OT: PSA regarding peanuts and flying

[disfan07]

This is just something i've been thinking of lately while reading these boards....read first please...don't flame based on the title

Okay...for some reason lately i've encountered a lot of posts that have arguements about bringing peanut butter on a flight and whether it should be allowed, etc.

As someone who is extremely allergic to peanuts (we're talking cross contamination allergic...i cant even eat something that is made in the same facility as peanuts) I do not have a problem with someone bringing peanuts or peanut butter

BUT...

If you do bring it, especially for a child pleas just use manners and common courtesy.

1) Always have a backup snack JUST IN CASE. You should never rely on just one snack anyways.

2) PLEASE...if your child eats peanuts/peanut butter, wipe his/her hands and mouth after they eat them. We all know kids with touch anything and everything and it's a simple way to reduce any possible risk to anyone

3) along the same lines...please do not let your child run up and down the aisle of the plane after eating peanut butter without wiping their hands. They have a tendency to touch everything they pass and it's just a courtesy to people around you.

So basically....if you use common courtesy and your manners when eating peanuts/peanut butter on a flight, we should all be able to be happy and get along right???? No more of the whole, well it's my child, they should be able to eat what they want or the whole allergy argument and people accomodating that. I think with basic manners this should not be as big of a deal as people make it out to be,...right???

 

[Mouse House Mama]

This is just something i've been thinking of lately while reading these boards....read first please...don't flame based on the title

Okay...for some reason lately i've encountered a lot of posts that have arguements about bringing peanut butter on a flight and whether it should be allowed, etc.

As someone who is extremely allergic to peanuts (we're talking cross contamination allergic...i cant even eat something that is made in the same facility as peanuts) I do not have a problem with someone bringing peanuts or peanut butter

BUT...

If you do bring it, especially for a child pleas just use manners and common courtesy.

1) Always have a backup snack JUST IN CASE. You should never rely on just one snack anyways.

2) PLEASE...if your child eats peanuts/peanut butter, wipe his/her hands and mouth after they eat them. We all know kids with touch anything and everything and it's a simple way to reduce any possible risk to anyone

3) along the same lines...please do not let your child run up and down the aisle of the plane after eating peanut butter without wiping their hands. They have a tendency to touch everything they pass and it's just a courtesy to people around you.

So basically....if you use common courtesy and your manners when eating peanuts/peanut butter on a flight, we should all be able to be happy and get along right???? No more of the whole, well it's my child, they should be able to eat what they want or the whole allergy argument and people accomodating that. I think with basic manners this should not be as big of a deal as people make it out to be,...right???

Well I will agree with you somewhat. When you can guarantee that there will be no animals in the cabin when my family flies (which my family is allergic too) then perhaps we could all have common courtesy right?
Now for those holding the flamethrower wait a minute- we never travel with peanuts or peanut butter in case someone on the plane has an allergy. We don't want to be responsible for getting someone sick. However we have had to be in a cabin with animals that can get us sick. Courtesy goes both ways.

 

[disfan07]

we are allergic to animals as well. IMO, I dont think there should be animals in the cabins either.

But for us we just pop a benedryl and we are peachy for the flight

 

[happymommy]

I agree - it's common courtesy to make sure that your children are at least as well behaved as they can be (my son has severe ADHD, so when he was little it was a struggle, but yes, he DID behave well on planes, so it's possible with some planning and things to occupy him). He also has severe food allergies, and would hive up when he was younger if he touched anything that had touched any dairy products. We had to wipe down any tray table, armrest, seat that he was on prior to him sitting. It's called touch hypersensitivity, and he had anaphylaxis twice. Lucky for him, he's outgrowing it now.

Any time kids eat, they should have their hands wiped before and after. Plus, to me, peanut butter leaves a smell that I'd rather wash off afterwards (although it is yummy). Especially during flu season! And they shouldn't run around the aisles (although a little walk is sometimes good, but for little ones an adult should be walking with them).

It would be so frightening to have a reaction in an airplane. Even when we are in first class, I bring food for my son, since airlines usually don't know ingredients. And that is hard now with travel restrictions - can be done but it's harder.

