Flying with peanut allergies

[GetGlowing]

My sister is taking my niece age 8 on her first flights -- they are going to Disneyland! My niece is severely allergic to peanuts. What is your experience with peanut allergies on the airlines? They would likely fly USAirways or Delta. Thanks!

 

[disfan07]

I am anaphylaxis to peanuts. In addition, I am also anaphylactic to eggs, tree nuts and shellfish. I also have about 10 other food allergies.

I fly about once a year. The airline one is willing to fly depends greatly on allergen severity and comfort with airline protocols.

We will only fly virgin America, jet blue and southwest.

Southwest lets you note a peanut dust allergy and will not serve peanuts on the flight you are on. They also allow you to pre board if you need the chance to wipe down seats, etc.

Virgin America does not serve free snacks but they do have nut mixes available for sale. We're not so cocnerned about that as much as we are with an entire plane eating nuts. They have also let me pre board because of my allergy as well.

JetBlue does not serve peanuts on board at all (at least they didn't the last time we flew) but they do serve other nuts on board. Again, they have let us pre board.

I also have severe asthma which seems to worsen when we fly. Not sure if it's just the dry air or allergens on the plane but it never gets too bad (and I do a neb treatment before hand)

When we fly, I bring wipes to wipe down my seat, the tray table and the seat next to me (I usually fly with a travel companion so it's their seat I clean). I also bring an extra blanket to put over the seat just in case. Honestly, I very very rarely eat while on the plane. For me, it's not just because of the peanuts. I have had so many cross contamination reactions that it's just too risky for me to eat on the plane unless 100% necessary. I eat before we board and when. We land.

We won't fly delta. Their policy is to make a "buffer zone" around where the passenger will be sitting but it's still too risky for us and our experiences with my reactions.

Now, they have to remember that no flight will be 100% peanut free. The airlines cannot force people to not eat peanuts. We've flown on 9 cross country flights since my first anaphylactic peanut reaction and we've never had a reaction in air (knock on wood).

For medications, I travel with 10 epi pens in my carry on. We've discovered that with my anaphylactic reactions, especially peanuts, I seem to need epi every 5-10 minutes before getting medical help at the ER. My allergist advises me to carry enough epi to last for at least an hour (so 10 epis should last between 50-100 minutes). I also carry Benadryl, inhalers, prednisone and a nebulizer with me.

I would tell them to discuss it with their allergist about necessary precautions. Each person is different in their severity and tolerance for allergies so what may seem normal for me, might seem extreme to others. My allergist has been a godsend when it comes to travelling with allergies.

 

[GetGlowing]

Thanks! Very good point about carrying extra epipens. They're going to talk with my niece's docs. It's a cross-country flight, so they could be in the air for a while.

 

[disfan07]

Thanks! Very good point about carrying extra epipens. They're going to talk with my niece's docs. It's a cross-country flight, so they could be in the air for a while.

All of our flights in the past 5 years have been cross country flights. Either California to Virginia or California to Orlando. The reason it was suggested to carry enough epis for an hour is because if an emergency landing is needed, it could take a lot of time to actually make that landing and get to a hospital. Honestly, I carry enough to hopefully last for at least 90 minutes (I carry 12 epis with us)

The normal recommendations for epi is one injection every 15 minutes until EMS arrives. But for some people, they need additional epi sooner than 15 minutes.

I'm assuming they have an allergy action plan written up already. If not, they need to get one completed by the allergist. If they have one they should make sure to have a few copies with them.

Just a side note about epi pens. If they need additional ones they could have issues getting them covered by insurance. After I had my last reaction, we went through 3 epi pens. I needed to get two refills to make sure I had enough but insurance refused to cover more than one refill at the time because they consider it a monthly prescription. With insurance coverage, an epi pen twin pack is $40.....without insurance...it's $200+. We fought for 3 months to get reimbursed. We have 12 epi pens in all. 4 in my purse, 2 in my emergency kit at school, 4 in our emergency kit at home and 2 at work.

 

[infopurposesonly]

This is all great information! We haven't flown in a few years but will probably need to fly cross country next year. I had always heard it's best to take the first flight of the day because the plane is cleanest then. Do you think that's true? Can they really get rid of much peanut dust if it's in the ventilation system? We always used to pre-board and clean the seats and trays and never had a problem.

 

[Mama Who]

This is all great information! We haven't flown in a few years but will probably need to fly cross country next year. I had always heard it's best to take the first flight of the day because the plane is cleanest then. Do you think that's true? Can they really get rid of much peanut dust if it's in the ventilation system? We always used to pre-board and clean the seats and trays and never had a problem.

