<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> I just returned from a trip to San Francisco on Continental Airlines. Before I left for my flight, I had received in the mail, a brochure from Continetal Airlines listing all their new special dietary meals they now have available. To my surprise, one of them on the list was GLUTEN-FREE. I was really excited when I made my reservations, and requested the gluten-free meals, as shown in their new brochure. The flight to San Francisco (approx. 5 hours) departed at 7:00a.m., so I anxiously awaited my breakfast. When the flight attendant told me she had no special meals on the flight, I was shocked. I had confirmed and reconfirmed so many times, how could they not have my meal? The regular meal consisted of corn flakes, banana, and a muffin. The flight attendant told me just to eat the cereal then. So many people still do not know what gluten is. I tried to explain, mostly about the wheat, and she then got me a muffin. Needless to say, I was starving. The flight back home from San Francisco was in the evening. I called the airlines on three different occassions to stress the importance of this gluten-free meal, especially since the flight is so long. Immediately upon check-in I asked the attendant to check for me. She found my special meal and it was indeed gluten-free. I was served a grilled chicken breast, plain salad (no dressing), an apple, and a piece of angel food cake. It was a great meal, and I was so pleased. Also on the tray was a card explaining the meal was prepared in accordance with a Houston Hospital and several dieticians were consulted. I was impressed. However, when I went to eat the angel food cake, I couldn't find a listing of ingredients to check. The bakery it came from did not resemble any I could remember for gluten-free goods. My husband told me it had to be okay if they gave it to me, "Just eat it". I decided against it, and brought it home with me. I called the bakery and asked for the ingredients---wheat flour!!! They make no gluten-free items. I immediatley called Continental, and registered my complaint. I was told it was a mistake, and I should have had a coconut macaroon for dessert instead. They were sorry for the inconvenience. That was it!!! I believe they are making progress by attempting to serve our special dietary needs, but they still don't realize how costly such a mistake can be. We cannot depend on anyone---we need to trust our instincts and check everything for ourselves. DM