Can I bring peanut butter sandwiches on the airplane?

[tlinus]

And the allergy folks can think of someone other than themselves also. If they were accurate in what they were asking for people would be more willing to help. If the child is only allergic if the eat them then don't ask for the plane to be peanut free-think of the others. If the child is truly allergic to peanut dust fine then no peanuts with the dust but don't stop the 2 yr old 20 rows away from eating his lunch of a pb&j. If both sides would be realistic I think everyone would cooperate more. There will never be a peanut free environment anywhere that is a public place as long as peanuts exist.

Oh that cookie sounds good I missed lunch.

I would tend to agree with your reasoning, even though I have a peanut allergic child ( I just would not tell her about the kid 20 rows away since she is only anaphlyactic reactive to dust, ingestion and being touched with it )

She tends to get a bit sensitive and will eventually learn to get around this on her own, but for now, I have to do what I can to make her feel comfortable. (within reason and without being unrealistic to others)

 

[Ciao Mickey]

I'm not sure if that is directed at me, but if it is, what you're saying does not adequately reflect my situation. My child can be around peanuts and their dust, but can't eat them.

As I stated earlier, it is far different to be around allergans in an outdoor environment like Disney than on a plane. Fresh air vs. recycled air is the determining factor. Around some bad allergan inside a WDW park? Get away and get fresh air. Around some bad allergan inside a pressurized cabin? Well, that's not so easy.

Actually, there is at least one study I know of, and we're thinking about trying it with our DD, if it ends up showing real promise: kids with peanut allergies, though not the severest form of them, are given, orally, very small amounts of peanuts in a mixture to see how much they can take without hives forming. When they reach a point where hives appear, the kids are given that amount of the oral mixture daily, until hives stop appearing. The theory is that their immune systems start to be able to handle the peanut dust, and they can then be given more dust orally when their hives fail to appear, and so on. The study suggested that, while the allergy likely could never be cured, this treatment might allow some people like my DD, who can't ingest a single peanut without being violently ill now, to actually eat a few of them before realizing it's harmful and then quit without getting so much as a hive. It could alleviate the need for epipens, etc. for some.

It was directed to any parent that has problems with peanuts.

Any allergy that extreme would scare me. I would be afraid to let my child out of my home.

I hope that someday they will find a cure for these kids.

My niece has a nut allergy. At least they think that's what she allergic to.

She breaks out in hives and welts when she eats Baci's and Nutella and some other things. In addition to that allergy, she's allergic to the medication you take for the allergy. The doctor didn't believe it (that she can be allergic to the allergy medicine) at first until he saw her ballon up with his own eyes.

I was the same way when I was younger. I would get hives and couldn't figure out what was the cause. It went away once I got older.

 

[W2BNeverland]

All I know is what I learned growing up. You accomodate yourself to the world. The world does not accomodate itself to you.

 

[bavaria]

And the allergy folks can think of someone other than themselves also. If they were accurate in what they were asking for people would be more willing to help. If the child is only allergic if the eat them then don't ask for the plane to be peanut free-think of the others. If the child is truly allergic to peanut dust fine then no peanuts with the dust but don't stop the 2 yr old 20 rows away from eating his lunch of a pb&j. If both sides would be realistic I think everyone would cooperate more. There will never be a peanut free environment anywhere that is a public place as long as peanuts exist.

Oh that cookie sounds good I missed lunch.

once again the voice of reason.

Now let me tell you how I spent the last five hours.... apparently karma bit back (or some of you will think) or one of you boarded my flight and tried to prove a point.

I boarded first and sat in my bulkhead seat in First Class. It was my 2nd flight of the day, and I had as usual stocked up on my veggie protein items in case the airline didn't board my veggie meal (which usually happens). I was looking forward to enjoying the warm nuts (cashews, walnuts, pecans) which they serve in First before takeoff, when a woman boarded and said to the purser 'you can't serve those'. Uh oh... yes, peanut allergy.

The purser tried to be understanding, and reassured the woman that the nuts on UA are certified peanut free. She insisted however that nobody on board would be able to consume ANY nuts or any products containing ANY nuts, not just peanuts, even though she did tell him that she is only allergic to peanuts.

