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Showing results for tags 'airline'.
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Celiac.com 10/04/2024 - A viral video by content creator Maria Baradell has stirred controversy after she attempted to bake sourdough bread mid-flight. In the video, Baradell, known for her bread-making skills, begins the sourdough process on an American Airlines flight from Chicago to Barcelona. Despite her creative intentions, she faced backlash, particularly from people with gluten sensitivities and other allergies, as well as concerns about hygiene in the airborne environment. The Process and the Plane Baradell filmed herself mixing the ingredients for sourdough using a pop-up bowl on her fold-out tray, taking care to complete the initial steps of bread-making. After the dough was prepared and folded, it was left to ferment while she napped. However, due to the plane’s altitude and cabin conditions, the dough did not rise properly. Upon landing, Baradell continued the process at her sister’s house, completing the proofing and baking phases. Online Criticism and Concerns While some users found the video impressive and lighthearted, others raised valid concerns, particularly from those with gluten or wheat allergies. Commenters pointed out that airborne flour particles could pose a risk to passengers with severe allergies, such as celiac disease. One viewer, for instance, mentioned needing an Epi-pen due to wheat allergies. Others questioned the cleanliness of preparing dough in a shared public space like an airplane, and how Baradell was able to bring flour and other baking ingredients past airport security. Here are some examples of the comments made on the post: One person wrote: "What about people who have severe allergies?" Another person said: "How were you allowed to take flour? Powders are not allowed according to my experience." A third person said: "As a wheat allergy girlie this would take me out… do you know how long flour can stay in the air??!" Another person commented: "Not me watching this with a severe gluten allergy." Baradell’s Response and Apology In response to the controversy, Baradell addressed the concerns in a follow-up video. She explained that her ingredients had passed TSA checks, and that she sanitized her workspace. She also said that she asked her seatmates for their consent before starting the baking process. Baradell apologized for any discomfort her video caused, especially to people with allergies, stating that she had no intention of putting anyone at risk. After learning more about the potential hazards, she vowed not to attempt baking on a flight again. Supporters’ Reactions and Positive Feedback Despite the backlash, not all feedback was negative. Some users praised her ingenuity and light-heartedness, noting that it provided an interesting distraction from the usual monotony of flying. Others admired her ability to focus on a challenging task in the constrained environment of an airplane, commenting on how relaxed they would feel if they saw her baking mid-flight. Lessons Learned Baradell has since acknowledged that her attempt to create sourdough while flying was misguided. Although the idea was sparked by seeing another content creator make pasta on a flight, Baradell stated that her experience taught her the importance of being mindful of others in such a setting. She expressed gratitude for the constructive criticism she received and emphasized that she never intended to harm anyone. Conclusion: Implications for People with Celiac Disease This incident is particularly meaningful for people with celiac disease and severe gluten allergies, as it highlights how seemingly innocent activities can pose risks in shared public spaces. The potential for airborne flour particles to trigger reactions is real, especially in an enclosed environment like an airplane. Baradell’s video serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the health and safety of others, particularly in settings where close quarters make it easy for allergens to spread. Those with celiac disease often have to navigate a world that is not always designed with their condition in mind, and this incident underscores the need for greater awareness and sensitivity toward dietary restrictions. Read more at: independent.co.uk and:
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Celiac.com 01/10/2024 - For those with celiac disease, the commitment to a gluten-free lifestyle isn't just a choice; it's a vital necessity. However, a recent incident on a KLM flight has spotlighted the potential pitfalls of airline travel for those with dietary restrictions. On a flight from San Francisco to Amsterdam, Lauren Riethoff, a 32-year-old Dutch woman with celiac disease, faced a distressing ordeal when she was served a gluten-containing wrap despite having pre-ordered gluten-free meals. The consequences were severe — intense vomiting, abdominal pain, and sweating, culminating in her being stretchered off the plane upon arrival. Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, affects more than 1 in 100 people. For those with the condition, the repercussions of gluten consumption are not just discomfort; they can be severe health reactions. Lauren's plea for support from KLM post-incident was met with what she describes as a distant response. Instead of empathy, she received a €30 voucher, leaving her disheartened and seeking acknowledgment rather than financial compensation. KLM, in response, expressed deep regret for Lauren's distress, but highlighted the challenge of definitively establishing a direct link between her reaction and the in-flight meal. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and explained that, despite strict protocols, it cannot guarantee the complete absence of gluten in special meals for gluten intolerance. Lauren's call for a more robust review of processes and an assurance of preventive measures is a critical one. The incident serves as a poignant reminder that the potential severity of allergic reactions, especially in the confined space of an aircraft, necessitates unwavering diligence. As KLM pledges to conduct a thorough investigation and assures Lauren of ongoing communication, the incident sparks a broader conversation about the complexities of accommodating dietary restrictions in the aviation industry. For individuals like Lauren, the gluten-free journey extends far beyond daily choices — it becomes a matter of navigating a world where even the skies can pose unexpected challenges. Read more at aviation24.be
