USAIR and Peanut Allergy..

[antree]

For anyone that has flown USAIR with a peanut allergy, Ok I haven't flew with USAIR in over ten yrs. Last time was before my DS was born. Once SW cam,e in to the picture we have been flying with them. They are great when it comes to his peanut allergy. With the prices of tickets I am now watching SW and USAIR. So if you flew with USAIR with a peanut allergy how was it? Are they nice and accommodating? I am worried about changing to a new airline, I am worried with flying with SW and the problems they just had. So I am putting off buying tickets right now. Anyway looking for any experience with USAIR and peanut allergy.

Thanks.

 

[Missytara]

I know the last few flights I have had with Airtran, they don't even serve them anymore, due to the allergies.

I just did a google and it said US Airways has dropped them as well.

You will have more issues I think with someone coming on with peanuts, not being aware someone is on the flight with a peanut allergy, or being cognizant of the fact that it is very bad for someone to come in contact with them.

I had a friend lose his stepson several years back, when they went to eat at a restaurant, which ended up coming in contact with food that sparked an allergy attack. It is nothing to mess with.

 

[DebbieB]

I don't think USAir offers free snacks. They may have nuts in the snack boxes they sell on longer flights, see link below.

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/intheair/foodandbeverages/maincabin.html

Delta definitely does offer peanuts, I had them on a flight 3 weeks ago (I really wanted biscoffs).

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Most airlines will acknowledge a peanut allergy and will do their best to accomodate a person with an allergy (ie. not serving the peanut products near the area of the person and making an announcement).

That said, there is little that can be done to force anyone on the plane from not eating a peanut product they brought with them or to ensure that flying before you boarded the plane did not eat a peanut product and leave crumbs around.

 

[kahblue]

Not sure about about USAir but southwest was good about not serving peanuts when notified of both of my sons' allegery to them. However, they don't clean the plane in between stops and there were peanuts on the floor. I wiped down the seats and trays and picked up the nuts myself. End result? One son needed a Benedryl.

 

[Nebraska_Disney]

As a frequent flier for work, I always (ALWAYS) bring some type of nuts with me on planes and usually crackers w/ peanut butter spread as well. Nuts are a great source of protein and when you are connecting flights and don't have time for a regular fast food meal, they go a long way for a traveler. I also observe many w/ trail mix as well as other nut products on almost every flight I am on. W/ the number of people on your current flight as well as those who may have been on the same plane that day, the odds are VERY high that there is going to be an allergen in the air on any given plane. Sorry to say, not much you can do about it and that is regardless of the airline you choose to fly you.

 

[jsilvers]

FYI, the "official" word from the US Airways website is:

US Airways recognizes that some of our passengers are allergic to peanut products. However, due to last-minute aircraft changes and the possibility that other passengers may bring peanuts onboard, we cannot guarantee that no peanut products will be onboard.

Because we cannot accommodate 'peanut-free' snack requests and the possibility that peanut-related ingredients may be contained in meals, we encourage passengers to bring their own food items onboard the flight.​

http://www.usairways.com/en-US/traveltools/specialneeds/specialmeals.html

 

[TDC Nala]

I have seen SWA make an announcement that there is a peanut-allergic person on the flight and asking that passengers not open any peanut products while on board the plane. Don't know if US Airways will make the same announcement. There are plenty of fliers who carry nuts with them.

However, there is still no way to guarantee that everyone on board will pay attention to the announcement.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I have seen SWA make an announcement that there is a peanut-allergic person on the flight and asking that passengers not open any peanut products while on board the plane. Don't know if US Airways will make the same announcement. There are plenty of fliers who carry nuts with them.

However, there is still no way to guarantee that everyone on board will pay attention to the announcement.

Or as others and myself have pointed out, that the people on the flight before didn't have nut products.

