Do Airlines Provide Gluten-Free Meals?

The good news for celiacs is that most major airlines provide gluten-free meals. The bad news? Success typically relies on giving them a nudge beforehand. Never rely on onboard availability, and be aware of the "oops we forgot your meal" curse. The safest approach is to add your dietary details when booking and triple-check the airline's gluten-free policies before confirming. British Airways, United, and Delta are among the green-lighted airlines, but each has its own online process for requesting special meals. 

Follow the company-specific procedure (retrieving instructions from its official website) and confirm your meal is available upon check-in. That last-minute prod should avoid forgotten food, but identify yourself onboard, too. There have been horror stories of mixed-up seats and long-haul meals replaced with laughable alternatives like sliced oranges. 

Making these extra demands might seem faffy. But for the sake of a few requests, a gluten-free-friendly flight is worth the added communication. After being "glutened," severe symptoms can include vomiting or diarrhea — neither of which are particularly pleasant to endure, especially wedged into a tiny airplane toilet cubicle. If it's possible to learn how to drink a margarita on a plane using in-flight ingredients, a celiac diet should be manageable. Just don't be afraid to voice your requirements politely.

For anyone gluten-intolerant, in-flight meal requests are just the tip of the iceberg. Luckily, there's one golden rule that applies across the board. To make flying less stressful, always have a backup plan — especially for food. At 35,000 feet in the sky, it's not the time to chef it up and test sweet and savory gluten-free recipes to add to your rotation. But store-bought, clearly identifiable, and non-perishable snacks are definitely worth packing. 

Hit by the "forgotten food" curse? Or stuck for airport restaurant options? These extra items could save the day and keep you fed on long-haul or delayed flights. It's possible to obtain doctor's notes for medical food if you're concerned about TSA. However, candy, cheese, chocolate, and even cooked meat and veg are already permissible to carry through security. It's more flexible than people think. There are some underrated, delicious gluten-free snacks out there — find a few for your pockets.

The best way to alleviate stress when flying is to plan ahead. Speak to airlines, bring your own essentials, and organize gluten-free food for your arrival. Don't overlook the power of emergency supplies, either, especially a "glutened" self-care kit. If you fall ill, a refillable water bottle and supplies like hand sanitizer make all the difference. Keep creature comforts handy.