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Celiac.com 06/23/2023 - We've run our share of stories on the occasional horrors of gluten-free travel. In the most recent episode Chloë Chapdelaine, a popular TikTok star, experienced a distressing incident on a 15-hour flight from Dubai to Los Angeles. As she suffers from celiac disease, she carefully selected gluten-free meal options before boarding the Emirates aircraft. However, she was informed halfway through eating a plain croissant that it was a regular one that contained gluten, which she had avoided for nine years. This revelation caused her to become emotional, and she tearfully documented her experience in a viral TikTok video from the plane's bathroom. Chapdelaine believes that celiac disease is not always taken as seriously as other food allergies, and she feels that people with food allergies or sensitivities deserve to be treated with respect and understanding. The video garnered over 1.4 million views and included footage of the croissant that caused the incident. The Canadian TikToker, who is highly sensitive to gluten, immediately felt the effects of consuming it. She took measures to expel the substance from her system by inducing vomiting, spending about an hour in the bathroom. Severe Celiac Disease Symptoms Despite her efforts, she experienced symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and itching skin. Chapdelaine stated that it will take her approximately two weeks to recover from the mental repercussions caused by this incident, including brain fog and depression. She has filed a formal complaint with Emirates, although she acknowledged that the flight attendants were understanding of her situation. This incident highlights the challenges faced by individuals with celiac disease and the need for greater awareness and understanding of food allergies and sensitivities. Have any stories to share about the good, the bad and the ugly of gluten-free air travel? Share them in the comments below Read more in nypost.com
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Celiac.com 11/25/2022 - The battle for gluten-free in-flight meals has been a tough one, and we've covered a number of gluten-free meal tribulations suffered by celiacs as they travel by air and try to eat gluten-free. But good news seems to be on the horizon, as more major air carriers are beginning to feature gluten-free in-flight meals for their passengers. Recently, Japan’s largest airline, All Nippon Airways (ANA), began offering a range of new gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian meals starting on November 1, 2022. The move is the latest in a chain that began this past March, when ANA began offering a plant-based cutlet, as part of their healthy rice bowl, for business class passengers on select routes. The carrier followed that move by rolling out four healthy in-flight meals in October, including diabetic, low fat, low-calorie and low-salt meals. The new vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free meal menus are a collaboration between THE CONNOISSEURS Chef, Hideki Takayama, and chefs with ANA, and represent ANA's ongoing commitment to expanding their meal offerings to meet the tastes and preferences of their passengers. "Providing inclusive meal options is essential to ensuring our customers with the best in-flight experience," said Tomoji Ishii, Executive Vice President, Customer Experience Management & Planning of ANA. "We look forward to delivering these high-quality menu items and supplying a range of food options for all of our customers." ANA's move is part of a larger trend by major air lines to offer more gluten-free and special-diet-friendly meals, as they seek to broaden their appeal to changing passenger tastes. Have you noticed more gluten-free options when flying? Share your experiences in our comments below. Read more at Loyaltylobby.com
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Flight Delay Leads to Gluten-Free Meal Chaos for Family
Jefferson Adams posted an article in Additional Concerns
Celiac.com 01/24/2022 - We've heard and read stories on the difficulties of gluten-free travel, even in good times. And we've done stories on the horrors of traveling during Covid-19 and getting stuck in quarantine without access to gluten-free food. Now we have a story that checks a number of those boxes. The story of a UK family of six, stuck in Turin, Italy after a technical problem caused a 12-hour delay of their departure flight to Manchester, provides the latest cautionary tale of gluten-free travel woes. Hollie Sheldon was flying home from a skiing trip with her husband and four children. Scheduled to depart on carrier TUI at 11.50 a.m. on December 26, the family's flight was delayed until after midnight, Hollie told the Manchester Evening News. The delay, coupled with confusion over food vouchers and expensive choices, and a dearth of gluten-free food, left the family with no viable gluten-free options. Their airline, charter group TUI, provided food vouchers after the initial delay, but the process was haphazard and did not provide enough money to cover the available food options at the airport. The first food coupon was for £10 per person, but good at only