1. Bring paperwork
If you have an anaphylactic allergy, you will no doubt be flying with an epinephrine auto-injector such as an EpiPen. Be prepared to show the pharmaceutical prescription label and doctor’s note confirming your allergy in order to bring medications on board. If you carry liquid medication, check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s list of exceptions for flying with liquids and gels, and bring supporting paperwork where necessary.
2. Call the airline 48 hours before your flight
It’s important to let the airline know about any severe allergies and to ask what policies they have in place to help. Peanuts are long gone as an in-flight snack, but some airlines, such as Porter, do offer nuts as part of their in-flight service menu. Given 48-hours notice, Porter will remove nut products from the menu. Many airlines try to accommodate severe nut allergies by placing you in a buffer zone where passengers in nearby rows are asked not to consume nut products. If requested, airlines such as WestJet will also make an announcement asking everyone on board not to open or consume nut products. WestJet flights also have vials of epinephrine and syringes that can be used by a flight attendant following MedLink’s medical advice via radio-telephone from all WestJet aircraft.
3. Take precautions
Bring your own hand sanitizers and wet wipes to clean the seat, cushions, tray table and surrounding areas. You can also consider catching the first flight out in the morning; some airlines have their planes more thoroughly cleaned at the end of the day, so it’s possible there’s less food residue on seats and tray tables on an early morning flight.
4. Pack your own food
Those with severe allergies and food intolerances are likely already used to bringing their own meals and snacks. Having non-perishable packaged munchies like cereal, granola bars, cookies, crackers or pretzels are a good idea. If you’re flying within Canada, you can bring fresh fruit and vegetables, but your destination will determine if you can bring these with you outside of the country. If you’re flying to the United States, select fruits and vegetables are generally permitted on board, but check out the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for details.