Unfortunately the purser did not make an announcement until boarding finished, and said that if anyone had a problem with the no nuts ban, to make themselves known.

Well, yes, I did have a problem boarding a 5 hour flight with no food and no backup food, so I asked the purser if my meal had boarded - no. The captain, purser, FA and two customer service agents all told me that the woman was unreasonable, but under ADA regulations they couldn't do anything. The captain offered me his steak meal, the GA offered to run find me something, but there was no time before takeoff. They were all frustrated by the situation that the passenger had created. I couldn't even find anything to eat with the medication I take, which needs to be taken with food.

They DID say that the passenger told them that she flies weekly, had made no request for an announcement in the boarding area, and has no information in her profile. They agreed that an announcement should have been made well in advance to allow passengers to purchase alternate food.

So, sorry, but shame on the passenger. An adult in their mid 30's should be responsible enough to ensure that adequate measures are taken to ensure her safety while being considerate of others. This woman apparently weekly impacts about 100 other people.

Oh, and she was sitting next to me in the gate area as I ate that peanut butter cookie earlier today....

 

[W2BNeverland]

once again the voice of reason.


I boarded first and sat in my bulkhead seat in First Class. It was my 2nd flight of the day, and I had as usual stocked up on my veggie protein items in case the airline didn't board my veggie meal (which usually happens). I was looking forward to enjoying the warm nuts (cashews, walnuts, pecans) which they serve in First before takeoff, when a woman boarded and said to the purser 'you can't serve those'. Uh oh... yes, peanut allergy.

The purser tried to be understanding, and reassured the woman that the nuts on UA are certified peanut free. She insisted however that nobody on board would be able to consume ANY nuts or any products containing ANY nuts, not just peanuts, even though she did tell him that she is only allergic to peanuts.

Unfortunately the purser did not make an announcement until boarding finished, and said that if anyone had a problem with the no nuts ban, to make themselves known.

Well, yes, I did have a problem boarding a 5 hour flight with no food and no backup food, so I asked the purser if my meal had boarded - no. The captain, purser, FA and two customer service agents all told me that the woman was unreasonable, but under ADA regulations they couldn't do anything. The captain offered me his steak meal, the GA offered to run find me something, but there was no time before takeoff. They were all frustrated by the situation that the passenger had created. I couldn't even find anything to eat with the medication I take, which needs to be taken with food.

They DID say that the passenger told them that she flies weekly, had made no request for an announcement in the boarding area, and has no information in her profile. They agreed that an announcement should have been made well in advance to allow passengers to purchase alternate food.

So, sorry, but shame on the passenger. An adult in their mid 30's should be responsible enough to ensure that adequate measures are taken to ensure her safety while being considerate of others. This woman apparently weekly impacts about 100 other people.

Oh, and she was sitting next to me in the gate area as I ate that peanut butter cookie earlier today....

I hope you are feeling better now. Can't believe the nerve of some people. They think the world should go out of their way to accomodate them and don't care who they put out.

This is only part of what wrong today, a population of people who think the entire universe should revolve around them.

 

[robinb]

So, sorry, but shame on the passenger. An adult in their mid 30's should be responsible enough to ensure that adequate measures are taken to ensure her safety while being considerate of others. This woman apparently weekly impacts about 100 other people.

Wait a second. You are mad at the woman who has a peanut allergy who deprived you of your little package of hot nuts?!?! But you're not mad at UAL for not stocking your veggie meal "(which usually happens)". Even after you "stocked up" on food before you got on board because you are used to UAL dropping the ball? You didn't get any free food because someone who is allergic to peanuts may in fact also be allergic to other tree nuts? Are you her doctor? Do you know for sure your little hot snack would not hurt her?

This is only part of what wrong today, a population of people who think the entire universe should revolve around them.

You can say that again.

 

[bavaria]

Wait a second. You are mad at the woman who has a peanut allergy who deprived you of your little package of hot nuts?!?! But you're not mad at UAL for not stocking your veggie meal "(which usually happens)". Even after you "stocked up" on food before you got on board because you are used to UAL dropping the ball? You didn't get any free food because someone who is allergic to peanuts may in fact also be allergic to other tree nuts? Are you her doctor? Do you know for sure your little hot snack would not hurt her?