Peanut dust in the vents? No, probably not. But they can vacuum up bits of peanut in the carpet, wipe down seats with sticky PB and J finger prints, etc. It is absolutely *not* guaranteed to remove all particles, but it reduces the potential amount.

 

[infopurposesonly]

Peanut dust in the vents? No, probably not. But they can vacuum up bits of peanut in the carpet, wipe down seats with sticky PB and J finger prints, etc. It is absolutely *not* guaranteed to remove all particles, but it reduces the potential amount.

Very true, no guarantees. I just have to decide if we should fly on an airline that doesn't serve peanuts, knowing some people will bring their own, or go with an airline that provides a buffer zone, or one that won't serve peanuts on that flight. I don't know which would be the safest for us.

 

[disfan07]

Very true, no guarantees. I just have to decide if we should fly on an airline that doesn't serve peanuts, knowing some people will bring their own, or go with an airline that provides a buffer zone, or one that won't serve peanuts on that flight. I don't know which would be the safest for us.

It all depends on severity and comfort zone for you. But honestly, again, I would discuss it with your allergist. They will be able give you the best information regarding you child's particular situation.

For me, my allergist recommends avoiding airlines where they only provide a "buffer" zone. I've had 3 anaphylactic peanut reactions. Honestly, I believe I am at greater risk of having a reaction at school or work than on a plane but my allergist refuses to have me live in a bubble so she hasn't voiced any opinion against what I do but I know it makes her nervous.

According to my allergist, the chance that peanut dust would be in the ventilation system and would be a danger is extremely slim. She said that if you can be around people having peanuts without reacting, you are fine on the plane airborne wise.

The bigger concern is if you touch something that could have peanut residue and then it transfers over to something you eat. That's one of the main reason I normally don't eat while on board and anything I eat while travelling is only eaten using a fork or spoon. I never touch food with my hands that I am going to eat while on the plane. But that can't be as well controlled because they can't completely ban peanuts on board.

But here's tithing...the residue issue is a concern in daily life as well. We think cross contamination is what has caused most of my dozens of reactions this past year. I'm just a little more paranoid about itineraries the plane. Honestly, I think this is part of what has led to my flying anxiety and why I have to take Ativan before flying.

 

[Mama Who]

Very true, no guarantees. I just have to decide if we should fly on an airline that doesn't serve peanuts, knowing some people will bring their own, or go with an airline that provides a buffer zone, or one that won't serve peanuts on that flight. I don't know which would be the safest for us.

An airline that does not serve peanuts at all will obviously have a lower chance of contamination than one that just doesn't serve them on one flight or one that doesn't serve them in one part of the plane. If you intend to fly with a peanut allergy, that's probably the better choice.

 

[Fuhnuh]

DD12 is severely allergic to peanuts and some tree nuts. I agree with Mama Who, DD12 has done okay on flights with carriers that don't serve peanuts. We are mainly worried about the amount peanuts dust that comes with the serving of dry roasted airline peanuts. The one trip that we flew an Airline that served peanuts on our flight, our daughter had a mild reaction even with a three row buffer zone. We have not had a problem on other flights, but we have wiped down seats and surroundings, had daughter where long sleeves (pants too), and made sure DD12 washes up and doesn't touch things as much as we can. I should note that different individuals with allergies have different levels reactions, so I hesitate making any blanket recommendations. We haven't flown USA or Delta with DD12.

 

[mtnat]

Another vote for Southwest! They've always been fantastic with my 9 yr old PN/TN allergic kiddo. They are my first choice! Also, we always take advantage of the option to pre-board.

Does anyone know Air Tran's policy? We just booked flights to WDW through the Southwest site, but the carrier will be Air Tran. Do they serve nuts and will they allow for pre-boarding?

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

My sister is allergic to peanuts. My parents told the people working at the airport before we boarded and one of the flight attendants. They asked people to put them away since my sister is allergic.

 

[GetGlowing]

I called Delta and USAirways since they are the two airlines who serve our airport. The US rep said they are a peanut-free airline. Delta did not say that, but they can note the allergy in the passenger record. They both did say they can't guarantee what other passengers may carry on the plane (of course).

US would work out well since they can take direct flights both ways, and take the first flight of the day.

