Peanut Allergies and Flying

[ducklite]

Originally posted by MrsJ Henry

I know that people bring on sancks for their young children etc... but I'm sure people could just think of other things a head of time instead of bringing peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches just in case.....

Many parents just aren't aware of these types of issues. The problem lies with the airlines, if they don't want to allow peanuts onboard, they need to make that very clear--tickets agents must tell the pax at the time of purchase, they need to put it on the website, print it on e-tickets, boarding passes, etc. They can not simply wait until everyone is onboard and make an announcement that no one is to eat peanuts or peanut products onboard. That would really put someone with younger kids who had packed PB&J's into a bind. Hungry 4 year olds are not an option on a three hour flight.

Again, it's certainly not the fault of a peanut allergic person, it's something the airlines need to deal with in a more proactive manner.

Anne

 

[Selket]

My son (age 28 months) was just diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in March and had a severe reaction to peanut butter about a month later in April so we have had a big double whammy in the past couple of months. (the two things are not related in any way as far as I know!)

I had never known anyone with severe food allergies so it has been quite a learning experience for me. I agree with Anne that it would be good if people could be notified beforehand not to bring peanut items or peanut butter sandwiches for kids onto the plane so other arrangments could be made. It would be nice if that was just a standard policy everywhere. I really struggle with the "inconvenience to other folks" vs. the needs of my son issue. For now we are not flying anywhere until we get a better idea of handling his allergy. He reacts to touching peanut butter - that's the only thing I know for sure! Peanut butter seems like a handgun to me - and I can't help but freak out (at least mentally) if I see someone eating it!

I have called the WDW resort where we plan to stay in August to ask about meals for my son and they have been very helpful - basically saying they'd make sure there is something to eat for him every day at the resort whenever we needed. I just need to contact them a week beforehand to make specific arrangements for meals. So far my experience with planning my vacation at WDW has been very positive and much less stressful because of their help.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

Northwest Airlines hasn't served peanuts in several years. I typically get either a bag of pretzels (IMHO, NW has the best pretzels of any airline that I've flown) or a granola bar.

 

[MrsJ Henry]

Hey there neighbor Syracuse Wolvrine!!
Syracuse area here also!!!