Allergic Living’s Airlines and Allergy Policies Guide

Ticket Buying

• On certain flights, you may request an “allergen-free meal”. It has to be requested at the time of ticket purchase or at least 48 hours prior to your departure time.
• The “allergen-free meal” does not contain: cereals/grains, eggs, peanuts, soy, milk, nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts), shellfish, mollusks, fish, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, lupine, sulfurous anhydrite and sulfite concentrations of more than 10 mg/kg.

In-Flight Accommodations

• Passengers may bring food onboard.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nut

• On short flights of 2 hours 50 minutes or less, a snack adapted to the time of day is offered. This includes: a croissant or pastry in the morning, a cold sandwich at meal time, savory or sweet biscuits or a sweet treat in the afternoon.

Sold Snack Policy

• Meals and snacks are provided free of charge.
• A list of food allergens contained in meals served on flights departing from Europe and French overseas departments is indicated onboard by the cabin crew.
• For an additional fee, Air France allows you to choose in advance the meal you will receive in the economy cabins during your long-haul flight. This optional service is called the “A la Carte” Menu. Air France does not provide a detailed list of ingredients for meals from this menu. If you have a food allergy or intolerance, they recommend that you do not order a meal from the “A la Carte” Menu.

Gluten-Free Options

• Gluten-free meals can be ordered at the time of reservation, and up to 48 hours before a flight.

Pets, Perfumes

• Cats and dogs under 5 kilograms (11 pounds) are allowed in carriers.
• There is no fragrance policy.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• Cabin crew are trained in first aid.

Emergency Protocol

• All Air France aircraft have a medical kit that includes epinephrine (vial and syringe), an inhaler for asthma, as well as an automatic defibrillator.
• In a medical emergency, the captain can contact emergency doctors from the SAMU, the medical emergency service in Paris. The airline says this enables the passenger to receive a quick diagnosis, appropriate treatment and, if necessary, swift medical care once landed.

Web Link

AirFrance.us
Search: allergies
To make a reservation, call 1-800-237-2747

Ticket Buying

• Communicate your allergy to customer care when booking a flight so all airline representatives are aware.

In-Flight Accommodations

• If requested, the crew will make an announcement alerting other passengers to a serious nut or peanut allergy and will request that passengers refrain from opening and eating packages that contain nuts or peanuts.
• Alaska allows passengers with food allergies to pre-board to wipe down their immediate seating area. Advise the gate agent to request the pre-boarding accommodation.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nut

• The airline does not serve peanuts.
• The airline sometimes serves warm nuts in first class.

Sold Snack Policy

• New fresh food options and packaged snacks in main cabins will be announced in late 2018. Currently, some meals for purchase may contain nuts.

Gluten-Free Options

• New fresh food options and packaged snacks in main cabin will be announced in late 2018. Currently, no meals for purchase are identified as gluten-free.

Pets, Perfumes

• For pet allergies, you are encouraged to alert the customer care team.
• The airline accepts cats, dogs, household birds and domesticated rabbits in the main cabin. Passengers with pets cannot be seated in the main cabin’s select seats (bulk head and exit row) or in the first class cabin.
• A maximum of five pet carriers are allowed in the main cabin.
• No official policy on fragrance.
• If a reasonable request to be reseated is made due to asthma issues with perfume, the crew will do their best to accommodate the request.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• The crew members are trained in first aid.

Emergency Protocol

• Aircraft are equipped with an emergency medical kit that includes epinephrine auto-injectors [Auvi-Q 0.3 and 0.15 mg] and an inhaler for asthma.
• If assistance is needed, flight attendants will contact the MedLink service, and receive guidance from a physician.
• The pilot will make an inflight announcement for medical personnel onboard in case of an emergency.

Notes

• From the airline: “We cannot prevent passengers from bringing products containing nuts or other allergens (e.g. service animals) onboard our flights. Some first class meals and meals for purchase in the main cabin may contain nuts. Therefore, Alaska Airlines is unable to guarantee a nut- or allergen-free flight.” The airline adds: “We encourage passengers who are allergic to nuts to bring their own food items for travel.”

Web Link

AlaskaAir.com
Look for: Accessible Services

Ticket Buying

• It’s recommended to call reservations to ask that a note be inserted into the passenger record about the peanut or nut allergy, or to ask for the special assistance center to make that request.
• When a reservation notes a customer with a food allergy, the special assistance coordinator will contact the customer.
• Allergic passengers should carry on medications. Medication with a needle must have “a professionally printed label identifying the medication or a manufacturer’s name or pharmaceutical label.”