one restaurant, which had few choices. The family later received another voucher, for £6. Asking about gluten-free options for her son with celiac disease, Sheldon was told that there were none. The lack of choices forced Hollie to spend roughly £70 of her own money, including £20 on sushi for her Celiac son because it was the only gluten-free option. After their flight was delayed for a second time, the mother stated they were offered a £15 voucher to spend on food and drink. The problem was that they family had to wait in line for about 20 minutes, and most of the choices were gone by the time they got to the front, Sheldon explained to reporters. This family's unfortunate travel experience is hardly unusual. It touches on so many difficulties faced by gluten-free travelers. Travelers who bring snacks or their own food are better protected, but still not immune to travel delays and Covid-quarantines. If there's a takeaway here it's that gluten-free options can vary by country and airport, when traveling during winter holidays, especially during Covid. Read more at the ManchesterEveningNews.co.uk -
What People Say About Gluten-Free Airline Travel
Jefferson Adams posted an article in Gluten-Free Travel
Celiac.com 12/03/2019 - Stories of gluten-free airline travel are legion, and we’ve covered more than a few tales of gluten-free airline food woe. Here are some insights from Celiac.com and our Gluten-Free Forum about dealing with gluten-free airline travel. Airlines are Finally Stepping Up with Vegan and Gluten-free Options Did Japan's ANA Airlines Really Give a Single Banana as a Gluten-free Meal? UK Celiac Man's Gluten-Free Meal for a 10-Hour Flight on TUI was 'Popcorn and Crisps' Here’s what people on Celiac.com’s Gluten-Free Forum have to say about gluten-free air travel. Airlines are Finally Stepping Up with Vegan and Gluten-free ... Major airlines are among the numerous businesses that are shifting gears to cater to the growing demand for gluten-free, allergen-free, vegan, ... Very Very sensitive Celiac flying American Airlines (business ... Long ago gave up eating airline food; since Ive only ever flown in coach I don’t really care to try the purportedly gluten-free options. However… United Airlines - Traveling with Celiac Disease - Celiac.com Last October, I went to Hawaii on vacation. The plane flight was almost eight hours, and I asked the airline to provide a gluten free meal. I found out that they had ... American Airlines Gluten-Free Meals- Bad Experiences? - Celiac.com Hello Celiac Forum, My son and I have had three really negative experiences with Gluten Free Meals on American Airlines in the past year. Delta Airlines No Longer Offers Gluten Free Meals - Traveling with ... When I called Delta to order a gluten-free meal for a flight next month, they told me they don’t have gluten-free meals anymore. They offered a vegetarian or ... Singapore Airlines - Traveling with Celiac Disease - Celiac.com My daughter will be going to Singapore and then to India. She is very sensitive to gluten and dairy, small contamination can be an issue for her. The airline says ... Continental Airlines - Traveling with Celiac Disease - Celiac.com Kudos to Continental Airlines for serving Honey Nut Chex for our breakfast flight. Thank you! *Note-Continental Airlines is now part of United Airlines. Airline Gluten Free Meals - Traveling with Celiac Disease - Celiac.com Has anyone had experiences with airline gluten free meals? I just had an Air Canada gluten free meal that had a package of cookies clearly ... Gluten-free Airline Food - Traveling with Celiac Disease - Celiac.com The Global Gluten-Free Bakery Market is in addition divided into few ... celiac disease will further contribute toward the growth of global ... Did Japan's ANA Airlines Really Give a Single Banana as a ... Japan's ANA airline is catching some public relations heat this week after reports that a man flying from Tokyo to Australia received a banana ... If you have a gluten-free travel story to tell, good, bad, or ugly, please consider sharing in the comments below. -
Celiac.com 11/25/2019 - Anyone with celiac disease or gluten-intolerance who has ever flown commercially knows that reliable gluten-free food can be hit or miss, depending on many factors. Many people simply bring their own food and leave it at that. Others choose to trust that the airline will get it right, and order a special meal in advance. What's the best solution? The story of a UK Man who was 'given popcorn and crisps' as a gluten-free meal on 10-hour flight on TUI Airways might serve as a warning against placing too much trust on airlines. Celiac disease sufferer James Howe, of UK chose to order a gluten-free meal, along with shelling out over $1,000 for premium seats for his 10-hour flight. The 39-year-old says he ordered the three course, gluten-free meal three months before his return flight to Gatwick from his honeymoon in Cancun. Howe said he was only notified after takeoff that there would be no gluten-free meal available for him. After scrambling around for options, the crew could only provide him with popcorn and crisps. Howe was understandably upset after ordering his meal well in advance, and forking out extra cash to upgrade his flight only to be left without any food options. He had some choice things to say on social media. "Popcorn and crisps to get me through 10+ hours. Fabulous way to end our lovely honeymoon." He added: "People beware if you book a meal 'they are subject to availability and nothing is guaranteed.'" "Well sorry I won't be booking another holiday with you and advising anyone to go anywhere near a TUI shop." Celiac.com recommends that people with celiac disease bring their own gluten-free food and snacks on any commercial flight, as a back-up to any mishaps, such as this. We also have a few Gluten-Free Travel Tips along with Tips for Eating Gluten-Free When Traveling.
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Handy Gluten-Free Foods to Take Along When Traveling
Jefferson Adams posted an article in Gluten-Free Travel
Celiac.com 11/28/2019 - Traveling gluten-free can be a challenge. Airports, train stations and the like are not famous gluten-free food destinations, and often feature few to no gluten-free options. For that reason, it's good practice to bring your favorite gluten-free food and snacks, just to be sure. Here's a quick, handy travel guide to great gluten-free food and snacks to have on hand when you're traveling, especially if you're traveling long distances by train, boat, or air. Handy Gluten-Free Foods to Take Along When Traveling Snack Bars - Carry a few of your favorite gluten-free snack bars. Nuts - Carry a plastic bag of your favorite nuts, like almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc. Trail Mix - Trail mixes with dried fruits and nuts can come in handy, and they also give you some protein and fiber. Fresh Vegetables - Carry a plastic bag of carrot, and celery sticks for some nutritious, portable food realness. String Cheese - String cheese travels well, and often comes in individual servings. Crackers - Pair your favorite gluten-free crackers with some cheese and vegetable sticks, and you've got a small meal that can help keep you going between gluten-free meals. Cheetos, Corn-Nuts, Doritos, and Other Snacks - Here are several lists of popular, readily available snack brands, like Cheetos, Corn-Nuts, Doritos, and the other snacks that are gluten-free, or gluten-safe, and might just save you in a pinch. Chinese Fried Rice - Most airlines will allow you to bring in outside food, and one of our favorite options is our favorite, trusted Chinese fried rice. Buy a takeaway box before you head to the airport, and prepare for jealous fellow travelers to admire your gluten-free ingenuity, and culinary good sense. Make sure it's gluten-free and has no soy sauce, or gluten-free soy sauce. Yogurt - Yogurt usually travels well, and can be supplemented with blueberries, raisins, nuts, or other treats for a more robust snack Fresh Fruit Slices - Toss some sliced apples in lemon juice to prevent browning, and toss them into a plastic bag for a tasty, nutritious on-the-go snack. Also, here are some tips from Celiac.com's Gluten-Free Forum that talk about how to eat gluten-free in restaurants. Also, here's a List of Twenty Foods You Might Be Surprised Are Gluten-Free -
Celiac.com 05/08/2008 - I am here to help you with your needs as you travel, and to be able to keep the "Gluten Monster" away, so you can enjoy your trip. When getting ready to fly you have to expect long delays. As a celiac that means you have to try to find food. If you haven’t traveled by plane before you will be in for a big surprise. The restaurants that are in the airports are always busy. This means that it is like going to a restaurant at peak time, and, in my opinion, that is not the best time for celiacs to eat in restaurants. You might want to try the fast food places that are chains if they are in the airport. The usual method is to try to get the manager to help you. Give the manager a fresh plastic fork to retrieve your meat or chicken so they don’t use gloves that have bread crumbs on them. Ask for catsup or mayo packages so you can read the ingredients. You can ask for them to make a fresh salad if that is what you like. One of the good things about most of the restaurants in airports is that at many of them you will be able to see the cooks prepare your food. Never be afraid to say “I saw you put my food on the table and bread got on it” and ask for a new meal. If there are no chain restaurants at the airport go to one of the restaurants where you can watch your food get made. Some of the restaurants have the cooking grill right in front of you. See if they can cook the food (hamburger, chicken) on the grill. You have to determine if they put the buns on the grill. If they do grill the buns on the same grill where they cook your food there is a good chance that crumbs are there and you should stay away or ask them to clean the grill with the razor blade tool. You have to determine how busy they are and if they are too busy don’t ask for something like that. Sometimes I ask for my food to be covered and microwaved. This is a very safe way to have your food cooked and if it is busy in the kitchen, your food is well protected. You still need to be careful with the salads in these types of restaurants. Remember that these places are usually busy and crumbs fly around everywhere. If they are slow