Nut allergy on planes...very nervous.

[tlinus]

This is such a sore subject on So many levels. It really is discouraging to read the topic, but I am in it now.....so here it goes.

DD#2 was blessed with the ingestion and contact peanut allergy (among others as well as asthma). Example. Phillies Game 2005. Go in, sit in seats, immediate allergic reaction. Ended up in first aid with the wonderful doctor in there who took care of her. No one in our immediate seating area was eating peanuts.....it was someone 6-7 rows behind. Got her shots of benadryl and she was asleep before we got out of the stadium. Needless to say she hasn't gone to a game since. She is too afraid it will happen again. If she sees a peanut or someone eating peanuts, she freaks out. It is a traumatic experience for a small child.

She has wicked allergies to grass which cause eczema on the backs of her knees. There are times they are so torn up from her scratching, but we usually have it under control. She wears capris in the summer and get this, she even plays sports. yup. In the grass. Imagine that.

Fast forward to 2007. SWA is the way to fly. We are a family of 5 and for us, they are THE most economical way to use air travel versus 2 days in a car to get to Orlando. (that should answer one of the _"why fly SWA" questions out there). We are so done with driving....so much carnage on the roads on the return trip of October 2006 that I was physically ill. NO lie. Came upon an accident that had just happened. Lets just say I wish it was an animal that I saw. It wasn't.

I make sure that the times we have used SWA, I note the reservation with the peanut dust allergy. We notify the Gate Agent and the desk at check in as well. We have been given Blue Sleeves and gotten on the plane first. I clean her chair, tray, armrests as well as the one I (or her sister) will sit in using Clorox wipes. We give Benadryl before flight and I always carry her epi pens. I cover her seat with a blanket. Now. I have taken every precaution to ensure a safe flight for her. Is it REALLY that hard to forgo peanuts for the 2 1/2 hour flight? I mean really? Chances of her reacting are slim. But why should she be outsed and made to drive to Florida? And don't tell me "Because she is the one with the allergy". I don't buy it that little Johnny Doe will ONLY eat PB&J - that is it - nothing else. To me, that indicates some other problem. Maybe try taking control and making the kid eat something else. Sorry, no offense. JMHO. If you really look at how ridiculous it seems that people are arguing about not being able to eat peanuts for 2-3-4 hours, it seems awful juvenile and silly. We are not enacting a lifelong ban - just asking for a little consideration. It is not my fault that the airline does not mention the peanut problem before boarding. If you are so worried about your salty snack, how about walking the extra steps to ask the gate agent if there will be a problem on your flight? Be a little proactive maybe? I mean - I give enough notice and do what I have to do.

Do I expect society to take care of my daughter? Heck no, that is my job. Do I expect you to respect her as much as I have always taught her to respect others and their feelings and needs. Well, maybe that is where the breakdown comes. Lack of respect in a ME First society. I cannot get over some of the suggestions from this board in reference to the OP's question. Yes, I know there "isn't any pixie dust on the Transportation Board", however, the condescending attitude and lack of respect is horrifying. There are fourth graders who care more about their friends health/allergies. There are kids in DD's class who tell their mothers that they don't want pb for lunch because of dd's allergy. Seriously. Would I do the same? You bet. And I have for a friend of dd who has dairy allergies. It's just the way I was built, I guess.

Now I do agree 100% that there are parents who blow this allergy out of proportion. They make me seriously angry. Its that group who make parents like me and DH look bad. We take precautions, we go out to eat and 99% of the time never have a problem. When a problem arises, we take care of it and do not get crazy and point fingers.

What it boils down to is a peanut. Really? A nut? In this day and age I would think we have more to worry about than getting our "right to eats nuts" taken away on a plane.

It's all about respect and consideration.

Sitting back and waiting for the flames to fly on me now. Just try to be gentle, it is Monday you know!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't buy it that little Johnny Doe will ONLY eat PB&J - that is it - nothing else.

Respectfully, from what I've seen just on these boards, food/texture issues are common among children with autism and related conditions.

It is not my fault that the airline does not mention the peanut problem before boarding. If you are so worried about your salty snack, how about walking the extra steps to ask the gate agent if there will be a problem on your flight? Be a little proactive maybe? I mean - I give enough notice and do what I have to do.

But it's NOT the responsibility of the other 177 passengers on that/any flight to ask such questions, or even consider there may be a problem. Again, it's the needs of the one vs. the many. If anything, the party with the allergic person should remind or request that an announcement be made at the gate, in plenty of time for other passengers to purchase alternate foods.

What it boils down to is a peanut. Really? A nut? In this day and age I would think we have more to worry about than getting our "right to eats nuts" taken away on a plane.

Again, it's not a nut.

 

[livndisney]

This is such a sore subject on So many levels. It really is discouraging to read the topic, but I am in it now.....so here it goes.

DD#2 was blessed with the ingestion and contact peanut allergy (among others as well as asthma). Example. Phillies Game 2005. Go in, sit in seats, immediate allergic reaction. Ended up in first aid with the wonderful doctor in there who took care of her. No one in our immediate seating area was eating peanuts.....it was someone 6-7 rows behind. Got her shots of benadryl and she was asleep before we got out of the stadium. Needless to say she hasn't gone to a game since. She is too afraid it will happen again. If she sees a peanut or someone eating peanuts, she freaks out. It is a traumatic experience for a small child.

She has wicked allergies to grass which cause eczema on the backs of her knees. There are times they are so torn up from her scratching, but we usually have it under control. She wears capris in the summer and get this, she even plays sports. yup. In the grass. Imagine that.

Fast forward to 2007. SWA is the way to fly. We are a family of 5 and for us, they are THE most economical way to use air travel versus 2 days in a car to get to Orlando. (that should answer one of the _"why fly SWA" questions out there). We are so done with driving....so much carnage on the roads on the return trip of October 2006 that I was physically ill. NO lie. Came upon an accident that had just happened. Lets just say I wish it was an animal that I saw. It wasn't.

I make sure that the times we have used SWA, I note the reservation with the peanut dust allergy. We notify the Gate Agent and the desk at check in as well. We have been given Blue Sleeves and gotten on the plane first. I clean her chair, tray, armrests as well as the one I (or her sister) will sit in using Clorox wipes. We give Benadryl before flight and I always carry her epi pens. I cover her seat with a blanket. Now. I have taken every precaution to ensure a safe flight for her. Is it REALLY that hard to forgo peanuts for the 2 1/2 hour flight? I mean really? Chances of her reacting are slim. But why should she be outsed and made to drive to Florida? And don't tell me "Because she is the one with the allergy". I don't buy it that little Johnny Doe will ONLY eat PB&J - that is it - nothing else. To me, that indicates some other problem. Maybe try taking control and making the kid eat something else. Sorry, no offense. JMHO. If you really look at how ridiculous it seems that people are arguing about not being able to eat peanuts for 2-3-4 hours, it seems awful juvenile and silly. We are not enacting a lifelong ban - just asking for a little consideration. It is not my fault that the airline does not mention the peanut problem before boarding. If you are so worried about your salty snack, how about walking the extra steps to ask the gate agent if there will be a problem on your flight? Be a little proactive maybe? I mean - I give enough notice and do what I have to do.

Do I expect society to take care of my daughter? Heck no, that is my job. Do I expect you to respect her as much as I have always taught her to respect others and their feelings and needs. Well, maybe that is where the breakdown comes. Lack of respect in a ME First society. I cannot get over some of the suggestions from this board in reference to the OP's question. Yes, I know there "isn't any pixie dust on the Transportation Board", however, the condescending attitude and lack of respect is horrifying. There are fourth graders who care more about their friends health/allergies. There are kids in DD's class who tell their mothers that they don't want pb for lunch because of dd's allergy. Seriously. Would I do the same? You bet. And I have for a friend of dd who has dairy allergies. It's just the way I was built, I guess.

Now I do agree 100% that there are parents who blow this allergy out of proportion. They make me seriously angry. Its that group who make parents like me and DH look bad. We take precautions, we go out to eat and 99% of the time never have a problem. When a problem arises, we take care of it and do not get crazy and point fingers.

What it boils down to is a peanut. Really? A nut? In this day and age I would think we have more to worry about than getting our "right to eats nuts" taken away on a plane.

It's all about respect and consideration.

Sitting back and waiting for the flames to fly on me now. Just try to be gentle, it is Monday you know!

