You might feel stressed and anxious at the thought of navigating airport security; having a stoma only worsens these feelings. There are so many restrictions in place and many of them would eliminate most of your stoma supplies, which could put you off going abroad.
I experienced these trepidations for the first time last year, since my colostomy, when visiting Dubai. My luggage was held up in customs when we landed, deemed ‘suspicious’ due to the amount of stoma products in the hold, which delayed our transfer. But since then, I’ve learned that the whole process runs much smoother if I follow these simple rules and guidelines. Here are some do’s and don’ts to get you jetting off with confidence:
Do’s
1. Pack smartly
Always carry your stoma supplies in your carry-on bag. On the rare occasion when your checked luggage gets lost or delayed, keeping essentials like bags, wipes, and adhesive remover in your hand luggage ensures you’re prepared for any situation.
2. Bring extra supplies
Pack more stoma supplies than you would normally use. Flight delays, diarrhoea or unexpected situations can happen, so having extra ensures peace of mind. As a rule of thumb, I would double the amount that you think you will need.
3. Inform your airline
You can get extra baggage allowance for your stoma products and by informing your travel agent or airline, they can ensure you have priority access to your hand luggage at all times.
4. Carry a doctor’s note
A travel certificate and/or a letter from your doctor explaining your medical condition and the need for stoma supplies is essential. My GP attached a list of my prescription items to the letter which proved to be invaluable when passing through the airport.
5. Inform security officers
When going through security, you can discreetly inform the officers about your stoma. You can use a travel certificate or simply let them know verbally. I would also remove my Respond washbag from my hand luggage and have it screened separately, if possible. This helps avoid confusion during screening.
6. Know your rights
Familiarise yourself with airport security policies for medical items. Most airports have procedures in place to accommodate travellers with medical needs, as they vary, especially if you are travelling outside of Europe.
7. Stay calm and polite
Security checks can be stressful, but staying calm and polite goes a long way. If you encounter issues, ask to speak with a supervisor or request a private screening.
Don’ts
1. Don’t pack essential supplies in checked luggage
Never pack your stoma essentials in checked luggage, for the reasons mentioned earlier. If your bag gets lost, you’ll be left without critical items.
2. Don’t use unlabeled liquids
If you’re carrying stoma-related liquids like adhesive remover or skin barrier sprays, ensure they’re in their original labelled containers. This should avoid any confusion during screening.
3. Don’t be embarrassed
There’s no need to feel self-conscious about your stoma. Security staff are trained to handle medical situations professionally and respectfully. Remember, having a stoma does not exempt you from any security searches; however, you are entitled to speak with a supervisor or ask to speak to someone privately.
4. Don’t rush through security
Always give yourself extra time to go through security. This is to ensure neither you or members of the airport staff don’t feel pressured, especially if any additional screening is required.
5. Don’t ignore discomfort
If you’re uncomfortable with how a security check is handled, speak up. You have the right to request a private screening or ask for a different officer. Remember, these are highly trained individuals, but not everyone is familiar with every medical condition, so please be respectful.
Travelling with a stoma doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can navigate airport security with confidence and focus on enjoying your journey. Safe travels!
