{"id":4430,"date":"2025-07-16T09:37:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-16T09:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/blog\/flying-long-haul-with-a-stoma-by-nikki\/"},"modified":"2025-07-21T10:21:18","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T10:21:18","slug":"flying-long-haul-with-a-stoma-by-nikki","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eakinostomy.com\/US\/blog\/flying-long-haul-with-a-stoma-by-nikki\/","title":{"rendered":"Flying long-haul with a stoma | by Nikki"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Flying long-haul with a stoma | by Nikki<\/h1>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n
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You have a stoma, and you\u2019re going on a long-haul flight this summer? Freaking out? Don\u2019t. You have no need to.

This was me a couple of years back. I was new to the stoma world and in desperate need of a break and some sun\u2026 but the excitement for the holiday was overshadowed by the nerves of flying long-haul with a stoma. Would my bag blow up like the little Pringle pots? How would I empty my bag in those scary little cubicles? What if I had a leak? What if someone would be able to smell that I\u2019ve emptied my bag in the tiny toilet? What if I get stopped at security? What if I can\u2019t explain what a stoma is because of a language barrier? The list goes on and on. The fears are real, and you\u2019re not alone in feeling them when it\u2019s your first time.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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Let\u2019s break it down into sections, so starting at the packing for a holiday and the airport. Here are my top tips<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u2600\ufe0f Over pack, you can\u2019t have too many supplies and if you don\u2019t need them, bring them home. Contact your airline in advance and they will more than likely give you extra luggage, free of charge. I would also recommend splitting your supplies over suitcases, if you are travelling with family or friends. This means if there is a case of the missing suitcase\u2026 you will still be covered. It\u2019s also wise to take a ‘safety kit’ in your hand luggage, you might need it on the flight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2600\ufe0f Sunflower lanyards – these are brilliant. They are recognised in many countries, and discreetly lets staff know in airports that you have a hidden disability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2600\ufe0f Stoma passport – you can find this online, or ask your delivery company to provide one. It is a booklet that describes what a stoma is in lots of different languages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2600\ufe0f Letter from the hospital or consultant. If you are taking medication, make sure it\u2019s in the boxes along with a letter from a medical professional, explaining your condition and the medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2600\ufe0f Get to the airport in plenty of time, it\u2019ll take the pressure off and give you more time to relax and get everything in order and speak to staff if needed. If you are pulled to the side during security, there will be no panic if you have plenty of time to get your documents and medication looked at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flight and some more top tips<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

\u2708\ufe0f Avoid foods and drinks that make you gassy before flying. Stick to foods you know are safe for you, and maybe avoid the curry on offer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2708\ufe0f Once you are on the flight, empty when you can, not when you have to. No queue at the toilet? Jump up and go and empty. Don\u2019t wait until it\u2019s full to the brim to go and get in a queue of 10 people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2708\ufe0f If there is a queue, and you need to get there quickly, show your ‘cannot wait card’ or speak to a member of staff. Don\u2019t be afraid of asking for help, that\u2019s what they are there for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2708\ufe0f If you have a leak, then go to the toilet to change your bag. As long as you have your safety kit with you, it\u2019ll be exactly the same as doing it at home. Just in a smaller space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2708\ufe0f Your bag will not blow up. Air pressure in the cabin won\u2019t make your bag blow up and you float off into the air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2708\ufe0f Use neutralising drops in your bag, so when you do empty, it smells nice and fresh for the next person in line. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wherever you are off to, however long the flight\u2026 you can do it. As I say in most of my blogs, life is for living. We\u2019ve had a second chance, so don\u2019t let having a stoma and the fear put you off booking that holiday. Go and enjoy it. Go and live life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Love, Nikki
@jonesvscrohns<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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