Wouldn't the world be a better place if we all tried to be more courteous to each other? Starting at home, spread out to our neighbors and then the whole community! We'll all get to where we need to be, so we may as well smile along the way! Boy, this morning coffee is kicking in...

 

[livndisney]

Since we are talking about common courtesy, please make sure the wipe you are using to wipe things off isn't causing a life threatening reaction for your seat mate. Courtesy goes both ways.

 

[Hannathy]

And be realistic. My eating peanut butter will not cause a reaction to a peanut allergy UNLESS they get it in their mouth, nose, or eyes, and since I don't plan on force feeding anyone we are good to go. So peanut butter does not need to be banned. If peanut dust is a problem fine ask for no peanut packets to be opened, but peanut butter eating isn't.

 

[mjkacmom]

And be realistic. My eating peanut butter will not cause a reaction to a peanut allergy UNLESS they get it in their mouth, nose, or eyes, and since I don't plan on force feeding anyone we are good to go. So peanut butter does not need to be banned. If peanut dust is a problem fine ask for no peanut packets to be opened, but peanut butter eating isn't.

No, but kids are messy, and can wipe the peanut butter on the arm rests, and the next person in that seat might have an allergy.

And I agree with the PP about pets - I'd be miserable with a cat on the plane, but one of ds's friends would probably need medical treatment if there was an animal on the plane. He can't even go into homes where there are pets.

 

[kpm76]

I'd be miserable with a cat on the plane, but one of ds's friends would probably need medical treatment if there was an animal on the plane. He can't even go into homes where there are pets.

Same for my sister. When we flew to MCO in November, she had to check with SWA several times in the days leading up to our trip as well as at check-in to make sure there were no cats on board. The gate agent did tell her that if there was a customer wishing to travel with a small animal the person with allergies would be accommodated and they would move the person flying with a small animal to another flight. Not sure if this is SWA policy or if this agent was just being sensitive because my sister was also pregnant so could not take her allergy meds.

 

[Hannathy]

No, but kids are messy, and can wipe the peanut butter on the arm rests, and the next person in that seat might have an allergy.

Then they need to make accommodations not the whole world. because residue can be anywhere and it isn't contact sensitive.

 

[mjkacmom]

Then they need to make accommodations not the whole world. because residue can be anywhere and it isn't contact sensitive.

Some peanut allergies are contact sensitive. Some are just if they are injested. My nephew only has the injested kind, but with his egg allergy, he can't touch raw eggs.

 

[Suellen]

My DD has an allergy to berries and has a reaction just be touching one.

That doesn't mean that no one on our flight can have berries. It means I have to be her mother and protect her from touching one. My job ~ not the other passengers.

No pet dander you can't prevent yourself from inhaling ~ well I guess they could hand out masks. I had no idea that they now allow pets in the cabin and the people in front of me had two small gods. My ears were watery and itchy, nose running and cough the whole flight.

Now I know and will ask not to be sat near an animal on board. Lesson learned.

 

[disykat]

Now I know and will ask not to be sat near an animal on board. Lesson learned.

Isn't that what the OP is doing, trying to fly without inconveniencing the other passengers? (She did clearly state she has no problem with people bringing peanut products on planes.) She can't ask to be seated next to people without peanuts, so she's hoping to be seated next to people who will use common sense and try to keep their peanut products to themselves.

These topics always get heated and it drives me "nuts." My son is also allergic to peanuts. We never ask for accomodations, but we do rely on people around us using good sense. Fortunately we've never run across militant peanut users.

There was a thread the other day about April Fools jokes and a mom talked about making her kid's peanut butter sandwiches inside out (to be opened at school) so her kids would get peanut butter all over their hands. Clearly there are people that don't get that this is risky for some people. There is nothing wrong with educating people that washing/wiping hands after eating peanut butter could save other people from allergic reactions.

We do fly after making careful airline choices etc. We do not ask for accomodation in any form. However, not only would I be worried about my son's health if he had a reaction, I would be horrified at the inconvenience to all the other travelers if they had to divert our flight for medical help.

