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Make a list and plan for your allergy triggers (allergens), because travel can increase your risk of exposure to allergens such as: – depending on the time of year that you travel. Travelling with the possibility of severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks means you need to take additional precautions.

ASCIA has a thorough , speak with your doctor about what medication or precautions you will need to take.

If you have an allergy but do not need to carry an adrenaline (epinephrine) injector, it is still recommended that you carry an If you are at risk of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), be sure to plan well for your trip.

Speak with your doctor and make sure you understand your allergy and medication.

When you travel, be sure to carry: an adrenaline injector on all flights – carry this in hand luggage in case you need it or your luggage is lost in transit.

Do not stow it in the overhead lockers

Keep it accessible a supply of medication to cover the time you will be away – and a bit extra in case you need to stay longer. Check expiry dates and take medication in original packaging travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions. can be difficult, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction.

Do some research about food labelling in the countries you will be visiting. It is also important to consider which airline will be best able to accommodate your dietary needs. Investigate the contact details of emergency services in your country of destination.

Note the number for the switchboard in your hotel as this may vary. Consider a foreign language travel card about your allergy to show restaurants in your destination. Check all airlines’ policies for food allergies before you book.

Not all airlines may be able to accommodate your needs. Allergy and Anaphylaxis United States has a. Some airlines may ask you to sign an indemnity form if you have a peanut allergy. Take other precautions as described above if you are at risk of severe allergic reaction.

Make sure you carry your adrenaline injector on your flight in your hand luggage or clothing. Do not check-in allergy medications as you may need the adrenaline during the flight, or your luggage and your medication may be delayed or lost in transit. under control, flying in a pressurised cabin should not be a problem.

If you are in doubt, check with your doctor. Your doctor can also make sure your asthma action plan is updated. that can make your asthma worse. Plan ahead and make sure you always have: your supply of medication both as carry-on (don’t stow it in the overhead lockers – keep it accessible) and checked luggage – in case any of your luggage is delayed or lost travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions.

In an emergency, always call 911 – or the emergency number in the country in which you are travelling.

Before you travel with an allergy If you have an allergy , make sure you visit your doctor before you travel, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an asthma attack Your doctor can prescribe a supply of medication for your travel and update your American Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) Action Plan for Anaphylaxis food ingredients – shellfish, fish , egg , peanuts, tree nuts and seeds insects dust and mould seasonal pollen pre-travel checklist for people travelling with allergies, asthma and anaphylaxis Travelling with mild allergies If you are travelling with mild allergies such as hay fever ASCIA Action Plan for Allergic Reactions Travelling with a risk of severe allergic reaction a device to call for help (mobile phone) at all times while you are away an ASCIA Travel Plan for people at risk of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) – filled in and signed by your doctor an ASCIA Action Plan for Anaphylaxis for use with your adrenaline injector (EpiPen® or Anapen®) a letter from your doctor listing your allergies and medication Travelling with food allergies Travelling with food allergies Food allergies and flying fact sheet with the major airlines’ food allergy policies Travelling with asthma If you have your asthma When you travel you will potentially be exposed to high levels of allergy triggers (allergens) enough medication to cover your trip plus a bit extra in case you need it a letter from your doctor listing your allergies, asthma and medication an up-to-date asthma action plan Where to get help Emergency department of your nearest hospital Your GP (doctor) NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0400 – for health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days) American Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA) – Locate a specialist St John Ambulance United States (616) 555-0400 Allergy and Anaphylaxis United States Asthma United States 1800 278 462.

Key Points

  • can be difficult, especially if you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction
  • also important to consider which airline will be best able to accommodate your dietary needs
  • Take other precautions as described above if you are at risk of severe allergic reaction