According to a study on food allergies, approximately 10.8% of adults are known to be allergic to at least one food. Food allergies can occur at any age, and for some people, they are life-threatening. If you have a serious allergy to certain foods, it’s important to prepare before your next flight. We provide tips for flying with food allergies below.
Before Your Flight
- Read the airline’s allergy policy, which should be posted online. You can enter search terms such as “allergies” or “peanuts,” etc.
- Check what snacks your airline offers. If you have a peanut or tree nut allergy, you may want to choose an airline that doesn’t serve these snacks with their beverage service.
- Keep in mind other passengers may bring certain food allergens on board, so your airline cannot guarantee an allergen-free flight. However, you can talk to those in your row about your allergy and ask politely that they refrain from eating foods you have a serious allergy to on board.
- When booking your flight, notify the booking agent or airline of your food allergy. You may be able to enter this on a form when booking online, otherwise you may need to call.
- Consider scheduling an early morning flight, since most airlines clean their planes at the end of each day.
At the Airport
- Purchase foods that are safe for you to eat on board the flight, such as those in a travel store in Charleston International Airport.
- Follow up with your ticket agent, gate agent and flight attendants about your food allergy.
- Ask the gate agent if you can pre-board the plane so you can inspect and clean your seating area.
On the Flight
- When you get to your seat, wipe down the chair, tray, arm rests, belt buckles and any buttons. Touching or eating off a contaminated surface can expose you to allergens through cross-contamination.
- Be courteous to the flight crew as you educate them about your food allergy concerns.
- Never take risks with foods that you’re unsure of, especially on an airplane where you can’t access medical care.
After Your Flight
If you’re not satisfied with how your airline handled your food allergy, you can send a written complaint to the Airline Consumer Protection Division of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
A Note About Traveling with an Epi Pen
Make sure you bring at least one Epi Pen and your Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan. You should also bring the printed label that identifies the medication and the prescription label from the pharmacy.
Store these in your personal bag that is stowed under the seat, not in your checked luggage or carry-on. Make sure your traveling companions or flight attendant knows where your Epi Pen is and how to use it.
For more information on allergy symptoms or to schedule an appointment, call Palmetto ENT & Allergy today.