Travel Tips

Travel Tip: Issues that Arise While Flying With Allergies

airplaneFor airline passengers—especially those with allergies—the environment inside an airplane cabin can be especially threatening.

If you’re allergic to peanuts, what do you do on an airline that serves them?

It goes beyond the peanuts themselves. The dust created when other passengers open their packets can be deadly.

I’ve been on some flights when the crew announced that, for the benefit of one or two passengers, they would not be serving peanuts on that flight.

But what happens if you’re allergic to dogs and cats and they are already on board?

Recently, a seven-year-old boy boarded an Allegiant Air flight in Bellingham, Washington.

It was only after he got on the plane that his parents discovered he was seated next to a service dog.

The plane was delayed 90 minutes because the family was asked to deplane—not the dog and its owner.

It’s estimated that ten percent of the U.S. population suffers from pet allergies.

So what’s the solution for airborne problems?

Normally, the airline will try to reseat the allergic passenger as far away from the animal, or put them on the next available flight.

But forewarned is forearmed.

Always call the airline ahead of time to ask if there are any passengers holding reservations with animals inside the cabin.

Change your seat then, and not at the airport. At least you’ll have a better shot at a better seat.

Keep reading for more travel tips.