No flames, just the other side. You wipe the seat with clorox then cover it with a blanket. I have a family member who reacts majorly to clorox wipes. She cannot breathe and passes out. If she walks by the seat you have just wiped in an effort to get to her seat-she is going to hit the ground. Is it really that hard to forgo wiping the seat with a wipe that can cause a reaction in someone else? As I understand it, the best way to remove peanut protein (if it is even there) is with soap and water. Why wipe the seat at all if you are covering it with your own blanket?

You are right is IS all about consideration and that is a two way street that a lot of peanut allergy parents forget (not saying "you"). I have seen this person humilated and screamed at for nicely asking someone to not use a clorox wipe. She has even offered other "safer" wipes and was rudely refused.

I am not saying you should not protect your child, but I don't see how you can fairly say what other people do MAY affect you/your child, if what you are doing may affect someone else is the same manner.

Yes, the easy answer is "well then she just should not fly". But why isn't that answer the same for peanut allergies? What about the people with other just as serious allergies?

 

[vossjemi]

I didn't read all 6 pages of this thread, but thought I'd let you know of our experience. We flew mci-tpa sat may 30. Flight attendant announced at beginning of flight that someone w/serious nut allergy was onboard (which included dust, etc..) so no peanuts would be served and noone should open any snacks with nuts in them. They jokingly indicated if anyone just had to have peanuts they would be handing packets of them out as we exited the plane and they in fact did ask all of us if we wanted peanuts as we got off the plane.

That being said, I don't think they clean very well between flights because I noticed a peanut on the floor under the seat in front of me from the previous flight.

 

[robinb]

This is such a sore subject on So many levels. It really is discouraging to read the topic, but I am in it now.....so here it goes.

DD#2 was blessed with the ingestion and contact peanut allergy (among others as well as asthma). Example. Phillies Game 2005. Go in, sit in seats, immediate allergic reaction. Ended up in first aid with the wonderful doctor in there who took care of her. No one in our immediate seating area was eating peanuts.....it was someone 6-7 rows behind. Got her shots of benadryl and she was asleep before we got out of the stadium. Needless to say she hasn't gone to a game since. She is too afraid it will happen again. If she sees a peanut or someone eating peanuts, she freaks out. It is a traumatic experience for a small child.

She has wicked allergies to grass which cause eczema on the backs of her knees. There are times they are so torn up from her scratching, but we usually have it under control. She wears capris in the summer and get this, she even plays sports. yup. In the grass. Imagine that.

Fast forward to 2007. SWA is the way to fly. We are a family of 5 and for us, they are THE most economical way to use air travel versus 2 days in a car to get to Orlando. (that should answer one of the _"why fly SWA" questions out there). We are so done with driving....so much carnage on the roads on the return trip of October 2006 that I was physically ill. NO lie. Came upon an accident that had just happened. Lets just say I wish it was an animal that I saw. It wasn't.

I make sure that the times we have used SWA, I note the reservation with the peanut dust allergy. We notify the Gate Agent and the desk at check in as well. We have been given Blue Sleeves and gotten on the plane first. I clean her chair, tray, armrests as well as the one I (or her sister) will sit in using Clorox wipes. We give Benadryl before flight and I always carry her epi pens. I cover her seat with a blanket. Now. I have taken every precaution to ensure a safe flight for her. Is it REALLY that hard to forgo peanuts for the 2 1/2 hour flight? I mean really? Chances of her reacting are slim. But why should she be outsed and made to drive to Florida? And don't tell me "Because she is the one with the allergy". I don't buy it that little Johnny Doe will ONLY eat PB&J - that is it - nothing else. To me, that indicates some other problem. Maybe try taking control and making the kid eat something else. Sorry, no offense. JMHO. If you really look at how ridiculous it seems that people are arguing about not being able to eat peanuts for 2-3-4 hours, it seems awful juvenile and silly. We are not enacting a lifelong ban - just asking for a little consideration. It is not my fault that the airline does not mention the peanut problem before boarding. If you are so worried about your salty snack, how about walking the extra steps to ask the gate agent if there will be a problem on your flight? Be a little proactive maybe? I mean - I give enough notice and do what I have to do.

Do I expect society to take care of my daughter? Heck no, that is my job. Do I expect you to respect her as much as I have always taught her to respect others and their feelings and needs. Well, maybe that is where the breakdown comes. Lack of respect in a ME First society. I cannot get over some of the suggestions from this board in reference to the OP's question. Yes, I know there "isn't any pixie dust on the Transportation Board", however, the condescending attitude and lack of respect is horrifying. There are fourth graders who care more about their friends health/allergies. There are kids in DD's class who tell their mothers that they don't want pb for lunch because of dd's allergy. Seriously. Would I do the same? You bet. And I have for a friend of dd who has dairy allergies. It's just the way I was built, I guess.