In-Flight Accommodations

• American Airlines’ flight attendants do not make P.A. announcements that passengers with food allergies are on a flight.
• While American Airlines does not serve peanuts, other customers may bring peanuts onboard. The crew will not ask fellow passengers to refrain from eating foods such as peanuts or tree nuts.
• As of December 2018, AA gate agents will allow pre-boarding to wipe down seating area for peanut or tree nut allergens.
• Airline says it does not provide “nut buffer zones”.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nut

• No free snacks with peanuts are served in economy.
• Warmed nuts are served in first class.

Sold Snack Policy

• The airline does not sell peanut snacks. It does offer snacks with nuts including cashews, and some sandwich wraps have sesame.
• The airline does not refrain from offering tree nut snacks because of an allergic customer.
• No meal contains peanut as an ingredient, but there may be trace amounts of nut or peanut in meals and snacks.
• Special meals (e.g. vegan or child) are produced at a dedicated work station in the flight kitchens; caterers are trained in cross-contact prevention.

Gluten-Free Options

• Gluten-free meals are available if pre-ordered at least 24 hours prior to departure.

Pets, Perfumes

• Cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin in carriers.
• A maximum of 7 pets per flight, not including service and/or support animals, are allowed in the cabin in carriers.
• A person with animal allergies can request a change of seat.
• No policy on fragrance, but someone with asthma triggered by perfume can ask to be reseated.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• The flight crew receives basic first aid training during initial training, and then in recurrent training, which includes consultation with the airline’s medical team.

Emergency Protocol

• As of late 2019, the medical kit of AA’s main fleet includes epinephrine auto-injectors [Auvi-Q 0.3 and 0.15 mg]. Regional fleet may still carry epinephrine vial and syringe, plus an albuterol inhaler.
• If there is a medical emergency onboard, crew will make an inflight announcement requesting medical professionals step forward to assist.
• American Airlines also has a ground medical provider available.

Notes

• Says AA’s website: “Our planes are cleaned regularly, but can’t guarantee the removal of nut allergens on surfaces or in the air filters. Because of this, we can’t guarantee you won’t be exposed to peanuts or other tree nuts during flight, and we strongly encourage those with allergies to take all necessary medical precautions before flying.”

Web Link

AA.com
Search: allergy

Ticket Buying

• Customers with food allergies should visit the airline’s website for more information and contact British Airways’ passenger medical clearance unit for further individual advice.

In-Flight Accommodations

• If requested, cabin crews will make a P.A. announcement to inform customers there is a peanut or tree nut-allergic passenger onboard, and ask everyone in the same cabin of travel as the allergic passenger to refrain from eating peanut and/or tree nut products during the flight. Crew will also suspend serving loose nuts in allergic passenger’s cabin.
• Pre-boarding of flights to wipe down seating area is available if a passenger presents a medical letter to staff at the gate about their condition.
• You are advised to tell people next to you of your allergy. When requested, a crew member will help to explain the allergy to passengers in your immediate vicinity.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nuts

• The airline does not serve peanuts.
• Complimentary in-flight meals do not contain peanuts or peanut products as intended ingredients. However, the airline cannot guarantee meals and snacks are completely peanut-free as they may be produced at a facility that handles peanuts.
• Nuts and sesame may be served either as snacks or within onboard meals, but there is no means of checking about a specific flight in advance.
• If you don’t notify the flight attendants of your allergy, nuts such as cashews, almonds, hazelnuts and macadamias may be served as loose snacks in first class and business class.
• Information regarding allergens present within meals and snacks onboard may be found either on the packaging or is available from a member of crew on request.

Sold Snack Policy

• Cashews and hazelnuts can be purchased. Many other top 8 allergens are in the snack selection available for sale.
• Passengers can replace the complimentary main meal by purchasing an alternative from the airline’s online menu at least 24 hours before departure.
• The airline does not refrain from serving a particular meal on a flight to accommodate an allergic person.

Gluten-Free Options, Other Allergens

• Gluten-free meal options are available and must be booked at least 24 hours prior flight departure.
• British Airways does serve fish and shellfish, but generally at least one seafood-free meal is offered.

Pets, Perfumes

• Pets are not allowed in the cabin, with the exception of guide/assistance dogs.
• There is no policy on scents.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• The flight crew is trained in advanced first aid by Global Learning Academy on how to deal with allergy-related emergencies.

