Now Boarding: Snacks, Scripts, and Suitcases…
We all know travel days are hectic. For even the healthiest of flyers, hiccups and speed bumps tend to derail every person with travel plans.
Add severe food allergies/intolerances and you’re in for a bumpy ride (literally).
I’ve compiled some of my best tips for traveling with the least amount of stress for those of us with ever growing lists of food “Nos” and less food “Yeses”.
Check back soon for updates, because I’ll be adding to the list periodically.
Travel Without the Turbulence
- Own the food (bring all you plan to eat, plus extra in case of delays).
Skip airline meals and pack safe snacks/meals, utensils, and wipes. Keep everything in your carry-on so it stays with you if bags are lost. Solid foods are fine through security; medically necessary liquids (like formulas, gels, or safe sauces) can exceed 3 ounces- you just need to declare them at screening (check out TSA’s website for more info! And let’s trust TSA on this one: try to pack food in clear containers or as organized as possible; you don’t want someone else’s hands digging into your allergen-free foods. Do the prep work ahead of time to save yourself the time, grief, and stress later! - Be medically ready. Ie; redundant and reachable.
Carry at least two epinephrine auto-injectors on your person, not in the overhead or checked bags. Include antihistamines, inhalers (if prescribed), a printed Emergency Care/Action Plan (come back soon for templates and suggestions!), and a brief allergy card (consider a second copy in the local language for international trips). - Lower contact risk in your seating area.
Before you fly, note your allergies in the reservation and request pre-boarding so you can thoroughly wipe the tray table, armrests, belt, window shade, and touchscreen. While doing this, please wear gloves. They’re inexpensive and can be bought at nearly every pharamacy or grovery store.
Doing this targets the most likely exposure (surface residues). Inhalation reactions to foods like peanut are considered unlikely, but letting your flight attendant know if you have fume sensitivity so they can share what accomodations are possible for you. Trust me0 they want to know beforehand, not once it’s too late. - Navigate the airport and cabin like a pro.
At TSA, declare your auto-injectors and any medically necessary liquids/gel ice packs; EpiPens are explicitly allowed in carry-on. Once seated, avoid airline pillows/blankets, keep your own water/snacks, and let your row mates and crew know you manage severe allergies (be clear, be calm – come back soon, I’ll share a script). Know that U.S. aircraft carry mandated emergency medical kits, but your meds are the first line, and you shoudl NEVER reply on an aircraft’s stash of supplies. Several readers have share that airlines may not have fresh kits or they have been recently used and not back to their home lcoations to restock. Be your biggest advocate- plan for YOU. You’ve got this.
If you enjoyed this page and would like to learn more about how to handle food allergies or fume triggered allergies while travling via plane- check out my recent blog post here. This post is a part of my Food Allergy Facts series where I posted food allergy facts across all platforms (Instagram , TikTok , and here on WordPress).