You can say that again.

No, I came prepared. The other passenger did not take responsiblity for herself. I am not talking about a bag of peanuts on a two hour flight - I am talking about a meal on a five hour flight. I am vegetarian, and most veggies eat nuts for protein. There is often little selection in airport terminals, and even less when I am using preclearance.

Yes, United didn't stock my meal, but I came prepared with foods I can eat.

Neither side will 'win' this argument unless there is reason on both sides. This passenger did not earn any support from her fellow travellers or the crew. A simple announcement in the gate area would have done so.

 

[Kiddeokee]

Actually, there is at least one study I know of, and we're thinking about trying it with our DD, if it ends up showing real promise: kids with peanut allergies, though not the severest form of them, are given, orally, very small amounts of peanuts in a mixture to see how much they can take without hives forming. When they reach a point where hives appear, the kids are given that amount of the oral mixture daily, until hives stop appearing. The theory is that their immune systems start to be able to handle the peanut dust, and they can then be given more dust orally when their hives fail to appear, and so on. The study suggested that, while the allergy likely could never be cured, this treatment might allow some people like my DD, who can't ingest a single peanut without being violently ill now, to actually eat a few of them before realizing it's harmful and then quit without getting so much as a hive. It could alleviate the need for epipens, etc. for some.

The study might be just what your DD needs. I am allergic to aspirin/ibuprophin. I spent 2 days in a doctor's office (in another city) being "desensitized" to aspirin. As long as I take aspirin daily, I can now take aspirin & ibuprophin. They started me with VERY small doses of aspirin, I had a reaction, then continued taking more, and didn't have any more reactions. It's really amazing how it works & makes life SO much easier. I can see it working with peanut butter.

It is not a cure. I do have to take aspirin every day. If I miss too many days (3-4) then I will be back to full strength allergic. For now, this works.

 

[grimley1968]

The study might be just what your DD needs. I am allergic to aspirin/ibuprophin. I spent 2 days in a doctor's office (in another city) being "desensitized" to aspirin. As long as I take aspirin daily, I can now take aspirin & ibuprophin. They started me with VERY small doses of aspirin, I had a reaction, then continued taking more, and didn't have any more reactions. It's really amazing how it works & makes life SO much easier. I can see it working with peanut butter.

It is not a cure. I do have to take aspirin every day. If I miss too many days (3-4) then I will be back to full strength allergic. For now, this works.

That peanut study, for all I know, is still going on and nowhere near ready for the public. While I'd love to see my DD not have to worry about peanuts, her allergy is just severe enough that I don't want her trying this for a few years at least. She just turned 4, and has only accidentally ingested peanut products 3 or 4 times, a couple times at preschool and once at a picnic she ate a pb cookie that did not look like most pb cookies look, with that little tic tac doe pattern. In fact, it looked like an M&M cookie. With the cookie, we had to take her to the emergency room. The reaction seems to get worse each time, but so far Benadryl seems adequate to relieve her of symptoms. Until she gets old enough to accurately tell us how she feels and/or know exactly what peanuts look like/smell like, etc. we'll just keep her away from them and keep the epipen nearby.

Actually, in a small percentage of cases, some children born with peanut allergies eventually grow out of them. But in most cases, and I'm fairly certain this is happening with my DD, they grow more severely allergic as they grow up. We'll evaluate whether that peanut desensitizing process would be good for our DD in a few years, when her discomfort description abilities surpass things like "My tummy hurts" or "Brain freeze."

 

[dawnball]

Even is the percentage of people who are allergic to peanuts is 1%, that means that 1 person on the average 727 probably allergic. A plane is not like restaurant or lunchroom where the tables are cleaned throughly between seatings. Who knows if a peanut butter eating toddler smeared her sandwich all over the tray table, arm rest, window and seat on the previous flight? I can guarantee that the tray table was not even wiped down during the very short turnaround at the gate.

I really just don't understand the obsession with peanut allergies. Other big-8 allergens (particularly wheat) have roughly equivalent frequencies of both allergy and anaphylaxis and tolerance levels. Yet the answer is "don't take peanut butter, take a sandwich" When peanut butter doesn't aerosolize and wheat from a sandwich will essentially always aerosolize because bread crumbles.