Now I do agree 100% that there are parents who blow this allergy out of proportion. They make me seriously angry. Its that group who make parents like me and DH look bad. We take precautions, we go out to eat and 99% of the time never have a problem. When a problem arises, we take care of it and do not get crazy and point fingers.

What it boils down to is a peanut. Really? A nut? In this day and age I would think we have more to worry about than getting our "right to eats nuts" taken away on a plane.

It's all about respect and consideration.

Sitting back and waiting for the flames to fly on me now. Just try to be gentle, it is Monday you know!

I guess what I still don't understand is why you would subject your DD to flying on SWA when she had an allergic reaction to a bag of peanuts 7 rows behind her at the Phillies game. That seems like a pretty severe sensitivity to me. I understand that SWA is probably your cheapest option but isn't worth paying more for a seat on a plane that does not regularly serve peanuts? Aren't you terrified that residual peanut fragments/etc from previous flights would make her sick? You can police and clean your seats all you want but what about the peanut wrapper that was stashed in the seat back pocket in the seat behind her on the previous flight? What would happen if a curious toddler opened it up? I don't mean to scare you but don't you think there are safer options for your family?

 

[kaytieeldr]

That being said, I don't think they clean very well between flights because I noticed a peanut on the floor under the seat in front of me from the previous flight.

You're right - they don't clean well between flights. They can't. One general goal is to turn around a plane as quickly as possible.

But even in your experience, announcing a peanut ban after the passengers are on the plane makes no sense. It provides virtually NO advance notice to 98.3% of the passengers, even though the allergic party knew well in advance, and so they're responsible for letting the airline know well in advance, and the airline thus has the opportunity to inform other passengers before they board the plane, that alternate arrangements need to be made by the 177 or so passengers.

Yes, if the airline neglects to make the announcement, it IS the passenger's responsibility to remind or request that it is done.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I guess what I still don't understand is why you would subject your DD to flying on SWA when she had an allergic reaction to a bag of peanuts 7 rows behind her at the Phillies game.

You bring up a very good point, and we're NOT trying to flame anybody,,,

Yes, Southwest may be the cheapest transportation option, but is saving money so important that a parent is willing to risk a life-threatening allergic reaction in their child?

 

[tlinus]

No flames, just the other side. You wipe the seat with clorox then cover it with a blanket. I have a family member who reacts majorly to clorox wipes. She cannot breathe and passes out. If she walks by the seat you have just wiped in an effort to get to her seat-she is going to hit the ground. Is it really that hard to forgo wiping the seat with a wipe that can cause a reaction in someone else? As I understand it, the best way to remove peanut protein (if it is even there) is with soap and water. Why wipe the seat at all if you are covering it with your own blanket?

You are right is IS all about consideration and that is a two way street that a lot of peanut allergy parents forget (not saying "you"). I have seen this person humilated and screamed at for nicely asking someone to not use a clorox wipe. She has even offered other "safer" wipes and was rudely refused.

I am not saying you should not protect your child, but I don't see how you can fairly say what other people do MAY affect you/your child, if what you are doing may affect someone else is the same manner.

Yes, the easy answer is "well then she just should not fly". But why isn't that answer the same for peanut allergies? What about the people with other just as serious allergies?

you learn something new everyday, I had no idea about a cleaning product reaction - charmin wipes, baby wipes or something of the sort from here on out. Thank you.

I am being serious - I never thought about it before and would never refuse something if a parent or child told me of a sensitivity/allergy/reaction.

 

[maxiesmom]

I guess what I still don't understand is why you would subject your DD to flying on SWA when she had an allergic reaction to a bag of peanuts 7 rows behind her at the Phillies game. That seems like a pretty severe sensitivity to me. I understand that SWA is probably your cheapest option but isn't worth paying more for a seat on a plane that does not regularly serve peanuts? Aren't you terrified that residual peanut fragments/etc from previous flights would make her sick? You can police and clean your seats all you want but what about the peanut wrapper that was stashed in the seat back pocket in the seat behind her on the previous flight? What would happen if a curious toddler opened it up? I don't mean to scare you but don't you think there are safer options for your family?

