Airport

Hi Stoma58 

I travel abroad regularly with 2 stomas and have never had any issues at any airport here or abroad. I’ve always been treated with discretion and respect. I’m not sure what horror stories you are reading, but perhaps I could help allay your fears if I can?

Sarah xx

Thank you so much for your quick reply, your comment has put my husbands mind at ease, any advice on flying would be appreciated. 

Hi again Stoma58 

There is a thread where we have  a lot of discussions on travel called “Holiday Tips, Planes, Boats and Trains” which I don’t seem to be able at the moment to link to, but if you put this in the search bar at the top of the page beside the magnifying glass you should be able to find the thread and read through all the advice and tips we’ve shared in the group. 

Specifically in relation to flying, in general it’s good to ensure the bag is completely empty for boarding, and make sure your husband has supplies in his hand luggage. You haven’t said what kind of stoma your husband has, so you might get more specific advice from someone with the relevant stoma type-I have a permanent colostomy and urostomy, so I speak about my experience with those. 

We often discuss travelling in the group, and I think many of us were nervous before taking that first flight. I have certainly gained a lot of confidence the more I’ve done it and now I don’t worry at all about it. I hope your husband can see from our discussions in the group that it’s natural to be nervous, but really it’s very straightforward. And I hope you be able to get a nice holiday booked!

Sarah xx

Hi new to group I got my stoma in October .I love my holidays and in the early thought I wouldn’t be able to o aboard but in February thought I need to try so booked a holiday to Turkey and I can say no problems what so ever. Was patted down in Edinburgh airport but I just told the lady I have a stoma  and she was lovely same at the security at the boarding get in Turkey ( was a bit scared about that) but again they were so nice  can’t wait for the next holiday 

Thank you so much at Fraser1, much appreciated.

The same here. I flew to the Canaries over Christmas for the first time post-op and was absolutely dreading it for several reasons. The security people at Gatwick couldn't have been more understanding and discreet, which was a massive relief, and it was the same leaving Lanzarote. I took the precaution of booking a front row seat on the plane, with extra legroom, had just a light breakfast and a small coffee and sat back and watched all the other passengers queuing to use the plane's toilets on the 4 hour flight. The stomas were not a problem and the pouch did not inflate and suddenly explode in the pressurised cabin! No problem and I look forward to the next trip abroad. Let your hair down when you get to your hotel, not at the airport.