I like to make the experience as stress free as possible during travel. So, I make an effort to allow plenty of time to get to the airport, through security, and to my gate prior to boarding. In general, I've been told to arrive two hours prior to boarding for domestic flights and three hours early for international flights. If I am driving to the airport and parking, I allow extra time for that. If I am checking bags in, I allow time for that. If I know I am flying during busy periods I allow more time for that. With an ostomy, I allow extra time for security screening as well. So, for me I generally arrive three hours early for domestic flights. That might be excessive for some, so do what works best for you.
Online Check In: If your airline offers online check-in I highly recommend this option. If you are not checking bags, this should eliminate two of the longer lines you may encounter and you can skip steps one and two below and head for the security check point.
Below is the Alaska Airlines Flight Check In Screen. You can Check In for your flight from 1-24 hours before your flight and either print your boarding passes or receive them electronically. Super convenient!
Once you are at the airport you will have to navigate the following:
Check-In (Unless you have checked in online, have an electronic boarding pass, and are not checking bags)
Baggage Check (If Checking Bags)
Security Check
I have a urostomy and active kidneys so long lines put me at risk of over filling my urostomy pouch, which can lead to leaks. So, I use the restroom before each line if necessary and I carry a urinary drainage bag holder: The Privy Bag
Check In:
If unable to check in online and get your boarding passes, or if you are checking bags, you will do so now. Proceed to your airlines check in area. This is located prior to security, typically near where you enter the airport.
This can be a busy area, with people waiting for their turn at the kiosks, and then trying to place the baggage tags on their luggage. Some of the kiosks aren't necessarily intuitive and if you run into problems and the signs are not clear, ask one of the airline representatives representative near the kiosks for assistance.
You will receive your boarding passes and a long sticker for your bags. Move away from the kiosk and attach the sticker to the handle of each piece of luggage you are checking in. If you need assistance, just ask an airline representative who is in the area.
Then, proceed to baggage check in line (unless you aren't checking bags, if that is the case appreciate your packing skills and pity those of us in line as you proceed to Security)
Baggage Check:
The hardest part about this is the line and any baggage fees. You will wait in line until it is your turn. Then, you'll place your bags on a scale. To be picked up at baggage claim when you arrive at your destination.
Once I send my checked luggage on its way, I breathe a sigh of relief. For one, all I'm carrying now is my carry on, and second I'm on my way to the security line. (After I use the restroom and make sure my urostomy pouch is empty).
Security Check Point:
Follow the signage in the airport to security checkpoint. There will likely be a longer line here than what you've experienced at check-in and baggage check.
In general you are going to move forward in line until you get to a security person who checks your boarding pass and Identification. Then, you will move into another line that leads to the actual security scanner. As you approach the security scanner, follow the directions provided by signs and the security personnel assisting people in the area.
In general, plastic trays will be available and a table that leads to a conveyor belt. Take a tray or two. You will take off your shoes, jackets, and everything in your pockets and place them in or next to the tray on the table. Any electronics larger than a cell phone will go into a tray. Items should be spread out, not stacked on top of one another. Push your filled trays and other items along the table top and onto the conveyor. As your items move towards the scanner, you will step away from the conveyor and go to the body scan station.
As I step into the scanner, I tell the security person on the other side of the scanner that I have an ostomy, and tap my belly. In my experience, they will acknowledge they heard me and tell me to place my feet on the yellow footprints on the floor of the scanner. Then, raise your arms above your head. There is a picture in the machine that tells you how to pose.
Once the scan is complete, they will tell you to step out of the machine.
I wear an ostomy belt, they typically ask me if I can remove it. I tell them no, it is an ostomy belt. Then, I will either get patted down and have to do a residue check, or just a residue check. Since having an ostomy I have never been through security without having to do one or both checks following the scan.
If you get patted down, you can request that you have this done in a private area. When I have had this done, I try to understand that they are likely uncomfortable too. It has always seemed professional, but there is no getting around it, they are searching you for hidden items.
For the residue test I have been asked to run my hands down both sides of my ostomy pouch (front and back), and then they wipe my hands, and place the sample cloth in a scanner. It has always come back "Nothing Detected" so I am not sure what happens if something is detected. I assume it would be a more thorough check.
Once you get the all clear, congratulations!! The hard part is over. Now head over to the end of the conveyor and put your shoes back on, stow your electronics, and leave the security area.
Now all that is left is finding your gate (shown on your boarding pass and updated on the arrivals/departures displays located throughout the airport) You can relax, shop, and wait until they call for boarding. I usually look for the nearest restroom to my gate and then make sure I use it right before boarding.
Part 1: Flying with an ostomy - Introduction
Part 2: Flying with an ostomy - What to expect at the airport
Part 4: Flying with an ostomy - Restroom Access at the airport and during flight
Part 5: Flying with an ostomy - Dealing with leaks at the airport and in flight
Part 6: Flying with an ostomy - Carry On Supplies and Packing
Part 7: Flying with an ostomy - Determine How Much to Pack
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