Emergency Protocol

• The medical kit contains an epinephrine auto-injector and an inhaler for asthma.
• Cabin crew will call upon medical professionals onboard if needed.
• If a reaction is serious, British Airways crew will contact MedLink, the medical emergency advisory service.
• A pilot will consider a flight diversion from the start of any assessment of a medical condition.

Notes

• “British Airways are unable to heat or refrigerate any food items you might bring. If you prefer to consume your own food, we would suggest opting for non-perishable food. Also check the different quarantine laws of your transit and/or destination with respect to food types permitted into the country,” says the airline’s media representative.
• British Airways partners with American Airlines. Some flights booked by passengers on British Airways may be serviced by American Airlines.

Web Link

BritishAirways.com
Search: food allergies

Ticket Buying

• Airline wants passengers to notify them about any special travel requirements so they can do their best to accommodate. Travelers with allergies are encouraged to contact the airline’s reservations office.
• Passengers who have an auto-injector, syringe or medication in their carry-on luggage should obtain a letter from their physician to certify need for this. Airline also requires all medication to be labeled.

In-Flight Accommodations

• Airline will do their best to move an allergic passenger away from someone eating peanuts or nuts.
• Airline cannot prevent travelers from bringing their own peanut or tree nuts products onboard, and does not make P.A. announcements to request they refrain from opening or eating such products.
• Airline says peanut and tree nut residue may be left in aisles, common areas or on seats from one flight to the next. Within operational limitations, passengers with documented peanut and/or tree nuts allergies can request priority boarding at the gate. Pre-boarding is allowed in order to wipe down an immediate seating area.
• Passengers who require a peanut-free meal are encouraged to bring onboard their own food, which doesn’t require refrigeration.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nut

• Peanut and tree nuts snacks are an integral part of the Cathay Pacific service.
• If a request is submitted 72 hours prior to departure time, airline will provide peanut-free snacks to all passengers in the same cabin. Otherwise, peanuts, nuts and sesame may be served in snacks or meals.
• It is also recommended for the allergic passenger to complete a medical form found on the airline’s website.

Cold Snack Policy

• All snacks on Cathay Pacific are complimentary.

Gluten-Free Options, Other Allergens

• Airline offers gluten-free (“not suitable for gluten allergies”) and lactose-free (“not suitable for cow’s milk allergies”) meal options.
• Cathay Pacific serves a choice of Western and Asian cuisine, including fish and shellfish. The airline is unable to change the menu on a flight for an allergic passenger.

Pets, Perfumes

• Only service dogs are allowed in the cabin.
• No policy on perfume or cologne.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• Cabin crews are first-aid trained for “incapacitation in general.”

Emergency Protocol

• Medical kit includes an epinephrine auto-injector and an inhaler for asthma.
• In a medical emergency, Cathay Pacific has an arrangement with MedLink which provides a 24-hour “tele-medicine” service. The MedLink physicians will decide whether on-the-ground medical assistance is required, resulting in a flight diversion to the nearest airport.

Notes

• Airline spokesperson adds: “At Cathay pacific we take the safety and comfort of our passengers seriously but cannot guarantee an entirely peanut-free environment as other passengers may bring peanuts onboard, or residual peanut products may be left in aisles, common areas or on seats. For passengers with a peanut allergy, our cabin crew will make every attempt to seat them away from passengers who may be eating peanuts.”

Web Link

CathayPacific.com/ca
Search: allergies

Ticket Buying

• Delta likes to learn about peanut allergies as early as possible – preferably at the time of the ticket purchase. If booking online, customers can indicate a peanut allergy in the special service request box. Alternatively, customers can contact Delta Reservations to make sure the peanut allergy is noted on the passenger’s record.

In-Flight Accommodations

• The airline wants you to notify the gate agent of an allergy during check-in before boarding, so the agent can alert the flight crew.
• Peanuts or products containing peanuts will not be served on a flight when a passenger has indicated a peanut allergy via the airline’s website or Delta Reservations, which customers should confirm with the gate agent. (The policy applies only to peanuts.) An announcement will be made to let other passengers know that peanut products will not be served.
• Delta says its crew will strive to provide “reasonable accommodation” on the day of departure to customers that disclose allergies other than peanut. Since each allergy is unique, the airline says it cannot guarantee what accommodation can be provided on each flight. Examples of reasonable accommodations may include: a) Customer with tree nut allergy: flight crew will create a type of buffer zone one row in front and one row behind the allergic traveler and refrain from serving nut products in that area. b) Customers with allergies will be allowed to pre-board in order to wipe down seats and trays.

