One thing I get asked a lot about is what is it actually like flying long-haul with a stoma bag. The thought of being on a plan for 10-15 hours makes people anxious, because what will it be like emptying my bag, what if I need to change my bag, will the pressure affect the bag itself?
So I am here to answer all your questions, share my top tips from pre-flight preparation to managing your stoma on the plane – to help put your mind at ease so you can book that long-haul flight!
Preparation
What to pack
When packing my stoma supplies, I always split them over my hand luggage and checked-in bag. For a two week trip, I packed about 30 of my ModaVi bags, 30 freeseals, 2 adhesive remover sprays, 30 black bags and 2 packs of wipes. So in theory, if my checked-in bag was lost I would have enough to last my whole trip (luckily this hasn’t ever happened to me but you can’t be too prepared.)
Seat strategy
Always book the aisle seat. Now don’t get me wrong, I love a window seat for the views but you can’t beat the practicality of having an aisle seat. My flight to Sri Lanka was overnight so having the aisle seat meant I didn’t have to wake anyone up if I needed to get up and empty or check my bag. You could also look to book seats near the front or back of the plane so you know you’ll be near a toilet.
Bag change before take off
I always change my bag right before I leave home for the airport. This just gives me peace of mind knowing that my bag is fresh, clean and less likely to have any leaks or problems. Then before boarding, I always empty my bag once I get to the gate so I don’t have to worry until a few hours in.
Challenges faced while travelling
Now one thing that always proves to be challenge is going through security and my stoma bag always sets off the scanners. Unfortunately, there is no way to avoid this so once it happens I always quietly say to the airport staff that I have a stoma bag on my right hand side, which is what has shown up. The staff are usually really receptive to this, lightly search around the bag and then let me carry on with my travels through the airport.
Managing my stoma on the plane
My airport outfit always consists of a pair of loose fitting joggers because while I am on the plane, I want to empty my bag as little as possible. On my direct 10 hour flight to Sri Lanka I emptied my bag 3 times, roughly every 3 hours. This meant it was filling up but by no means full – probably at about ½ capacity.
Myth busting: my biggest pre-flight stoma worries
My bag will leak on the plane
Reality: my bag didn’t leak and even if it did, I had plenty of spare supplies I could have used if I needed to!
Plane toilets are impossible to use
Reality: yes they are small, and can be quite awkward, but it’s totally manageable and I didn’t have any issues emptying my bag.
Airport security will be really embarrassing
Reality: the staff were quick and professional, they probably see this multiple times a day – it’s really nothing to worry about.
How I managed my stoma routine once I landed in Sri Lanka
Honestly? The same as back home! The main difference was that I was changing my bag in the evening after a full day out at the beach or surfing, instead of in the morning. I also took more rehydration sachets and Imodium to help with the dehydration because of how hot it is out there.
Top tips for travelling long-haul with a stoma
- Pack twice the amount of supplies you would usually use
- Always empty your bag before boarding
- Opt for comfortable loose-fitting clothing
- An aisle seat will make toilet trips less stressful
- Always bring spare supplies with you when on day trips or long transfers
I spent a lot of time before the flight worrying if I had packed the right supplies, if my stoma would behave on the flight, or if I would have any leaks. Once I arrived in Sri Lanka, those worries quickly faded into the background and all I could think about was the amazing time I was about to have. Travelling with a stoma bag just requires a little bit of extra preparation but it shouldn’t stop you from exploring the world!
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