Pack all of your supplies in both carry-on and checked baggage, to ensure that you always have enough supplies if luggage gets lost. Although you can take ostomy scissors on all flights originating in the United States, you can avoid bringing scissors in your carry-on luggage by precutting all pouches at home. You may want to have a letter from your doctor detailing the equipment you need, and the facts of your conditions, in case you undergo a search. You may also want to carry catalog pages illustrating the equipment you have to provide information to the Transportation Security Administration agent when she searches your luggage.
Always bring extra supplies, in case you become stranded. Have the names of your equipment and medication, and information about your condition, translated into the local language. You may also want to have a card with a statement written in the local language, that asks for privacy in the event of a search. The International Ostomy Association has member associations in 70 countries, and they can provide local information on where to buy supplies and on doctors. On long journeys, you should irrigate your pouch just before your leave, and then again when you arrive. If you are travelling to a country without clean tap water, use bottled water for irrigation instead.
Before traveling, you should discuss with your doctor the use of a closed-end pouch. Although more expensive than open-ended pouches, they can provide a sense of security. Using a bag fitted with a charcoal filter or a gas-release filter can prevent the escape of any smells in crowded and enclosed spaces, such as theaters and airplanes. This equipment can give you an increased sense of security when traveling.
