Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate
  • Jefferson Adams
    Jefferson Adams

    Flight Delay Leads to Gluten-Free Meal Chaos for Family

    Reviewed and edited by a celiac disease expert.

    A 12-hour flight delay left a family stranded at an Italian airport with few gluten-free food options.

    Flight Delay Leads to Gluten-Free Meal Chaos for Family - Turin Airport, Italy. Image: CC BY 2.0--Paolins92
    Caption: Turin Airport, Italy. Image: CC BY 2.0--Paolins92

    Celiac.com 01/24/2022 - We've heard and read stories on the difficulties of gluten-free travel, even in good times. And we've done stories on the horrors of traveling during Covid-19 and getting stuck in quarantine without access to gluten-free food.

    Now we have a story that checks a number of those boxes. The story of a UK family of six, stuck in Turin, Italy after a technical problem caused a 12-hour delay of their departure flight to Manchester, provides the latest cautionary tale of gluten-free travel woes.

    Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
    Hollie Sheldon was flying home from a skiing trip with her husband and four children. Scheduled to depart on carrier TUI at 11.50 a.m. on December 26, the family's flight was delayed until after midnight, Hollie told the Manchester Evening News. The delay, coupled with confusion over food vouchers and expensive choices, and a dearth of gluten-free food, left the family with no viable gluten-free options.

    Their airline, charter group TUI, provided food vouchers after the initial delay, but the process was haphazard and did not provide enough money to cover the available food options at the airport. The first food coupon was for £10 per person, but good at only one restaurant, which had few choices. The family later received another voucher, for £6.

    Asking about gluten-free options for her son with celiac disease, Sheldon was told that there were none. The lack of choices forced Hollie to spend roughly £70 of her own money, including £20 on sushi for her Celiac son because it was the only gluten-free option. 

    After their flight was delayed for a second time, the mother stated they were offered a £15 voucher to spend on food and drink. The problem was that they family had to wait in line for about 20 minutes, and most of the choices were gone by the time they got to the front, Sheldon explained to reporters.

    This family's unfortunate travel experience is hardly unusual. It touches on so many difficulties faced by gluten-free travelers. Travelers who bring snacks or their own food are better protected, but still not immune to travel delays and Covid-quarantines.

    If there's a takeaway here it's that gluten-free options can vary by country and airport, when traveling during winter holidays, especially during Covid.

    Read more at the ManchesterEveningNews.co.uk



    User Feedback

    Recommended Comments



    Distressed

    On the above list of items to make ahead of time there are many gluten cross-reactors mentioned.  medium container - craisins? (Packed in a toxic heat processed oil) mayo? (Made with heat processed oils) bacon? (Not kosher)

    Medium container - veg stir fry? (Prepackaged stir fry has many cross contaminants & preservatives & often processed in a facility containing wheat)

    Takeaway from my favorite Thai restaurant? (Major cross-contamination by my personal experience in oriental restaurant kitchens using gluten-containing flavoring sauces)

    Soft cheeses including cream cheese? (Dairy is another MAJOR gluten-cross-reactor)

    A toasted gluten-free bun (breads contain yeast- my #1 gluten cross-reactor)

    2-3 Lara bars (willing to try those versions not containing processed oils)

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Scoop
    On 2/2/2022 at 11:00 PM, Emily DeGuzman said:

    One time security threw away a jar of peanut butter that I had in my carry on. 

    I can see that - it's like a liquid/gel.  I wouldn't bring peanut butter unless it was on a sandwich or crackers.  I mean, if you brought a jar of mayo, soup, and it's bigger than the allowed size ,they're going to throw it out!  I even dress my salads before i fly.  And make a hearty salad that can handle it (kale, broccoli).  

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Scoop
    On 2/6/2022 at 7:56 AM, Distressed said:

     

    On the above list of items to make ahead of time there are many gluten cross-reactors mentioned.  medium container - craisins? (Packed in a toxic heat processed oil) mayo? (Made with heat processed oils) bacon? (Not kosher)

    Medium container - veg stir fry? (Prepackaged stir fry has many cross contaminants & preservatives & often processed in a facility containing wheat)

    Takeaway from my favorite Thai restaurant? (Major cross-contamination by my personal experience in oriental restaurant kitchens using gluten-containing flavoring sauces)

    Soft cheeses including cream cheese? (Dairy is another MAJOR gluten-cross-reactor)

    A toasted gluten-free bun (breads contain yeast- my #1 gluten cross-reactor)

    2-3 Lara bars (willing to try those versions not containing processed oils)

     

    Of course, these are just my food choices - and I feel like you've made assumptions.

