What the FAA’s New Proposal Means for Allergic Travelers

A new proposal from the Federal Aviation Administration could change the way emergency medical kits are regulated on commercial aircrafts — including how airlines prepare to treat anaphylaxis.

On August 5, 2026, the FAA published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking titled Improving Emergency Medical Kit Efficacy and Flexibility in Commercial Airline Operations.

The proposal is not a final rule, and the FAA is accepting public comments through October 5, 2026, under Docket No. FAA-2026-9178.

Currently, FAA regulations contain a specific list of medications and equipment that must be included in an aircraft's emergency medical kit. Among those requirements are two single-dose ampules of injectable epinephrine 1:1,000, along with syringes and needles necessary to administer required medications.

The FAA is proposing to eliminate that prescriptive list and replace it with what it calls a performance-based requirement.

Instead of telling airlines exactly which medications and quantities must be stocked, the proposed regulation would require emergency medical kits to contain adequate supplies for medical personnel to provide basic evaluation and initial treatment for a defined list of life-threatening medical conditions.

There are nine conditions on that proposed list, and anaphylaxis — described by the FAA as a “sudden/acute severe allergic reaction” — is specifically included.

So, importantly, the FAA is not proposing that airlines stop preparing for anaphylaxis.

The concern for the food allergy community is how airlines would be required to prepare for it.

The FAA states that treatment options “could include medication such as epinephrine.”

But the proposed regulatory language does not specifically require an epinephrine auto-injector such as an EpiPen, nor does it specifically require nasal epinephrine. In fact, neither “auto-injector” nor “nasal” appears in the text of the proposed rule.

That distinction is important.

Under the current regulations, airlines are given a specific epinephrine requirement.

Under the proposed system, airlines would instead be required to stock an emergency medical kit capable of providing initial treatment for anaphylaxis, while having greater flexibility in determining the medications and equipment used to meet that requirement.

It is extremely important for commercial aircrafts be specifically required to carry an easy-to-administer form of epinephrine, whether an epinephrine auto-injector or an approved nasal epinephrine product.

In an anaphylactic emergency, we cannot rely on whether someone onboard is able to draw the correct dose from a vial and administer it with a syringe.

This part is especially important: nothing in this proposal has become final yet.

And listen to this, you can actually help make a difference.

The FAA is actively requesting public comments before deciding what the final regulation should look like. Comments must be submitted on or before October 5, 2026, and should reference Docket FAA-2026-9178. Comments can be submitted through Regulations.gov.

We absolutely believe that commercial aircraft should specifically carry epinephrine auto-injectors or another easily administered form of epinephrine. this public-comment period is our opportunity to tell the FAA that directly.

And regardless of what ultimately happens with this rule, this proposal shouldn't change how food allergy travelers prepare for a flight. Travelers who have been prescribed epinephrine should continue carrying their own medication and following the emergency plan provided by their medical professional rather than assuming a particular epinephrine device will be available onboard.

Federal Aviation Administration / Federal Register: Improving Emergency Medical Kit Efficacy and Flexibility in Commercial Airline Operations, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, published August 5, 2026, 91 FR 50496, Docket No. FAA-2026-9178.

FAA Proposed Rule — Emergency Medical Kit & Anaphylaxis Provisions: The proposal's discussion of current EMK requirements, the proposed performance-based system, anaphylaxis, and epinephrine.

Public Comment Information: Comments on Docket FAA-2026-9178 are due October 5, 2026, and can be submitted through Regulations.gov.

Disney has shared more details on the 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival, which will run from August 27 through November 21, 2026.

The festival will once again feature Global Marketplaces throughout EPCOT, along with returning entertainment and activities.

Disney has not released the complete Foodie Guide or marketplace lineup yet, so we are still waiting for the full menus.

We did get a first look at three returning dishes: the Street Corn-style Dumplings from Gyozas of the Galaxy, the Grilled Bushberry-spiced Shrimp Skewer from Australia, and the Kirschwasser Torte from The Alps. Disney also noted that some Global Marketplaces will have phased opening dates, with the full marketplace schedule expected to be included in the upcoming Foodie Guide.

Several festival favorites are returning as well, including Remy’s Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt, Emile’s Fromage Montage, and the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. A new “Cheers to Cheese!” interactive exhibit will also open inside CommuniCore Hall beginning September 18.

The biggest update is still to come. As we said, Disney has not yet released the complete festival menus or specific allergen information for this year’s Global Marketplaces.

Once the full Foodie Guide is released, we’ll be taking a much closer look at the offerings and sharing any allergy-related information we can confirm. As always with EPCOT festival booths, guests with food allergies should speak with a Cast Member about ingredients and preparation before deciding whether an offering is appropriate for them.

Source: Disney Parks Blog — 2026 EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival Details

Disney has announced a limited-time pop-up experience coming to The Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom this fall, bringing a new lineup of food and drinks to the Frontierland restaurant.

While Disney hasn’t announced an opening date or full menu yet, the first preview includes a charcuterie board with cured beef, “fancy bacon,” smoked pork, cheeses and pickles, along with new specialty beverages (pictured above).

The restaurant’s traditional family-style meal isn’t disappearing — guests will still be able to find those familiar Thanksgiving-style offerings next door at Liberty Tree Tavern. The new Diamond Horseshoe experience will accept reservations as well as walk-ups, with more details coming soon.

For our food allergy community, Disney has not yet released allergen information or an allergy-friendly menu for the new offerings. We’ll be watching for the full menu and sharing any confirmed allergy information as it becomes available.

Source: Disney Parks Blog — Pop-Up Food and Drinks Coming to Diamond Horseshoe at Magic Kingdom

Until next time,

The Disney Food Allergy Group