- WEAR medical identification (e.g. a Medic Alert bracelet or necklace) indicating your allergies.
- If required and possible, ASK the gate agent to let you pre-board the plane in order to inspect/clean your seating area. Use alcohol wipes (not just hand santizers) to wipe down the seat and tray table to help prevent contact reactions or inadvertent skin contact with food particles or spills. Eating food off a contaminated surface area could lead to accidental ingestion of allergens through contamination.
- PACK your own food instead of eating airline food. However, you should check with the airline to see if there are any restrictions as to which types of food you are allowed to bring on board.
- KEEP your adrenaline/epinephrine with you; do not put in packed luggage or store in the overhead locker. Let others you are traveling with know about your allergies and where your auto-injector is so they know what to do in case of emergency during the flight. If travelling alone, inform the flight attendant.
- Consider INFORMING passengers sitting in your area about your food allergy. Keep in mind, however, that the airline will probably not make an announcement to the other passengers, and that passengers can eat food they have brought onto the aircraft.
- AVOID using the airline’s pillows and blankets, as they are often not washed between flights, only rewrapped. Carry your own if possible.
- If you have an allergic reaction INFORM the flight crew immediately. Follow instructions on your emergency response plan and ask if there is a doctor (or medical professional) onboard to assist you.
- TREAT the flight crew with respect. They are there to help you and we need to help educate them without making unrealistic or unnecessary demands.
- NEVER take an unnecessary risk, especially when in the air away from access to medical help.
This list was created by the International Food Allergy Alliance
Advice from the International Air Travel Association (IATA)
The International Air Travel Association has published information for allergic passengers.