Ostomy Travel Tips - via The UOA

In these days where extra precautions for security are being taken worldwide, it would be wise for traveling ostomates to do advance planning in order to avoid possible problems. Some suggestions are:

1. Pre-cut all pouches at home, so scissors are not necessary in your carry-on luggage.

2. Pack ostomy supplies in at least 2 places -- carry-on and checked luggage.

3. Take extra supplies in case you are stranded where supplies may not be available.

4. A statement from your physician stating your need for ostomy supplies might be helpful. Also a statement advocating a private area be used in case of an extended search. UOA has distributed a wallet-sized “Traveler’s Card” with this information.

5. If traveling to a foreign country it is a good idea to have critical ostomy information written in their language. One of the 70 member associations of the International Ostomy Association (IOA) may be of help with this translation as well as with locating supplies while visiting their country.

6. A copy of the book “Yes We Can” has many helpful hints and advice for traveling and also has a dictionary of ostomy terms translated to several different languages. There is important contact information for resources worldwide as well as a wallet-sized statement written in 11 languages that asks for privacy if a search is to be conducted. (Unknown if available at this time due to the closing of the UOA office Nov. 2005)

7. One UOA member reported a very positive result from carrying photocopies of the catalog pages displaying and explaining his equipment. When a searcher asked about the items found on a hand search, he was able to explain their function without a long conversation that would hold up others in line. Our experience has been that over time the TSA agents are much more knowledgeable and sensitive to these personal care products.

Update: Ostomy Scissors Now Allowed

TSA Changes Prohibited Items List to Allow Ostomy Scissors Aboard Aircraft

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Transportation Security Administration--FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - August 30, 2005

TSA Press Office: (571) 227-2829

WASHINGTON, D.C. – TSA is modifying the interpretive rule to exempt ostomy scissors from the prohibited items list. Ostomy scissors with pointed tips with an overall length of four inches or less are permitted when they are accompanied by an ostomate supply kit containing related supplies, such as collection pouches, wafers, positioning plates, tubing, or adhesives.

There are an estimated 750,000 ostomates in the United States. While specific data on the number of ostomates who use air transportation is not available, TSA has heard from individuals with ostomies who say they avoid air travel in part because they cannot carry these particular scissors.

Allowing this limited exception to TSA’s prohibition on metal pointed scissors removes a barrier to ostomates traveling by air without negatively impacting aviation security.

UOA Comment: In spite of this welcome change, you’ll still probably have the least difficulty getting through airport security if you pre-cut your pouches and keep scissors in your checked luggage. If you feel you need scissors in your carry-on, then keep it, along with some other ostomy supplies, in a see-through container that you can remove from your carry-on and send through the X-ray separately. This way, TSA personnel will see up-front that you have an allowed ostomy scissors instead of discovering that you’re carrying a sharp object when they X-ray your bags! Be aware, also, that the TSA ruling above applies only to U.S. domestic travel. Different rules may apply if part of your itinerary takes you into another country.