Just for any travellers here, I just got back from Australia and was surprised how the stoma bag caused suspicion at the airport security as it was picked up on the body scanner.
Sydney was the worst where I was taken into a side room with 2 security guys and had to expose the bag to have a swab check done.
My metal hip and knee were no bother but they have obviously had drugs found in stoma bags so weren't messing around. This may be wide spread although no problem at Heathrow. Singapore was just a cursory visual check. Be prepared if travelling.
Rich.
Hi Richard21
On multiple trips I’ve had various experiences, from being patted down on top of my clothes to being taken into a room and asked to show my stoma bags. They have never been swabbed. But in my pre stoma days on a trip to Australia I found their airports very security conscious with sniffer dogs etc. I’ve been pulled out of a queue there to have my luggage checked by the dogs.
I don’t have a problem with any of these checks and have always found the staff discreet and respectful. So long as I’m taken to a private room, I have no issues being checked over.
Sarah xx
Hi Sarah
I should have added to my post that I too agree with the checks 100%. This has been my first trip with a bag and I was surprised by the attention it got but understand why.
However we went through 4 Australian airports, Hobart was good and using training dogs as per our last visit in 2020, Melbourne and Perth were very kind people but Sydney the 2 security guys were Asian with a hint of aggression which of course I did not rise to. Unsettling non the less.
They also noticed a small pair of blunt nose scissors in my stoma kit bag and removed them after tipping out contents all over the counter! Luckily I had another kit in my hold luggage and had pre-cut some bags for emergencies.
Happy travels!
Rich.
Hi Richard21
Yes, the checks are necessary but best done with respect and discretion and your description sounds very unpleasant. I went through Cairns, and Melbourne- with the most intense checking at Brisbane, but I didn’t have my stomas in those days!
I’ve never carried the blunt nose scissors as I order my bags pre cut-saves me stabbing holes in the bags doing them myself, plus with 2 stomas I do use a lot of bags. Good job you had some pre cut bags with you.
I hope you’ll continue to enjoy many more trips abroad-I have found each trip gets easier with the knowledge I’ve gained every time.
Sarah xx
Hi Rich
Sorry they tipped the contents out in public view. I would have been mortified
They need to be empathetic to their various passengers needs
Swabbing your stoma must have been stressful I would have been tempted to change my pouch there They could then keep it
I was always searched discreetly and with politeness. Though I only traveled in Europe maybe they are trained in having empathy for others.
Think I would have blown a fuse. You took it very well
Ann
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