Woman with stoma left 'distraught' after being asked to lift dress at airport security twice
Claire McCorry has had a stoma since she was a child and travelled extensively during her career but says her stoma has only been an issue at Belfast International Airport.
Claire decided to share her experience after UTV reported on a similar incident involving another woman earlier this month.
First experiencing the issue while passing through security in July last year, Claire said the issue reoccured in October.She described being taken to an area like a store room to carry out the search.
Speaking of the experience she said: "They had already patted me down and I'd said, look, I have a stoma, you're going to feel it.
"Then, after patting me down, said well, we need to see it. I initially was so gobsmacked because it's never happened to me before."I went, no, no, it just felt so ludicrous to me... and at that point I just had to lift my dress."I knew I wasn't going to fly unless I lifted my dress. So I was so distraught, I actually cried for the entire time."
Just a few months later in October, the same incident occurred.
"This time I was wearing jeans and a top, and they asked, could they lift it. And I said, well, you can search me, but if you can do it without lifting the top."So she wasn't happy with it, so she took me off again."
Claire wanted to speak up on behalf of those with a stoma, so the incident doesn't happen again.
"I've had my stoma when I was 12, but there are people who are just coming to terms with it, and I do know people who don't want to fly because they're afraid of this type of thing.
"When I seen Rhonda's story it really upset me again because it brought me back, but I was so angry because I feel they've learned nothing."In a statement Belfast International Airport said: "We regret that any of our passengers have had an upsetting experience while travelling through Belfast International Airport.
"We remain fully committed to ensuring all passengers can travel with comfort and dignity through the airport and will continue to regularly review our procedures and enhance staff training around managing sensitive situations.
"The UK Department For Transport (DfT) is responsible for setting the policy for aviation security for all UK Airports with advice from the Civil Aviation Authority.
"It is a legal requirement that all passengers, including those wearing stoma bags or medical devices, are subject to security screening and we fully comply with those regulations and procedures.
"On average every month at Belfast International Airport we provide special assistance to over 12,000 passengers with physical and hidden disabilities.
"Our Accessibility Forum is comprised of many different organisations who represent those passengers who require special assistance, and we have a community stoma nurse and a representative of the Urostomy Association on that forum who regularly provide us with information and suggestions to improve the passenger process and experience.
"Our security provider, Wilson James, also have a dedicated programme of ongoing disability training for our security teams including stoma awareness training.
"In August 2024 Belfast International Airport implemented Next Generation Screening Technology as directed by the UK Government DFT for all UK Airports.
"These new scanners can allow passengers to leave liquids and electronics in their hand luggage while all passengers, including disabled passengers and those with hidden disabilities, pass through a body scanner; unless they ask for or are offered an alternative screening process.
"Due to the nature of this technology, while it reduces the instances where a full hand search of passengers is required,
"It also means some passengers, including those with hidden disabilities, may set off an alarm which the security officer must address.
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