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Travelling to Cuba with Severe Peanut Allergy? |
Travel Info I am severely allergic to peanuts, and am hoping to go to cuba soon. I have been on a plane before and had no problems, but have never been on the airline that is going to cuba...also the trip is all inclusive, which will make meals hard for me....has anyone with an allergy gone? What did you do to stay safe? Travel Tips Well on your flight they say One of the most common staples of air travel is the little bag of peanuts. If you have a peanut allergy, this is a dangerous perk. Below is some great information and some helpful tips for travelers on how make it a positive situation. Throughout the year, FAN receives many calls from members who are seeking guidance for requesting a peanut-free flight. Below is a set of suggested guidelines for peanut-allergic passengers flying on U.S. carriers. However, each person must create a plan based on his or her particular case. As of August 2000, the only major U.S. airline that does not serve peanut snacks is United, but you should confirm this with them because airlines have been known to change their policy. This does not mean they are peanut-free, because they may have peanut ingredients in their meals or other passengers may carry peanuts on the plane with them. No airline can guarantee a peanut-free flight. However, some airlines are willing to serve non-peanut snacks upon request; others will make no accommodations. No matter which airline you choose, let them know up front that you are requesting they serve a non-peanut snack to everyone on your flight. If the reservation agent doesn't seem to understand what you are requesting, ask to speak to a supervisor or special service coordinator (titles vary by airline). Ask for a written confirmation of your request and the airline's response. Some will provide it, others will not; but it may help if you have to reschedule your flights en route. At the very least, get the name and telephone number of the supervisor or special service coordinator in case you have a problem en route. Some will ask for documentation of food allergy from your physician at the last minute. This can usually be handled via fax. There are a number of important things to do before, during, and after your flight. Before your trip, check with your allergist and discuss your travel plans in detail. Discuss the travel-related risks in your case. Ask if you should carry extra epinephrine or other medications with you. Carry enough peanut-free food with you to get to your destination. As an extra precaution, we recommend that food-allergic individuals avoid eating airline meals. This year has seen a higher than normal amount of flight delays and cancellations, so bring enough food for at least two extra meals en route. Get to the airport early and re-confirm your peanut-free snack request at the gate and with the lead flight attendant when you get on the plane. Remember, you need their cooperation. Show them how they can help you and thank them when they do. If the gate agent tells you they have no record of the request, have them call the special service coordinator who helped with your reservation. It may help. If you are traveling with a contact-sensitive child, after boarding wipe down the seats, arm rests, tray table, and window area with a handy-wipe or similar product. Also, inspect the floor and seat area and remove any peanut residue from previous flights. If a reaction should occur, follow your physician's treatment instructions and then notify the flight crew immediately. This will enable them to identify health professionals on the flight who can help treat the reaction, contact medical professionals on the ground, and/or allow the pilot to begin preparations to land the plane, if needed. As for your hotel, just be very careful!!!! =) Others When already there stay away from the street vendors candybars, they all have peanuts in several forms, also try to avoid the restaurants in Chinatown, they cook Tip Pan Chicken and I'm not so sure how good they scrape after that. In the state owned places you should be alright as long as you let them know, they will try their best to accomodate you, in case you don't know the word for peanut in Spanish can either be Mani (pronounced Manee) or Cacahuate (Not used in Cuba except for some labels). Peanut oil is not very widely used, more animal or sunflower. In case something happens if you are able to speak or have someone with you, let them know: "Allergia al Manee" This might sound totally stupid, if you speak Spanish but I know this stuff can be serious, I'm in healthcare and the A word is always a toughie. The best hospital in Havana is Cira Garcia. Other than that Have greeeat trip, you'll enjoy it!!!! |
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