 

[Foodallergymom]

It is my understanding that Delta has changed there policy, taking away the buffer zone, and will now refrain from serving peanuts on a flight when they have been notified that a passenger has a PN allergy, but you should verify this yourself. Allergic Living magazine has airline comparison information on their website. Also, the "standard" time between doses of epinephrine is 10 minutes, but each individuals action plan may vary from 5 to 15 minutes between doses. Mylan has "free co-pay" cards that are good for saving $100 per EpiPen two-pack through the end of 2013. The card is good for up to three two-packs on the same prescription. Then you just have to get a new prescription to reuse it. Also, Sanofi is currently offering a $25 discount on the new AuviQ two-packs. If you have not seen the new AuviQs, you should check them out. They are amazing. Both the EpiPen and AuviQ discount information is available on their respective websites. And yes, airlines and allergy advocates recommend that you fly on the earliest flight possible because planes are typically really cleaned (aside from picking up the stray trash) only after the last flight of the day. I would also recommend that they travel with an allergy action plan signed by their allergist or treating physician. I always feel better handing that to the TSA agent when I hand them my bag of epinephrine auto-injectors, Benadryl, Orapred, steroid cream, and elemental formula "juice" boxes.

 

[wilkeliza]

My sister is allergic to peanuts. My parents told the people working at the airport before we boarded and one of the flight attendants. They asked people to put them away since my sister is allergic.

Unless this was recent I would call the airlines to see if they do that still. I was on a SW airline where a family was extremely upset that SW wouldn't say it over the intercom. The flight attendants did end up doing it but said they could not force anyone not to have their peanut or nuts. The other issue could be that this family was flying stand by and did not pre board.

My step nephew has a severe PN allergy so bad that if he is coming to visit we have to remove all PB and PN from the house for at least a week and run a special air filter but I know far ahead of time that he is coming to visit. Also he never travels by plane. His parents drive every where and factor that additional time into their vacations because his dad doesn't see the need to put his son at risk or inconvenience others.

 

[Becca3012]

Flying to Florida from the uk last summer, there was a little girl who had a severe nut allergy. We were asked over the intercom as soon as everyone had boarded not to eat any snacks we had brought ourselves just in case. No one complained about it even though her parents looked really apologetic. Maybe phone the airline and see if anything like this can be done for you

 

[disfan07]

Unless this was recent I would call the airlines to see if they do that still. I was on a SW airline where a family was extremely upset that SW wouldn't say it over the intercom. The flight attendants did end up doing it but said they could not force anyone not to have their peanut or nuts. I have to admit I was a little upset because all I had for the 3 hour flight was my trail mix that contained peanuts. I didn't eat it but would have rather known before boarding about the issue or had been offered a complimentary snack or something.

Also want to add I don't want to sound like I don't care about those with allergies but it can be an inconvenience to other travelers if you demand no one else can have them. Also what about when you get to the parks where nuts are very where?

My step nephew has a severe PN allergy so bad that if he is coming to visit we have to remove all PB and PN from the house for at least a week and run a special air filter but I know far ahead of time that he is coming to visit. Also he never travels by plane. His parents drive every where and factor that additional time into their vacations because his dad doesn't see the need to put his son at risk or inconvenience others.

There is always theone person who has to mention about us inconveniencing everyone else.

As for inconveniencing others for a few hours....I'm inconvenienced every single day of my life because of my medical issues. Because of things I DID NOT choose. Try being in college and not being able to eat out anywhere because of allergies. Try being in college and missing out on half of your time there because you are always in the hospital. So you feeling inconvenienced for a few hours is not a big deal to me. Maybe that makes me selffish....fine. I try my hardest on a daily basis To NOT inconvenience anyone else because of my health but I'm going to do what I have to do so I can go on vacation. This is me and my family trying to live as normally as possible. And NOTHING about our daily life is "normal" and hasn't been since I got sick 10 years ago. So yes. I will continue to fly to get to places and when people think that they are being inceovenienced, I will just ignore it and know that they have NO idea what I go through on a daily basis....honestly, a peanut allergy is the tamest thing we deal with.

And some people don't have the luxury of adding additional days on to drive. We would need at least 2 weeks to get from California to disneyworld and my dad cannot take off that much time. And neither of my parents can drive for that long and I can't drive at night. So it wouldn't work.

And there's a difference between a plane and being in disneyworld (or anywhere else). A plane is an enclosed space with no direct access to medical care. Honestly, epi pens can only last for so long. If an entire plane of people opened up peanuts on the plane that is a whole heck of a lot of peanut dust and the risk increases greatly. You can't move away from it. And what happens if there is a storm, or can't land immediately....honestly, being in an airplane having an anaphylactic reaction is not something anyone wants to see. In disneyworld it's different. It's open air. If you smell peanuts and are uncomfortable with it...you can move away. And if you do have a reaction....you are on the ground....with CMs who are very well trained and EMS and an ER near by. It's two COMPLETELY different situations.