I spent a year avoiding many, many allergens while my immune system recovered and started treating most foods normally. Peanuts are comparatively easy to avoid to prepared foods (Even trace/equipment/facility) compared to wheat or dairy. No one is really safe from allergens on a flight, anymore than they're safe anywhere else. I had many, many more problems avoiding allergens in my office than I did in aircraft.

{shrug} I personally wouldn't bring a PB&J onto a plane just out of courtesy to the other PAX who might be allergic. There are other options to peanut butter, and it's really not a big deal to make another choice.

Except when it is. When I was highly reactive to foods I could eat: fruit, vegetables, tree nuts, meat, eggs, a few types of oil, herbs and some (but not all) spices. When you combine that with the restrictions on carry-on food/ice packs it's hard to carry 20+ hours worth of food that contains protein and isn't going to set off someone's allergies. Primarily I'd eat a lot of breads made out of nuts and egg white. It would have been a big deal for me to avoid nuts when I traveled. Now, if I *knew* my nuts would make someone miserable I'd sit hungry on the flight and eat at the terminal. But it's silly to be hungry and cranky on an airplane because someone *might* be on the plane who *might* have an allergy and *might* have a reaction if my food happened to be carried through the air system.

Oh sure, you can stick to your guns and proudly munch your PB&J 'cause no one is going to tell you what to do! That is your right as an American. Or you can think about someone other than yourselves for a minute.

Why is it that people without allergies are the ones who have to do all the thinking about other people? I try not to travel with uncontained big-8 allergens, and I don't usually eat on the plane - in part because I can't eat any of the in-flight snacks due to my own medical issues. If I have any way of knowing that someone on my flight is allergic to my food (regardless of the allergen), I'll reserve it until we land. I'm not a mind-reader though, and it's impossible for me to know exactly what anyone else on the plane might be allergic to or how sensitive they may be.

 

[jenelope]

Wait a second. You are mad at the woman who has a peanut allergy who deprived you of your little package of hot nuts?!?! But you're not mad at UAL for not stocking your veggie meal "(which usually happens)". Even after you "stocked up" on food before you got on board because you are used to UAL dropping the ball? You didn't get any free food because someone who is allergic to peanuts may in fact also be allergic to other tree nuts? Are you her doctor? Do you know for sure your little hot snack would not hurt her?

I think what she's saying is that she was angry that she was deprived of any food at all, because her backup food contained nut products. If the woman had told the GA before boarding, there would have been an announcement in the waiting area and bavaria could have made other arrangements before it was too late. I saw nothing in her post about not being angry at UAL for failing to board her veggie meal. She did mention that the GA, captain, and purser all spoke to her about the situation. I doubt the captain would have offered up his own meal if bavaria hadn't conveyed her feelings on what a disaster it was. As for the woman, she said that she was only allergic to peanuts. Aren't most people with peanut allergies also tested for tree nut allergies? It stands to reason, that if she said she was only allergic to peanuts, that she wasn't actually allergic to other nut products and shouldn't have demanded that they not be eaten. As the airline staff told Bavaria, this happens on a weekly basis, so even if she misspoke and actually is allergic to tree nuts, this woman is willfully ignoring her responsibility to inform the airline in advance.

And I have to say I find the phrase "little hot snack" to be rather belittling of Bavaria's concerns about this. We aren't talking about someone having a treat taken away and whining about it. She has stated before that she can't eat meat because of past illness. She also stated that she has to take medication with food. She made a contingency plan to ensure that she was taken care of. But because of someone else's last minute demand, she was left with nothing to eat and no way of taking her medication for a five hour flight.I would think sympathy is called for more than ridicule.

 

[Lewisc]

The ADA doesn't apply.

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/q&aeng02.htm

Discrimination by air carriers in areas other than employment is not covered by the ADA but rather by the Air Carrier Access Act (49 U.S.C. 1374 (c)).

I don't think there is any mention of accommodating passengers, with allergies, in the air carrier access act.

I have to assume at least some children will wind up consuming a candy bar that might contain a nut product.

