These Travel Tips for Ostomates and a little pre-planning and understanding of both security rules and your right to privacy can help you avoid problems in transit and enjoy your travels.
Remember that all airport screenings must be conducted with courtesy, dignity and respect. You may request screening in a private area at all U.S. airports and most international destinations.
Travel Tips:
- Carry a statement from your healthcare professional stating your need for ostomy supplies. Most ostomy supply companies such as Coloplast, Convatec, Hollister and others have TSA cards that you can download.
- TSA rules state that you can be screened without having to empty or expose your ostomy; however, you may need to conduct a self pat-down of the ostomy, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives.
- If you are traveling to a foreign country, bring this information written in the appropriate language. Google Translate may be helpful with translations. If you find you need additional supplies while traveling, a local pharmacy is a great starting point. The local pharmacist should be able to provide you with the necessary supplies and/or refer you to a local clinic/hospital for support.
- Pre-cut all cut-to-fit barriers at home.
- Although current United States Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) rules allow curved point scissors with blades less than 4″ in length in your carry-on luggage, keeping your ostomy scissors in your checked luggage may avoid delay and extra screening.
- If traveling internationally, purchase travel insurance that guarantees getting you to a hospital, if necessary.
- When it comes to supplies, OVERPACK! Better safe than sorry. Pack at least three days’ worth of ostomy supplies in your carry-on luggage—just in case your checked luggage is misplaced. Then double what you will normally need in your check bags.
- Take extra supplies, in case of delays and/or non-availability at your destination.
- Drink, drink, drink. Nothing slows down a vacation more than dehydration.
- If travelling by car, take advantage of rest areas. Stop and empty your pouch regularly; you never know how far it will be until the next one!
- Pack ostomy-friendly snacks.
- Keep a set of clean clothes handy whether in your carry-on luggage or in the trunk of your car.
- Carry a few plastic bags and wet wipes for quick clean-up.
If traveling internationally: ostomyinternational.org
TSA List of Travel Tips: ostomy.org/Ostomy_Travel_Tips.html
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