Free Snack/Meal Policy on Peanut/Nuts

• Snack offerings will vary from flight to flight and rotate throughout the year. Peanut products or products containing peanuts will not be offered on flights where a customer has noted a peanut allergy.
• Tree nuts may be served in first class.
• Delta has added roasted peanuts on domestic flights as one of its complimentary snack options.
• However, peanut products or products containing peanuts will not be offered on flights where a customer has informed the airline of a peanut allergy.
• Complimentary meals: Delta does not serve meals made with peanut products, but cannot guarantee dishes have not been exposed to peanut products.

Sold Snack Policy

• If any peanut products are part of the food-for-purchase menu, flight attendants will refrain from selling such snacks with a peanut-allergic person identified as being onboard.

Gluten-Free Options, Other Allergens

• Gluten-free meals may be ordered in advance on any flight where a complimentary meal is offered.
• Delta offers a variety of meal seafood options, including many types of shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster) and fish.

Pets, Perfume

• Customers are allowed to bring dog, cat or household bird on as a pet. The pet must remain in a carrier for the duration of the flight. The carrier must be stowed under a seat for taxi, takeoff and landing.
• When a customer advises Delta of an allergy to animals or perfume, the agent or flight attendant will attempt to reseat the customer.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• Crew has first-aid training by Delta’s internal training department, including how to recognize allergic reactions.

Emergency Protocol

• Flight attendant procedures for an allergic reaction are to ask for a medical professional onboard to step forward, or through STAT-MD at the University of Pittsburgh. Crew will inform the medical professional that the emergency medical kit contains epinephrine vial/syringe, an asthma inhaler and diphenhydramine.
• If the passenger is not prepared to self-medicate for allergy symptoms, flight attendants will expand the team with an onboard medical volunteer and/or consultation with a ground center physician for treatment recommendations.
• When a passenger appears to be in medical danger, an emergency landing is considered.

Notes

• From Delta corporate communications: “As part of Delta’s focus on creating the safest cabin experience for all customers, our agents and flight attendants are trained on how to best support customers with allergies. This includes refraining from serving peanut products onboard when a peanut allergy is known, making cabin announcements to alert other customers of the allergy so they can refrain from opening personal peanut snacks in flight, and offering pre-boarding to customers with allergies so they can cleanse their immediate seating area. We encourage customers with known peanut allergies to notify Delta through Reservations before their flight, so accommodations can be made.”

Web Link

Delta.com
Search: special travel needs
To notify the airline of a peanut allergy, call 1-800-221-1212

Ticket Buying

• Frontier did not respond to repeated requests of allergy policy information. The following information is obtained from its website.

In-Flight Accommodations

• From the airline’s website: “Due to the presence of food allergens in the snacks served, Frontier Airlines cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment on its flights. We also cannot prevent passengers from bringing products containing nuts or other allergens (e.g. service animals) onboard our flights. Attempting to do this would create a false sense of security for passengers with severe allergies. We encourage customers to review any health concerns with their physicians prior to flying.”

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nut

• There are no free snacks.

Sold Snack Policy

• The airline did not provide any information.

Gluten-Free Options

• The airline did not provide any information.

Pets, Perfumes

• Domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters or small household birds may be carried on flights in a travel carrier. Frontier did not provide any information on policies regarding pet allergy or perfume sensitivity.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• The airline did not provide any information.

Emergency Protocol

• The medical kit includes epinephrine auto-injectors and an asthma inhaler.

Web Link

FlyFrontier.com
Search: special services

Ticket Buying

• With at least 72 hours’ notice, a person with a shrimp, crab, peanut, dairy, egg, wheat or buckwheat allergy can request a special in-flight meal.

In-Flight Accommodations

• Customers are not allowed to pre-board to wipe down seating areas.
• At least two weeks before the departure of a specific flight, a customer with a peanut allergy can request a cabin cleaning service.
• Crew does not offer to make P.A. announcements to tell customers to refrain from eating peanuts/nuts onboard the aircraft.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nut

• Spokesperson says the airline “takes utmost care when preparing meals/snacks for passengers with food allergies.” Yet, there may be instances of cross-contact. Allergic Living recommends those with allergies bring their food as a precaution.

Sold Snack Policy

• Airline’s “minimal allergen menu” contains products free of peanuts, tree nuts or pine nuts.

Gluten-Free Options

• Gluten-free meals can be ordered up to 25 hours before the flight’s departure via the website.