 

[gigi1313]

i'm the mom of two peanut/tree nut allergic boys and we try to travel frequently, so this is a subject close to my heart...
what we do is mark the disability on our reservation either when we are making the ressie or call to have it marked after it's made...
while in the airport i give both boys (and my daughter just for good luck) a dose of benadryl...
we pre-board armed w/lots of clorox wipes and disinfect the areas where the boys will be sitting/leaning/etc (seats, armrests, window, wall, tray table, etc)...
i also "inspect" the seat back pockets for stray nuts or wrappers (often find something)...
i politely ask the flight attendants to make an announcement (some are more willing than others) and remind them that it's a no-nut-served flight...
and off we go!!

a southwest rep had advised me to try and get the earliest flight/first flight of the day as they will have cleaned the plane overnight... we typically do attempt that (even if it means a 3:30am DME on the way home!)... it's worth it!

 

[seashoreCM]

... just for good luck) a dose of benadryl...
we pre-board armed w/lots of clorox wipes and disinfect the areas where the boys will be sitting/leaning/etc (seats, armrests, window, wall, tray table, etc)...
i also "inspect" the seat back pockets for stray nuts or wrappers (often find something)...
i politely ask the flight attendants to make an announcement (some are more willing than others) and remind them that it's a no-nut-served flight...
and off we go!! )

Ask quietly if you can preboard, just once, stating the reason.
Even if denied, go about wiping and disinfecting and picking up stray items methodically. If an FA gets antsy watching you, invite him/her to assist.

Unlike right of way at an intersection, extra time to board and get settled is something that is quietly taken, not given.

 

[livndisney]

i'm the mom of two peanut/tree nut allergic boys and we try to travel frequently, so this is a subject close to my heart...
what we do is mark the disability on our reservation either when we are making the ressie or call to have it marked after it's made...
while in the airport i give both boys (and my daughter just for good luck) a dose of benadryl...
we pre-board armed w/lots of clorox wipes and disinfect the areas where the boys will be sitting/leaning/etc (seats, armrests, window, wall, tray table, etc)...
i also "inspect" the seat back pockets for stray nuts or wrappers (often find something)...
i politely ask the flight attendants to make an announcement (some are more willing than others) and remind them that it's a no-nut-served flight...
and off we go!!

a southwest rep had advised me to try and get the earliest flight/first flight of the day as they will have cleaned the plane overnight... we typically do attempt that (even if it means a 3:30am DME on the way home!)... it's worth it!

Please make sure the "lots of clorox wipes" do not cause an allergic reaction in your neighbor.

 

[goofy4tink]

Ask quietly if you can preboard, just once, stating the reason.
Even if denied, go about wiping and disinfecting and picking up stray items methodically. If an FA gets antsy watching you, invite him/her to assist.

Unlike right of way at an intersection, extra time to board and get settled is something that is quietly taken, not given.

Really? To what end?? If someone has a peanut issue, and they take a ton of time cleaning the area around them, and subsequently hold up other passengers, then yes, a FA is going to get antsy. The best solution is to ask if you can board with the medical preboards....but just you, and the allergic person if there is no one else in your party. Then you can wipe down the area.

There really isn't all that much bleach in the wipes. But yes, be careful what you are wiping with..it could cause a reaction in another passenger.

Here's the issue. You just don't know who was in the seat/row prior to you boarding. There could very well be peanut oil remaining. So even if there is an announcement and/or you 'feel' it should be a peanut free flight, there could very well be peanut residue in your area.

 

[gigi1313]

Really? To what end?? If someone has a peanut issue, and they take a ton of time cleaning the area around them, and subsequently hold up other passengers, then yes, a FA is going to get antsy. The best solution is to ask if you can board with the medical preboards....but just you, and the allergic person if there is no one else in your party. Then you can wipe down the area.

There really isn't all that much bleach in the wipes. But yes, be careful what you are wiping with..it could cause a reaction in another passenger.

Here's the issue. You just don't know who was in the seat/row prior to you boarding. There could very well be peanut oil remaining. So even if there is an announcement and/or you 'feel' it should be a peanut free flight, there could very well be peanut residue in your area.

yes, we board w/medical pre-boards...

there is actually no bleach in a clorox wipe... i happen to be allergic to many wipes/fragrances/etc... clorox wipes use isopropyl alcohol as their main ingredient... i do not use the overly scented ones... and i bring a ziplock baggie to contain them as soon as i am done using them so the smell doesn't linger...

i'm quick, i've got it down to a science... we've got our routine and i've never, ever had an FA get antsy, nor was i ever not sitting and buckled long before the rest of the plane boarded...

we are fully aware that there could be residue on the seats... for my younger son i still bring his carseat 'cause he's a "touch everything and put his fingers in the mouth" kinda kid (he's 3)... again, we try to typically fly first flight of the day (yep, inconvenient but worth it)...

