Policy on gluten-free meals a hassle for this passenger
Q. I will be traveling with my husband for vacation on an airline. This is my first major trip since being diagnosed with celiac disease and hypoglycemia. We used frequent-flier miles and are going first class. We did this so that I would be able to eat adequately on such a long trip. We will make one plane change in Dallas.
One flight will be serving lunch and the other dinner. American Airlines lists the code GFML for a gluten-free meal on their website. However, you can’t request a meal from the website. Upon calling the airline, I was told that gluten-free meals are not available.
The reason given was that I should have taken a direct flight. We would have preferred to do that, but none were available. After two calls and zero response from the airline, I am writing to you for help.
Susan Sparks Harvard, Mass.
A. You took the step of bumping to first class to get something clearly displayed on the airline’s website and were denied. With a newly diagnosed disease, you were understandably nervous, and the airline’s lack of response or willingness to honor a simple request is inexcusable.
The airline did not reply to numerous requests to respond to me either.
Vi Orloff of the Celiac Disease Foundation offered coping strategies for people with celiac disease, who are unable to eat wheat and related grains.
“We suggest that people with celiac disease take along some food in their carry-on bags,’’ Orloff said. “I often take a hard-cooked egg, a sandwich made with gluten-free bread, a gluten-free snack bar, a can of tuna with the easy-open top, etc.’’
She said the disease is misunderstood and noted that someone with celiac disease must maintain a gluten-free diet, not just wheat free.
“The consequences of consuming the wrong food can be disastrous,’’ Orloff said. If someone with celiac disease “does not wish to pack food for some reason, a fruit plate or all-vegetable plate usually served to kosher passengers will be appropriate.’’
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