Peanuts on planes?

[mrsaumock]

I know this is a bit off topic, but I'm curious when you say your daughter's number is off the chart. My son has a dairy allergy, but the allergist never suggested any testing. He said we didn't need a test to know he had the allergy, just because he had pretty strong symptoms. Is this a blood test that shows the degree of allergy? I think that's something I'd like to know. Maybe I need a new doctor.

No problem - our dd reacted to milk when she was about 5 months old. Hives, vomiting etc. they did a blood test to see if she tested positive for anything else. On a scale of 0-100, her peanut reading simply says greater than 100. Her milk was somewhere around 35. I think a lot of docs don't do blood tests bc they can give false positives. The only way to really confirm an allergy is to expose them to it (ingestion or scratch test). Her peanut number is so high we won't risk it. But that's probably why your doc didn't do a blood test. You could request one I'm sure, but just be aware of the false positive possibility and that a lot of insurance companies won't cover it. Hope that helps - let me know if you have any questions or if I didn't explain that well enough!!

 

[JediBonas]

I know this is a bit off topic, but I'm curious when you say your daughter's number is off the chart. My son has a dairy allergy, but the allergist never suggested any testing. He said we didn't need a test to know he had the allergy, just because he had pretty strong symptoms. Is this a blood test that shows the degree of allergy? I think that's something I'd like to know. Maybe I need a new doctor.

Just FYI, my son's blood test for peanuts was really high (I can't remember the exact number) but his allergist said its not really related to sensitivity and he's not convinced peanuts will be a big problem for him. That being said, I haven't risked giving him anything with nuts and keep his epi pen nearby.

 

[mrsaumock]

Just FYI, my son's blood test for peanuts was really high (I can't remember the exact number) but his allergist said its not really related to sensitivity and he's not convinced peanuts will be a big problem for him. That being said, I haven't risked giving him anything with nuts and keep his epi pen nearby.

This!! You explained it much better than I did. I just sort of rambled. Lol. Thanks!!

DD has never reacted to peanuts but we've never exposed her either. We take precautions and keep her epi pen with us.

 

[JediBonas]

No problem - our dd reacted to milk when she was about 5 months old. Hives, vomiting etc. they did a blood test to see if she tested positive for anything else. On a scale of 0-100, her peanut reading simply says greater than 100. Her milk was somewhere around 35. I think a lot of docs don't do blood tests bc they can give false positives. The only way to really confirm an allergy is to expose them to it (ingestion or scratch test). Her peanut number is so high we won't risk it. But that's probably why your doc didn't do a blood test. You could request one I'm sure, but just be aware of the false positive possibility and that a lot of insurance companies won't cover it. Hope that helps - let me know if you have any questions or if I didn't explain that well enough!!

I agree, I think the allergy testing isn't always correct. Our son tested positive for a soy allergy, he was on soy milk for months prior to this because we thought he had a milk allergy! We still occasionally give him foods with soy and egg (which he also feted positive for), just not risking the peanut one yet.

 

[mrsaumock]

I agree, I think the allergy testing isn't always correct. Our son tested positive for a soy allergy, he was on soy milk for months prior to this because we thought he had a milk allergy! We still occasionally give him foods with soy and egg (which he also feted positive for), just not risking the peanut one yet.

Same thing happened to us!! She tested positive for soy and she's been drinking soy milk since we found out she's allergic to cow milk. The best way to determine an allergy is by reaction. We won't risk the peanut allergy though.

 

[LeslieG]

My son has been allergic to dairy since he was a baby. He's 14 now. We thought he'd outgrow it, as most kids do I guess. But no such luck. It's just a way of life now. I remember asking the doctor how severe his allergy was, and he kind of acted like that was a stupid question. He said you can't be a little bit allergic. You either are or you aren't. But that didn't seem right to me, because some people have very severe reactions, while others just minor.

 

[RevKjb]

Southwest still gives out peanuts on flights...

On our Southwest flight home from the World on the Labour Day weekend, the flight attendant suspended distribution of the peanut snacks announced a severe allergy and then collected all open and unopened snacks. They then distributed more pretzels which were manufactured in a factory that could not guarantee that the product had not come into contact with peanuts...so I'm not sure what to say is the best course of action...

 

[JediBonas]

My son has been allergic to dairy since he was a baby. He's 14 now. We thought he'd outgrow it, as most kids do I guess. But no such luck. It's just a way of life now. I remember asking the doctor how severe his allergy was, and he kind of acted like that was a stupid question. He said you can't be a little bit allergic. You either are or you aren't. But that didn't seem right to me, because some people have very severe reactions, while others just minor.

