Tips for Minimizing the Risk of Peanut Allergy Reactions When Traveling

AOL.com Editors
Updated


If you have a nut allergy, you're probably used to taking extra precautions when eating out — especially when dining in-flight. Even if you request a nut-free meal (or bring your own), close quarters mean that it's hard to guarantee that you'll be in a nut-free environment throughout the duration of the flight. Thankfully, though, there are ways to reduce this airline travel anxiety.

Click here to see 12 Things to Eat and Drink When Taking a Red-Eye (and 6 Things to Avoid)

A new international study by the University of Michigan lists "eight mitigating factors" that have been proven to reduce the likelihood of an airplane passenger reporting an allergic reaction. These practical measurements include:

  • Requesting any accommodation

  • Requesting a peanut/tree nut-free meal

  • Wiping your tray table with a commercial wipe

  • Avoiding use of airline pillows

  • Avoiding use of airline blankets

  • Requesting a peanut/tree nut-free buffer zone

  • Requesting other passengers not consume peanut/tree nut-containing products

  • Not consuming airline-provided food

According to the study's lead author, Matthew Greenhawt, M.D., M.B.A., M.Sc., of the University of Michigan's Food Allergy Center, most airlines still serve nuts as snacks or in meals. Only Canada requires that there be a three-row buffer zone with advance notification only on Air Canada flights. Even still, be sure to check with your airline in advance to see if there's anything they can do to prevent an unpleasant and potentially dangerous flight.

When traveling, the safest bet is to pack your own nut-free snacks. If you're planning to bring homemade treats, we've got some great recipe ideas for small bites that pack and travel well and taste great.

Check out the slideshow above to discover recipes for delicious and travel-friendly nut-free snacks.

Food to Travel For: 150 Iconic Dishes From Around the World
Travel Around the World in 80 Desserts
10 Money Saving Travel Tips
Best Small Towns for Food
Which Airlines Have the Healthiest Food

Advertisement