<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

HI TO EVERYONE!

It is so great finding a group to share with.  I would like to share my
experiences with Continental Airlines Food.

INFORMATION RE: GF FOOD OFFERED BY CONTINENTAL AIRLINES -  DO NOT DEPEND
ON IT.

I have flown several times during the last few years on Continental.
They offer Gf food on their choice of special meals.  Although I always
make it a rule to bring my own food on the plane, I did decide to order
the GF meal in addition, to see what they offered.

Well, they do not have a clue about what GF food is.  My first meal was a
bagel, with  crackers and soy milk (with gluten product).  I wrote to
Continental and they were very responsive and apologetic  and said they
would contact their caterer and correct this.  I also offered to send
them a listing of GF foods, should they wish to share it with the
caterer.  They did not request this list from me.

Next flight, several months later,  you guessed it.  Again food I could
not eat.  I filled out their Customer Comment Cards and was subsequently
called by Customer Service Rep from Continental.  She apologized.  When I
asked to speak to the Caterering Manager, She responded that the Catering
Service said they do not talk to customers directly.   They were working
on updating all their "Special" meals, GF included.  They could not tell
me when this
would be done.

I told the Continental Customer Service Rep, that this was unacceptable
as it could take months.  If they could not provide gluten free meals,
then they should immediately pull the offering of GF meals from their
choices of food listed. I made it very clear in both my letter and
telephone conversation that what they were serving, as GF, could make
people very sick.  Customer Service Rep. said she would get back to me. I
have not heard from Continental again.

I did tell them that if I did not hear from them I would email a large
group of Celiacs and put out a warning that the food Continental Airline
is offering as GF food, is not safe for Celiacs.

Since my experience has been on Continental Airlines only, I cannot speak
for any other airline.

So please take notice...Bring your own food!

If anyone else has had this problem on Continental, I would be interested
in hearing from you.

Also,  If you have had a problem on Continental...please let them know
too.  One lone voice is lost in the wind.


P.S.  I have been a diagnosed Celiac-DH for 7 years (after a 50 year
remission as I was a Celiac baby).  I stick to my diet strictly and feel
wonderful..no problems. I am active, with a full time job.  I do a lot of
my own cooking and do not find the diet difficult.  I eat out (carefully)
and have travelled to Europe.  This has just been a small detour in life.
 It can be done!

Betsey - New Jersey