What is she supposed to do, keep her child a prisoner her whole life? Make her live in a giant bubble, because so many people are worried about their rights that they can't skip eating a peanut for a few hours? Honestly! I don't think I have ever been so disappointed by my fellow Disers on the transporation board. It is a peanut! you can survive for a few hours without eating one! It shouldn't be such a big deal!

I know there is no pixe dust on the transportation board, but I didn't think there was a total lack of compassion too. It truly saddens me that so many people think eating their little peanut snacks is more important that someones life.

 

[tlinus]

Respectfully, from what I've seen just on these boards, food/texture issues are common among children with autism and related conditions.
But it's NOT the responsibility of the other 177 passengers on that/any flight to ask such questions, or even consider there may be a problem. Again, it's the needs of the one vs. the many. If anything, the party with the allergic person should remind or request that an announcement be made at the gate, in plenty of time for other passengers to purchase alternate foods.
Again, it's not a nut.

I did not know about the food texture issue. Dh has a cousin with 2 autistic sons who do not have this affliction. I never would have known that.

Maybe there should be a compalint logged with Southwest so that they mention it before boarding. But what if you are not there to hear it? Your connecting flight/transport to the airport is late, you go to the bathroom, etc? I will consider asking on future flights to have it announced beforehand.

That being said, now that you know of the issues, wouldnt you want to know how your flight may be affected?

 

[tlinus]

Respectfully, from what I've seen just on these boards, food/texture issues are common among children with autism and related conditions.
But it's NOT the responsibility of the other 177 passengers on that/any flight to ask such questions, or even consider there may be a problem. Again, it's the needs of the one vs. the many. If anything, the party with the allergic person should remind or request that an announcement be made at the gate, in plenty of time for other passengers to purchase alternate foods.
Again, it's not a nut.

I am very well aware that it is NOT a nut. It is a legume. And yes, dd can eat other beans without issue.

But saying 'Its a legume' would not have sounded right to most. Thank you for pointing out my "error".

 

[goofy4tink]

What is she supposed to do, keep her child a prisoner her whole life? Make her live in a giant bubble, because so many people are worried about their rights that they can't skip eating a peanut for a few hours? Honestly! I don't think I have ever been so disappointed by my fellow Disers on the transporation board. It is a peanut! you can survive for a few hours without eating one! It shouldn't be such a big deal!

I know there is no pixe dust on the transportation board, but I didn't think there was a total lack of compassion too. It truly saddens me that so many people think eating their little peanut snacks is more important that someones life.

I have an issue with the way this whole thread is going. Would I knowlingly put someone's child in danger by eating a peanut butter sandwich? Absolutely not. But...and this is the bigger issue here...if someone is that sensitive to peanut dust (hence the reaction from 7 rows away) do you really want to take the chance that someone hasn't left a peanut under the seat? Or squished down beside the seat? Or in heaven knows where?? I'm sorry..if someone is that allergic then I wouldn't be putting their safety in the hands of people I don't know. Those 'unknown' people aren't doing anything wrong. They were allowed to eat peanut products on their flight. And they didn't intentionally leave peanut trace around just to bother someone on a later flight. But, it can happen. And with a child that is that sensitive, well...I just wouldn't be willing to take the risk.

I can't imagine how hard it must be for these people in today's world. There is so much peanut around...it's everywhere. I can't imagine worrying non-stop that my child was going to come into contact with peanut something at any given moment.
So, be assured, I can imagine how you feel. But I can also understand how those other passengers on your flight, as well as the ones before you, must feel as well.
If this peanut situation doesn't start getting better, we may very well see all airlines prohibiting any peanut products..period. And that might not be such a bad thing. At least everyone would know, going in, what to expect. That way they can plan accordingly.

On another note......no, there is little to no pixiedust here on this board. And yes that is a bit tongue in cheek. Why is there no pixie dust here? Because most subjects here are just too serious to let people get carried away with silliness. There is just too much possibility for bad consequences of people getting silly and forgetting that others are counting on them to give them good, timely advice. No way do I want to hear that someone had a bad experience because they misunderstood what was written here. Also.....this subject (allergies and your rights vs mine) tends to get heated. And I'm seeing that happen now. It's turning into a you vs me discussion. And that achieves nothing. So..let's try to keep those personal comments out of the discussion. No one here would ever knowlingly hurt someone else..I just know that. The vast majority of posters on this board are caring and knowledgable people, trying to give out as truthful information as they can.
Thanks for keeping things nice and pleasent here...it is truly appreciated.

