While many people with a stoma travel regularly and report positive experiences, airport security can still be a source of anxiety, especially when staff are unfamiliar with stomas or passengers are unsure of the screening options available to them.

That was the experience described by Paul Scanlon, a Cardiff resident who told BBC Wales those negative experiences at UK airports had affected his confidence in flying. Living with a stoma following bowel cancer treatment, Paul described an incident in which he was shouted at by airport security staff, leaving him feeling humiliated and distressed.

To help put his story in context, BBC Wales approached IA to discuss what we hear from people living with a stoma. Chief Executive Lisa Barker shared findings from our 2025 Airport Travel Experience Survey, while Stoma and Pouch Care Specialist Nurse Emma Greenwood offered practical advice for travellers based on both her clinical and personal experience of living with a stoma. Together, they highlighted how greater awareness and consistent support can improve the travel experience for people living with a stoma.

What Our Survey Found

IA launched our Airport Travel Experience Survey in 2024 after hearing concerns from members about security screening at UK airports. The aim was to better understand whether the experiences being reported were isolated incidents or part of a wider pattern.

The survey received 70 responses last year, with participants reporting negative stoma-related experiences across 16 different UK airports. Respondents described a range of challenges, including:

• Loss of privacy and dignity during security screening
• Limited understanding of stomas among some security staff
• Additional searches, swabbing and questioning
• Anxiety, panic attacks and reduced confidence in travelling
• Practical difficulties, including belongings being left unattended during private searches

“What we’re hearing is that these experiences are happening often enough to make people think twice about travelling,” Lisa told BBC Wales.

She added: “Nobody should have to choose between living with a stoma and enjoying a holiday, visiting loved ones, or travelling for work.”

Improving Airport Security

During the BBC Wales interviews, Lisa and Emma emphasised that the issue is not about criticising individual security officers, who have an important role to play in keeping passengers safe. Instead, they highlighted the importance of ensuring that existing support and screening options are applied consistently and that staff understand the needs of travellers with a stoma.

“This isn’t about inventing new solutions,” Lisa said. “It’s about making sure the existing protections work in practice.”

Emma added: “A little understanding can make a huge difference to someone’s travel experience. It’s a quick win to be kind to someone.”

The UK Civil Aviation Authority said airports are required to provide disability awareness training and expects security officers to engage with passengers in a sensitive and understanding manner.

Flying with a Stoma

Drawing on her clinical expertise and her own experience of living with a stoma, Emma shared practical advice for anyone preparing to travel by air:

• Speak to your Stoma Care Nurse before travelling
• Carry supporting information, such as a CAA Medical Device Awareness Card, an IA Travel Certificate or a letter from your healthcare professional
• Consider informing security staff about your stoma before screening begins
• Request a private screening area if you feel more comfortable doing so
• Pack extra supplies and, where possible, split them between hand luggage and checked baggage
• Pre-cut stoma bags before travelling, as scissors are not permitted in hand luggage
• Allow extra time at the airport and check the latest guidance from your airline and airport

“Preparation gives you confidence,” Emma said. “Having a stoma should never stop anyone from travelling.”

Travel with Confidence

IA welcomes the work already taking place across the aviation sector to improve accessibility and support for disabled passengers. We are keen to continue working with airports, security providers, regulators and other ostomy charities to help ensure good practice becomes the standard experience for everyone travelling with a stoma or internal pouch.

“The opportunity now is to build on that momentum,” Lisa said.

IA’s Travel with Confidence resources provide practical support for people planning to travel with an ileostomy or internal pouch, including:

• The IA Travel Checklist
• Free IA Travel Certificates in multiple languages
• Travel stories and advice from IA members

Share Your Story

Whether your airport experience has been positive or challenging, IA would like to hear from you. Sharing experiences helps highlight good practice, identify areas for improvement and support efforts to make travel more accessible for everyone living with a stoma.

You can share your views by completing our Airport Travel Experience Survey.

To read Paul’s story in full, please visit the BBC Wales website.