Traveling w/Food Allergies

If you or your family member has a severe food allergy and are traveling this summer, below are some tips to help keep your travels safe.

TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH FOOD ALLERGIES: 

1) Flying 

• Ensure your airline is aware of your food allergy by calling your airline in advance. Notify gate attendants and flight attendants before boarding.

• Try to choose an airline that is accommodating to passengers with food allergies.  

• Jet Blue:  will create a nut-free "buffer zone" around an allergic passenger
• Delta & Southwest: will avoid serving peanuts if an allergic passenger is known to be on board

• Have a doctor's note if you need to bring a larger than 3 oz. bottle of a medication in your carry on(e.g., Benadryl liquid); or you can carry smaller portable vials (https://shop. allergysuperheroes.com/ products/single-dose-liquid- medicine-bottles) 

• Bring baby wipes to wipe down your seat and food tray 

• Be prepared with emergency medications and make sure you know how/when to use them -- make an appointment to review this with your allergist a few weeks ahead of the trip if you are unsure

2) Medications 

• Travel with two epinephrine auto-injectors (such as EpiPen or Auvi-Q) -- do not put them in your checked luggage, as you may need them on the flight!

• Request your epinephrine be inspected visually rather than x-rayed since the effects of x-rays on epinephrine are unknown

• Ensure all necessary prescriptions are refilled at least a week prior to your trip, to avoid last minute rush or running out of medications during the trip

3) Food Accommodations

• Call restaurants in advance to notify them of your food allergy and ensure they can accommodate your needs  

• If going to a non-English speaking country, learn the translated words for your food allergens. Write them on a card as a reference for others to see what foods you must avoid.

• Call grocery stores in advance to see if they have your ideal food brands in stock, or ship those items to yourself before leaving for your trip 

• Choose hotels that are close to a pharmacy or grocery store

4) Emergency Plan

• Review your emergency plan thoroughly so you are prepared

• Always be aware of the street address of places you are eating or around food (in case you need to call emergency services); know ahead of time what the emergency number is in the country you are visiting (https://travel.state.gov/ content/dam/students-abroad/ pdfs/911_ABROAD.pdf)

• Know where your closest hospital Emergency Department or Urgent Care is 

A little planning ahead will make for a better travel experience.  Enjoy your vacation and let us know if we can help you prepare for a safe and allergy-free trip.