 

[Alexander]

I just can't imagine a vacation with flight included is worth risking someone's life. If the peanut allergies are that bad, then I would personally not expose my child to an aircraft. Just like the person who flew from Hong Kong and they confiscated her epipen. I would not have been able to take that flight if it was my child's epipen. It seems like if an allergy to peanuts is so bad you have to ask everyone around you to refrain from eating them or completely disinfect the plane before your child gets on, you are playing Russian roulette with their lives.

 

[seashoreCM]

Alcohol leaves no residue while bleach does. But the problem with bringing alcohol by itself (and dry wipes or paper towels) is that you are limited to the 3 ounces or so.

 

[uva185]

I have taken hundreds of US Airways flights and I have never heard an announcement asking passengers not to eat nuts.

In First Class they serve a nut mix (not sure if peanuts are included) and I believe you can buy a can of nuts in coach.

 

[livndisney]

yes, we board w/medical pre-boards...

there is actually no bleach in a clorox wipe... i happen to be allergic to many wipes/fragrances/etc... clorox wipes use isopropyl alcohol as their main ingredient... i do not use the overly scented ones... and i bring a ziplock baggie to contain them as soon as i am done using them so the smell doesn't linger...

I'm not sure why all the talk about bleach. But I do have to say I have never heard anyone say they were allergic to many wipes and the very next sentence say they were going to use clorox wipes (knowing it could cause a reaction in someone else).

Clorox residue causes issues as well even the warning label on product states "For surfaces that may come in contact with food, a potable rinse is required. Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes will not harm most surfaces, including acrylic, fiberglass and vinyl. Not recommended for use on unpainted wood.".

Not sure this is the safest option for others or your child who likes to put things in his mouth. As I understand it baby wipes and soap and water (when available) is what is most often suggested to remove peanut protein.

 

[goofy4tink]

Alcohol leaves no residue while bleach does. But the problem with bringing alcohol by itself (and dry wipes or paper towels) is that you are limited to the 3 ounces or so.

No one said anything about bringing alcohol by itself. It is already in the wipes. There is no bleach in the Clorox wipes..I am looking at a packet right now...it says..'contains no bleach'. So that shouldn't be an issue.

If I had a very young child, and was concerned about cleanliness, I would use diaper wipes. Nothing harmful in them. I do use the Clorox wipes, but I'm not concerned about my dd, 17, getting any residue in her mouth!!!
But man, I have seen some pretty disgusting trays on planes. I'm not sure when they were last cleaned but it took 3 wipes to clean it enough so I was comfortable touching it..... and I'm not a 'clean freak' but I hate stickiness. And the thought of someone sitting there, sweating all over the armrest just before I sit down, well..it sorta makes me nudgy. So, I wipe the arm rests, controls, seat belt connector and tray tables all down once I'm seated.

 

[crashbb]

i'm the mom of two peanut/tree nut allergic boys and we try to travel frequently, so this is a subject close to my heart...
what we do is mark the disability on our reservation either when we are making the ressie or call to have it marked after it's made...
while in the airport i give both boys (and my daughter just for good luck) a dose of benadryl...
we pre-board armed w/lots of clorox wipes and disinfect the areas where the boys will be sitting/leaning/etc (seats, armrests, window, wall, tray table, etc)...
i also "inspect" the seat back pockets for stray nuts or wrappers (often find something)...
i politely ask the flight attendants to make an announcement (some are more willing than others) and remind them that it's a no-nut-served flight...
and off we go!!

a southwest rep had advised me to try and get the earliest flight/first flight of the day as they will have cleaned the plane overnight... we typically do attempt that (even if it means a 3:30am DME on the way home!)... it's worth it!

You (general you) really should ask the GATE agents. