do not change your regular eating or drinking routine to reduce stoma flow.

Pre-Trip Preparations: Changing your skin barrier and pouch before departure can provide confidence and security from leaks.