ask if they can open a fresh bag of processed salad for you because you get very ill from the smallest crumb. What Chef Daniel does when Flying When I fly I always have a plan B. I bring a carry on bag with some gluten-free food that is in a clear plastic bag. This is food that if security says throw it away, I do. So far all the times I have traveled by air I haven’t been asked to throw anything away. I bring food that can last all day without spoiling. I bring food that if it gets hot and melts it is still good to eat. I like ham, pepperoni, cheese, vegetables, peanuts and some candy to keep me going. Just remember to tell the security that you have a special diet in case they ask, but don’t offer the info unless they ask. You need to be truthful and most folks are going to understand. Let the security know that you are unable to eat in the local airport restaurants and you have a long day ahead of you. You don’t want to cause any trouble in an airport so be willing to throw it away the second they ask. You could pull out your chef Daniel restaurant paper to show them how serous you take eating and by providing your list it will show them that you are very serious. It is just a way to show security how serious you take your health. Now you should be ok if you got through security and when the flight attendant comes around offering food, especially if you are on a flight for a long time, you have some food that will carry you over. Most airlines will take special requests for meals but you are taking a huge chance on eating that food. The caterers who do these meals for the planes do thousands and thousands of meals. I don’t take the chance of eating such a meal. I get way to sick if there is any contamination. When I call in for a special request for a meal I ask for whole fruit or whole vegetables, anything I know that hasn’t been on a cutting board. I usually ask for carrots or other vegetables or fruit that I like. I am scared of being sick so I will cut or break my food then eat it. Even at restaurants I ask for whole vegetables for me to cut myself. If you read my last article about my salad with croutons coming to me you can see why I am so scared of restaurants. Once you are burned you never forget...but you do learn. If you call ahead to the airport to ask for a special diet request make sure you are thorough with your request and tell them how sick you can get. Ask the airlines if you can send a request per email or snail mail with your directions in how to prepare your meal. I would ask the caterer to tape your request right to your plate so when you board the plane it will be easy to see. As you board notify the stewards you are the special meal request. Be sure to have a plan B. Look at your meal carefully when you get it and determine if it is up to your standards. I believe this article can help you travel gluten-free on board any airline. There are always little stops where you can buy a piece of fruit or packaged products but if you want something more like a hot meal you will need to follow my advice to stay safe. Gluten-Free Air Travel Hints: You should always try to getthe manager to help you. In any restaurant they have the most time tohelp you and they will help you because they typically care more thanthe regular workers (today’s restaurants have employees that come inone day and are gone the next.help. It is sad but that is the way itis so at least try to get the manager. Don’t be ashamed to askfor anything. If you want a hot dog or the chips they put on the sideof the plate ask for a bag with the product inside. Take out your safeand forbidden lists if needed and look at them to see if you can eat aproduct. Always have your Chef Daniel's restaurant paper with you in your walletor purse. Always have a copy of your safe and forbidden lists with youin case you need it to read ingredients. Always have a gluten-free restaurant card in the language you need. Crosscontamination is the greatest risk for a celiac when traveling. Crosscontamination can happen and you would never know it, such as when thechef uses a knife to cut a piece of bread, and then they use the sameknife on your vegetables, or when the chef uses a pair of tongs to flipa breaded chicken and then uses them to flip your sauté chicken.Thereare too many other ways to mention, but the main thing is that glutencould be on the tool before it is used on your meal, and it doesn’tmatter how safe the chef thought he was because you got one crumb andyou are sick for days and that ruins your vacation. Chef Daniel
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