Pets, Perfumes

• There is no fragrance policy. Ask cabin attendants if you have any concerns during the flight.
• Airline does not provide services for pets to travel inside the cabin on commercial flights.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• The crew are trained by certified staff to recognize symptoms of common medical issues and emergencies, including allergic reactions and asthma.

Emergency Protocol

• The medical kit includes an epinephrine auto-injector and an inhaler for asthma. An inflight announcement will be made requesting medical personnel onboard to identify themselves in case of an emergency.
• Carriers will contact ground crew to notify medical providers as needed.

Notes

• From the spokesperson about company’s cleaning service: “We will take prior measures to clean areas close to the pre-assigned seat inside the cabin. Inform and request this service at least two weeks prior to the departure date of the flight. As it is difficult to provide a complete peanut-free environment, it is advised to carry any appropriate treatment prescribed by a physician and to wear a protection mask, if required.”

Web Link

Jal.co.jp/en/
Search: allergy

Ticket Buying

• It’s best to inform the airline of an allergy at booking. Upon boarding, the head of the inflight crew should be informed of a peanut or nut allergy.

In-Flight Accommodations

• No peanuts are served. However, it is possible snacks or surfaces may contain traces of peanut as customers are not prohibited from bringing their own peanuts or peanut products.
• Upon request, a buffer zone can be created for a peanut or tree nut allergy. This consists of the row where the allergic person is seated, plus one row ahead and one behind. The attendant will ask those within the buffer zone to refrain from eating products with nuts or peanuts (without identifying the allergic passenger).
• The attendant will not serve any foods containing nuts or peanuts in these rows.
• Reseating is also possible upon request.
• You can request “silent boarding” at the gate, to board early for the purpose of wiping down your seat area.
• While JetBlue’s official policy is that it does not make on-board announcements about nut or peanut allergies, flight crew may choose to make an announcement at their own discretion.
• Planes are cleaned using non-latex products.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nut

• While the airline does not offer peanuts, some food items served come from facilities that may process other foods with peanut.
• All complimentary snack options available are tree nut-free. Free snacks include Rold Gold Pretzels, Cheez-It crackers, Belgian Boys Choc ‘O Chip cookies, PopCorners chips, and Terra Sweets & Blues vegetable chips.

Sold Snack Policy

• Some snacks available for purchase onboard contain tree nuts and dairy.
• Select flights have fresh food meals for purchase from EatUp Café. Ingredients are on the website, but allergy protocols can’t be guaranteed. Top 8 allergens are labeled on all EatUp Café fresh food offerings.
• Snack boxes include one with egg whites, fruit almond bars and cashews.

Gluten-Free Options

• Gluten-free products can be purchased at Cibo Express Gourmet Market at New York’s JFK International Airport, the airline’s main base.
• The airline’s “Eat Up” boxes for purchase include a gluten-free snack box with gluten-free multi-seed crackers, hummus, olives, roasted almonds, fruit bar and chocolate chip crispy rice square.
• Complimentary PopCorners popcorn chips are also gluten-free.

Pets, Perfumes

• Small dogs and cats are accepted on flights. The maximum is 4 pets per flight.
• Those with pet allergies can be reseated. Seat changes will likely take place on the aircraft once flight attendants know where the animal are located.
• While there is no policy on fragrance, a passenger with asthma to fragrance can be reseated, if possible.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• All JetBlue flight crews are trained at JetBlue University in CPR, first aid (including allergic reactions and asthma), and the use of defibrillators.
• Annual review is required for all inflight crew.

Emergency Protocol

• The medical kit includes an epinephrine auto-injector and albuterol inhaler for asthma.
• If an allergic reaction is not abating, flight attendants communicate with the captain and MedAire Inc., an emergency medical service provider. Through MedAire, they have a voice link to a physician, who offers guidance.
• An inflight announcement requesting medical personnel onboard to identify themselves will be made in case of an emergency.
• The captain would decide whether an emergency landing was required.

Notes

• “We encourage customers who have a food allergy to please make arrangements to the best of his/her abilities to be prepared in case of an allergic reaction or emergency during their flight,” advises the JetBlue website.

Web Link

JetBlue.com
Search: food allergies

Ticket Buying

• To request a nut-free meal onboard a flight, contact your travel agent or local Singapore Airlines office at least 48 hours before departure.

In-Flight Accommodations

• The airline is unable to provide a nut-free cabin or guarantee an allergy-free environment onboard. It’s not unusual for other passengers on Singapore Air flights to be served meals and snacks containing nuts or their derivatives.
• Pre-boarding is not available for passengers with food allergies.
• If there are empty seats available and a customer asks for a seat change, flight attendants will try their best to accommodate.