If you're not interested in hearing the OP's PSA about how you could help keep those allergic to peanuts safe, fine. But I'm not understanding why this has to be a debate.

 

[livndisney]

Isn't that what the OP is doing, trying to fly without inconveniencing the other passengers? (She did clearly state she has no problem with people bringing peanut products on planes.) She can't ask to be seated next to people without peanuts, so she's hoping to be seated next to people who will use common sense and try to keep their peanut products to themselves.

These topics always get heated and it drives me "nuts." My son is also allergic to peanuts. We never ask for accomodations, but we do rely on people around us using good sense. Fortunately we've never run across militant peanut users.

There was a thread the other day about April Fools jokes and a mom talked about making her kid's peanut butter sandwiches inside out (to be opened at school) so her kids would get peanut butter all over their hands. Clearly there are people that don't get that this is risky for some people. There is nothing wrong with educating people that washing/wiping hands after eating peanut butter could save other people from allergic reactions.

We do fly after making careful airline choices etc. We do not ask for accomodation in any form. However, not only would I be worried about my son's health if he had a reaction, I would be horrified at the inconvenience to all the other travelers if they had to divert our flight for medical help.

I think most everyone else just asked for the same "courtesy" the OP was asking for.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Isn't that what the OP is doing, trying to fly without inconveniencing the other passengers? (She did clearly state she has no problem with people bringing peanut products on planes.) She can't ask to be seated next to people without peanuts, so she's hoping to be seated next to people who will use common sense and try to keep their peanut products to themselves.

These topics always get heated and it drives me "nuts." My son is also allergic to peanuts. We never ask for accomodations, but we do rely on people around us using good sense. Fortunately we've never run across militant peanut users.

There was a thread the other day about April Fools jokes and a mom talked about making her kid's peanut butter sandwiches inside out (to be opened at school) so her kids would get peanut butter all over their hands. Clearly there are people that don't get that this is risky for some people. There is nothing wrong with educating people that washing/wiping hands after eating peanut butter could save other people from allergic reactions.

We do fly after making careful airline choices etc. We do not ask for accomodation in any form. However, not only would I be worried about my son's health if he had a reaction, I would be horrified at the inconvenience to all the other travelers if they had to divert our flight for medical help.

If you're not interested in hearing the OP's PSA about how you could help keep those allergic to peanuts safe, fine. But I'm not understanding why this has to be a debate.

See now I guess we have different definitions of good sense. I get the whole peanut allergy thing which is why we chose not to bring those types of foods on a plane. That I think is good sense. What about those of us who have severe animal allergies? Your animal does not have to fly in the cabin. It can go in cargo. That is how animals have flown for years. I am sure that nobody would be happy to have their flight diverted either if one of my family members has a severe reaction to someone's cat. Of course we try to fly prepared but you never know how severe someone will react and if you don't know that animals are allowed in the cabins now (which we didn't on a flight last year) then you can't really prepare for that. I think the peanut people are not interested in learning about how they could keep people who are allergic to other things safe.

 

[ajh88]

I must be naive to the ongoing and raging Great Peanut Debate so maybe that explains some of the (perceived) animosity here.

However, with that said, I want to thank the OP. As a member of a family who is so very fortunate NOT to have severe allergies to anything, there are a lot of things that would never cross my mind as being dangerous to others.

I don't go around purposely trying to spread allergens upon people, but sometimes we do things without really considering it, especially when it deals with something we don't have to worry about on a daily basis.

I will just try to be more aware of potential problems when I am out and about, although I'm sure I'll still be oblivious on occasion.

 

[disykat]

See now I guess we have different definitions of good sense. I get the whole peanut allergy thing which is why we chose not to bring those types of foods on a plane. That I think is good sense. What about those of us who have severe animal allergies? Your animal does not have to fly in the cabin. It can go in cargo. That is how animals have flown for years. I am sure that nobody would be happy to have their flight diverted either if one of my family members has a severe reaction to someone's cat. Of course we try to fly prepared but you never know how severe someone will react and if you don't know that animals are allowed in the cabins now (which we didn't on a flight last year) then you can't really prepare for that. I think the peanut people are not interested in learning about how they could keep people who are allergic to other things safe.

