Most airlines
should do gluten – free meals, as long as you order them in advance. When we
booked our flights there was no gluten–free option which was worrying. We
called Delta and they assured us that a gluten-free meal was ordered for my
boyfriend and I. On arrival to the gate at Manchester Airport I went to check
with the lady at the desk whether my gluten-free meal was on board. I was told
that no special meal was ordered and there was no way I could get one on board
before take off.
I was angry as
this is not a case of being a vegetarian (a lifestyle choice) this is a medical
necessity! The lady at the gate seemed unwilling to search for a solution to
the problem. I was told to buy food from the terminal; unfortunately there was
no decent food in the terminal that was gluten-free (basically crisps,
chocolate and milkshake). I got ever more frustrated at the situation and
unfortunately the check in desk lady had a very matter of fact attitude which
made the whole situation worse. Luckily Delta’s representative came to the desk
– I believe his name was Paul. Paul helped me with the situation – he spoke to
the head air hostess and told me that he could guarantee that I would get
gluten-free food on board – whether it meant the airhostesses giving up some of
their food, a first class meal or if it was simply using a lot of fruit, cheese
and meat.
I cannot thank
Paul enough! His customer service was above and beyond. He came onboard with
me, made sure that I was calm about the situation and made sure that the
airhostesses knew that this was not just gluten-restricted, but I needed
gluten-free.
I have never had such amazing plane food in
all of my life. My lunch consisted of smoked salmon, potato salad with dill,
tartare sauce, sliced steak and tomato. This was a meal from the first class
menu, 100% gluten free and it was AMAZING. For dinner I had a cheese platter
with fruit – this included blue cheese and two white cheeses with strawberries
and grapes. For pudding I was given a choice of green or red apple and vanilla
ice cream with a chocolate swirl.
My experience of
Delta airlines gluten-free food was one that started badly; a gluten-free meal
had been ordered, I had been assured of this over the phone and on the day of
the flight this was not available. However, I understand that when the time of
the flight changes and seats change, it is difficult to keep track of who
ordered what. Once the Delta representative came out the problem was solved.
Customer service was first class and I received perfect gluten-free food.
If you are ever
concerned about being a gluten-free traveler – don’t be. From my experience
with Delta, flying with nutritional requirements is not difficult at all. There
may be a few hurdles occasionally – but you will receive great food and
fantastic customer service.
I came across Van’s Gluten-free Waffles in
the frozen section of the local supermarket in Sarasota. I bought the original
and the ancient grain waffles to try them out. They also have blueberry, flax
and apple cinnamon but I’m not a fan of flavored waffles – I’d rather add my
own toppings of fruit.
