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