Ep 64 Eating Gluten Free in Airports

Let’s start the blog with the Show Notes for this episode:

Have you ever been excited or anxious to fly, but then realized you still had to worry about what you’d be able to eat while waiting to board, or worse still what would happen if the flight was delayed and you’re stuck beyond the security line with nothing to eat?  My guest this week, Lisa, has taken it upon herself to write to Customer Service at the Vancouver Airport to request more gluten free options.  We chat about her motivation, how the airport responded to her and a great example of how one airport is stepping up for gluten free food.  Lisa originally posted her letter to the airport on her facebook page and has since re-posted it.  You can find her on facebook @GFKetogirl.

Here’s the link to the Pearson Airport in Toronto webpage I spoke about – https://torontopearson.com/foodanddrink/#utm_source=social&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=retail2018

Here is the email for customer service at Vancouver Airport YVR – customercallcentre@yvr.ca

YVR also provided contact information for the airlines using YVR – http://www.yvr.ca/en/passengers/flights/airlines-and-destinations

Here is the email to contact the Canadian Air Security Authority (CATSA) regarding questions about taking food items through security – correspondence@catsa.gc.ca

Here is a link to the list of solid food items CATSA permits through screening – https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/travelling-solid-food-items

Sue’s Websites and Social Media –

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

     (search Sues Gluten Free Baking)

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts –

I used to fly more than I do now.  For many years we lived outside of Canada and flew home a couple of times a year.  I worked as a travel agent during that time, which also allowed me to take advantage of some special offers, so I travelled for pleasure more than most people. 

I remember one of the first times I ordered a gluten free meal – I was pleased when my meal was placed in front of me at the very beginning of the meal service.  I was set, but thought, out of courtesy that I should wait for my husband to get his meal before I started to eat mine.  That was lucky, as when his came, and I compared it to mine, I realized they didn’t get mine right.  It was a pasta dish with chicken and although mine looked somewhat different, the pasta was the same.  The airline had no explanation and no back up.

I learned to always take food with me on board, as I’m sure most people on a special diet do.  Life gets more complicated when you have a stop-over, have to change planes and sometimes have a long wait.  I found, just as Lisa did, that some airports have more options than others.  Most of my layovers were in Atlanta.  I learned quickly that many of the hotdogs where fine to eat if they handled the wiener properly and never put it in a bun.  It wasn’t long before I had a plan for my layover in Atlanta which included a couple of quick stops at select kiosks. 

When my daughter was diagnosed at age 5, the plan worked for her too.  I would leave my husband with our younger daughter and Deanna and I would go off to get our safe food.  They could eat anywhere. 

Having a plan is still the best approach.  Nowadays, you can look up more information online before flying to make the best of a new airport.  You should always have a food plan before you leave home – I usually do.  I suppose this lesson is more for those newly diagnosed.  Take some time to figure out the food before you leave home, and don’t expect solutions – make your own.

PS – Always travel with safe snacks!