Some airlines have started allowing pets on board in the passenger cabin area. While many people wouldn’t think this would be a problem as long as they are kept secure and quiet, it can pose a huge issue for people with allergies.
Individuals who are allergic to animals may start to feel symptoms within a matter of minutes being in the same area of a pet. Put this together with the low airflow in an airplane cabin, you’ve got a recipe for an asthma attack or worse, anaphylaxis.
About Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to an allergen and can be life threatening. It takes over the entire body and can be caused by just about any allergy, although the most common are drug and food allergies and insect bites.
Flying and Your Allergies
So what should you do if you have pet allergies and want to fly? Call the airline and ensure that no pets are allowed in the cabin. If they do allow them, see if you can make sure your specific flight will not include any. Usually, the passengers have to indicate that they will have a pet. However, if by chance, they do not, you can ask to be moved to another flight.
Photo Courtesy of: Matti Mattila on flickr
Tue, Mar 2, 2010
Allergies, Anaphylaxis