And yes...I know with taking precautions there is still a risk of a reaction but the risk is greatly minimized. Al I can do is take the necessary actions to minimize the risk. The same way I live everyday of my life.

And NO ONE here said anything about demanding that no one eat peanuts. I honestly, have NEVER requested the announcement. Sometimes they do it sometimes they don't. But I completely understand that they can't guarantee a peanut free flight and that they can't force anyone not to eat it. And I think everyone els eon these boards knows that as well. We are making requests that are within the airlines accomodations to help us. And every airline policy states that they cannot guarantee a nut free flight. So no...I don't believe I, or anyone else here is demanding anything.

 

[wilkeliza]

There is always theone person who has to mention about us inconveniencing everyone else.

As for inconveniencing others for a few hours....I'm inconvenienced every single day of my life because of my medical issues. Because of things I DID NOT choose. Try being in college and not being able to eat out anywhere because of allergies. Try being in college and missing out on half of your time there because you are always in the hospital. So you feeling inconvenienced for a few hours is not a big deal to me. Maybe that makes me selffish....fine. I try my hardest on a daily basis To NOT inconvenience anyone else because of my health but I'm going to do what I have to do so I can go on vacation. This is me and my family trying to live as normally as possible. And NOTHING about our daily life is "normal" and hasn't been since I got sick 10 years ago. So yes. I will continue to fly to get to places and when people think that they are being inceovenienced, I will just ignore it and know that they have NO idea what I go through on a daily basis....honestly, a peanut allergy is the tamest thing we deal with.

And some people don't have the luxury of adding additional days on to drive. We would need at least 2 weeks to get from California to disneyworld and my dad cannot take off that much time. And neither of my parents can drive for that long and I can't drive at night. So it wouldn't work.

And there's a difference between a plane and being in disneyworld (or anywhere else). A plane is an enclosed space with no direct access to medical care. Honestly, epi pens can only last for so long. If an entire plane of people opened up peanuts on the plane that is a whole heck of a lot of peanut dust and the risk increases greatly. You can't move away from it. And what happens if there is a storm, or can't land immediately....honestly, being in an airplane having an anaphylactic reaction is not something anyone wants to see. In disneyworld it's different. It's open air. If you smell peanuts and are uncomfortable with it...you can move away. And if you do have a reaction....you are on the ground....with CMs who are very well trained and EMS and an ER near by. It's two COMPLETELY different situations.

And yes...I know with taking precautions there is still a risk of a reaction but the risk is greatly minimized. Al I can do is take the necessary actions to minimize the risk. The same way I live everyday of my life.

And NO ONE here said anything about demanding that no one eat peanuts. I honestly, have NEVER requested the announcement. Sometimes they do it sometimes they don't. But I completely understand that they can't guarantee a peanut free flight and that they can't force anyone not to eat it. And I think everyone els eon these boards knows that as well. We are making requests that are within the airlines accomodations to help us. And every airline policy states that they cannot guarantee a nut free flight. So no...I don't believe I, or anyone else here is demanding anything.

I changed my post because I realized the tone was off since I posted late last night. I never said anyone on this board was demanding. I simply said that I would call if you are expecting the announcement because not all airlines will do it any more and had an experience with a parent who was rude about the situation. I did add later that perhaps it was because they were flying stand bye and did not pre-board.

I know not everyone has the luxury to drive but for my step brother and his son he would just rather not take the risk.

I only asked about what happens in the park because my nephew can't go anywhere that a peanut or tree it might have been that's why our house goes through a deep clean the week before he comes. I'm very sorry if I offended you. I only adds the inconvenience issue because I've had parents tell all of us sitting in the waiting area before hand or have the announcement done over the waiting area PA as well as on the flight so other had ample opportunity to get other snacks or food.

 

[GetGlowing]

Before my niece was born I had no idea how serious a peanut allergy was, or in what ways peanuts could affect someone who was allergic. Besides the obvious of food content, I didn't realize that peanut dust, or a stray nut, a barely visible peanut butter smear on a table, or even kisses from Grandpa who ate peanuts earlier in the day could cause a reaction. I know all that now, and we're really aware.

I know that when people feel inconvenienced if they're asked to put away their nut products, it's because they don't understand how dangerous it can be to someone with a severe allergy.

 

[Schmeck]

As long as I would be provided another high-protein snack to replace my nut snack, I'd be fine with keeping it in my bag for the flight. There's no way I could go an entire flight from Europe without multiple protein snacks though. I do know they serve meals, but I have to eat every hour or so.

It's always hard to balance people's needs. For every one medical issue, there's another that goes against it. We've had conflicts in our school system over meeting the needs of kids with all kinds of medical issues.