Airlines
Soaring high above the clouds with a food allergy can be easy enough. Here are some tips to consider.
-
Airline allergy policies will vary. Check your airline online (or call) before booking/travelling. Some airlines do not serve peanuts or tree nuts which may reduce risk for those allergens. Airlines that do routinely serve nuts may be willing to provide an alternate snack for all passengers during your flight. However, passengers might bring their own nuts so the airline cannot guarantee a “nut free” cabin environment. Others may have policies that offer to make announcements asking passengers around your row not to consume nut products. Be aware that there seems to be inconsistency in how these policies are implemented. Implementation can vary based on which staff members are working that day.
-
No matter what you are expecting or think may be the case, be sure to take steps to control what you can to reduce exposure — wipe your area thoroughly, eat and drink what you brought on board so no one else is handling your refreshments, keep at least 2 Epi autoinjectors with you on the plane.
-
Call or email ahead to request special accommodations. If you’re asking that a snack alternative is served (i.e. no nuts) food service planning will be needed. As you board the plane ask a flight attendant if the request was accommodated so you’ll know what to expect during flight.
-
One thing that should be consistent is your ability to pre=board to wipe your area if desired. Food allergies are now a recognized disability under the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). All United States airlines must allow the food allergic passenger to pre-board and clean the seating area from potential past allergen contamination. If you are a family with two adults traveling with children, consider having one adult pre-board to clean the area while the other waits at the gate with the child(ren). Some airlines will note the allergy and ability to pre-board on the boarding pass. Check with the gate agent if this is not available or if you have any questions.
-
Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet and/or keeping a list of your allergies and emergency treatments along with your meds.
-
If your child flies as an “unaccompanied minor” be sure that allergy information is provided for the flight crew and emergency medicines are in the carry-on bag that stays with your child.
-
If you feel that an airline didn’t fully understand or accommodate your allergen safety needs, consider communicating this through the airline feedback process on-line, by phone or by U.S. Mail. Also, consider communicating with the Aviation Consumer Protection Division (ACPD) of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
