Navigating the airports with celiac disease can be tough but there are options. Unfortunately, very few, especially if you are vegetarian. You might be lucky to find a salad and some fruit. Maybe a bag of crisps. I have been a vegetarian for twenty years and only been diagnosed with celiac less than three years ago. Airports and flying are the hardest for me. I always come prepared with a bag full of food. I plan for not having food in the next 24 hours. Like the apocalypse is coming. Here are my best tips for traveling with celiac disease.

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The Unfriendly Skies

Some airlines are better than others for having gluten free options available. We normally fly United. Sometimes Delta or American. I can’t really speak for other airlines. You can arrange a gluten free meal when you book your flight. I always go online and do this well in advance. Unfortunately, it is one or the other, you can’t choose gluten free AND vegetarian. I know…

My latest flight to Paris on United was fantastic. I got lucky and my meal was both gluten free and vegetarian (pictured below), also surprisingly delicious. My previous flight to Ireland on American Airlines, not so much. I received a wheat roll. Luckily, I knew something was off about it.

What To Pack

I know that you can never depend on the airlines because of the horror stories I have read, so I always come prepared. For a meal I prepare a gluten free pizza before leaving. Cold pizza is always delicious! I also have a couple of pb&j sandwiches in my bag. As for snacks…

• Kind Bars
• Trail Mix
• Chips
• Granola
• Vegan gummy bears
• Vegan jerky
• Gluten free crackers/pretzels
• Gluten free oreos
• Protein powder
• Toaster bags

You get the idea. I also have my doctor’s note with me in my bag just in case. I have never been questioned but you never know with TSA. You can freeze water bottles and use them to keep things cool. I have never done this. I live in Texas, they will melt walking to the car.

Remember peanut butter in a jar, hummus, etc is considered a liquid and must follow 3-1-1 rules. I don’t carry things they will consider liquid because I will not have room in my 3-1-1 bag. I do not travel with checked luggage. That’s a whole other horror story Air France.

I will usually book a room with a kitchen when I can. I’ll then head to the grocery store and stock up on some basics like fruit and chips that I can keep with me for snacks throughout the day. PB&J is my bestie! I research our destination ahead of time so I know all the best gluten free restaurants in town. I keep the list with me at all times and use the find me gluten free app as a back up. So far this strategy has kept me from getting sick.

Follow me on Pinterest where I have other gluten free travel guides and gluten free recipes.

The information on this site is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice. I am not a doctor, I am just sharing my personal experiences with celiac disease. Please consult a medical professional if you think you might have celiac disease.

For more information on celiac disease visit https://celiac.org/

Planning a trip to Paris? Check out Eating with Celiac in Paris – Your Guide to Gluten Free Restaurants

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