When I was in hospital, I remember my dad asking me “What can I do to make you happy?” My response? “Take me on holiday”.
Holidays are so exciting, something I have always looked forward to. But since having my stoma – I often feel a little more stressed than usual when preparing for a holiday. Preparing supplies, packing, doubling checking supplies. I Then comes airport security. I truly can’t relax until I have gone through airport security.
I have always been told that my stoma allows me to carry extra luggage on a flight, with no extra cost. Do I personally need the extra luggage for my stoma supplies? Not really. Do I seize the opportunity to have extra luggage? Absolutely! If I can squeeze in an extra couple of stoma bags alongside a few holiday outfits, I am definitely going to! So here are my top tips for accessing the extra luggage:
- Firstly, I would phone the airline and ask them what they require. Most airlines ask for a letter from your doctor/surgeon. GP’s tend to charge £40 for this type of letter, so I would recommend contacting your consultant/surgeon direct. My surgeon kindly mopped up multiple copies so that I can go on my next few trips without having to ask for another one.
- When I get to the airport, I go to the special assistance desk and present my letter. MAKE SURE it is at this point that you ask them to add notes onto your online boarding pass, this is so that when you are boarding the plane the staff know you are allowed the extra luggage. There have been many times that I have got to the gate and they have tried to charge me for the extra luggage! Don’t panic if this does happen, just show them your letter and all should be fine!
Since having my stoma, the procedure through security has changed. At first, I simply would walk through, no one would question anything. Recently, with new security machines, my bag flags up. I’m glad it does, it shows the security machines are doing their job and keeping us safe. There have been times where I have quickly flashed my bag and been sent on my way. Other times, I have been taken to a small search room where I’ve had to show my stoma bag for a private search. Either way does not really bother me, I just feel some sort of anxiety before walking through the machine as I never quite know which way its going to go. A lot of people suggest carrying a medical certificate, however, you have to put everything through the security scanner anyway – so personally I don’t think this would be very helpful. As a woman, I would recommend wearing trousers, as it is easier to show the security officers your bag. I do think airports need to become more consistent. After speaking to other ostomates around the world, it does often feel like one rule for one and another rule for another.
I receive so many messages asking about my stoma bag during the flight. Does it blow up? Is it over active? Honestly, none of that happens for me. My bag fills up normally on a flight and I just go about emptying it as usual. I do drink a lot on a flight as I know flying can be extremely dehydrating.
My biggest piece of advice? Enjoy your holiday and have the best time! You deserve it!
Love,
Poppy x
@stoma_scene
