<<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
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