Travel Guide

There are so many decisions to be made when planning to travel away from home – but even more to think about when you’re an ostomate hoping to get away.

Listed below we have compiled a list of tips to help you cover all eventualities and enjoy your trip, and arrive feeling relaxed and refreshed.

Travel Check List

  • Check your baggage limit with your airline as carrying a large quantity of supplies can make a big difference to the weight of luggage.
  • Carry your supplies in your carry-on luggage to guard against lost baggage. (A small suite case with wheels is a good idea).
  • Do not over pack cases as the luggage may become too heavy to lift and add to the risk of muscle damage or a parastomal hernia.
  • Take extra supplies with you as different foods and drinks could cause your stoma to behave differently, workout what you would normally use and times it by 2 also allow for airport delays etc.
  • If you cut your own wafer/barrier its worthwhile precutting several for the journey as scissors will have to be carried in your main luggage.
  • Carry a small emergency kit with you that you could discreetly take to the toilet in the airport or onboard the plane without having to open up all your hand baggage in case an emergency bag change is required.
  • If you are travelling to a warm climate store all your supplies in a cool area in your room as high temperatures can affect the adhesives on supplies.
  • If your destination country recommends that you drink bottled water it is also a good idea to use bottled water to clean / irrigate your colostomy.
  • Whether you are staying in a hotel at home or abroad, it’s a good idea to try to make sure to get an en-suite bathroom. This will enable you to change your pouches easily, in private and at leisure, at a convenient time.
  • It’s a good idea to check if spare supplies are available in the country you are visiting.

TSA Cares

Is a toll-free helpline to provide information and assistance to passengers with disabilities and medical conditions and their families before they fly. TSA Cares and is now accepting calls. Travelers may call TSA Cares toll free at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling with questions about screening policies, procedures and what to expect at the security checkpoint.

When a passenger with a disability or medical condition calls TSA Cares, a representative will provide assistance, either with information about screening that is relevant to the passenger’s specific disability or medical condition, or the passenger may be referred to disability experts at TSA. TSA recommends that passengers call approximately 72 hours ahead of travel so that TSA Cares has the opportunity to coordinate checkpoint support with a TSA Customer Service Manager located as the airport, when necessary.

The hours of operation are:
Monday through Friday
9 a.m. – 9 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays.

After hours, travelers can find information about traveling with disabilities and medical needs on TSA’s Website at:
www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/disabilityandmedicalneeds/

Travelers who are deaf or hard of hearing can use a relay service to contact TSA Cares or can e-mail TSA-ContactCenter@dhs.gov.

TRAVEL COMMUNICATION CARD
http://quest.mda.org/sites/default/files/Notification%20Cards%20II.pdf
.