More Tips and Strategies: Before You Fly
Plan your trip well in advance. Planning well in advance will allow you time to negotiate accommodations with the airline. Do not travel on airlines that do not respond to your needs. In addition, obtain proper documentation, such as a letter from your physician and a written prescription for your medication to take with you.
Book your flight by phone – not online or through a travel agent. Because you will be requesting special accommodations from the airline, it is crucial that you speak directly with a reservations agent and stress the serious nature of your food allergy. Be sure to get the name and number of the agent, as you will need to reconfirm your request before traveling. If you feel that the booking agent does not understand your needs, ask to speak with a supervisor. Avoid using a travel agent, which introduces the possibility of miscommunication between you and the airline.
Choose the first flight available in the morning. Airplanes are sometimes cleaned at the end of each day. Flying early in the morning decreases the chance that the seats will contain food crumbs or residue.
Reconfirm at every opportunity! No matter which airline you choose, it is crucial that you reconfirm your request (e.g., buffer zone, announcement, peanut-free snack) numerous times before you travel. You should reconfirm with:
- the reservations agent who helped book your flight;
- the gate agent;
- other key personnel, such as the airline catering or food service department; and
- the flight attendants on board the aircraft.
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