    I make my own mayo, and often dry my own fruit or use fresh fruit in my salads.  Skip the bacon!

    I do my own veg stir fry - freshly chopped veg, ginger, herbs.

    My thai restaurant is strictly gluten free - gluten-free soy sauce, no gluten ingredients in the kitchen or fryers.  If you're going to be flying, you'll likely be in a city large enough for an airport and likely find a strictly gluten-free restaurant for a suitable takeaway (great solution if you have no time or opportunity for prepping food).

    Can't do cheese/Dairy? Skip it! Or sometimes I make my own cashew cheese.  

    Can't do yeast? Corn tortillas are great - or chickpea or spinach flat breads that I make.

    Lara Bars are only 2-3 ingredients - dates plus something else - my favourite is the spinach strawberry.  No oil used ever.  

    I would be interested to know what food you would take.  Always good to have some new suggestions.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Helen Vajk
    46 minutes ago, Scoop said:

    I can see that - it's like a liquid/gel.  I wouldn't bring peanut butter unless it was on a sandwich or crackers.  I mean, if you brought a jar of mayo, soup, and it's bigger than the allowed size ,they're going to throw it out!  I even dress my salads before i fly.  And make a hearty salad that can handle it (kale, broccoli).  

    Agree.  Security is looking for possible plastique type explosives.  Wouldn't be good for celiac PR if a destructive person got on board with a real or fake celiac letter.  

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Scott Adams

    On a long flight I always pack a couple of gluten-free sandwiches and some GF bars, and send them through the x-ray machine. I've never had an issue doing this, and no, this amount of x-rays won't hurt your food. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Distressed
    On 2/5/2022 at 9:50 PM, GodsGal said:

    One thing that I really appreciate about the celiac community is the fact that even though our stories and situations (economic or otherwise) are diverse, we can still relate to the stories of the food challenges that we all face. I honestly feel bad for the family. Not being able to find food is one of my biggest concerns about traveling.

    I feel like that there may be some, rather personal, information involved that we as readers don't have. For example, in addition to celiac, I also have intolerances to dairy products, some varieties of lettuce, and certain raw vegetables. So, if I am to eat a salad I need to know:

    1) What vegetables are in the salad?

    2) What is the potential for cross contamination?

    3) Are there any croutons, noodles, granola, etc?

    4) Is there a dressing? If so, what is in the dressing?

    5) Are there any dairy products in the salad?

    6) Are the salads pre-made, or are they safely customizable? 

    I miss the days where I didn't have to worry about what I was eating. 

    Excellent set of questions that express exactly what I feel. It has been 12 years now since the "modern" wheat came onto the grocery shelves.  My life used to be "eat anything, anytime".  Its all very stressful and at times overwhelming. 

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Distressed
    3 hours ago, Helen Vajk said:

    Agree.  Security is looking for possible plastique type explosives.  Wouldn't be good for celiac PR if a destructive person got on board with a real or fake celiac letter.  

    Wow! Now that is a good point of concern. Thanks for the input.

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites
    Distressed
    3 hours ago, Scoop said:

     

    Of course, these are just my food choices - and I feel like you've made assumptions.

    I make my own mayo, and often dry my own fruit or use fresh fruit in my salads.  Skip the bacon!

    I do my own veg stir fry - freshly chopped veg, ginger, herbs.

    My thai restaurant is strictly gluten free - gluten-free soy sauce, no gluten ingredients in the kitchen or fryers.  If you're going to be flying, you'll likely be in a city large enough for an airport and likely find a strictly gluten-free restaurant for a suitable takeaway (great solution if you have no time or opportunity for prepping food).

    Can't do cheese/Dairy? Skip it! Or sometimes I make my own cashew cheese.  

    Can't do yeast? Corn tortillas are great - or chickpea or spinach flat breads that I make.

    Lara Bars are only 2-3 ingredients - dates plus something else - my favourite is the spinach strawberry.  No oil used ever.  

    I would be interested to know what food you would take.  Always good to have some new suggestions.

    Good advice and much appreciated input.

     

    Link to comment
    Share on other sites



    Create an account or sign in to comment

    You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

    Create an account

    Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

    Register a new account

    Sign in

    Already have an account? Sign in here.

    Sign In Now

  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Celiac.com:
    Donate
  • About Me

    Jefferson Adams

    Jefferson Adams is Celiac.com's senior writer and Digital Content Director. He earned his B.A. and M.F.A. at Arizona State University. His articles, essays, poems, stories and book reviews have appeared in numerous magazines, journals, and websites, including North American Project, Antioch Review, Caliban, Mississippi Review, Slate, and more. He is the author of more than 2,500 articles on celiac disease. His university coursework includes studies in science, scientific methodology, biology, anatomy, physiology, medicine, logic, and advanced research. He previously devised health and medical content for Colgate, Dove, Pfizer, Sharecare, Walgreens, and more. Jefferson has spoken about celiac disease to the media, including an appearance on the KQED radio show Forum, and is the editor of numerous books, including "Cereal Killers" by Scott Adams and Ron Hoggan, Ed.D.