I agree. My son's only allergic reaction (so far, and hopefully forever) is eczema, sometimes he gets little red dots all over his body, too, but they don't itch or bother him at all. The bad eczema that just wouldn't go away is what prompted our dr to send us to the allergist. My husband also has allergies, and I would definitely say some things he's only "a little" allergic to. He might eat something and his reaction is a runny nose, something else might swell his eyes, etc.

 

[denneg]

I also was told to give my DS Benadryl before boarding.

Just curious, but was this a doctor or allergist who told you to give Benadryl? I'm a nurse, and it goes against my training to treat with Benadryl first - I've always been taught that Benadryl masks the symptoms of the reaction so the Epi may be given too late. I only ask and bring it up so you can discuss with a doctor, I've see too many tragic cases to not mention it. If its the advice you got from your doctor and it's worked for you, I certainly don't want to tell you to do otherwise!

 

[antree]

On our Southwest flight home from the World on the Labour Day weekend, the flight attendant suspended distribution of the peanut snacks announced a severe allergy and then collected all open and unopened snacks. They then distributed more pretzels which were manufactured in a factory that could not guarantee that the product had not come into contact with peanuts...so I'm not sure what to say is the best course of action...

This is why you must notify the airlines when you buy your tickets and again when you check in your luggage. If SWA is told about the allergy in that manner then they have time to load the plane with non peanut items, including made in the same facility items. We only fly SWA and also confirmed the Peanut Allergy in time and the snacks were, crackers and something else can't remember and the warning never had anything on them about peanuts.

They ask you to please to get to the airport in plenty of time before the plane is loaded with the snacks so there is no mistakes. Only one time in the 8 yrs my DS has been flying I forgot to confirm the allergy when we got to the airport, by the time I realized it and went to SWA counter before boarding, they asked me how can I forget. I don't know just trying to get both kids settled that morning It just slipped my mind. We got to the airport a little later then usual. I was still given my pre board slip with the allergy. They couldn't serve any snacks because they already loaded the plane. So the announcement was, there will be no snacks on the flight because of an allergy. Thankfully no one complained
I swear I was so upset, I was running late and forgot and also I stop others from having a snack. I have never been late again getting to the airport.

 

[antree]

Just curious, but was this a doctor or allergist who told you to give Benadryl? I'm a nurse, and it goes against my training to treat with Benadryl first - I've always been taught that Benadryl masks the symptoms of the reaction so the Epi may be given too late. I only ask and bring it up so you can discuss with a doctor, I've see too many tragic cases to not mention it. If its the advice you got from your doctor and it's worked for you, I certainly don't want to tell you to do otherwise!

The Allergist had told me. He told me to always give him the Benadryl before flights. We do the same routine before each flight with wiping down and sitting over a blanket and Benadryl.
We were told if he ever came in contact with peanuts to give the Benadyl if he can swallow and the epi no matter what. Always safe then sorry.
I am always a nervous wreck worrying if that day ever came, if I had to use the epi.

 

[goofy4tink]

Southwest serves peanuts. They have announced allergic passengers were present and ask that no one open any peanut products - but they do not clean the planes between flights. So if you're not on the first flight, you could run into peanuts from previous passengers.

This is my issue as well. I worry about those parents who are lulled into a false sense of security. Their child could sit in a seat, at the gate, that a peanut butter sandwich eating child had just vacated..and wiped peanut butter on the seat. Same thing on the plane. There is just no way to be absolutely safe.
I have been on flights when the FAs announced that there would be peanut snacks offered and they would appreciate if passengers put away any snacks/food with peanut in it. Most people were happy to do so.

 

[madatmama]

Just curious, but was this a doctor or allergist who told you to give Benadryl? I'm a nurse, and it goes against my training to treat with Benadryl first - I've always been taught that Benadryl masks the symptoms of the reaction so the Epi may be given too late. I only ask and bring it up so you can discuss with a doctor, I've see too many tragic cases to not mention it. If its the advice you got from your doctor and it's worked for you, I certainly don't want to tell you to do otherwise!

My daughter has a food allergy and sees an allergist at Duke. Our action plan states Benadryl first followed by Epi if certain criteria are present. It may differ based on the patient or severity of the allergy but Benadryl as a first line of defense is definitely something prescribed by allergists. That being said, if anyone with a FA child just sees their regular ped I cannot say enough good things about seeing a pediatric allergist. They are so much more knowledgable and have given us great peace of mind.

 

[JediBonas]

That being said, if anyone with a FA child just sees their regular ped I cannot say enough good things about seeing a pediatric allergist. They are so much more knowledgable and have given us great peace of mind.

Just wanted to second this. Our ped allergist is amazing! He takes soo much time with us and we can call and talk to him whenever.