 

[tlinus]

What is she supposed to do, keep her child a prisoner her whole life? Make her live in a giant bubble, because so many people are worried about their rights that they can't skip eating a peanut for a few hours? Honestly! I don't think I have ever been so disappointed by my fellow Disers on the transporation board. It is a peanut! you can survive for a few hours without eating one! It shouldn't be such a big deal!

I know there is no pixe dust on the transportation board, but I didn't think there was a total lack of compassion too. It truly saddens me that so many people think eating their little peanut snacks is more important that someones life.

Fortunately COUrt looks good in stripes

Seriously though. Thanks for "getting it".

 

[prncess674]

I make sure that the times we have used SWA, I note the reservation with the peanut dust allergy. We notify the Gate Agent and the desk at check in as well. We have been given Blue Sleeves and gotten on the plane first. I clean her chair, tray, armrests as well as the one I (or her sister) will sit in using Clorox wipes. We give Benadryl before flight and I always carry her epi pens. I cover her seat with a blanket. Now. I have taken every precaution to ensure a safe flight for her. Is it REALLY that hard to forgo peanuts for the 2 1/2 hour flight? I mean really? Chances of her reacting are slim. But why should she be outsed and made to drive to Florida? And don't tell me "Because she is the one with the allergy". I don't buy it that little Johnny Doe will ONLY eat PB&J - that is it - nothing else. To me, that indicates some other problem. Maybe try taking control and making the kid eat something else. Sorry, no offense. JMHO. If you really look at how ridiculous it seems that people are arguing about not being able to eat peanuts for 2-3-4 hours, it seems awful juvenile and silly. We are not enacting a lifelong ban - just asking for a little consideration. It is not my fault that the airline does not mention the peanut problem before boarding. If you are so worried about your salty snack, how about walking the extra steps to ask the gate agent if there will be a problem on your flight? Be a little proactive maybe? I mean - I give enough notice and do what I have to do.

You can think I am a mean mommy for giving my kid a PB&J when your kid is allergic, but what you fail to realize is that SWA doesn't give ME notice prior to the flight that the flight will be peanut free. I haven't packed accordingly and we have now driven 2 plus hours, waited in the terminal and I now have a cranky toddler who is hungry. At no time has SWA given notice prior to being sealed into a "tin can" that my snack is now contraband. Your little angel is now sitting up front with a non allergic snack while I sit in the back with a crying kid who is hungry and I am now not supposed to give them the snack I packed. MANY parents will not be prepared for a peanut free flight. Airlines are not plastic germ free and allergy free bubbles. Take your own precautions and I appreciate that you let the airline know in advance that you have a peanut dust allergy and that they will have time to serve an alternate snack, but don't expect 200+ people to be hurt by your allergy.

 

[tlinus]

For future reference to my post of the sensitivity......the peanut dust was on her seat and she had a really bad CONTACT reaction....hives, from neck to ankles in minutes.

IF she were to come into contact with any stray peanut/dust.....we are fortunate that she would react well to the Benadryl and most likely be able to make it to our destination. Now, force feed her peanut butter or peanuts - we have an emergency landing.

One peanut stuck in the seat is manageable.....a plane full of 100-200 people all eating peanuts might be hairy.

 

[tlinus]

You can think I am a mean mommy for giving my kid a PB&J when your kid is allergic, but what you fail to realize is that SWA doesn't give ME notice prior to the flight that the flight will be peanut free. I haven't packed accordingly and we have now driven 2 plus hours, waited in the terminal and I now have a cranky toddler who is hungry. At no time has SWA given notice prior to being sealed into a "tin can" that my snack is now contraband. Your little angel is now sitting up front with a non allergic snack while I sit in the back with a crying kid who is hungry and I am now not supposed to give them the snack I packed. MANY parents will not be prepared for a peanut free flight. Airlines are not plastic germ free and allergy free bubbles. Take your own precautions and I appreciate that you let the airline know in advance that you have a peanut dust allergy and that they will have time to serve an alternate snack, but don't expect 200+ people to be hurt by your allergy.

First of all, we sit near the wing and Court is no angel. Trust me. She is 9.

