As well, Allergic Living recently polled the airlines about gluten-free food offered (or not) in our Comparing Airlines Chart.

1. Karina Allrich, of the Gluten-free Goddess blog

Allergic Living: Karina, as you must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet to manage celiac disease, will you eat the gluten-free meals offered by some airlines?

KA: I never trust airlines to get it right. I buy a banana at the airport and a bottle of water. After years of suffering with celiac disease, taking the risk doesn’t tempt me at all.

I’ll be hungry, yes. But better to travel hungry than get sick on a flight.

2. Alice Bast, president and founder of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA):

AL: Should people with celiac disease trust the airlines’ meals? Or is it better to bring your own food?

AB: No matter which mode of travel, we always recommends that individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity bring their own food. There are many variables in travel – flight delays, gate changes, etc. – so it is always best to be prepared.
Recently, I was traveling and was served a “gluten-free” meal that listed malt flavoring as an ingredient! So, it is always best to take caution and examine your meals carefully, including any ingredient labels.

AL: Are you concerned about cross-contamination in big airline or caterers’ kitchens?

AB: Cross-contamination can be a risk in any kitchen where gluten-containing ingredients are used. Proper protocols can reduce that risk, but they must be followed carefully and consistently.

AL: Does NFCA know of any airline programs in place to prevent cross-contamination?

AB: We have not had any airlines complete our GREAT Kitchens program, but we would love to take our gluten-free training to the sky!

Next: Gluten-free Girl, frequent flyer Gluten Free Mike

The CTA deemed Sarah Daviau, David Spence and Katherine Covell disabled because of their cat allergies in regards to air travel and had ordered major carriers Air Canada and WestJet to create policies that would remove barriers to travel for people with severe cat allergies.

But rather than ban cats in plane cabins outright, as the complainants requested, the CTA has given the airlines the option to create a five-row separation or buffer zone between the cat and the allergic passenger, as well as having airplanes equipped with specialized air filters.

While not final until approved by the CTA, WestJet’s proposed policy opts for that buffer zone. The airline says a five-row separation between an allergic person and a cat will be guaranteed with a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. In Air Canada’s proposal, a buffer zone will also be offered on most aircraft, which have the required type of air filter.

On Air Canada’s regional flights, where the planes do not have the appropriate filters, booking will be on a first-come, first-served basis for people with cats and those who are allergic to them.

For Covell, it just isn’t enough. “I’m confused by the idea that with the five-row barrier and filters, everything is going to be OK,” she says.

Next: Balancing customer demands

Bring favourite foods. When traveling, it’s easy for allergic kids to feel left out. Make sure to bring plenty of their favourite treats so they feel like they’re getting the royal holiday treatment too.

Plan non-food activities. Make sure you have lots of stuff to do that doesn’t involve a lot of fussing over food. Kids want to get out and have fun; do stuff that will allow them to forget their allergies for a while.

After Your Trip

Tell companies about your experience. If the airline didn’t properly accommodate your allergies or the hotel forgot to get you that room with the kitchenette, make sure to call and write the company to express your dissatisfaction.

And if you had a particularly great experience – the chef whipped up an allergy-free meal that you’ll never forget, or the flight attendant made sure your trip was safe and worry-free – make sure to call and write about that, too, and tell the company they’ve won your loyalty. Mention specific employees’ names if you can to make sure they get an extra pat on the back.

See also: Q&A with Robert Palmer, WestJet spokesman.

• It is now posted on WestJet’s site that flight attendants will make one public address announcement about food allergies when a passenger self-identifies as being allergic to peanuts or nuts and requests that an announcement be made.

An update in the Flight Attendants’ Manual gives the flight crew this script (in English and French): “We have a guest traveling with us today who has a severe allergy to peanuts/nuts. We ask that you do not open or consume any peanuts, nuts or nut products during this flight. Thanks for your help.”

• WestJet notes in its policy that it can’t guarantee an allergen-free environment, but also says it understands the serious medical issues involved with nut and peanut allergies. Its flight crew will now ask a passenger who identifies as having a nut or peanut allergy whether they have an epinephrine auto-injector with them in case of emergency.

• As a backup precaution in case of anaphylaxis, WestJet has inked a deal with the makers of EpiPen to buy EpiPen auto-injectors (child and adult size) for its fleet of 91 planes. (Aircraft medical kits otherwise only contain vials and syringes for a medical professional’s use.)

• The airline’s flight attendants will also create a buffer zone around a person with a food allergy. Those seated within three rows of a passenger with these allergies (the row the person is seated in, plus two rows ahead and two behind) will be asked to refrain from eating products that contain nuts or peanuts. (This practice was available before the updated policy.)

• Animal allergies: While it won’t satisfy asthma advocates who have been lobbying to keep all pets out of the cabin, WestJet has reduced the number animals allowed in the cabin from four to two. Pets must remain in their carriers. People are supposed to book with pets in advance and most flights are pet-free. Check if yours will be at: 1-888-937-8538.

What they serve: No snacks that contain peanuts, nuts or sesame. The policy advises that some products may have warnings that they “may contain” traces of such allergens. For this reason, WestJet recommends allergic passengers bring their own food.

Flight Booking: Must be done through the Reservations desk rather than online to receive the food allergy accommodations. Call: 1-888-937-8538.

Reaction to the Policy: “It looks like such a small thing, but it’s a hugely important accommodation,” Gwen Smith, Editor of Allergic Living magazine, said of WestJet’s revised allergy policy that provides p.a. allergy announcements for those with serious peanut and nut allergies. “I am delighted to see it and I hope other airlines will follow suit.”

Air Canada’s New Allergy Policy

As of Dec. 2, Air Canada has posted its first formal allergy policy on its website.

• The airline will accommodate passengers with peanut or nut allergies with a small buffer zone if certain steps are followed in advance:

- The booking requesting the buffer zone is made at least 48 hours in advance with Air Canada Reservations.
- The allergic traveler has had a physician complete a “Fitness for Travel” medical form to confirm the nut or peanut allergy. The form needs to be faxed to Air Canada’s medical assistance desk for approval. (Air Canada hasn’t yet confirmed how frequently a new form must be completed, though a spokesperson suggested a form might be good for more than a year.) The passenger keeps the form, which has to be faxed to the desk before every trip requiring buffer zone accommodation.

• Buffer zone size: The policy says that, in economy class, a buffer zone will include the row of seats the allergic person is sitting in, as well as the row in front and behind. In business class, the buffer zone is the bank of seats (often two) that the person is sitting in.

• Air Canada makes clear that on international flights, even within a 3-row buffer zone, it can’t be certain that meals served are nut- or peanut-free. The same is true in executive class in all flights. (The issue is international catering services with multiple suppliers, some of whom use nut products, and the risks of cross-contamination in prepared meals.)

• The airline says it can’t be responsible for other passengers who bring peanuts or allergenic foods onboard.

Next: Booking, Policy Reactions

2.Bring along any specialty foods you may have trouble finding.

3.If you are crossing the border, check what you are allowed to bring with you. Most countries are OK with dried goods, but fresh meat, fruit and vegetables can be restricted.

4.We eat most meals in our condo, and bring snacks or lunch to the hill instead of eating in the restaurants.

5.Wash the dishes in your rental unit before you use them.

2.Ensure the hill has a variety of runs to suit your family’s skiing abilities.

3.Check out what other activities they have for après ski for non-skiers.

4.If putting your child in lessons, make sure the instructor knows about the food allergies and keeps the auto-injector inside the child’s clothing so it won’t freeze.

5.Find out how far the drive is to the nearest hospital before booking.

“Let’s ski the Peanut Trail again,” exclaimed my daughter Taya, as we rode up the chairlift at Silver Star resort in British Columbia. I found the name of her favorite run ironic – since she is allergic to peanuts as well as tree nuts, sesame, kiwi and soy.

The Peanut Trail is a narrow run through the trees with lots of jumps, but fortunately no real peanuts on it. This is exactly the kind of run that 8-year-old Taya and her sister Kieryn, 10, love to ski.

My wife Keely prefers the wide, groomed, cruising runs which Silver Star has lots of, but she was not getting to ski them much since the kids kept insisting on that Peanut Trail.

Ski vacations are great fun for families, and I recommend them as well-suited to people with allergies or gluten intolerance. Condos and chalets with full kitchens are common at most resorts, so you can make your own safe meals.

There are ski resorts within driving distance of most major cities in Canada and the northern U.S. Many resorts now have other activities for après ski, and to keep non-skiers entertained as well.

