Airports and ostomies

Happy Holidays!

I pretty much have my routine down with my ostomy these days however I have not flown yet. We are flying next week for Christmas. Any tips to make it easy?

Did you tell them a security that you had an ostomynor only if you got flagged for a pat down?

/www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions
I have an ostomy pouch, do I have to remove it for screening?

"You can be screened without having to empty or expose the ostomy pouch during advanced imaging technology, metal detector and pat-down screening. Please inform a TSA officer that you have an ostomy pouch before you enter the screening area. The ostomy pouch is subject to additional screening and may require you to conduct a self pat-down of the pouch outside of your clothing, followed by a test of your hands for any trace of explosives. You may also undergo a standard pat-down of areas that will not include the ostomy pouch."

You can also get a medical identification card from the TSA so you don't have to talk about it out loud.

I'd read more about your rights because most of the TSA screeners are clueless and think that they can do whatever they want.

I have flown quite a few times now with my ostomy, and I've been pulled aside for additional screening all but once. If you go through the full body scanner thing with your arms up, it will spot your ostomy bag every time. Honestly, if a TSA agent sees that on the screen and DOESN'T pull me aside, it would make me pretty concerned!!

The additional screening is no big deal at all. Usually I say I knew I would get flagged because I have an ostomy, and sometimes they look at me like they have no idea what I just said! From there it can be as simple as the screener touching the area of my bag and then me doing the same thing and both of our hands getting tested for explosive residue. Though a couple times I have had to do a more full pat down sort of thing...which is no big deal either. I think it depends on how much the screener knows about what an ostomy is. I'm more than happy to be screened because someone could pretend they need a bag and then fill it with anything they please. Better safe than sorry!

Have a great trip!