Travelling With a Stoma: Everything You Need to Know

August 25, 2026

Travelling with a stoma can mean there are a few extra things to think about, particularly if it is your first holiday since surgery.

You might be wondering what to pack, how airport security works, whether flying will affect your stoma or simply how to feel prepared while you are away.

The reassuring thing is that having a stoma does not have to stop you from travelling. With a little planning and the right supplies with you, holidays at home and abroad can still very much be part of life.

More than 200,000 people are living with a stoma in the UK, according to Colostomy UK, so you are certainly not alone in thinking about how to make travel work for you.

Here are a few things that may help.

Travelling with a stoma: what to pack

Give yourself a little extra time to prepare can make travelling with a stoma feel much more manageable.

Before you travel, it may help to:

• Pack extra stoma supplies. Take more than you would normally expect to use so you have some spare in case of delays or more frequent changes.
• Keep essential supplies in your hand luggage. This means you still have what you need if your checked baggage is delayed or lost.
• Split your stoma supplies between bags. Where possible, avoid keeping everything in one suitcase.
• Prepare some appliances before you leave. If your bags need cutting to size, having some ready to use can make changes easier while you are travelling.
• Speak to your stoma nurse. If it is your first trip since surgery or you have questions about travelling, they can offer advice based on your individual circumstances.

It can also be useful to check whether your airline allows additional baggage for medical supplies, particularly if you need to take a larger amount with you.

Flying with a stoma: what to expect at the airport

Having a stoma should not prevent you from flying, but knowing what to expect can make the airport feel a little easier to navigate.

Before your journey, you could:

• Check where accessible or stoma-friendly toilets are located at the airport.
• Keep a small stoma changing kit somewhere easy to reach.
• Consider an aisle seat if being closer to the toilet would make your journey more comfortable.
• Let security staff know discreetly that you have a stoma if you would prefer them to be aware.
• Ask your airline or airport about additional assistance if it would help.

If you have a stoma, Macmillan Cancer Support says you can bring a travel certificate to help explain your situation to airport security staff. These may be available in different languages, and your stoma care nurse, equipment supplier or delivery company may be able to provide one.

If you have specific assistance needs, Macmillan recommends telling your airline at least 48 hours before your flight, so they can arrange any help or equipment you may need.

Going through airport security with a stoma

Airport security can be one of the parts of flying that people have questions about when travelling with a stoma.

You do not need to remove your stoma bag simply because you are going through security.

If you would feel more comfortable, you can tell a member of security staff that you have a stoma or medical device, and ask for a private search if one is needed.

Keeping your stoma supplies and any useful medical documentation together in your hand luggage can also make things easier to access if you are asked about them.

Security rules can vary between airports and countries, so check the latest guidance before travelling if you are carrying scissors, liquids or other medical supplies.

Food, drink and hot weather with a stoma

Different foods, warmer weather and a change in routine can sometimes affect how your stoma behaves.

While you are away, it may help to:

• Keep hydrated, particularly when travelling somewhere hot.
• Pay attention to foods that affect you differently and stick with what works for you.
• Carry spare stoma supplies when you are away from your accommodation.
• Know where toilets are when planning longer days or journeys.
• Keep stoma supplies somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight where possible.

If you have an ileostomy, staying hydrated can be particularly important, especially in warmer climates.

Your stoma nurse or healthcare team can give you advice based on your own circumstances before you travel.

Do I need to tell my travel insurer about my stoma?

If your stoma is connected to cancer, surgery or another medical condition, you may need to tell your travel insurer about the underlying condition when completing medical screening.

You may be asked about your diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication and current health.

Answering the medical screening questions accurately helps your insurer understand your individual circumstances and assess the travel insurance available to you with a stoma or other medical condition.

You do not need to decide for yourself what information is relevant. Simply answer the questions you are asked as accurately as you can.

If your health changes after you have bought your policy, check your policy terms and contact your insurer where required before you travel.

Stoma travel checklist before you go

A few final checks can help you feel prepared before your trip:

• Pack more stoma supplies than you expect to use.
• Keep essential supplies in your hand luggage.
• Split spare supplies between different bags where possible.
• Take any medication you need for the whole trip.
• Check airport and airline requirements for medical supplies.
• Arrange assistance in advance if it would make your journey easier.
• Speak to your stoma nurse if you have any questions about travelling.
• Check your travel insurance reflects your current medical circumstances.

Once those practical things are taken care of, there is more space to think about the part that really matters – your holiday.

Enjoying your holiday with a stoma

Your first holiday with a stoma might involve a little more preparation than trips you took before surgery. That does not mean the stoma has to become the focus of your time away.

Take the supplies that help you feel prepared, give yourself time to find what works for you and ask for support when it would make travelling easier.

At Lighthouse, we believe travel can still be an important part of life after a diagnosis, treatment or surgery. Sometimes a little extra planning is simply part of getting back to the places and people you want to see.

Your stoma is something you may need to plan for. It does not have to be what your holiday is about.

Useful sources

For more practical advice, Macmillan Cancer Support has dedicated information about travelling with a stoma.

NHS and specialist stoma teams can also offer advice about managing your stoma, supplies and hydration while you are away.