This is SW's position:
http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/disability.html#peanut

our Flight Attendants will make every effort to serve an alternate snack. As some of our other snack items may contain peanut particles, peanut oil, or have been packaged in a peanut facility, Customers who have allergic reactions to eating/ingesting peanuts should read the ingredients on any packaged snack before consumption. Of course, all Customers are welcome to bring their own snacks with them. ......




Although following the above procedures will ensure peanuts are not served on a flight, Southwest cannot prevent other Customers from bringing peanuts or products containing peanuts onboard our flights. In addition, Southwest cannot give assurances that remnants of peanuts and/or peanut dust/oil will not remain on the aircraft floor, seats, or tray tables from flights earlier in the aircraft’s routing.

There isn't any reason for you to harm yourself. I certainly wouldn't unshell peanuts, or even open a packet of peanuts but, if I was in your position, I wouldn't hesitate to have a granola bar, even if it contained a nut product.

If you need to push the issue you may want to assert your medical need to have food with your medication. You might ask where in the CoC the airline retains the right to dictate what food a passenger is allowed to consume onboard.

The captain, purser, FA and two customer service agents all told me that the woman was unreasonable, but under ADA regulations they couldn't do anything. The captain offered me his steak meal, the GA offered to run find me something, but there was no time before takeoff. They were all frustrated by the situation that the passenger had created. I couldn't even find anything to eat with the medication I take, which needs to be taken with food.

They DID say that the passenger told them that she flies weekly, had made no request for an announcement in the boarding area, and has no information in her profile. They agreed that an announcement should have been made well in advance to allow passengers to purchase alternate food.

So, sorry, but shame on the passenger. An adult in their mid 30's should be responsible enough to ensure that adequate measures are taken to ensure her safety while being considerate of others. This woman apparently weekly impacts about 100 other people.

Oh, and she was sitting next to me in the gate area as I ate that peanut butter cookie earlier today....

 

[Passions71203]

All I know is what I learned growing up. You accomodate yourself to the world. The world does not accomodate itself to you.

true, very true

 

[inkkognito]

Wow, this thread has truly enlightened me! I have hyperacusis, which causes me literal pain in my ears when I hear certain pitches of sound. The ones that hurt are the fireworks/motorcycle/backfiring pitch. All this time I've been the one who avoids potentially painful situations and who covers my ears or just suffers if I'm in a situation that can't be avoided, like a backfiring motorcycle driving down the road. I didn't realize that I should expect the rest of the world to accommodate me...I'm going to let WDW know that they have to provide fireworks-free days at the parks, and I'm going to get an injunction against anyone with a loud car or motorcycle driving within two blocks of my home. After all, if you want to get really technical, it is a protected disability because it inhibits me in day-to-day functions (you'd be amazed at just how many situations there are with sounds at that pitch unless it causes you a feeling of an icepick getting poked in your ear).

 

[tlinus]

Wow, this thread has truly enlightened me! I have hyperacusis, which causes me literal pain in my ears when I hear certain pitches of sound. The ones that hurt are the fireworks/motorcycle/backfiring pitch. All this time I've been the one who avoids potentially painful situations and who covers my ears or just suffers if I'm in a situation that can't be avoided, like a backfiring motorcycle driving down the road. I didn't realize that I should expect the rest of the world to accommodate me...I'm going to let WDW know that they have to provide fireworks-free days at the parks, and I'm going to get an injunction against anyone with a loud car or motorcycle driving within two blocks of my home. After all, if you want to get really technical, it is a protected disability because it inhibits me in day-to-day functions (you'd be amazed at just how many situations there are with sounds at that pitch unless it causes you a feeling of an icepick getting poked in your ear).

you are truly unbelieveable

 

[Ciao Mickey]

once again the voice of reason.

Now let me tell you how I spent the last five hours.... apparently karma bit back (or some of you will think) or one of you boarded my flight and tried to prove a point.

I boarded first and sat in my bulkhead seat in First Class. It was my 2nd flight of the day, and I had as usual stocked up on my veggie protein items in case the airline didn't board my veggie meal (which usually happens). I was looking forward to enjoying the warm nuts (cashews, walnuts, pecans) which they serve in First before takeoff, when a woman boarded and said to the purser 'you can't serve those'. Uh oh... yes, peanut allergy.

