The Importance of Stringent Allergen Controls & Information on Air Flights

Traveling by air can be an exciting experience, but for individuals with allergies, it can also be a source of significant anxiety. Recent research backs this up: 63% of airline passengers with food allergies reported feeling "a lot" of anxiety around flying, and 20% said their allergy had an extreme impact on whether they traveled at all.

Flying with a food allergy also demands a fair amount of preparation for travellers. They'll carry epinephrine (93%), secure a doctor's note (91%), prepare their own in-flight meals (82%), and call the airline ahead of time to confirm allergen policies and procedures (67%). 

With around 200-250 million people affected by food allergies globally, ensuring stringent flight allergen controls and providing clear flight information is crucial for all passengers' safety and comfort.  Let's look at why these measures are so essential and a few strategies for airlines looking to reduce allergen incidents overall:

Why Strict Allergen Controls Matter for Air Travel Safety

Safety First:  They Prevent Severe Reactions to Food Allergens

For passengers with severe allergies, exposure to allergens can lead to life-threatening reactions. Common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish can cause anaphylaxis, a rapid and severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.  When these reactions occur mid-flight, they may be characterised as an in-flight medical event (IME), defined as "any medical condition or incident on a commercial flight that requires more assistance than the flight crew can provide".

A meta-analysis of reported in-flight medical events (IMEs) due to allergens estimates that serious allergic reactions are the cause 2-3% of all IMEs annually. That may seem low — and thankfully, it is — but the researchers who authored the report take care to point out that not only is the rate of allergen-induced IMEs higher among children, it's the passengers themselves who — by dint of proactive preparedness and erring on the side of caution — shoulder much of the burden of risk reduction. 

If airlines take proactive measures, one can easily envision a further reduction in serious allergen-induced IMEs. By enforcing stringent allergen controls, airlines can reduce the likelihood of accidental exposure, IMEs, and severe adverse effects for passengers of all ages.

Allergen Controls Create an Inclusive Environment for Airline Passengers

Everyone deserves to travel without fear. Food allergies don't just impact the person with the allergy. Families often travel together, after all. Passengers impacted by an allergen — whether their own or a loved one's — actively seek out airlines with a proven track record on allergy mitigation and response online.

By proactively managing allergens, airlines can create a more inclusive environment where passengers with allergies — and their travel companions — feel safe, respected, and less likely to restrict their travel overall. These measures should include offering allergen-free meal options, clearly labelling food items, and ensuring that cabin crew are trained to handle allergic reactions. 

Stringent Allergen Controls Protect Your Brand's Reputation, Too

A single incident of a severe allergic reaction can severely damage an airline's reputation, and with food allergies on the rise, the likelihood of needing a plan to mitigate the possibility of IMEs will increase, too. A strong commitment to allergen management can enhance your airline's brand image and attract customers who value safety and inclusivity.

In fact, when airlines treat food allergies seriously and treat passengers impacted by them compassionately, like the 32% of passengers who said that an airline or a member of the flight crew went “above and beyond" to accommodate them — 73% of which say they will choose that airline again — according to research presented by the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

That's great news for airlines that take these steps, but there's still work to do: 36% of those same respondents  36% said the airlines assured them that they would meet requested accommodations but failed to deliver, and an additional 35% reported that they had experienced unprofessional or insensitive behavior by airline staff, including gate agents, flight attendants, and baggage handlers.

Allergen-conscious Airlines Stay Ahead of Regulators & Out of Legal Trouble

Navigating legal liability and regulatory responsibilities in air travel can be complex. As the number of individuals with food allergies increases and awareness of managing these allergies during travel improves, additional legislation is likely to be enacted. For example, the FAA has made provisions addressing this issue. reauthorization bill in the U.S., which requires every airline emergency medical kit (EMK) to include epinephrine auto-injectors.

Free Cheatsheet: Allergen Labelling by Country

Being proactive about allergen response can also help shield airlines from civil complaints and passenger lawsuits. The US, UK, and EU all have laws prohibiting discrimination against people with medical conditions or disabilities, which can include individuals with food allergies and mandate that airlines make "reasonable accommodations". Stringent policies and clear communication keep everyone on the same page and well clear of legal grey areas.

