Doctor's Note For Travelling

[Sophiekins]

Hey

I'm planning a trip back to Canada to see my parents for Christmas, and have been told that I will need a doctor's note in order to take food through security and onto the plane. . it isn't really an option for me not to take food onto the plane, as I can't eat the "gluten-free" meal the airline might provide, and with all of my sensitivities, my chances of finding safe food past security are nil. Plus I get violent migraines if I don't eat for six hours. . .a bit tricky on a nine hour flight! I also can't eat many prepackaged foods, so I'm going to need to take home-cooked stuff on board. I've travelled extensively since my diagnosis, but I never used to bother with this stuff. . .just brought what I needed and blagged my way through security . . .and even customs. . .yikes. . .I think I'm a little insane. . .

I'm concerned because my BIL (who has similar problems, though a different illness) had all of the food in his carryon confiscated at security on his last flight, though he was told that if he had had a doctor's note, it would have been fine. I'm also wondering about stuff in my checked luggage - I've never had a problem before (my first solo trip abroad I left home with a three-month supply of homemade gluten-free biscotti in my checked luggage. . .did I mention I'm a little insane?), but that was then, this is now.

Anyone have any advice? (I'm hoping to see the Doc next week. . .)

[Guest cassidy]

I took food out of and into the country twice. Once after these new no liquid rules. You can't bring liquid on the plane with or without a doctors note so you will need to bring non-liquid snacks. My doctor just gave me a pretty generic note that said I need to be on a special diet regardless of what I am doing. I didn't have to use the note at all, but I did call the phone number for homeland security or whoever was enforcing that new no liquid law to see if I could get liquid in with the note.

I was nervous about traveling with food but I don't think they really care about it. I even brought fruit in from the Bahamas and Mexico and no one stopped me. I think you just have to act like you aren't doing anything wrong.

I would bring a note because it may make you feel better but I don't think they will take your food as long as you don't bring liquids. I had tons of stuff in my checked bags and never had a problem with that.

Have a fun trip.

[zansu]

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It appears they are only limiting liquid or gel-like things, but always check before you go since they change the rules often. Might not hurt to have a printout of this either....