March 10, 2018 - Kate
Traveling, they say, is the only thing that can make you richer. Yet unfortunately for those of us with food allergies it can also make you very sick. But don’t let it stop you from seeing the world. In fact we at Yonder Travel Insurance are dedicated to helping you do just that. So, without any further adieu, here are 5 tips for traveling with food allergies.
Don’t Be Afraid To Ask
Peanut allergies are the worst, and they can be particularly deadly at 20,000 feet. Don’t be afraid to speak to a gate agent before your family’s flight and ask to pre-board in order to wipe down the seat and area where your family will be seating to remove any peanut dust and particles. Flight attendants can also make announcements before takeoff asking passengers to avoid opening peanut-containing snacks during the flight. You may be afraid to ask or may think it’s asking too much, but trust us it’s better than getting carried off the plane on a stretcher. Which brings us to our next tip…
Give Yourself Some Extra Time And Plan Ahead
If you travel with more than 3 ounces of liquids, such as almond milk, peanut butter or applesauce, it’s helpful to have a doctor’s note to present to TSA agents, if necessary. Give yourself extra time in security for additional screening of items, but you shouldn’t have any trouble getting an exception.
Epinephrine Injections
The TSA considers epinephrine injectors a medical necessity, and allows them to be carried aboard flights. So if you need to carry one, don’t worry! It’s legal and you’re allowed to do so. Again, don’t let this stop you from traveling. If you have any further travel requirements and need special assistance, let us know and we can help! Epinephrine injectors should be bagged with other carry-on liquids for inspection. At least two injectors should be available (consider one injection lasts for about 20 minutes), and if you’re traveling alone, notify your flight attendant where your injectors are, should you go into anaphylaxis. Make sure they are clearly labeled and accessible. Airplanes carry at least one epinephrine injector in their onboard medical kit, and flight attendants are trained for such matters.
Pack More Snacks Than You Think You’ll Need
This one may seem a bit too obvious to be on the list, like your dad reminding you to use the bathroom before you get into the car. But trust us, it’s worth a mention. Many people get caught off-guard by flight delays, lack of restaurants that accommodate special diets and other hiccups while traveling. Pack more diverse, safe snacks then you think you’ll need, or even full meals such as those from GoPicnic. For kids, pack extra special treats as something to look forward to during the travel day.
Download Some Helpful Apps
Apps such as Find Me Gluten Free, Happy Cow and Allergy Eats are invaluable for finding restaurants that accommodate food allergies. Familiarize yourself with the apps before you travel and contact restaurants in airports and destinations that seem safe beforehand.
For more on where and how best to travel, check out Yonder for more information. Booking your next adventure has never been simpler!
Kate's authoritative voice in travel writing is backed by years of extensive travel experience, allowing her to infuse her writing with the tips and tricks she has gathered over time. This wealth of experience enhances her ability to write authoritatively on travel-related topics.
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