Since I am also allergic to animals, as well as sensitive to fragrances and many other things, I'm honestly perplexed by your post. I didn't say I didn't have interest in caring about these things. I have never seen anyone with peanut allergies insist your allergies don't matter. The OP said nothing about pets. I'm confused what your issue is?

My post was responding to the few posts on this thread that basically said they are not responsible for anyone else's allergies and have no interest in learning about them. Aren't we on the same side?

 

[livndisney]

Since I am also allergic to animals, as well as sensitive to fragrances and many other things, I'm honestly perplexed by your post. I didn't say I didn't have interest in caring about these things. I have never seen anyone with peanut allergies insist your allergies don't matter. The OP said nothing about pets. I'm confused what your issue is?

My post was responding to the few posts on this thread that basically said they are not responsible for anyone else's allergies and have no interest in learning about them. Aren't we on the same side?

You would think those of us with allergies WOULD be on the same side wouldn't you? I HAVE seen people with peanut allergies insist other allergies didn't matter.

 

[disykat]

You would think those of us with allergies WOULD be on the same side wouldn't you? I HAVE seen people with peanut allergies insist other allergies didn't matter.

I have seen people with peanut allergies try to explain about anaphalactic allergies to people who insist they should just be able to take an antihistamine like they do for their allergies, but I've never seen the ones who insist other allergies don't matter.

Personally, ALL my allergies are pretty dibilitating and I only WISH taking an antihistamine would fix them. It would be nice if we could all work together on the allergy front.

 

[livndisney]

I have seen people with peanut allergies try to explain about anaphalactic allergies to people who insist they should just be able to take an antihistamine like they do for their allergies, but I've never seen the ones who insist other allergies don't matter.

Personally, ALL my allergies are pretty dibilitating and I only WISH taking an antihistamine would fix them. It would be nice if we could all work together on the allergy front.

Sounds like you and I might have some of the same reactions. Antihistamine doesn't fix my allergies either. I have been told many times my allergies "didn't matter".

It would be nice if people would accept that other allergies can be just as life threatening as peanuts and have respect for those allergies.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Since I am also allergic to animals, as well as sensitive to fragrances and many other things, I'm honestly perplexed by your post. I didn't say I didn't have interest in caring about these things. I have never seen anyone with peanut allergies insist your allergies don't matter. The OP said nothing about pets. I'm confused what your issue is?

My post was responding to the few posts on this thread that basically said they are not responsible for anyone else's allergies and have no interest in learning about them. Aren't we on the same side?

Well see here is the thing. While I try my best to be conscious of others etc. It really shouldn't be my responsibility to make sure you don't have a reaction. The same way nobody cares if I have one. The OP was giving a PSA about how we should all be conscious of peanut allergies and keep our peanut products to ourselves. Well, someone in my family can end up hospitalized if they are near a cat. Should I tell people that they need to stuff kitty in a plastic bag? The point is that there are tons of people with allergies. We all learn how to cope in our every day lives. For example- now that we know that pets can fly in the cabin we either won't fly or we will inquire about the flight before we fly. We won't board a plane and then expect someone else to accomodate us because they were following the rules of the plane if you will. Of course like I have repeated we do not fly with peanut stuff because we know that there are plenty of people allergic to it but I guess it just rubs me the wrong way to have someone post a guideline if you will about it. If I posted a similar thread about how you should leave fluffy at home or in cargo I would be tarred and feathered here and told to take responsibility for myself.

You would think those of us with allergies WOULD be on the same side wouldn't you? I HAVE seen people with peanut allergies insist other allergies didn't matter.

I have seen this so many times on the DIS. The peanut allergy people (not all but a lot) claim that no allergy is worse than theirs and they don't care about what anyone else has to deal with. Courtesy goes both ways.