Travelling with food allergies is challenging, but with careful planning it is possible.

• Whether travelling by air within New Zealand or overseas you will need to contact the airlines to receive their latest policy regarding their rules for carrying medication. Do your research directly with the airlines and not through a travel agent.
• Most airlines recommend you carry some form of documentation or identification to support the need for your medication. A letter from your doctor/allergist and properly labelled medication is essential.
• Pack plenty of medication and always keep the medication and your emergency treatment plan with you at all times for easy access.
• Anaphylaxis Australia strongly recommends allergic passengers take their own food from home, keeping in mind there may be delays. This will minimise the risk of a reaction. Be sure to check on quarantine laws of your destination before departure, as some countries have specific requirements.
• Most airlines have no food restriction policies. When making your enquiries, ensure you get the name of the person who assists you and, if possible, ask for confirmation of your requests in writing. Keep this with you at all times.
• Try to book flights that are early in the day to minimise the serving of peanut snacks. However, those allergic to milk and egg may need to book their flights later in the day. The allergic individual must communicate with the airline as to the flight time that poses the least risk for their particular allergy.
• Arrive early and allow yourself plenty of time to re-confirm your requests. On boarding the plane, wipe down the trays and arm rests to remove all allergens.
• Remember to ask for assistance from your fellow passengers. You need their cooperation, so work together to ensure a safe journey. On boarding, speak to the senior cabin crew member to alert them to the anaphylactic passenger's status.
• Allergic reactions to food during travel have been documented. The most serious reactions are those where the allergen is eaten. The risk of serious allergic reactions from inhalation or touching of an allergen is considered to be extremely low. It is important to note that airborne particles can cause respiratory symptoms, ie. asthma, allergic rhinitis, but several allergists and immunologists have stated that reactions to inhaled or touched allergens may cause localised symptoms and usually not general systemic, anaphylactic reactions. All individuals are advised to minimise the risk of any reaction.

Original material provided by Anaphylaxis Australia Inc, and edited by everybody, December 2007.