Leading patient advocacy group calls for modern, easy-to-use epinephrine on all flights to protect passengers with allergies

Washington D.C., October 5, 2026 – The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is calling on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to require that all commercial airlines carry modern, easy-to-use epinephrine in their emergency medical kits.  

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction that can be triggered by exposure to allergens in food. Current rules only require syringe-and-vial epinephrine, which a qualified health care provider must administer.  

“The best way to treat anaphylaxis is to use a modern epinephrine delivery system, and we should accept nothing less,” said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. “It will save lives, it’s cost-effective, and it’s easy to deliver even for someone who has no medical training.” 

AAFA shared its position with the FAA in a comment letter. 

Additionally, over 300 AAFA community members sent comments to the FAA urging them to adopt a requirement for easy-to-use epinephrine on flights. 

AAFA’s leadership on protecting airline passengers with allergies led to Congress requiring the FAA to adopt a new rule updating emergency medical kits in 2024.  

As the FAA moves forward with the rulemaking process, AAFA urges them to adopt a rule that provides the highest standard of protection for people at risk of anaphylaxis.