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Flying Southwest Airlines with Food Allergies

When my three were younger, we took all our vacations by car. To me it was easier to throw our umbrella strollers, pack and plays, etc. in our own car, drive to our location, and have a car once we arrive to get around in. Plus, road trips were how my husband and I travelled when we were younger, and we have fond memories. Last summer I travelled to Seattle (for a party celebrating the completion of Danny Dover’s bucket list), Denver for my sister-in-law’s wedding, and Orlando for my daughter’s dance competition. All within six weeks. I knew road trips weren’t going to cut it. So for the first time, my child with food allergies was going to take a plane ride.

I had a whole bunch of questions. What do I do with the epi-pen when we go through security? What if he had a reaction on the plane? How ‘airborne’ are the allergens on a plane? Well, I’m here to post a public service announcement. Southwest Airlines was AH-mazing! When we got to the gate, I mentioned his allergy. The attendant printed a special boarding pass for us, that allowed us to board early and sit together. They changed the snack for the entire plane, and asked if we wanted them to make an announcement asking those around us not to eat their own food (we appreciated this but declined the offer). The flights went smoothly and I felt as comfortable as I could.

I have no other airlines to compare our experience to, but I am a very loyal person and my experience has me sold on Southwest! Enjoy your travels and if you’re traveling with a food allergy, take comfort in how Southwest treats it’s passengers.

 

 

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Jennifer Strilko

Jennifer is the Director of Operations at DI/LDM, keeping the train moving for several operational teams and helping them meet their goals. Jennifer believes that everything happens for a reason and that we don’t meet anyone by accident. She’s looking forward to meeting new people and widening her tribe through this blog project. In her spare time Jennifer enjoys DIY projects (upcycling curbside finds is her favorite past time). Her Mom Hustle includes being a dance and baseball mom, maneuvering teen drama, and preparing her kids for college. She lives in the western suburbs of Chicago with her husband, three teenagers and two dogs.