How I Travel Through TSA with an Ostomy Bag: 16 Years of Real-World Travel Tips

Traveling with an ostomy bag can seem intimidating—especially when it comes to getting through airport security. But after 16 years of living and traveling with an ostomy, I’ve learned it doesn’t have to be stressful.

With the right preparation, a supportive ostomy band, and a simple trick I developed after years of experience, you can get through TSA without hassle or embarrassment.

This guide is based on real-world trial and error—and it’s here to make your next trip smoother than ever.

People Always Ask Me:

“How Do You Get Through Security with an Ostomy Bag?”

This is one of the most common questions I get—whether someone’s fresh out of surgery or thinking about traveling for the first time with an ostomy.

“How do you get through security with an ostomy bag?”

My answer is always the same: Preparation is everything.

And I’ve got one special travel hack that makes the entire process fast, private, and stress-free.

My Special Travel Hack: The TSA Ostomy Postcard

(Created by Me—for All of Us)

After years of flying with an ostomy, I got tired of awkward conversations and unexpected questions from TSA agents. So I came up with a simple solution—one that’s helped not just me, but hundreds of other ostomates.

Even though TSA tells you to remove everything from your pockets, there’s one thing I always keep in my back pocket:

A copy of my TSA Ostomy Postcard.

Why? Because I know exactly what’s going to happen.

Once I go through the body scanner, TSA will see my ostomy bag—and they’ll also see that I’ve got something in my back pocket.

Rather than wait for confusion or questions, I just take the postcard out and hand it over.

It politely explains what’s going on, includes visuals that help—even across language barriers—and makes the interaction smooth and respectful.

Best of all, I don’t have to say a single word.

There’s no tone, no embarrassment, no drama—just a calm, collected handoff that helps everyone do their job better.

And because I’m so clearly prepared, TSA agents are more relaxed too.

It’s simple. It’s smart. It works.

TSA and Ostomy Bags: Know Your Rights

You are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and TSA agents are trained to accommodate passengers with medical devices like ostomy bags.

Here’s what you should know before you go:

✅ What TSA Allows:

You do NOT have to remove your ostomy bag or show it to anyone. You can request a private screening at any time. You are allowed to carry ostomy supplies—including scissors, wipes, pastes, and accessories—in your carry-on. You can decline to remove clothing in public or go through the scanner if you prefer a pat-down. A TSA Disability Notification Card or personal postcard like mine can smooth out the conversation before it even begins.

My Best Travel Tips for Ostomy Patients

Here’s what I’ve learned after more than a decade of travel—with a bag on and a plan in place.

🎒 1. Pack Smart:

Bring 2–3 full ostomy changes in your carry-on bag. Include adhesive remover wipes, barrier rings, and disposal bags. Keep supplies in a labeled pouch or case you can reach easily.

🧍‍♂️ 2. At TSA Screening:

Say: “I have a medical device on my abdomen,” or simply hand the postcard to the TSA agent. If you’re flagged by the scanner, request a private screening—they’ll respect it. Usually, they’ll swab your hands or pat down the area around your ostomy band—never the bag itself.

💪 3. Wear a Stealth Ostomy Band:

I always travel wearing my Stealth Ostomy Band. It’s comfortable, supportive, and makes flying easier by:

Keeping your ostomy bag stable and discreet Preventing pulling or leaking during movement Providing confidence through airports, taxis, and long flights

🔗 Check out my ostomy travel gear at StealthOstomyWear.com

✈️ 4. On the Plane:

Choose an aisle seat for easy access to the restroom. Avoid foods and drinks that may cause gas or high output. Keep a minimal emergency kit in your seat: one pouch, one wipe, one barrier.

Confidence Is Everything—And So Is Preparation

Traveling with an ostomy may feel overwhelming at first—but once you develop a simple system, it becomes second nature.

Here’s mine:

I wear my Stealth Ostomy Band. I carry a custom TSA card in my back pocket. I stay calm, respectful, and ready—and the trip takes care of itself.

You don’t have to dread airport security.

You don’t have to explain your body to strangers.

You just need the right tools—and a little preparation.

Final Word

After 16 years and dozens of flights, I can say with full confidence:

Living with an ostomy doesn’t mean you have to stop living.

With the right mindset and a few smart travel hacks, you can fly, explore, and move freely—without worry.

If you want to travel smarter with your ostomy, start by keeping a card in your back pocket and a band around your waist.

Your ostomy bag might come with challenges, but travel shouldn’t be one of them.

Richard O’Hamill

Inventor of the Stealth Belt (2009)

Founder of Stealth Ostomy Wear (2024)

16 Years Living—and Traveling—with an Ostomy