Free Snack Policy on Peanuts/Nuts

• Snacks in economy and premium economy class contain broad beans and peas.
• Warm almonds and cashew nuts are served to customers traveling in business class and first/suites class.

Sold Snack Policy

• Airline does not sell snacks onboard flights.
• Meals are provided on most flights. A nut-free special meal does not contain peanuts and tree nuts (including almonds, Brazil nuts, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, walnuts, pecans and macadamias), and their derivatives.
• Fish and shellfish meals are served, however a non-seafood meal can be requested.

Gluten-Free Options

• A gluten-free meal, free of wheat, rye, barley, oats and bran, is available.

Pets, Perfumes

• Pets are not allowed in the cabin, with the exception of service dogs and emotional support dogs. There is no limit on the number of service dogs allowed per flight.
• Flight attendants will do their best to accommodate a passenger with a serious perfume sensitivity, when possible.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• Cabin crew is trained by a medical service provider in dealing with severe allergic reactions, asthma and first aid.

Emergency Protocol

• Medical kit includes epinephrine auto-injector, epinephrine vial/syringe, and an inhaler for asthma.
• An inflight announcement for medical personnel onboard will be made by cabin crew when necessary in an emergency.
• A ground medical provider, whom the crew can contact any time during the flight, will be contacted in the event of an emergency.

Notes

• Singapore Air website states: “We have no control over passengers consuming their own snacks or meals onboard, which may contain nuts or their derivatives.”

Web Link

SingaporeAir.com/

Ticket Buying

• Customers with “peanut dust” allergies who make reservations over the phone are asked to notify customer representatives of the allergy at the time the reservation is made. If a reservation is made through a travel agent, phone 800-I-FLY-SWA afterward to speak with a customer representative. For online reservations, advise the airline of the allergy on the “Payment and Passenger Information” screen by clicking the link to “Add/Edit Disability Options”.

In-Flight Accommodations

• Accommodations are made for a peanut allergy. Peanut-allergic passengers are told to arrive at the gate one hour early and identify themselves to an agent who will fill out a “peanut dust allergy” form. The customer gives the form to a flight attendant upon boarding.
• Since August 2018, Southwest Airlines no longer serves peanuts on its flights.
• If the customer has a connection, he or she will be given two documents, one of which is kept to present to a flight attendant on the connecting flight.
• If a customer notifies Southwest of a peanut allergy, the airline’s customer service agents can offer pre-boarding for the purpose of wiping down the seating area. Also, for any trip, children age 6 years or younger and a guardian may board before the “B” boarding group.
• Airline cannot prevent others from bringing peanuts or peanut products onboard.
• Airline procedures for accommodating peanut dust allergies do not include making an announcement advising customers that they should not consume any peanut products during their flight.
• Attendants and workers stocking flights use non-latex gloves.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nuts

• On shorter flights, the usual snack is pretzels. Allergic passengers are also encouraged to bring their own snacks.
• On flights over 1,271 miles, there are three snack choices (meals and sandwiches are not served).
• On flights over 1,521 miles, there are three snack choices (meals and sandwiches are not served).
• Snack selections change every six months.

Sold Snack Policy

• Southwest does not charge for snacks.

Gluten-Free Options

• Southwest does not serve gluten-free snacks.

Pets, Perfumes

• Southwest accepts small cats and dogs in carriers and cannot guarantee that a flight will or will not have animals onboard the aircraft. However, the airline suggests arriving early and checking with the customer service agent at the gate. If there is an animal on that flight, employees will do their best to accommodate the passenger with allergies.
• Airline “does not guarantee” a flight will be free of perfume or cleaning scents.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• Flight attendants receive first aid and CPR training and are taught to recognize allergy symptoms.
• Crew members are not allowed to administer medication. A doctor or medical professional onboard would decide whether to administer medication when assisting an ailing passenger.

Emergency Protocol

• Medical kit includes epinephrine (vial and syringe) and an albuterol inhaler for asthma.
• During a medical emergency, flight attendants make an announcement for medical personnel onboard to step forward. The crew also gets in touch with Stat-MD, the medical consulting service on the ground. The consulting physician can consult with a medical professional aboard the flight or provide medical advice directly to flight attendants.
• Based on a passenger’s symptoms, Southwest’s medical consultant will advise the pilots on whether an emergency landing is needed.