 

[denneg]

The Allergist had told me. He told me to always give him the Benadryl before flights. We do the same routine before each flight with wiping down and sitting over a blanket and Benadryl.
We were told if he ever came in contact with peanuts to give the Benadyl if he can swallow and the epi no matter what. Always safe then sorry.
I am always a nervous wreck worrying if that day ever came, if I had to use the epi.

Oh, good, I'm glad he says to give the Epi at the same time! In a normal situation, where you have 911 available and more Epi on the way in minutes, I wouldn't be so nervous. But in the midst of a flight with limited Epi, it would make me nervous to see someone giving a person having a reaction Benadryl only. I certainly don't want to make anyone more nervous by saying such a thing, I just say proceed with as much caution as possible when in the air, which it sounds like you do!

 

[mommymot]

I totally understand your concerns. My child has a servere allergy as well and I was concerned about being at 30,000 feet and have a problem. Please note that nothing is fail safe but this is what we do. Of all the airlines that we have called ONLY Southwest Airlines has an official policy that they will suspend peanut service upon request due to a severe allegy. Most of the other airlines will only keep a barrier around you of 4-5 rows. Please note that you MUST call the airline ahead of time and or at the time of reservation and put the note on the reservation. Then you will need to get a blue pre boarding card from the gate to board first. Try to get the first flight of the day as the planes ONLY get a cleaning at night, (they never clean well however). When we board i bring travel clorox wipes and wipe down the entire row of arms rest, inbetween seats (I almost always find a peanut), table trays and seat belts. If it can be wiped I wipe it. Then we purchased plane seat covers (google plane sheet as Dis will not let me put in the link) but I think you could probably use blankets etc. I also give my son a dose of benadryl to help with anything that can be in the air circulation system. And last but not least I let the flight attendants know about the allergy and they have announced with out asking for people to please not consume peanut or tree nut products. A little precaution goes a long way. Good Luck. I hope this helps.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I totally understand your concerns. My child has a servere allergy as well and I was concerned about being at 30,000 feet and have a problem. Please note that nothing is fail safe but this is what we do. Of all the airlines that we have called ONLY Southwest Airlines has an official policy that they will suspend peanut service upon request due to a severe allegy [sic]

I don't know if what you posted about Southwest's policy is true or not, but you seem to be unaware that many airlines don't even serve peanuts, so that may be a reason that they don't need a policy about suspending peanut service!

 

[antree]

I don't know if what you posted about Southwest's policy is true or not, but you seem to be unaware that many airlines don't even serve peanuts, so that may be a reason that they don't need a policy about suspending peanut service!

We fly no one except SWA and everything mommymot said is true. We also do the exact precaution when we board.

Here is information for mrsaumock, That I found from other Airlines.

US Air does serve peanuts and peanut products, from their website "we cannot accommodate 'peanut-free' snack requests, and meals may contain peanuts or peanut-related ingredients."

Mrsaumock are flying Delta, and they sound like they are accommodating now,
Delta says, "When you notify us that you have a peanut allergy, we'll create a buffer zone of three rows in front of and three rows behind your seat. Effective on flights operating June 1, 2012 and beyond, when you notify us that you have a peanut allergy, well refrain from serving peanuts and peanut products on board your flight."

Allegiant Air say, "Allegiant does not maintain a peanut-free zone on any aircraft. Allegiant serves products that may have been manufactured in facilities that process peanuts or peanut-based products. Customers are also allowed to bring food on board the aircraft and may bring products that are manufactured in facilities that process peanuts or peanut-based products. Allegiant cannot control what foods customers bring on the plane and does not guarantee a peanut-free or allergen-free flight. Upon request, Allegiant will attempt to re-seat a passenger affected by a peanut dust allergy in an effort to minimize the passengers exposure to the allergen."

Allegiant and US Air sound the worst of all when it come to Peanut Allergies.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

.........

Allegiant and US Air sound the worst of all when it come to Peanut Allergies.

I'm not sure why you say this. NO airline can stop passengers from eating peanut products or bringing them on a plane, nor can they guarantee your seat and surrounding area will be free of contaminants. Most, not just the two you mentioned, will not provide buffer zones either.

Many US airlines don't serve peanuts at all, including United, JetBlue and American.

This blog may be of some use to those flying with peanut allergies (although it's a bit dated):

http://peanutfreeflying.blogspot.com/

 

[mrsaumock]

OP here. I just wanted to say thanks for all of the info!! I have a quick question - when should I call delta so they can note the allergy on our flight? We don't leave for another 3 weeks - is it too early to go ahead and call? I'll also mention it again when we get to the gate, of course. Thank you again!! I really appreciate the fact that all of you took the time to offer advice and try to ease my fear!!