Travelling on a plane for anyone can be a stressful experience, however if you are flying with your stoma for the first time or have had your stoma for a while, going on a plane can add that extra layer of anxiety. Here are some tips to help you prepare for flying with your stoma:

• Be prepared: Create a checklist with everything you could possibly need to bring on your holiday.
• Plan ahead: Contact your local airport or the airline to discuss further how they can help with any concerns you might have. If it’s your first time flying it may be possible to have a “walk through” security at a quiet time in the days or weeks before you fly in order to help alleviate any concerns, you may have.
• Security procedures: If you are stopped at security you can ask to be searched in private. Click here for further tips on ‘airport security’.
• Clothing: Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing to avoid unnecessary pressure on your stoma, especially for a long-haul flight.
• Supplies: Make sure to pack an adequate supply of your stoma products. Divide supplies between your hand luggage and checked luggage in case of unexpected delays or your luggage getting lost. Airplane bathrooms are small, you may consider a drainable pouch rather than having to do a full change on board. You can sample our range of drainable pouches here. Furthermore, perhaps you will need to lengthen pouch weartime to deal with airport queue and/or long flight. Our eakin Cohesive^® seals and eakin freeseal^® help prevent leaks occurring and may help to extend your pouch weartime.
• Prepare for changes in pressure: Changes in cabin pressure during take-off and landing can affect gas from your stoma, potentially causing discomfort. To minimise this, you can burp your pouch by gently pressing on it to release any trapped air. Emptying your pouch before the flight can also help reduce the amount of gas inside.
• Stay hydrated: Air travel can be dehydrating, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, which can affect your stoma output.

Consult with your stoma care nurse for any specific concerns or questions you may have before flying with your stoma. By planning, you can enjoy your flying experience with confidence and peace of mind. Don’t forget to share your experiences, photos and adventures with us all.