Notes

• Customers with peanut dust allergies are advised to book travel on early flights, since aircraft are thoroughly cleaned at the end of the day.

Web Link

Southwest.com
Search: allergies

Ticket Buying

• Advance notice is not required, but the passenger or family needs to notify a gate agent and the flight attendants of the allergy.

In-Flight Accommodations

• A peanut/nut allergy buffer zone will be created which includes the row the allergic passenger will be seated in, the row in front and the row behind and the corresponding rows on either side of the aisle as well.
• Spirit will not provide an allergy P.A. announcement for a whole flight, but will inform passengers seated in the buffer zone area that they will not be served products containing nuts (this includes peanuts). They are also asked to refrain from eating nuts or nut products during this flight.
• Passengers with peanut or nut allergies can pre-board to wipe down the seats and trays once they’ve asked the gate agent.

Free Snack Policy on Peanuts/Nuts

• No free snacks are distributed.

Sold Snack Policy

• Banana nut muffins, mixed nuts, almonds, Peanut M&M’s and Chex Mix are among the snacks provided for sale.

Gluten-Free Options

• There are no gluten-free options in the snacks for sale.

Pets, Perfumes

• Dogs (under 40 pounds), cats and small household birds are allowed if kept in a carrier that fits under the seat.
• If a passengers informs Spirit of an allergy to an animal, accommodations will be made to reseat the traveler as far away from the animal as possible.
• No official policy on fragrance.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• Allergy and asthma training are included in the airline’s first aid training.

Emergency Protocol

• Medical kit includes epinephrine (vial and syringe) and an inhaler for asthma.
• An inflight announcement will be made requesting medical personnel onboard in case of an emergency.
• Spirit uses MedLink for medical support and guidance. MedLink can be contacted (in most cases) during flight to help with medical advice and consultation.
• EMTs will be requested to meet a landing aircraft with a passenger who is experiencing an emergency medical situation.

Web Link

Spirit.com/
Search “allergy”

Ticket Buying

• When booking, allergy information can be added to a customer’s profile online or by calling the service center.
• Customers with allergies are encouraged to notify the cabin crew and the service center.

In-Flight Accommodations

• No peanuts are served, and passengers are asked not to bring any foods containing peanuts onboard.
• However, it’s possible meals and snacks will contain trace amounts of peanuts or nuts.
• Meals can be provided for allergies if the service center is contacted at least 5 days prior to departure. (Allergic Living recommends that those with allergies bring their own food as a precaution.)
• P.A. announcements are not made for an allergy.
• Buffer zones are not offered, but crews will do their best to accommodate when possible.
• This airline was certified allergy-friendly (for environmental allergies). Synthetic pillows can be requested and lavatories feature hypoallergenic soaps.

Free Snack Policy on Peanuts/Nuts

• No peanuts served, but snacks or meals may contain nuts or sesame, or traces of peanuts.
• Allergens are declared on pre-packaged items whenever possible.

Sold Snack Policy

• No snacks are sold onboard.

Gluten-Free Options

• Gluten-free meals and rolls are available.
• Passengers with an allergy can request a special meal.

Pets, Perfumes

• Pets are allowed onboard in carriers, but a special filtration system pulls all allergens downward while fresh air is filtered in from above.
• No official policy on fragrances, but the crew o their best to accommodate requests related to pet or perfume allergies.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• All cabin crew members receive medical training from a medical team. This includes training on how to respond to anaphylaxis emergencies.

Emergency Protocol

• The inflight medical kit includes epinephrine (vial and syringe), an albuterol inhaler for asthma, plus antihistamines.
• An announcement will be made asking for medical personnel onboard to identify themselves in case of an emergency.
• The crew will contact a ground medical provider should a medical emergency occur.

Web Link

Swiss.com
Search: allergy policy

Ticket Buying

• The airline would like to be informed of a food allergy at the time of booking.

In-Flight Accommodations

• With peanut allergy, if you inform the flight attendant, “in some cases” he or she will ask others seated near you to refrain from opening or eating peanut products.
• The gate agent may allow pre-boarding to wipe seats.
• Flight crews do not make announcements that there is an allergic passenger onboard.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nuts

• United does not serve peanuts or foods made with peanut oil.
• Snack mixes contain tree nuts; some sesame snacks. Warmed cashews and almonds may be served in first class.

Sold Snack Policy

• United Airlines cannot guarantee an allergen-free meal or environment on its flights.
• Products that contain tree nuts and sesame are for sale on the snack cart.
• Shellfish and fish can be served as an option in first class or in both classes on international flights. The airline does not change a flight menu for an allergic person.

