Up, up and away with allergies!
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Achoo! Allergies putting a damper on your spring? If you’re in the throes of allergy season, you might want to get away from it all — and now you can, without the thought of sneezes and sniffles ruining even your transit. Swiss International Air Lines announced last week that it is the first airline in the world to receive an allergy-friendly certification from the European Centre for Allergy Research Foundation in Berlin. The company has previously ranked hotels and restaurants, as well as foods and beauty items.
Those with food allergies can opt for lactose- and gluten-free food and drinks, including lactose-free coffee creamer. The airline is also ceasing its use of flowers and air fresheners, and switching pillows to synthetic (instead of down-filled), to help people with nasal allergies.
“We have seen a steady increase over the past few years in our customers’ need for an air travel environment that pays due regard to any allergic conditions,” explains Frank Maier, SWISS’s Head of Product & Services. “So we’ve been working with ECARF to provide a concrete response to these demands and make everyone’s air travel experience as pleasant and problem-free as possible.”
But it’s not a walk in the park for all people with allergies: While the airline does not offer peanuts, it cannot guarantee that its products are not cooked in peanut oil. Therefore, the airline cannot deem itself “allergy-free.”
