Airport checklist for a gluten-free trip

Gluten-free choices at airports can be limited, so Coeliac UK recommends planning before you travel. This checklist uses what airlines, border agencies and coeliac organisations publish.

1. Order the meal early. Delta, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific all need special-meal requests at least 24 hours before departure. Singapore Airlines needs 32 or 56 hours from some cities. Delta asks you to add the request again after any booking change.

2. Check whether your flight offers one. Delta serves special meals on international flights and on most domestic routes in Delta First. KLM offers no dietary meals within Europe, and British Airways offers none in Euro Traveller (short-haul economy).

3. Know what the meal covers. Singapore Airlines' Gluten Intolerant Meal (GFML) contains no wheat, rye, barley or bran, but the airline cannot guarantee it is free of traces. Delta says it cannot guarantee its meal is 100% gluten-free. British Airways says its meal may contain up to 20 ppm.

4. Pack sealed snacks. Coeliac UK advises carrying snacks in case of delays. At US checkpoints, the TSA allows solid food in carry-on bags. Liquids and gels over 3.4 oz (100 ml) go in checked luggage.

5. Declare food at the border. All food must be declared when entering the US. Declared items that are not allowed are taken without a penalty. The Coeliac Society of Ireland suggests shop-bought packaged food, which is easier at customs.

6. Read the label for the local standard. "Gluten-free" means less than 20 ppm in the US and no more than 20 mg/kg in the EU. In Argentina, the limit is 10 mg/kg.

7. Know the rules in Argentina. By national law, airlines that serve food on board, and food kiosks in transport terminals, must offer at least one gluten-free (sin TACC) option.

8. Carry a translated card. The Coeliac Society of Ireland offers eating-out cards in all major languages.

On the site:

• Amsterdam Schiphol: the menu board at Leon lists gluten-free chicken nuggets. It is not a dedicated kitchen. See Amsterdam airports.
• San José, Costa Rica: Mimo at Juan Santamaría Airport serves pizza. Ask whether a gluten-free base is available. See San José airports.