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.
