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Flying, What To Expect?

Adelle

By Adelle
in Traveling with Celiac Disease

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Adelle Enthusiast
Adelle
Posted

In March we're going to Hawaii. We've got the hotel stuff worked out. But I didn't realize that the flight (from Oregon to Maui) will be a 5 hour flight!! I have blood sugar issues, and I get dehydrated easily.... what am I going to do??

I am planning to pack a ton of these granolagave bars from the gluten-free bakery near us. But I've heard that some flights have gluten-free meals... is that true?

Just curious!!!

I have been on a plane before, 10 years ago WAY before I went gluten-free!! And I was with my mom, so this will be very new to me!

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Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted

You should call the airline and order a gluten-free meal, but don't rely on it. Bring plenty of your own food onto the plane, in case your meal comes with a big roll on top of it (or some other glitch takes place).

Have a fun trip!

Phyllis28 Apprentice
Phyllis28
Posted

I agree with Mango04, take plenty or your own food and order a gluten free meal. I always take at least 1 1/2 times what I think for the plane ride. If I am am also taking food to eat during the trip I take as much as I can on the plane in my carry on luggage.

You can not take any liquids or gel like substances (i.e. yogurt, cottage cheese ect...) through security. You can buy water, soda and/or juice after you have cleared security to take on the plane. Other than drinks assume there is nothing you can buy to eat once you have cleared security.

Have a super trip.

gf princess Newbie
gf princess
Posted

I agree to the pack your own food! I fly a lot and upgrade to first class often, but they won't give me a gluten-free meal. I even bought first class tickets over the Christmas holiday when I was flying and they wouldn't let me order a gluten-free meal. Their response is, if it is an international flight forget about it.

so sorry, so be prepared on your own. happy traveling I hope the destination will make it all great.

kenlove Rising Star
kenlove
Posted

Sometimes they will let you order a fruit plate but not always and it depends on the airlines. You can bring fruit to Hawaii but not from here.

Only long international flights have gluten-free meals and Hawaii doesnt count in that respect. You can check to see what you can buy in the Portland airport when you leave to supplement what you can bring on board.

Good luck

Ken

In March we're going to Hawaii. We've got the hotel stuff worked out. But I didn't realize that the flight (from Oregon to Maui) will be a 5 hour flight!! I have blood sugar issues, and I get dehydrated easily.... what am I going to do??

I am planning to pack a ton of these granolagave bars from the gluten-free bakery near us. But I've heard that some flights have gluten-free meals... is that true?

Just curious!!!

I have been on a plane before, 10 years ago WAY before I went gluten-free!! And I was with my mom, so this will be very new to me!

Adelle Enthusiast
Adelle
Posted
  • Author

Thanks!! I think I'll have DH call the airline before we go. The worst they can say is no!! I was planning on bringing a TON of granola bars. They are DELICIOUS and they travel well.

It's good to know that I can bring food onto the plane! I'm not sure what I'll bring, but something I'm sure!! Thanks for the advice!

gfp Enthusiast
gfp
Posted
Thanks!! I think I'll have DH call the airline before we go. The worst they can say is no!! I was planning on bringing a TON of granola bars. They are DELICIOUS and they travel well.

It's good to know that I can bring food onto the plane! I'm not sure what I'll bring, but something I'm sure!! Thanks for the advice!

I wouldn't rely on what you can take through security ... people are talking here about AFTER security...

My experiences are quite varied... it seems to depend n the airport, mood of staff ... you name it along with constantly changing rules.

A doctors note is always useful, you can always balance the blood sugar with fruit juice .. but are you really going to slip into a coma in 5 hours? I always just plan on not eating on flights out ... its not worth ruining the vacation from day 1... if I can get stuff onto the plane its a bonus, if I can buy something on the plane another bonus ... there is always something you can find to eat... last flight I ended up eating the little butter packets straight from the packet ... the sugar packets etc. and found the peanuts in the duty free were gluten-free. Unfortunately you have to buy them first to check the packets if you fly some budget airline like continental,.

Most people can quite easily not eat for 72 hours so even with blood sugar issues you should be able to manage 7-8. (which gives you time in check-in and stuff) .. think about it you do it every night??? Make sure you eat well before security ... I usually stuff myself .... then anything you get through is a bonus.... If I get really stressed about food I usually take sleeping pills (I have a understanding doctor) .. but this is really only for 12hr+ flights...

For dehydration you can always ask for water .... usually they will give it you a glass at once then if you're in cattle class ignore requests for more with that stare to the far end of the cabin... TIP ... take some sort of tablets, (they might just be vit C) ... but tell them you need WATER to take medication and you get it REALLY QUICK ... ;) alternatively you can take an EMPTY plastic bottle or buy a bottle post security ..then ask them to refill the bottle.... again any complaints just tell them its for medication!

This being said, you might find some gluten-free stuff post security ... etc. etc. plan on not eating and then take anything you find as a bonus .... but last thing to do IMHO is take risks on being sick your whole vacation.

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Mango04 Enthusiast
Mango04
Posted
I wouldn't rely on what you can take through security ... people are talking here about AFTER security...

Maybe I've just been lucky but I've taken backpacks full of food on international flights (and domestic ones) and I've never had a problem.

Phyllis28 Apprentice
Phyllis28
Posted
Maybe I've just been lucky but I've taken backpacks full of food on international flights (and domestic ones) and I've never had a problem.

This has also been my experience, mainly on domestic flights. I only bring through security what the regulations allow. I also pack my food in a backpack. Below is the TSA website with the carryon regulations:

Open Original Shared Link

If you have any questions you can call the airport and ask to speak with a security supervisor to verify what you plan to bring through security is ok.

Have a super trip.

Adelle Enthusiast
Adelle
Posted
  • Author

Gfp: I may not slip into a coma, but yes I will get VERY sick if I don't eat anything for 5 hours. I eat before I go to bed, get up after a few hours and have 1/2 a piece of fruit or something, and back to sleep.

But, since it isn't an international flight I don't think it'll be *that* big of a deal. I assume they'll let me bring bars and such.

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