Airline Allergy Policy Comparison
Not all airlines handle food allergies the same way. Compare policies on nut bans, pre-notification, buffer zones, and special meals.
Understanding the Ratings
Allergy-Aware
Strong allergy policies with pre-notification, meal accommodation, and staff training
Moderate Accommodation
Some allergy accommodation available, but with limitations and no guarantees
Limited Support
Minimal allergy accommodation — travellers should pack their own food and take extra precautions
🟢 Allergy-Aware Airlines
These airlines have strong allergy policies including pre-notification, nut-free options, and trained cabin crew.
British Airways
UK / EuropeDoes not serve peanut-based snacks; may make nut-free announcements on request
Special meals available including allergen-free options
Buffer zone seating may be arranged on request
Can notify via Manage My Booking or by phone
Key Points
- •Nut-free announcements on request
- •Allergy-aware meal options
- •Staff trained on allergy awareness
Qantas
Australia / Asia-PacificDoes not serve peanut snacks; requests passengers nearby refrain from eating nuts
Offers allergen-free special meals on most routes
Works with passengers to manage seating
Notify via Special Assistance at booking
Key Points
- •Peanut-free snack policy
- •Buffer zone support
- •Allergen-free meals on request
Emirates
Middle East / GlobalCannot guarantee nut-free environment, but accommodates requests
Wide range of special meals including allergy-specific options
No formal buffer zone, but may assist with seating
Notify at booking or through Manage My Booking
Key Points
- •Extensive special meal options
- •Allergy details noted on booking
- •Cabin crew trained on allergies
Virgin Atlantic
UK / TransatlanticDoes not serve peanuts as snacks; nut-free announcements available
Allergen-aware meals available on pre-order
May arrange buffer seating on request
Notify via Special Assistance team
Key Points
- •Peanut-free snack policy
- •Nut-free cabin announcements
- •Proactive allergy communication
Jet2
UK / EuropeWill ban nut product sales on board when notified of an airborne nut allergy
Can request allergy assistance; advise cabin crew at boarding
May accommodate seating requests when allergy is pre-notified
Must notify at booking or via customer service before travel
Key Points
- •Bans nut sales on board when notified of airborne allergy
- •Proactive allergy assistance when pre-notified
- •Must inform airline before travel for accommodation
🟡 Moderate Accommodation
These airlines offer some allergy accommodation but with limitations. Extra preparation is recommended.
Lufthansa
Europe / GlobalCannot guarantee nut-free flights; nuts may be in meals
Special meals available but limited allergy-specific options
No formal buffer zone policy
Notify via Service Centre before travel
Key Points
- •Special meals available on pre-order
- •EU allergen regulations apply
- •Limited nut-free guarantees
Singapore Airlines
Asia-Pacific / GlobalCannot guarantee nut-free environment due to catering processes
Range of special meals, but not all allergens covered
No formal buffer zone policy
Notify via KrisFlyer account or call centre
Key Points
- •Good range of special meals
- •Allergy noted on passenger profile
- •Shared kitchen means cross-contamination possible
Delta Air Lines
USA / GlobalStopped serving peanuts; tree nuts still possible in meals
Limited special meal options on domestic flights
May create buffer zone on request for nut allergies
Notify via accessibility services
Key Points
- •Peanuts removed from snack service
- •Buffer zones may be arranged
- •Domestic flights have limited meal options
KLM
Europe / GlobalCannot guarantee nut-free environment
Special meals available on long-haul flights
No formal buffer zone policy
Notify via KLM customer service
Key Points
- •Special meals on long-haul routes
- •EU allergen regulations apply
- •Passengers advised to bring own food
🔴 Limited Support
These airlines have minimal allergy accommodation. Pack your own allergy-safe food and take extra precautions.
Ryanair
EuropeSells nut-containing snacks on board; cannot accommodate requests
No special meals — buy-on-board only
No buffer zone policy
Limited notification options
Key Points
- •Nut snacks sold on board
- •No special meal service
- •Passengers must bring own allergy-safe food
easyJet
EuropeSells nut-containing snacks; cannot guarantee nut-free flights
No special meals — buy-on-board only
No formal buffer zone
Can notify via special assistance
Key Points
- •No nut-free guarantees
- •No meal pre-order
- •Must bring own allergy-safe food
AirAsia
Asia-PacificNo nut-free policy; nuts may be in pre-ordered meals
Pre-order meals available but limited allergen info
No buffer zone policy
Limited notification options
Key Points
- •Limited allergen information on meals
- •Must bring own allergy-safe food
- •Regional medication rules vary
Tips for Any Airline
Regardless of which airline you fly, these steps help manage allergies in the air:
- 1Notify the airline in advance — Call or use their website to flag your allergy at least 48 hours before travel.
- 2Pack your own food — Bring safe snacks and a full meal if the flight is long. Don't rely on airline catering alone.
- 3Carry your EpiPen in hand luggage — Auto-injectors must be accessible during the flight. Bring a doctor's letter for security.
- 4Wipe down your seat area — Tray tables, armrests, and seatbelt buckles may have allergen residue from previous passengers.
- 5Speak to cabin crew at boarding — Introduce yourself, explain your allergy, and ask about in-flight meal ingredients.
Disclaimer: Airline allergy policies change frequently and may vary by route, aircraft, and class of service. Always verify the current policy directly with the airline before booking. These ratings are for guidance only and do not guarantee a specific level of accommodation.