3 Ways to Keep Air Travel Safe for Passengers with Food Allergies

Making air travel safe for travellers with food allergies can be a daunting task. However, with careful planning and collaboration between airlines, caterers, and passengers, it’s possible to soar through the skies with confidence. Here are three key strategies to ensure a safe and enjoyable flight:

Prioritise Clear Communication About Allergens & Policies

Ensuring that passengers receive clear, comprehensive, and easily accessible information about allergens is absolutely essential for their safety and peace of mind during air travel. This involves not only providing detailed descriptions of potential allergens present in meals and snacks offered on board but also making this information readily available through multiple channels. This includes:

• Pre-flight Information: Airlines should inform passengers about their allergen policies and available meal options before the flight. This allows individuals with allergies to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions.
• Onboard Announcements: Clear announcements about allergen policies and the availability of allergen-free options can help reassure passengers and remind everyone to be mindful of their fellow travellers.
• Labelling and Packaging: All food items served on board should be clearly labelled with allergen information. This transparency helps passengers avoid accidental exposure to allergens. 

Passengers should be able to access allergen details via the airline's website, mobile app, and printed materials such as menus and brochures. Additionally, it is crucial for airlines to communicate any changes in allergen policies or meal options promptly, allowing passengers to make informed decisions and take necessary precautions well in advance of their flight. By prioritising transparency and accessibility in allergen information, airlines can significantly enhance the travel experience for passengers with allergies, ensuring they feel secure and respected throughout their journey. 

Digital Download: Consumer Sentiment Report on Transparency & Recall Response

Allergen Safety Training & Preparedness 

Regular, rigorous training will keep the crew updated on the latest medical guidelines and procedures and prepared to act swiftly and effectively in the event of an allergic reaction. 

Cabin crew should be thoroughly trained to recognise and respond to allergic reactions and have a complete understanding of the various signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, which can range from mild skin irritations to severe anaphylactic shock. They should also be well-versed in the protocols for handling medical emergencies, and know how to use EMKs, which include essential items such as epinephrine auto-injectors, antihistamines, and other necessary medications. 

Make Allergen Safety a Collaborative Effort

Airlines, passengers, and healthcare professionals must collaborate closely to ensure a safe and comfortable flying experience for everyone. Everyone has a role to play in creating allergen-safe skies.

Passengers who have allergies taking proactive steps to communicate their specific needs to the airline well in advance of their flight. This includes informing the airline about the nature and severity of their allergies, any special meal requirements, and any other accommodations they might need during the journey. Passengers should always carry their own emergency medications, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, antihistamines, and any other prescribed treatments.

Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in this collaborative effort by providing expert guidance and advice to passengers on how to manage their allergies while traveling. They can offer personalised strategies for avoiding allergens, recommend suitable medications to carry, and advise on how to handle potential allergic reactions during a flight. Moreover, healthcare professionals can work with airlines to develop comprehensive training programs for cabin crew, ensuring they are well-equipped to recognise and respond to allergic emergencies.

Airlines should be committed to continuously improving their allergen management policies and procedures. This involves actively seeking feedback from passengers and healthcare experts to identify areas for enhancement. By implementing best practices and staying informed about the latest developments in allergy management, airlines can create a safer and more inclusive environment for all passengers. This ongoing improvement process should also include regular training for staff, clear communication of allergen policies, and the provision of allergen-free meal options to accommodate diverse dietary needs.

Airlines Can Make it Easier to Travel With Food Allergies

Making it easier to travel with food allergies is a collaborative effort, and the airlines have a unique opportunity to lead the way. Trustwell has a decades-long legacy of providing software solutions designed especially for the food industry. Our expertise enables us to offer invaluable support in navigating the complexities of allergen management, ensuring compliance with existing regulations, and anticipating future requirements.

Whether you need menu labelling guidance or a complete compliance solution, Trustwell can help.  Our educational resources, consulting services, and comprehensive traceability technology can help you achieve compliance in time and stay ahead of future regulatory changes in your destination markets. Contact us today to get started.