Planning a family trip? Here's how to navigate flights with food allergies, from airline policies to packing allergy friendly snacks.
Family vacations are full of excitement and memory-making—but if your child has food allergies, air travel can also bring a unique set of challenges. From in-flight snacks to cleaning tray tables, there’s a lot to consider before takeoff.
The good news? With a little planning, you can fly with confidence and keep your child safe along the way.
Here are some key tips for navigating air travel when food allergies are part of your packing list.
1. Research Airline Policies Before Booking
Not all airlines handle food allergies the same way. Before booking, take a moment to check:
- Does the airline offer allergy accommodations (like nut-free buffer zones)?
- Can you pre-board to wipe down your seats?
- What is their policy on bringing your own food?
You can usually find this information on the airline’s website, or by calling their customer service line directly. Keep notes so you can compare options and choose the airline that’s best for your family’s needs.
2. Let the Airline Know in Advance
Once you’ve booked, contact the airline to notify them about your child’s food allergy. Request any accommodations you might need, such as:
- Pre-boarding to clean your seating area
- Announcements about avoiding certain allergens during your flight
- Avoiding in-flight snacks that may contain allergens
Even if the airline has limited options, giving them a heads-up helps ensure your child’s needs are on the radar.
3. Pack a Bag of Safe Snacks
Airlines may not have allergy friendly food onboard—and even when they do, cross-contact is always a concern. The safest option? Bring your own!
A few travel-friendly, allergy friendly snack ideas:
- Free2b Chocolate Sun Cups or Crunchsters On the Go Snack Packs
- Apple slices or baby carrots
- Crackers or pretzels from trusted allergy safe brands
- Homemade treats in sealed containers
- Reusable water bottles (filled after security)
Tip: Pack extras for delays, long flights, or layovers.
4. Bring Wipes—and Use Them
Tray tables, seat belts, armrests, and window shades can all carry allergen residue. Bring disinfectant wipes and clean your child’s area before takeoff. It’s a quick step that adds a lot of peace of mind.
5. Carry Emergency Medications
Always bring your child’s epinephrine device, antihistamines, and any emergency care plan documents in your carry-on bag.
- Keep meds in their original packaging
- Bring multiple epinephrine devices, and check expiration dates
- Bring a doctor’s note if needed for security
- Let travel companions and flight staff know where medications are stored
Never pack allergy medications in checked luggage—you want them within arm’s reach at all times.
6. Talk with Your Child Before the Flight
Prepping your child in advance helps reduce anxiety and sets clear expectations. Depending on their age, you might:
- Review what snacks they can (and can’t) eat
- Practice how to say “No thank you, I have a food allergy”
- Remind them to ask you before trying any new foods
Helping them feel involved and informed can make the experience smoother for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Air travel with food allergies takes a little extra planning—but it’s absolutely doable. When you prepare ahead, pack safe snacks, and communicate with confidence, your child can travel the skies safely and enjoy the adventure.
And when it comes to allergy friendly treats you can count on during travel days? Free2b has your back. Our snacks are made in a facility free from the top 9 allergens (plus corn, mustard, and sulfites), so you can focus on the memories—not the maybes.