Travel

Before you go

1. Plan ahead! Think of your needs, and ask others what their experiences are. Start your planning as far in advance as possible.
2. Call resorts or hotels and ask about their food allergy policies (and their pet policies, if you are allergic to animals).
3. Choose somewhere to stay that best suits your needs. For example, having a kitchenette or refrigerator/microwave will be useful for preparing some of your meals and keeping fresh food on hand.
4. Find out which restaurants are in the area, and call them to learn about their allergy policies. Visit our Dining Out page to learn more about eating out safely.
5. Pack safe snacks and meals in case there are no safe restaurants along the way.

If you’re flying

1. Contact your doctor ahead of time to get any paperwork that the airline needs (e.g. a doctor’s letter confirming your allergy and what medication is needed).
2. Call the airline before booking and ask what their allergy policies are. Every airline is different and some are more helpful than others. Most need advance notice in order to make accommodations.
3. Always carry your epinephrine auto-injectors with you, in your carry-on bag. Bring at least two for your flight. Do not pack extra auto-injectors in checked luggage where they may be exposed to extreme temperatures.
4. Eat a good meal at home before heading to the airport; bring food and snacks to eat in the airport and on the airplane. Make sure to bring enough food in case of delays and layovers.
5. If you have small children, pre-board the plane and wipe down all seats, walls, windows and tray tables to avoid contact reactions. Don’t forget to bring your own cleaning wipes.
6. Tell the flight attendant about your allergies before boarding the plane.

Car travel

1. If you plan to rent a car, make sure that it has been cleaned, including any car seats. 
2. Pack safe snacks and meals for your child in case there are no safe restaurants, rest stops or grocery stores on your route. Take a cooler and ice packs for long journeys.

Hotels

1. When booking, ask to speak to the manager of the hotel restaurant about their allergy policies and if they are able to provide safe meals for your child.
2. Some hotels offer kitchen units or rent small refrigerators. If you plan on preparing your child’s meals, find out where the nearest grocery store is located.
3. Be aware of in-room snack bars and make sure that your child does not have access to any unsafe items.

Travel to another country

Health care

Travelling outside Canada? Consider buying travelers health insurance if your existing policy does not cover out-of-country claims. If you’re in a non-English speaking country, make sure that you know how to contact emergency services and explain that someone is having an allergic reaction. It’s always a good idea before you travel to find out where the nearest hospitals are, and whether 9-1-1 service is offered in the area.

4 travel tips for foreign countries

1. Have extra auto-injectors and other medication prescribed by your doctor, as well as extra copies of emergency plans.
2. Contact the national food allergy organization to find local information.
3. Find information on local labelling laws and read labels carefully.
4. Get information about your allergy translated. You can give this written information to those who prepare your food to help them understand your needs.