AIRPORT SECURITY

Hi Mark. Since my RC last September, I’ve flown three times, twice to Spain and once to Ireland. I’ve had no problem at all. You don’t have to empty your bag and don’t have to declare stoma to security, they’ll pick it up themselves when you go through the scanner. I’ve been asked to go to a private room twice to be examined but it’s not an issue and they were respectful. You can carry extra baggage with all your supplies as the airlines normally allow it. Make sure you have a letter saying that you need to carry these supplies including adhesive removal spray. I have a letter from my surgeon that I carry in the bag with me. Make sure to keep emptying your bag regularly to avoid any leaks on the airport or on flight. Also try not to lift any heavy baggage. I have always worn an hernia prevention belt if carrying any baggage. Otherwise I didn’t find it any harder than previously. Have a lovely family holiday. Best wishes.

Hi Mark

I travel a lot with 2 stomas and have never had an issue at security. Only once in 5 years have I been asked to show my bags, and my urostomy bag wasn’t empty at the time, so staff are used to this. With the urostomy bag being clear plastic they can see what it is and what it contains! I wear a black coloured colostomy bag which they can’t see into, but it never has to be removed.

I travel in a wheelchair so I get patted down in the chair at security, but no more than that. I get pushed through the scanner, and obviously they can see the bags but staff in my experience are very discreet. I’ve never announced having bags at security, I’ve just explained I have bags if they mention it. 

I take supplies in my hand luggage in the cabin which includes a 50ml spray which has never been a problem. I keep a wash bag in my hand luggage with a few supplies so it’s easy to take to the loo, and I split my other supplies for the trip-half in a bag in my rucksack on the plane and half in my case, so I don’t bother with an extra luggage allowance-I did this once, but it was more bother than it was worth having another bag to carry-with having 2 stomas I need quite a lot of supplies for 10 days! 

I’d take more supplies than you think you need, just to be safe-I go in the pool a lot and like to make sure it’s empty before going in the water, and change it when I come out as the adhesive can be weakened being in the water. 

If you’ve got any more questions, please feel free to ask-I was nervous the first time I travelled abroad, but I’ve done it so often now I’ve very confident these days. Have a great holiday!

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah and thanks for your reply 

That's great info. Yes iam taking extra supplies with me. Your information is very informative and iam glad you have no issues going through the airport. 

Best wishes 

Mark

Hi hopeful

Thanks for your reply its very kind.

Glad you had no issues. I'll get a letter from the hospital explaining the spray. Iam taking that it's the same procedure when returning home. 

Thanks again 

Best wishes 

Mark

I’ve travelled all over the place, from Spain to the Maldives having stomas and it’s been fine. The spray is classed as a liquid and I’ve never taken any letters about it or anything else-the first time I went abroad I took a letter from my nurse which explained why I needed the extra allowance for stoma supplies, but no-one asked for any letter, nor did they look in my bag! 

Travel gets easier once you get over the first journey when it’s all new. It’s quite a long flight to Turkey, so make sure your bag is empty when you board and keep yourself hydrated on the flight. Happy travels.

Sarah xx

Hi Sarah 

Yes it's 4/12 hours from Belfast. I spoke to easy jet and explained I need to be near a toilet during the flight. I can't be stuck behind  or in front of the drinks trolley they push around the isle.  They obliged and have put me in row 2 right at the front which is good

Best wishes 

Mark

That’s excellent! I try to get that row too-I find TUI are better for getting decent seats when you have assistance booked. I also carry a toilet card in my purse and I have in the past told the staff onboard that I won’t be able to queue for the loo. They been really kind about it. 

Sarah xx