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Forget turbulence. For travelers with allergies, common triggers such as perfume, pet dander and peanuts can turn a routine flight into an uncomfortable or even unsafe experience. But

experts say there’s no reason for allergic passengers to fear flying. With the right preparation and in-flight caution, you can prevent an allergic reaction when you fly. A few things to

keep in mind: PET AND PERFUME ALLERGIES “All flights will have pet dander, even without pets on the plane,” says Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of

America. That’s because pet dander — the microscopic skin particles that can cause sniffles, sneezes and more for people with sensitivities — is brought aboard on people’s clothing. Once

present, it remains suspended in the air for long periods. To minimize exposure, Mendez suggests calling your carrier in advance to talk about your allergy and request a seat far from any

animals on your flight. You can also ask the flight crew for a seat change if you find you’re sitting near an animal.  Keep in mind, he adds, that service animals are legally allowed to

accompany their owners, which means it’s impossible for an airline to guarantee a completely animal-free cabin. But it’s worth knowing your airline’s pet policy to get a sense of just how

many animals might be present. Budget carrier Ryanair, for example, doesn’t allow pets (only service animals), while American Airlines allows up to seven pets, not including service animals,

on any given flight.  Wherever you sit, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid inhaling the allergen, says allergist Tania Elliott, a spokesperson for the American College

of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. She notes that pet-allergic passengers can wear a mask onboard (look for one with an N95 rating), or, for a less conspicuous look, opt for nasal filters,

which are small disks worn inside each nostril to trap troublesome particles.