Question:
I’m in my 60s, living in Ontario, and I have a high-output ileostomy that requires daily fluid replacement through a PICC line (1,000 mL of saline). I’m planning to fly this summer and want to know: Can I travel with bags of saline? Can they go in the cargo hold? Also, is there any doctor who can help me get off the PICC line entirely?
Answer:
Thank you for your question. I hope the information below helps make your travel smoother and supports your ongoing care needs.
Travel with Saline Supplies
Yes, it is possible to travel both domestically and internationally with bags of saline. Many people in similar situations transport their hydration supplies—including saline and heparin—as either carry-on or checked luggage. You can request an additional carry-on bag specifically for medical supplies.
We recommend contacting the airline in advance to confirm their policy and request permission for the extra carry-on. Here are links to WestJet and Air Canada’s accessibility pages for more information:
- WestJet: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/special-needs
- Air Canada: https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/accessibility
Additionally, some airports offer assistance through the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Learn more here:
- Sunflower Program: https://hdsunflower.com/ca/
- Travel Info: https://hdsunflower.com/ca/insights/post/airports-around-the-world
Discontinuing Hydration Support
If you’re hoping to wean off the PICC line, consider asking your physician or specialist for a referral to the Intestinal Failure Clinic at McMaster in Hamilton, Ontario. If that location isn’t convenient, a Nurse Specialized in Wound, Ostomy, and Continence (NSWOC) may be able to recommend another option. You can find a local NSWOC here:
https://membersnswoc.ca/find.phtml
Firsthand Advice from Another Traveler
Here’s a helpful note from someone in a similar situation:
“I’ve been traveling with my hydration supplies since 2018. I always call the airline ahead to arrange for an additional carry-on. My carry-on suitcase holds 14 bags of saline, and another bag holds my flushes, heparin, tubing, and ostomy supplies.
When flying to Calgary, I sometimes pick up saline at Calea, but in Ontario, OHIP won’t cover the cost out of province—each 1,000 mL bag costs around $4.
The Intestinal Failure Clinic at McMaster has helped me reduce my hydration from 2L daily to 2L five days a week, with a goal to reduce further.”
General Tips for Managing a High-Output Ileostomy
- Chew food thoroughly to slow digestion.
- Eat 5–6 smaller meals daily instead of large ones.
- Sip fluids slowly between meals, not during.
- This prevents overwhelming the small bowel and improves absorption.
- Consider reviewing more at: https://www.shortbowelsyndrome.com/
Wishing you safe and stress-free travels!
Answered by
Joanna Weeks, RN, NSWOC
