{"id":1196,"date":"2025-03-25T12:18:42","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T12:18:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/?page_id=1196"},"modified":"2025-07-09T11:18:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T11:18:31","slug":"travel-with-a-stoma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/stoma-support-advice\/travel-with-a-stoma\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel with a stoma"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"background-block relative overflow-hidden\" style=\"background-color: #f6f6f6\">\n        <div class=\"relative z-20\">\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"hero\">\n            \n    <div class=\"absolute w-full z-[39] pt-2\">\n        <div class=\"pt-2 container mx-auto relative breadcrumbs px-4 \">\n            <div class=\" flex items-center flex-wrap\">\n                <span property=\"itemListElement\" typeof=\"ListItem\"><a property=\"item\" typeof=\"WebPage\" title=\"Go to Home.\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\" class=\"home\" aria-current=\"page\"><span property=\"name\">Home<\/span><\/a><meta property=\"position\" content=\"1\"><\/span>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n        <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n<div class=\"hero-slide glide__slide\">\n    <div class=\"acf-innerblocks-container\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading has-purple-600-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-84db0d4d2a98392c66edd4b903d4c956\">Everything you need for traveling<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Love jetting off to sunny beaches, snowy mountains, or bustling cities? There\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t enjoy all the same getaways with a stoma.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3764-Purple.gif\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3015\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <div class=\"glide-navigation-container\">\n        <div class=\"glide-navigation hidden\">\n            <div class=\"glide__bullets\" data-glide-el=\"controls[nav]\"><\/div>\n            <div class=\"glide__arrows\" data-glide-el=\"controls\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"spacer\n    h-4    lg:h-16\"\n>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-purple-600-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-18692a032bf0b7c8e455617149390c28\">Air travel with a stoma<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Traveling by plane doesn\u2019t have to be stressful. Here\u2019s what you can do ahead of time to make your travel day run smoothly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-purple-checkmark\">\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Create a checklist of all the stoma care items you\u2019ll need to take with you<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Make sure you\u2019ve got the right travel insurance before you set off<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Keep your travel certificate in your hand luggage to help you get through security, minus the stress <strong>(Bonus tip: you can also get your certificate translated into several languages)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Traveling to a country in the European Economic Area (EEA) or in Switzerland? Make sure you get your hands on a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Divide your stoma care supplies if you are bringing checked luggage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Pack twice as many supplies as you\u2019d normally use \u2013 just to be on the safe side<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Pack your scissors and any aerosols in your checked luggage \u2013 and don\u2019t forget to pre-cut your pouch before you travel <strong>(Bonus tip: If you don\u2019t fancy doing it yourself, ask your stoma nurse if pre-cut pouches can be arranged for you!)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Pack your medical supplies in a clear bag to make it quicker to get through security<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Plan to wear comfortable clothes \u2013 especially for a long-haul flight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Empty your pouch just before you get into the queue to board your flight<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Get clued up on airport security and body screening with a stoma <strong>(we\u2019ve got all the info you need below)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-teal-600-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-f777fb9af6f15d7929d5c1a1c5746b62\">Navigating airport security and body screening<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">If you\u2019re jetting off abroad, don\u2019t forget your travel certificate. It describes your situation, plus any equipment you need, and it can be translated into several languages.&nbsp;You can get your hands on one from your stoma care nurse and for extra peace of mind, you can also ask your GP for a letter, too. You\u2019ll need to keep these documents in your hand luggage while you\u2019re traveling as you\u2019ll probably need to show them to security staff. You can also let airport security know that you have a stoma and you\u2019re traveling with stoma care supplies to avoid any embarrassment. And if you\u2019ve got a closed pouch, it\u2019s a good idea to change it before you go through security if you can, so it\u2019s as empty as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">If an airport security officer wants to search you and\/or your supplies at the airport, remember:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-teal-checkmark\">\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Your travel certificate will come in handy here<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">You can ask for a private search, so you don\u2019t feel anxious or embarrassed about being searched in public<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Although body scanners won\u2019t show your internal body parts, it\u2019s likely to pick up that you have a stoma pouch<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Security officers go through special training to deal with this, so you can expect them to handle it in an appropriate and sensitive way, without physical contact or a hand search<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">You won\u2019t be able to touch your stoma care supplies until your search is complete<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\"><strong><mark style=\"background-color:rgba(0, 0, 0, 0)\" class=\"has-inline-color has-teal-600-color\">Still feeling stressed about flying with a stoma?