Our top priority when booking a ski vacation is to always find a place that has ski-in and ski-out access to accommodations. This is a huge advantage with allergies because you can go back to your condo for lunch and snacks and not have to eat at a restaurant. It also means you can start late or stop early and not have to worry about driving or finding a place to meet.

Check the location out carefully though, some places that advertise ski-in, ski-out may be a long walk for little children carrying skis (and even longer for adults trying to carry small children and skis).

Another thing to consider is finding a skiing area that suits your group. Ideally that means a good mix of runs for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers.  Also consider whether non-skiing activities like a swimming pool or shopping are important to your group. A large resort may have a greater variety of runs and après ski activities to appeal to the whole family.

We tend to prefer mid-sized resorts over the largest resorts because the condos are usually closer to the runs and less expensive. After skiing all day, we’re usually content to relax in our condo and don’t use a lot of après ski activities like spa services or fancy restaurants.

When signing up your allergic child into ski lessons, make sure that you clearly communicate the allergies to the instructor and give the child an epinephrine auto-injector to wear inside his or her ski clothes (so it does not freeze). Find out if they stop for a snack during the lesson, and provide your own snack if necessary. If it’s an all-day program, we bring our daughter with allergies back to the condo for lunch.

Another option is to pack a lunch for your child, but be sure to give clear directions to the instructor about how to manage your child’s allergies.

Check where the closest hospital is to the ski hill before you go. All resorts have on-site first aid, but some are more isolated and a long drive from a major city. We try to ensure that we are within a one-hour drive of a hospital.

Many ski resorts are also good destinations for a vacation outside of ski season. It’s common to find them open year-round with golfing, swimming, hiking and biking in the off-season, when prices are lower. Because condos are popular at ski resorts, it’s easy to find a place with a kitchen.

Skiing is one of the few sports that you can do as a family. Unlike soccer or hockey, you actually ski with your children instead of just watching them. In fact, my kids and I often go with my 86-year-old father – he still loves to ski. There is nothing like spending quality time skiing with your kids on a sunny spring day. But watch out, my kids are already skiing faster than their mother and grandfather. It won’t be long before I can’t keep up either.

See Also:

• Our Ski Vacations-with Allergies
• Ski Vacation Tips
• Food Tips for Safe Travel

Share your allergy stories in the Comments section.

The attack quickly escalated to the level that would normally land Silver in the emergency room, and she pushed the button for the flight attendant. “As she got to me, she looked at the man beside me and said, ‘Sir, you can’t have your cat on your lap like that,’” she recounts.

Silver had no idea she’d been seated next to a cat owner and his pet. “He had snuck the cat out of the carrier and had it on his lap under his jacket. And I said, ‘I can’t sit here – I can’t breathe.’”

Silver was immediately moved away from the cat, but it was too late: by then the asthma attack was in full swing, and her inhalers were barely keeping her any relief as she suffered through the flight. “When we arrived, my dad took one look at me and said, ‘What happened?’ He could see I couldn’t breathe.”

Silver’s travel tale could become far more common. As of July, Canada’s largest airline similarly began allowing owners to fly with cats or small dogs. In a policy reversal, Air Canada dropped a  2½-year ban on animals in the cabin – a move that has outraged pet-allergic travelers and asthma and allergy organizations, alarmed medical practitioners and spurred the Canadian Lung Association to launch a write-in campaign to bring the issue to the federal government.

Cash-strapped Air Canada says the decision to drop the ban on pets came after customers complained they were unable to travel with their small pets, as they could on WestJet and other carriers. “We looked for the best way of balancing the needs of all of our customers,” says Air Canada spokesperson Angela Mah. “By doing this, we are aligning our policies with the vast majority of international airlines as well as our major domestic competitor.”

At least three million Canadians suffer from asthma and allergies, and with some of the most potentially dangerous allergens being allowed on board, travel options for hundreds of thousands of passengers are becoming more limited.

Mah stresses that pets are limited to either two or four per flight (depending on the size of the aircraft), and that animals must be kept in their pet carriers under the seats. If an allergy sufferer ends up sitting near a pet, the airline will make “all reasonable efforts” to move one or the other to a different seat or flight.