The purser tried to be understanding, and reassured the woman that the nuts on UA are certified peanut free. She insisted however that nobody on board would be able to consume ANY nuts or any products containing ANY nuts, not just peanuts, even though she did tell him that she is only allergic to peanuts.

Unfortunately the purser did not make an announcement until boarding finished, and said that if anyone had a problem with the no nuts ban, to make themselves known.

Well, yes, I did have a problem boarding a 5 hour flight with no food and no backup food, so I asked the purser if my meal had boarded - no. The captain, purser, FA and two customer service agents all told me that the woman was unreasonable, but under ADA regulations they couldn't do anything. The captain offered me his steak meal, the GA offered to run find me something, but there was no time before takeoff. They were all frustrated by the situation that the passenger had created. I couldn't even find anything to eat with the medication I take, which needs to be taken with food.

They DID say that the passenger told them that she flies weekly, had made no request for an announcement in the boarding area, and has no information in her profile. They agreed that an announcement should have been made well in advance to allow passengers to purchase alternate food.

So, sorry, but shame on the passenger. An adult in their mid 30's should be responsible enough to ensure that adequate measures are taken to ensure her safety while being considerate of others. This woman apparently weekly impacts about 100 other people.

Oh, and she was sitting next to me in the gate area as I ate that peanut butter cookie earlier today....

So you are saying that any *nutcase* can board an airplane, claim they have a nut allergy and not have to show medical proof of said allergy? That does not seem reasonable to me.

If someone is going to stop an airplane full of people from eating a particular food, then the airline should require proof of a legitimate allergy. That's crazy.

Did you tell the FA the woman was sitting next to you in the terminal while you where eating a pb cookie? Maybe she was mad that you didn't offer her some?

 

[bavaria]

Before this thread becomes too heated and is locked, may I recap the last five pages.

A few (I count 2 or 3) posters are asking for something in regards to those with peanut or nut allergies. What are they requesting? Understanding and respect.

Several other posters requested that they be made of peanut/nut allergies in advance of the flight, so that they can find alternate food items and/or make alternate arrangements. What are they requesting? Understanding and respect.

To clarify yet again, I have NEVER eaten any product containing ANY nuts, or even manufactured in a nut facility, once the announcement was made on board. I don't recall reading here that anyone else has done so either.

I have however and will continue to request that those with allerigies ensure that an announcement is made in the gate area to allow other passengers to make alternate arrangements. If your health or the health of your child is at risk, why would you not take that step to ensure that your fellow passengers are aware of the situation?

 

[inkkognito]

you are truly unbelieveable

This whole thread is truly unbelievable. Try not to slip on the sarcasm.

 

[tlinus]

Before this thread becomes too heated and is locked, may I recap the last five pages.

A few (I count 2 or 3) posters are asking for something in regards to those with peanut or nut allergies. What are they requesting? Understanding and respect.

Several other posters requested that they be made of peanut/nut allergies in advance of the flight, so that they can find alternate food items and/or make alternate arrangements. What are they requesting? Understanding and respect.

To clarify yet again, I have NEVER eaten any product containing ANY nuts, or even manufactured in a nut facility, once the announcement was made on board. I don't recall reading here that anyone else has done so either.

I have however and will continue to request that those with allerigies ensure that an announcement is made in the gate area to allow other passengers to make alternate arrangements. If your health or the health of your child is at risk, why would you not take that step to ensure that your fellow passengers are aware of the situation?

For the reason that you have metioned, I made sure that they let everyone know ahead of time on our flights. I am a bit more laid back about my daughter's allergy, why make someone mad? You get more flies with honey, right? (or whatever that saying is) We take precautions, but we let people know well ahead of time that it may cause a big problem. Thanks for having that understanding!

 

[tlinus]

This whole thread is truly unbelievable. Try not to slip on the sarcasm.

crud, that is not how I wanted it to come out

how about this thread is like:

and that is coming from a Mom who has an allergic 8year old (heck, she is even highly allergic to grass - just asthma and hives though)