Gluten-Free Options

• Gluten-intolerant meals are available. They do not contain wheat, barley, rye or oats.

Pets, Perfumes

• Small dogs (except some breeds), cats, rabbits and domestic birds in carriers are allowed.
• A buffer zone may be created for a person with serious pet allergies.
• There is no perfume policy.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• The crew is trained in first aid and has instruction on allergies and use of allergy medications.

Emergency Protocol

• The medical kit includes epinephrine (vial and syringe) and an inhaler for asthma.
• The captain or crew will make an inflight announcement for medical personnel onboard if there is an emergency.
• There is a ground medical provider in case of an emergency that will be contacted for medical advice.

Notes

• United Airlines’ website says: “Since we cannot guarantee allergen-free flights, we encourage customers to review any health concerns with their physicians prior to flying.”

Web Link

United.com
Search: allergy or special meals

Ticket Buying

• Notify WestJet as soon as possible of a food allergy and the Canadian airline will add a special code to your reservation. If you book through a travel agent, be sure you notify the agent of the allergy. On the day of the flight, passengers should notify the check-in agent and flight attendant of the allergy.

In-Flight Accommodations

• Notify the cabin crew that you are traveling with an allergy. With the advance notification, the cabin crew will make a P.A. announcement for anyone who self-identifies as being allergic to peanut or nuts (and requests the announcement).
• Passengers who inform the cabin crew of their nut/peanut allergy will be asked if they have an epinephrine auto-injector with them and where it is, or if they’re carrying any other allergy medications.
• WestJet will also create a “buffer zone”. Passengers within a three rows will be informed that a traveler has a severe allergy and will be asked to refrain from opening or eating peanuts, nuts or nut products during the flight.
• WestJet will remove almonds as an onboard snack on a flight, if alerted ahead of time to a nut allergy.
• A passenger/family who reports an their allergy to a customer service associate will be allowed to pre-board to wipe down their seating area.

Free Snack Policy on Peanut/Nut

• WestJet does not serve complimentary snacks that have peanuts or sesame ingredients. Some snacks may contain traces of peanuts, nuts or sesame.
• WestJet requires food vendors to: a) complete an allergen checklist that indicates all allergens at a facility; b) have an allergen control policy that prevents cross-contamination with peanuts or nuts.
• Airline serves almond snacks in its premium economy section. However, with advance notice, flight crew will make a P.A. announcement for anyone who self-identifies as being allergic to nuts and requests the announcement. When this is the case, the crew then will not serve nuts among the premium section snacks.

Sold Snack Policy

• No snack with peanuts as a main ingredient. However, there are nut products and or sesame containing items.

Gluten-Free Options, Other Allergens

• No full gluten-free meals, but there are a few gluten-free snack options. Snack vendors provide documentation that a product meets the North American standard of less than 20 ppm of gluten in a “gluten-free” product.
• WestJet does not serve fish or shellfish, but may in future.

Pets, Perfumes

• Small pets, including dogs, birds, cats and rabbits, are allowed in the cabin in authorized carriers. A maximum of 2 pets in the cabin per flight are allowed.
• With 48 hours’ notice, WestJet will create a buffer zone of 5 rows for a cat-allergic passenger. Without 48 hours’ notice, the airline will still do its best to accommodate.
• If a customer cannot be on a flight with a pet, that person will be moved to a different flight at no extra charge.
• No policy on fragrance, but flight crew will relocate a scent-sensitive passenger.

Allergy/Asthma Training

• Regulators require flight crews to update first-aid every three years. However, WestJet crews take a refresher course annually.

Emergency Protocol

• Medical kit includes epinephrine (vial and syringe), an inhaler for asthma and antihistamines.
• Cabin crew may administer a passenger’s epinephrine auto-injector provided it’s prescribed to that passenger.
• WestJet has protocols in place for medical emergencies, including calling for onboard medical help and contacting emergency physicians at the MedAire ground medical center.

Notes

• Some of WestJet’s food service providers process food in a facilities that also process nuts or peanuts and therefore products may contain (traces) of nuts and or peanuts.
• WestJet does not screen food items other WestJet customers bring onboard. So nut residue, oils or other allergens may be present on tray tables, seat cushions or elsewhere in the cabin.
• WestJet recommends that customers with severe allergies to food products advise the flight crew and/or bring their own food items.
• While allergy aware, the airline cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment.

Web Link

WestJet.com
Search: allergies