As a result of the increased security measures following this weeks thwarted terrorist attack, the Belfast Telegraph says that people with coeliac disease travelling from Ireland will not be allowed to bring food through security gates – even with a doctor’s confirmation that they suffer from a food allergy.
Discussion on the Message Board, and a post on the CUK site suggests that most people flying out from Heathrow (or other English airports) believe that a doctor’s letter would be enough to allow people to bring gluten free food onto the airplane – and they may be right, but we need to know for sure. We need confirmation of what is and isn’t allowable, as the provision of gluten-free food on airplanes is extremely erratic, and booked gluten free meals often don’t appear.
While for short-haul flights, it may be possible for adults to manage without food, for children or for anyone on long-haul flights, it will be extremely difficult. We need to be able to bring gluten-free foods on board with us or we need to be able to trust airlines to provide appropriate food.
We wait to see …
Edit: latest news says that hand luggage will be permitted, but still no liquids or gels. With luck, this will mean that we can take some emergency food supplies on board, but still better check with the airlines first.
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