Washington, DC, Oct. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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.

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Press Contact:

Andy Spears
Senior Public Relations Manager
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
media@aafa.org

About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people affected by asthma and allergic diseases through support, advocacy, education, and research. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the first asthma and allergy patient advocacy group certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org

Attachment

• FAA Rule - Emergency Medical Kits

Andy Spears
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
2029741223
media@aafa.org