A Virgin Atlantic passenger with a life-threatening dairy allergy has revealed the terrifying moment she suffered a severe allergic reaction mid-flight to Barbados, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Bermuda.
Emma Gaines, who carries multiple EpiPens due to her severe allergy, had taken extensive precautions before her Christmas holiday flight. She had notified the airline of her condition in advance and personally spoke with cabin crew about her dietary requirements.
'My worst nightmare came true at 35,000 feet,' Emma recounted. 'Despite all my warnings and assurances, I was served a nut mix that could have killed me. Within minutes, I knew I was in serious trouble.'
The Moment Crisis Struck
The nightmare began when flight attendants began serving snacks. 'I immediately recognised the sound of nut packets being opened - that distinctive rustle that signals danger for me,' Emma explained.
Despite her prior warnings, a nut mix was served nearby, triggering what allergy specialists call 'airborne anaphylaxis' - where mere proximity to allergens can cause severe reactions in highly sensitive individuals.
'My throat started closing up, my chest tightened, and I broke out in hives,' she described. 'I felt this overwhelming sense of panic - we were hours from any proper medical facility.'
Emergency Measures and Diversion
The cabin crew sprang into action, administering oxygen and preparing Emma's EpiPens for use. However, with her condition deteriorating rapidly, the captain made the critical decision to divert to Bermuda.
'The descent into Bermuda felt like an eternity,' Emma recalled. 'I was trying to stay calm, but I genuinely feared I might not survive the journey.'
Upon landing, paramedics rushed aboard and immediately administered emergency treatment, including steroids and antihistamines to control the reaction.
Airline Response and Passenger Safety Concerns
Virgin Atlantic has acknowledged the incident and stated they are reviewing their allergy procedures. A spokesperson said: 'The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is always our top priority. We have robust procedures in place for customers travelling with allergies.'
However, Emma believes more needs to be done: 'This wasn't just an inconvenience - it was a life-threatening situation that could have been prevented. Airlines need to take severe allergies more seriously and ensure all staff understand the very real risks.'
The incident has raised important questions about airline allergy policies and whether current training adequately prepares crew for managing severe allergic reactions during flights.