Pet Hair on Clothes

Even when the pets ban was in effect, Mah adds, the airline could not guarantee a “dander-free cabin”, because many passengers have pet hair on their clothes, and because the airline must allow service animals for passengers with disabilities. Most planes are equipped with high-efficiency HEPA filters, and she says the cabin air quality “compares favourably” to that in other indoor environments.

Dr. Donald Stark is not convinced. The Vancouver allergist lobbied to have animals removed from airline cabins so that people with pet allergies – roughly 10 per cent of the population – could breathe more easily when they travel. Having a pet in the cabin is far worse than having a pet owner with a little hair on the clothes, he says, because the levels of allergen being released into the air are much higher.

Stark adds that air filters can only do so much – especially if they’re not changed frequently – and air moving through the cabin can affect allergic flyers before it even gets to the filter.

While the air quality in some cabins may be similar to other indoor environments, there is one key difference: on the ground, an allergic person can walk out the door.

The result of this request was that her son Scott (and she with him) was almost thrown off the flight.

What was the issue? “He [the pilot] was concerned the allergy could be airborne and he could be looking at a medical emergency and he didn’t want to have to land his plane,” Neary said in an interview with Allergic Living. She describes the pilot telling her directly “that he was not comfortable with Scott on this flight.”

She says if she hadn’t interceded, “I wouldn’t have known I was minutes away from being deplaned with my son and our luggage. The baggage guy was there being instructed to take the baggage off.”

A week later, Neary remains shocked and upset. “It was discriminatory, they shouldn’t be able to do that.”

Air Canada spokesman Peter Fitzpatrick said Air Canada would not comment on the specifics of the Nearys’ experience or on the pilot seeing a flight risk. Fitzpatrick was still trying to determine if there is an incident report and whether Air Canada would investigate the Nearys’ complaint.

A Request Goes Wrong

The Sept. 7 incident began when Neary, Scott and Scott’s cousin, all residents of St. John’s, Newfoundland, got on the Toronto-bound Air Canada flight in Vancouver. Neary, a cancer support worker, told the flight attendant checking tickets: “My 17-year-old son is flying with me and has a peanut allergy.” She then asked: “Could you please announce to the people onboard that he has this allergy and that they not open any peanut products?”

Neary has routinely made such requests of flight attendants. However, Air Canada doesn’t have a policy that such announcements will be made, but rather its policy simply advises passengers to take their own precautions and bring their medications on board. (The Nearys were carrying epinephrine auto-injectors.)

On the Sept. 7 flight, the attendant replied to her allergy announcement request that “we don’t do that.” Neary expressed surprise – she hadn’t been turned down on other trips. She says she wasn’t going to press the point, but the flight attendant offered to check with someone else and took Scott’s ticket. Neary went to her seat and Scott and his cousin took their seats several rows back.

The meal steward soon came by, asking: “How allergic is your son?” and “Is he anaphylactic?” and he next inquired whether Scott was allergic to “airborne” peanut. To the latter, Neary said she wasn’t sure, but stressed that Scott had only had one anaphylactic reaction  – at six months of age.

The plane didn’t budge, and when Neary saw a big discussion at the front of the plane, she suspected it had to do with Scott. As she was approaching the huddled crew – the pilot, co-pilot, three attendants and a fellow who turned out to be a baggage handler – a stewardess confided that the discussion was about taking her son off the flight.

A shocked Neary identified herself to the pilot, whom she cites as saying “that for the safety and comfort of his passengers, he didn’t feel safe taking my son on board.”

She says the pilot mentioned that the airline served nuts in first class and questioned the airborne risk. (Air Canada serves cashews and almonds in first class but stopped serving peanuts a few years ago.) Neary stressed that her son is not allergic to any tree nuts, just peanuts, which Air Canada doesn’t serve. The pilot remained concerned, however, about possible airborne issues with other products that passengers brought on board.

Neary had sought the p.a. announcement precisely to try to reduce risks of accidental peanut contact with other passengers’ food. But now she found herself in the odd position of pleading to stay on the cross-country flight by playing down her son’s allergy – and promising that he would eat nothing at all on the flight.

“I just kept talking and talking until finally the pilot said, ‘well, I guess so.’ But he was very reluctant.”

• Medications including asthma inhalers, antihistamines and Auto-injector
• Safe Food
• Note from your doctor saying that you require an Auto-injector if you’re flying or crossing the border