Flying with food allergies remains a daunting challenge for millions of individuals and families worldwide, as revealed in a new study from Northwestern University’s Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR). Published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: IN PRACTICE, the study sheds light on the significant stress and barriers faced by food allergy patients during airline travel.
Based on responses from over 4,700 individuals across the globe, the findings paint a clear picture of the anxieties tied to air travel. Among the key stressors are unmet promises from airlines, such as allergen-free buffer zones, pre-boarding for allergen cleanup, and allergy-related announcements. These measures, often promised during booking, frequently go unfulfilled when travelers arrive at the gate or on board.
Other alarming issues include the requirement for signed medical waivers, confiscation of allergy-safe foods by customs, and uncertainty about the availability of life-saving medications like epinephrine during emergencies. Many travelers, fearing negative outcomes, deliberately avoid disclosing their food allergies to airlines, despite the risks.
Dr. Christopher Warren, lead author and director of population health research at CFAAR, emphasized that airline policies surrounding food allergies play a decisive role for affected travelers. “Airline safety measures take precedence over cost, flight duration, or airport proximity when patients make travel decisions,” Warren explained.
Advocate Lianne Mandelbaum, founder of the non-profit No Nut Traveler, echoed these sentiments. “Flying with food allergies is like playing roulette; each flight feels like a spin of the wheel,” she said. Her organization has documented numerous cases of passengers being ridiculed, removed from flights, or ignored for requesting basic accommodations.
Despite these challenges, there is hope. Approximately one-third of respondents reported positive experiences with airlines that went “above and beyond” to accommodate their needs. These instances were often tied to crew members who had personal connections to food allergies.
The study calls for airlines to adopt systematic policies to reduce anxiety for food allergy travelers. Recommended steps include honoring requests made during booking, ensuring pre-boarding for allergen cleanup, and providing unexpired epinephrine in medical kits on all flights.
Dr. Ruchi Gupta, senior author and director of CFAAR, highlighted the importance of reliable emergency measures. “Every traveler at risk of anaphylaxis deserves the peace of mind that life-saving medications are available and ready for use,” she said.
With the collaboration of over 40 global research institutions and advocacy groups, this groundbreaking study provides a pathway to safer airline travel for the growing population of food allergy patients. Implementing these recommendations could transform air travel, making the skies truly friendly for everyone.
