Planning a trip can be a lot of work if you’re making reservations with allergies in mind. Every aspect of your trip has to be considered in regards to your allergy. While this makes the preparation process for a trip a bit exhaustive, having a list of the best allergy-friendly airlines will make planning a bit easier. Read on for the top allergy-friendly airlines.
1. Air Canada
Though you may be accustomed to calling the airline ahead of time to find out as much information about allergies as possible, it’s easier to make your travel arrangements with an allergy-friendly airline. One such airline is Air Canada. Air Canada makes accommodations for Canadians and their fellow travelers with food allergies.
If you are allergic to nuts, consider traveling with Air Canada. As Canada legally requires a buffer zone of three rows around passengers with tree nut or peanut allergies, Canadian airlines are one of the most considerate options for individuals with allergies. If you’re riding Air Canada, call ahead of time to request a buffer for your flight.
2. British Airways
British Airways is another major airline that takes the allergy concerns of its passengers very seriously. As of February 2016, British Airways began making inflight announcements regarding allergies. These types of announcements set the standard for other airlines carrying passengers with allergies.
During their announcements, British Airways will request that passengers sitting near anyone with peanut allergies avoid peanut products during their flight. Moreover, British Airways won’t serve peanuts during their flights and carry in-flight kits with epinephrine auto-injectors in case of emergency.
3. Delta
Delta is another allergy-friendly airline to consider for your next trip. If you’re planning to fly Delta, experts like Premier Allergy recommend notifying the airline 48 hours ahead of time. When booking online, be sure to list your allergies in their “special services” section.
This “special services” section alerts the airline to serve snack alternatives to peanuts if any passenger has a nut allergy. Additionally, gate agents will also be alerted of the allergy so they can allow passengers the opportunity to pre-board and clean the armrests, seat, and tray table.
While a buffer zone isn’t part of Delta policy, consider asking the airline in advance. In some situations, they may create buffer zones for food allergic passengers.
4. JetBlue Airways
Another go-to to consider when looking for allergy-friendly airlines is JetBlue. JetBlue thinks ahead when passengers with food allergies book their flights. If you book online, you’ll see questions related to your allergies, allowing you to skip a call to reservation agents.
Additionally, JetBlue doesn’t serve any peanuts on the plane and allows for pre-boarding for any passengers that want to wipe down the seats. If you want to request that a buffer zone is created for you, ask the airline ahead of time. In case of emergency, rest assured that JetBlue carries a medical kit with an epinephrine auto-injector as well.
5. Southwest
Though Southwest serves peanuts, travelers with food allergies can still navigate this airline successfully. When booking your reservation, be sure to check the “Assistance with Disabilities” box for “peanut dust allergy”. Call ahead of time to notify the airline and make sure they swap out peanut snacks for nut-free alternatives like pretzels.
If you’re traveling on Southwest with a milk allergy, watch out for substitute snacks like cheese crackers. In case you aren’t able to pre-board to wipe down the area, Premier Allergy recommends taking the first flight out to make sure the plane is freshly cleaned.
6. Virgin America
Virgin America is another airline that makes inflight announcements about nut allergies. Once passengers inform the airline of a nut allergy, the crew shares the announcement that other passengers should avoid opening or eating packages containing nuts. Though Virgin America doesn’t have an official policy that includes creating buffer zones or pre-boarding, friendly crews may be willing to make these considerations for guests with food allergies.
Traveling can be a pain if you have a food allergy or a similar issue. Make sure your allergies are considered the next time you book a flight. With your list of allergy-friendly airlines in mind, you’ll have a less stressful plane ride to and from your next destination
