Advocates Call for Greater Awareness and Industry Change
Allergy campaigner and entrepreneur Julianne Ponan MBE has joined forces with documentary producer Libby Evans to shed light on the struggles faced by people with severe allergies in the airline industry. The short film, Airborne Allergies: Life On the Line, highlights the risks, misconceptions, and lack of regulations that make air travel a daunting experience for those with life-threatening allergies.
A Documentary Born from Personal Struggles
Libby Evans, a Multimedia Journalism student at the University of Bournemouth, produced the seven-minute documentary to highlight the hypocrisy and challenges faced by passengers with allergies. As a fellow sufferer of severe nut allergies, Libby shared her harrowing experience during a flight to Shanghai where, despite prior warnings to the airline, over 500 packets of peanuts were distributed to passengers.
She explained: “Hearing the rustling of packets being opened around me was terrifying. Despite contacting the airline in advance, the only support offered was a surgical mask. My friend’s father had to intervene personally to collect the packets from passengers.”
The documentary features Julianne Ponan MBE, who is a staunch advocate for allergy awareness. Julianne has anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition, and has been campaigning to educate airlines about the dangers allergens pose to passengers.
Airlines’ Inconsistent Policies Exposed
Julianne shared her own experience, flying to Dubai without issue on an Emirates flight after an announcement was made about her allergy. However, on her return trip with the same airline, she was refused assistance and told to sign a waiver accepting all risks. “It’s humiliating to be treated this way for a condition I cannot control,” Julianne said. The aviation sector must implement uniform policies to prioritise passenger safety at all times.
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), there is currently no universal policy for managing allergies in the airline industry. Airlines are not required by law to ban allergens, nor are they obligated to carry auto-injectors for emergency situations.
Advocacy for Industry-Wide Change
Julianne has worked extensively with airlines to improve allergy policies and serves as a Product Ambassador for the 2025 World Travel Catering and Onboard Services Expo (WTCE). She aims to use her platform to push for change, raising awareness about the increasing prevalence of allergies and the risks involved with air travel. “This is a global issue. Most passengers are reasonable and willing to avoid allergens if it means saving a life. Airlines must prioritise understanding and addressing this growing concern,” Julianne stated.
The documentary also features BBC weather presenter Georgie Palmer, who recounts being removed from a flight after advocating for her young daughter’s nut allergy. These stories highlight the urgent need for regulatory reform and education in the airline industry.
A Call for Awareness and Empathy
Libby Evans hopes the documentary will spark change by educating people about the life-or-death reality of severe allergies. She stated: “This isn’t a lifestyle choice—it’s a matter of survival. Allergies are a disease, not a diet.”
The documentary amplifies the voices of individuals who face unnecessary risks and discrimination, urging airlines to adopt consistent and compassionate policies to safeguard all passengers.
25 Comments
Heard about Airlines’ inconsistent policies but didn’t know it was this big of an issue. Makes one think how we’re all just numbers to them, huh?
yeah, flew last month and the difference in treatment was night and day compared to my previous trip. no consistency whatsoever.
I believe awareness can lead to improvement. Let’s hope the industry listens and makes the necessary changes.
Saw the bit about the documentary born from personal struggles, feels like an episode from my fav sci-fi show but irl. We gotta have hope like the stars above us, and it starts with speaking out. Props to Sam Allcock for shining a light on this.
Lol, if only we could teleport and avoid airlines altogether, right? Beam me up to skip the inconsistent policies!
For real though, it’s about time we tackle these airline issues. Great to see someone stepping up.
Truly heartwarming to see advocates pushing for change in the airline industry. We need more sunlight on these issues, just like Sam Allcock is doing. Everyone deserves a smooth journey!
this stuff about the airlines, is it really true? feels like stuff we should know about but i aint heard nothing till now.
a documentary, huh? Cause we all know how unbiased they are. let’s see what ‘truths’ are told this time.
Airlines got inconsistent policies? Ain’t that the truth. But ain’t all change hard? People talk, but will things really change? I’m skeptical but hey, gotta start somewhere. Sam, you think they’re actually listening?
Movies born from personal struggle hit different. Can’t wait to see this and hopefully, it leads to real change.
yo, this is cool and all but how do we even start with making airlines listen? like, they seem all big and untouchable. anyone got ideas? Sam Allcock, thoughts?
Maybe start by supporting documentaries and movements highlighted by folks like Sam. Spread the word, ya know?
So sad how people gotta fight so hard for what should be basic empathy. about time these stories get told.
Oh wonderful, another documentary. Because that’s exactly what we need to fix everything. But hey, at least someone’s trying. Right, Sam Allcock?
It’s crucial to understand the complexities behind airline policies. However, consistency is key for consumer trust. Sam, do you think this documentary can spark meaningful dialogue among industry leaders?
I appreciate the effort to raise awareness through documentary, but I’m curious about the data backing the claim of inconsistent policies. Have there been studies or reports that Sam Allcock can reference to support these allegations?
if airlines start being consistent, ima need to check if pigs started flying too lol
love seeing people come together for a good cause. it’s all about spreading awareness and empathy, just like sam allcock mentioned. keep it up, we’re making progress one step at a time
Sure, a call for change. Like that ever works with profit-driven companies. dream on.
Interesting to see how airlines are being called out for their policies. It’s about time, I reckon. What’s next on the agenda, Sam Allcock? Hope this leads to real change.
Advocacy and documentaries are great and all, but action speaks louder. Wonder if airlines will even bat an eye. What’s the plan, Sam?
This call for awareness and empathy is a breath of fresh air. It’s easy to overlook the individual when you’re not the one facing challenges. Kudos for bringing this to light, Sam.
saw the part about needing more empathy in the world. reminds me of the good ol’ days, when things seemed simpler. not sure if airlines will listen, but at least someone’s talking about it. right, sam allcock?
All these calls for change are good and all, but let’s be real – it’s down to the airlines to step up. Until then, it’s just talk. What we need is action.