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Thanks for all your responses. I recently posted regarding a problem about
flying Syd to Minneapolis on United without the provision of GF meals. I had
about 15 responses all of whom seemed to be well aquainted with the
problem... The comments fell into four main categories:-
1. Those who said just go for the fruit platter. This is not the answer I
was really looking for. Apart from not really being adequate food for a 12
year old on a 22 hour flight, I am keen for my son to enjoy the experience
of flying and being brought his meals like everyone else etc. Many people in
Aust do not fly as often as Americans and it is always a long flight
wherever one goes, so for us it's a big thing. Airlines provide a huge
number of dietary options (at least they do out of Aust) including 3 types
of vegetarian, diabetic, Kosher, Hahal, Hindu, bland meal, seafood only,
fruit only, low fat, high fibre, no cholesterol, peanut free, seafood free,
low protein, low sodium, egg free, lactose free and low sugar meals, so why
not GF!!!???? This list is from my travel agent. GF is not that difficult!
2. Those who said work with the fruit platter and have the stewardess add
special foods that we bring along... There was a range of suggestions
regarding sneaky ways to do this, all very amusing, which I have duly
noted!!!
3. Those who said that I should lobby United to bring back the GF provision
especially on long International flights. This is especially infuriating
because here in Sydney, Qantas is the provider of all catering to all
airlines (as is standard practice in many capital cities, I am told) and
they provide GF meals. In fact every other airline leaving Syd has a GF
option. So in my mind it is not good enough........
4. Those who said bring all your own food regardless of what they are
offering.

My response to the situation has been this. We have cancelled our United
flights and changed to Air New Zealand. This will add 4/5 hours travel time
to our already long (19 hour) flight but I don't care. Air New Zealand has a
GF option. I have also spoken to the Medical officer here in Sydney (United)
who was really nice and who sympathised with the situation, phoning back
with the details of the Catering Manager in Chigago for me to contact. I
will fax him my issue and complaint, and tell him plainly that they can't
have our $9, 000 in air fares unless they can provide a GF meal for my 12
year old son. Simple as that. Bugger them! I will also fax details of my
son's condition from his doctor. Additionally, I will use some of the
suggestions to supplement his meals via the Flight Attendants.

To all those people who advised me to take special food for him; yes we will
take extra food for him (as we always do) and yes we will be careful to
assess his GF meal, as we always do.....

Thanks to all.
Carole

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