<\/mark> <\/strong>You can always contact your airport and speak to their security team directly. They\u2019ll be able to answer any questions you might have \u2013 and if it\u2019s your first time flying with a stoma pouch, they might even arrange a &#8216;walk through&#8217; before you fly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-purple-600-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6a9d2dad144f8b123456cc04ae890f86\">Eating and drinking on holiday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">One of the best things about traveling is sampling the different cuisines. But eating different foods can also wreak havoc with your digestion. Luckily, a few tweaks can help you minimise any issues so you can enjoy all the local delicacies when you\u2019re on holiday. Here\u2019s what to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-purple-checkmark\">\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">If you\u2019re visiting a hot country, avoid food \u2013 especially shellfish \u2013 that\u2019s been sat around for a while<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Give salad and fruit a good wash before eating them<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Stick to bottled water (you can also use bottled water to clean around your stoma)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Avoid ice cubes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Drink alcohol in moderation \u2013 and try having a glass of water for every glass of alcohol you have to avoid dehydration (more on this below)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-teal-600-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-fa1c5b3bf5fa2864ebfbe3d856abf5b7\">Staying hydrated<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">If you\u2019re holidaying in a hot and humid climate, it\u2019s easy to get dehydrated. Watch out for signs like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-teal-checkmark\">\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Thirst<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Dizziness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Dark urine<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Feeling light-headed or weak<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Isotonic sports drinks can help you stay hydrated, and you can grab them from most local shops or pharmacies. If your dehydration persists, you should get medical help immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-purple-600-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-5af370aa0cc1c1d579b06929f0127b38\">Storing your stoma supplies on holiday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">Heading to a hot or humid destination?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-purple-checkmark\">\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">A cool bag can be a game-changer for protecting your stoma supplies from the heat<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">If you can\u2019t get your hands on a cool bag, store your stoma supplies in the coolest part of your accommodation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">When applying sunscreen, make sure to put on your stoma pouch first before lathering up with lotion. Keep in mind that sun lotion and warmer climates can affect the adhesion of your stoma pouch, so you might need to change it more frequently than usual to keep everything secure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"text-xl lg:text-xl\">If it\u2019s your first time traveling or heading to a different climate, we recommend chatting with your stoma nurse. Warmer climates can require a few adjustments to your usual products. If you notice the edges of your pouch aren\u2019t sticking well, or if you&#8217;re frequently in and out of the water, a flange extender can be a lifesaver. Additionally, using a skin barrier cream or wipe can help the pouch adhere better and protect your skin from irritation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<div class=\"spacer\n    h-4    lg:h-8\"\n>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"need-help\">\n    <div class=\"container mx-auto flex flex-col lg:flex-row lg:justify-between lg:max-w-[1162px] lg:items-center\">\n        <div class=\"content lg:text-lg\">\n            <h4 class=\"text-purple-600\">The help you need when you want it<\/h4>\n            <picture class=\"lg:hidden block mb-6\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-600x400.jpg 600w\" alt=\"Eakin Healthcare stoma ambassadors\">\n            <\/picture>\n            <div class=\"my-4\">\n                <p>You deserve to be the best version of yourself. And if you need some help along the way, there\u2019s an incredible community of straight-talking ambassadors to give you support when you need it.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"flex flex-col gap-4 pt-4 lg:flex-row\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/us\/blog\/\" class=\"btn btn-primary w-full text-center lg:w-fit\">\n                            Find it all here                        <\/a>\n                                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"hidden lg:block\">\n            <picture>\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-150x100.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/19\/2025\/05\/Eakin-Studio-Shoot-3673-Purple-600x400.jpg 600w\" alt=\"Eakin Healthcare stoma ambassadors\">\n            <\/picture>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Air travel with a stoma Traveling by plane doesn\u2019t have to be stressful. Here\u2019s what you can do ahead of time to make your travel day run smoothly: Navigating airport security and body screening If you\u2019re jetting off abroad, don\u2019t forget your travel certificate. It describes your situation, plus any equipment you need, and it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":3303,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1196","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1196","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1196"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1196\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3303"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1196"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}