    >VIEW ALL ARTICLES BY JEFFERSON ADAMS

     


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):
    Celiac.com Sponsor (A17):





    Celiac.com Sponsors (A17-M):




  • Related Articles

    Jefferson Adams
    Did Japan's ANA Airlines Really Give a Single Banana as a Gluten-free Meal?
    Celiac.com 05/04/2017 - Japan's ANA airline is catching some public relations heat this week after reports that a man flying from Tokyo to Australia received a banana instead of the gluten-free meal that he booked in advance.
    London resident, and celiac disease sufferer, Martin Pavelka flew All Nippon Airways flight from Tokyo this week, a nine-hour flight.
    Numerous media have reported Mr. Pavelka's plights in glaring terms, such as the Independent's alarming headline: Man Given Banana as Gluten-free "Meal"Â on Nine hour Flight, with the equally sensational sidebar: Londoner flying from Tokyo to Sydney was handed a banana as the gluten-free inflight "meal." However, a closer reading shows those claims to be pretty misleading.
    The fact is that Mr. Pavelka did receive his specially-...


    Connie Sarros
    Gluten-Free Foods to Take Along When Traveling
    Celiac.com 01/04/2019 - The beautiful, sunshine-filled days of summertime are finally here. This means more traveling and generally getting out of the house more to enjoy the glorious warm weather.  Whether you’re traveling half-way across the country by car with your family to enjoy a week’s summer vacation, catching a flight for an overnight business trip, or just traveling around town all day on errands, it’s a given that at some point while you’re away from home you’re going to get hungry.  
    You can now take advantage of a luxury that wasn’t as readily available to you even five years ago and that’s eating out on the run.  More and more chain restaurants are catering to the gluten-free diet.  But if you’re running kids to swimming lessons and baseball practice, plus you have to s...


    Jefferson Adams
    What People Say About Gluten-Free Airline Travel
    Celiac.com 12/03/2019 - Stories of gluten-free airline travel are legion, and we’ve covered more than a few tales of gluten-free airline food woe. Here are some insights from Celiac.com and our Gluten-Free Forum about dealing with gluten-free airline travel. 
    Airlines are Finally Stepping Up with Vegan and Gluten-free Options Did Japan's ANA Airlines Really Give a Single Banana as a Gluten-free Meal? UK Celiac Man's Gluten-Free Meal for a 10-Hour Flight on TUI was 'Popcorn and Crisps' Here’s what people on Celiac.com’s Gluten-Free Forum have to say about gluten-free air travel.
    Airlines are Finally Stepping Up with Vegan and Gluten-free ...
    Major airlines are among the numerous businesses that are shifting gears to cater to the growing demand f...


    Jefferson Adams
    Celiac Woman in COVID-19 Quarantine Waits Nearly Two Days for Gluten-Free Food
    Celiac.com 12/20/2021 - Janet and Maku Game of Edmonton, Canada arrived in Toronto early on Dec. 4. Because Maku had traveled to South Africa within the 14 day window set by Canadian authorities, the pair were ordered to quarantine until they received a negative COVID-19. They ended up stuck in a quarantine nightmare with no gluten-free food for Janet for nearly two days.
    Concerns about the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, have led Canadian authorities to require that anyone who has traveled to South Africa within 14 days remain in quarantine until they receive a negative COVID-19 test, even those who are already vaccinated. According to recent reports, Maku has had three doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and Janet has had two doses.
    Janet said she has severe celiac disease an...


  • Recent Activity

    1. - RMJ replied to glucel's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      6

      3 month retest

    2. - RMJ replied to Dora77's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      31

      Am I overexaggerating or is it normal?

    3. - glucel replied to glucel's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      6

      3 month retest

    4. - trents replied to Dora77's topic in Coping with Celiac Disease
      31

      Am I overexaggerating or is it normal?

    5. - trents replied to glucel's topic in Post Diagnosis, Recovery & Treatment of Celiac Disease
      6

      3 month retest


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      124,607
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    Myates
    Newest Member
    Myates
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      120.7k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Popular Now

    • glucel
      6
    • Deborah123
    • kate g
      13
    • Banana
      10
    • AileenK
  • Popular Articles

    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
    • Scott Adams
  • Upcoming Events

×
×
  • Create New...