Another Negative News Story About Coeliac

This is from The Mirror - story of woman who did not have gluten free food on long haul flight, and the confusing message/advice on the actual airline site for booking allergen/dietary requirement meals. The comments section really is everything.

mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/m...

[Regalbirdy]

Hi,

Hmm,

Whilst I would be the first one to argue the need for better food provision for people with food sensitivities when it comes to flying; airline staff also aren’t mind readers, or able to wave a magic wand.

I would’ve been more sympathetic if she’d followed the correct procedures and it had still gone wrong. Perhaps she had slightly more of a case to complain on her return journey, but certainly not on the outward leg - that was just plain ingratitude and stupidity on her part. The staff had clearly tried to help her out.

The woman has been a diagnosed Coeliac long enough to know better than to travel to another country (or to any unfamiliar place for that matter) without any form of backup food to hand in her onboard bag!!

It’s normal and necessary to discuss any sort of restrictions to your activities of daily living with the airline prior to flying - whether that’s a need for a wheelchair, airport assistance etc, or as in this case, a GF meal.

The Mirror newspaper did rather make a meal of the story… and then overcooked it somewhat! x

[Hidden in reply to Regalbirdy]

I agree with you. I think one of the issues was the actual booking site gave conflicting information and stated booking staff could not take allergen bookings and to make flight staff aware on boarding of allergen/dietary requirements. I think every aspect of life with coeliac is a minefield but do agree what you say that if you are long enough living with coeliac you can predict the pitfalls and take steps to avoid. I have to say I've had good experience with flying and coeliac, so can't complain. But yes, we only ever get to read about coeliac when it's crappy stories that invite criticism.

[nomorebeer in reply to Hidden]

Whenever we fly, I always book a GF meal in advance if it is an available option, but even so, my wife always packs a GF lunch as backup just in case the meal isn't that inspiring, and as for nearly passing out because she hadn't eaten for nine hours? over-dramatic springs to mind, I regularly go a couple of days without food and only drinking water to flush the system, and I never feel as if I'm going to pass out.

I know it can be frustrating at times for us coeliacs and people who have special dietary needs, but I can't really sympathise too much for this lady I'm afraid.

[bookish in reply to nomorebeer]

Although it wasn't a particularly inspiring 'meal' there should have been enough there, with the nuts etc. To be honest I suspect more that it was a reaction to her strong antibiotics, plus stress having had to argue about it all, and possibly poor blood sugar control. Like you, I always pack my own food, in case of need.

[Narwhal10 in reply to bookish]

Yes I agree bookish.

What infection was being treated with antibiotics to start ? Reactions to antibiotics as well. What time did they have to get up for flight to be at airport.

Yes, it was poor planning and the downside of social media. Posting on line can attract negative attention.

[bookish in reply to Narwhal10]

Good points - had she just started the antibiotic, she said she hadn't eaten prior, early start with no food not a good plan. Still not good that the flight back wasn't better, but so many other questions.

[Hidden in reply to nomorebeer]

Not a helpful story at all for the rest of us. Yes, 9 hours without food, unless you are diabetic, really isn't going to kill you. I prefer to fast than take risks sometimes.

[Ailsa72]

I haven’t read the comments but I can tell you that it is very clear that special meals must be booked in advance. Most destinations a minimum of 24-48 hours. The crew are always great and I have seen many give up their own meals to help customers. Having said that my Father is a vegetarian who is also allergic to gluten. He travels back and forth to the Caribbean and knowing that there may not be anything suitable for him he always carries snacks and or buys at the airport. British airways do not do a gluten free vegetarian meal. It’s hard but when you have allergies and such you need to be prepared. She might have had a gluten free meal and then a delay somewhere where she could not be accommodated.

[Hidden in reply to Ailsa72]

That is the double wammy - vegetarian and gluten free. Yes, it's all in the planning.

[Researchfan]

Hmmm. The way this article is written paints this woman to be an idiot.

Talking generally. I usually obsess about food and make sure food and drink sorted when travelling?? Whether bringing own or pre booking a special meal?? I know I plan for food.

Wonder whether she had never flown before? Pre booking a meal is common knowledge for most airlines and also letting crew know onboard about allergies. There has to be that level of personal responsibility. Now if the airline failed to provide a pre booked gluten free meal then got a case. Sounds like the crew should be commended for supplying some food.

(Not to sound unsympathetic but is it not surprising she was sick with eating that combination of snacks within 9hrs and on antibiotics??). She might have been better fasting or just eating the nuts and fruit 😳 .

[Hidden in reply to Researchfan]

Yes, I think maybe fasting would have been better than a load of snacks. I think, in reading the article, there is confusing wording on the BA website that states one thing and then contradicts. I think a few issues going on in this story.

[nomorebeer]

I don't actually think it is a contradiction to inform airline staff that you are GF if you have pre-booked a meal, I think that it is just an extra precaution.I often pre-book a GF meal in a local restaurant where they know me, but I always remind the staff when I arrive that everything I have must be GF.

[Hidden in reply to nomorebeer]

The wording stated that booking staff could not take orders for special meals/dietary requirements. There is a screen shot in the mirror story.

[Narwhal10]

Hi Benjamin123,

I’m just thinking out loud, her intention was to raise awareness. We all know what that feels like. Unfortunately, her message got lost in the intricacies of the situation. It’s a shame really.

[Cooper27]

A very standard Sun article, looking for people to take the Micky out of the subject in the comments section...

It is a bit of a silly one. We haven't travelled much since my partner was diagnosed, but we take some backup food away with us (get into trouble for some of it at customs the other side). I think flight attendants did quite well by finding so much that she could eat, and it was kind of them to give her their own snacks too.

Suspect a lot of this was trying to press for compensation from BA 🤷‍♀️

[corby39]

I have been GF for 13 YEARS and have travelled long haul several times America Cuba NZ and always had no problems at all.just filled the allergies.