Why not (now that you know this is a possibility on SWA flights to be peanut free) arrange for alternate snacks when travelling in the "tin can"?

For the record, I NEVER called anyone a Mean Mommy. Maybe I can say the same about me then.....I am the mean Mommy who is depriving your little angel in the back of the plane his PB&J. Hurts to be jumped on like that, huh? I think maybe you should weigh your "words" before you type.

I really think alot of the anger towards these KIDS with peanut allergies is displaced anger at finding out after it is too late. Instead of tearing up the parents who are trying to do as any parent would, protect their child, why not tear up the airline for not giving you advanced notice??

 

[Lewisc]

First of all, we sit near the wing and Court is no angel. Trust me. She is 9.

Why not (now that you know this is a possibility on SWA flights to be peanut free) arrange for alternate snacks when travelling in the "tin can"?

For the record, I NEVER called anyone a Mean Mommy. Maybe I can say the same about me then.....I am the mean Mommy who is depriving your little angel in the back of the plane his PB&J. Hurts to be jumped on like that, huh? I think maybe you should weigh your "words" before you type.

I really think alot of the anger towards these KIDS with peanut allergies is displaced anger at finding out after it is too late. Instead of tearing up the parents who are trying to do as any parent would, protect their child, why not tear up the airline for not giving you advanced notice??

From SWs website:

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.
Southwest Airlines is unable to guarantee a peanut-free or allergen-free flight.

 

[bavaria]

Someone (I believe robinb touched on it) may have mentioned this, but why fly SW when one has a peanut allergy? It is one of the only carriers in America which serves peanuts as an on board snack. Most carriers switched to pretzels, or Biscoff, or other non-peanut snack (if they still give a complimentary snack at all) years ago.

I realise that many people here believe that SW is the cheapest carrier (although that is not always the case), but at some point cost needs to be put aside and value needs to be considered.

There are many things that one can do to minimize exposure, and I would think that avoiding the American carrier which willingly serves peanuts on the vast majority of flights would be one of the top things to consider.

Oh, and for those of you who talk about 'only 2.5 hours flights' may I remind you that many of us fly long haul flights regularly. That 2.5 hour flight may be the end of a much longer journey for people on board that flight, who often don't have much time on their layover to find a meal due to clearing customs and immigration, or changing terminals, etc.

 

[bavaria]

Why not (now that you know this is a possibility on SWA flights to be peanut free) arrange for alternate snacks when travelling in the "tin can"?

Have you read the many posts on this thread from posters who ARE trying to find alternatives, and who struggle, due to a variety of issues, including passengers demanding that no food items processed in a facility which handles nuts be eaten on board.?

There are may emotions here, but reading this makes me think that people are entrenched in their position and aren't taking time to read or consider the 'other side'.

For those of us who do our best to consider others, it can be extremely challenging, especially when the demands extend so far and the fear of litigation results in so much being labelled in a cautionary fashion.

One poster used to suggest that the parent of a child with peanut allergies bring safe food on board for the passengers around them - while I don't think it is necessary, I do think that is a great idea and shows that they respect others enough to consider their needs, as well as their own.

 

[tlinus]

Originally Posted by tlinus
First of all, we sit near the wing and Court is no angel. Trust me. She is 9.

Why not (now that you know this is a possibility on SWA flights to be peanut free) arrange for alternate snacks when travelling in the "tin can"?

For the record, I NEVER called anyone a Mean Mommy. Maybe I can say the same about me then.....I am the mean Mommy who is depriving your little angel in the back of the plane his PB&J. Hurts to be jumped on like that, huh? I think maybe you should weigh your "words" before you type.

I really think alot of the anger towards these KIDS with peanut allergies is displaced anger at finding out after it is too late. Instead of tearing up the parents who are trying to do as any parent would, protect their child, why not tear up the airline for not giving you advanced notice??


From SWs website:


Quote:
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.
Southwest Airlines is unable to guarantee a peanut-free or allergen-free flight.

thanks Lewisc - so again I simply state, instead of the resentment and aggrevation

Why not arrange to bring an alternate snack on flight day in anticipation that the peanut/peanut better snack may be "contraband"? it would avoid alot of headaches and may make the flight an adventure all in itself? Why does this have to be so hard? there are seasoned travelers out there who are already in search of alternates and THEY have personal/dietary limitations. Its all about the easy way out then I guess - which at times is not the easy way out.