If I have a history of severe allergic reaction, am I at risk from flying?

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 5 years ago

If I have a history of severe allergic reaction, am I at risk from flying?

By Michael Gebicki
Take your EpiPen.

Take your EpiPen.Credit: Shutterstock

You could be. Many airlines serve peanuts, cashews and other varieties of nuts, one of the main causes of allergies.

Even if an allergic passenger avoids eating nuts, the mere fact of other passengers around them consuming nuts can bring on an allergic attack.

Minute nut residues that have been deposited on armrests or toilet door handles can be enough to cause a reaction.

Eggs, wheat, shellfish and dog hair are just some of the other triggers that can cause an allergic reaction.

In severe cases, exposure can cause the life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis.

Some airlines have eliminated nuts from the food they serve on board, others will request passengers refrain from eating nuts if they are alerted of a passenger's condition in advance, but legislation or even a common policy among airlines has proven difficult due to the number of potential reaction triggers that might be present in an aircraft cabin.

Some airlines train their staff to identify allergic reactions – Qantas is one such – but few if any carry life-saving EpiPens.

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading