FARE: Action Needed Today on Airline Legislation

As you are likely aware, for eight months FARE has been leading an effort to make airlines safer for people with food allergies. This includes our support of personnel who are meeting with legislators in Washington DC to garner backing for these efforts. Many of you have already sent letters of support to your Senators, and for this we thank you.

There has been an important development in this effort and we once again come to you for your assistance. This Wednesday, March 16, the Senate Transportation Committee will consider legislation related to the Federal Aviation Administration. Sen. Edward Markey (D-MA) will offer an amendment requiring a General Accountability Office study regarding airline policies for passengers with food allergies. This study looks into:

• the policies of air carriers and whether they are consistently followed
• the possibility of a model policy for passengers with food allergies
• the incidence of in-flight allergic reactions and use of epinephrine
• the incidence and cost of emergency landings

One or more of your U.S. senators is a member of the Transportation Committee. Please call his or her office today to encourage the senator to vote for the Markey amendment on airline policies regarding food allergies. It is only necessary to call the senator(s) on the committee at this time. When you call, ask to speak to the staff person who handles Federal Aviation Administration issues. Introduce yourself as a resident of the state, explain your interest in food allergies, and ask for the senator’s support for the Markey amendment.

If you get an indication as to whether the senator will (or will not) support the amendment, please send a quick email to Scott Riccio, Senior Vice President at FARE, at sriccio@foodallergy.org.

Thank you for participating in this important FARE advocacy effort.

Jennifer Jobrack
Senior National Director of Advocacy
Food Allergy Research & Education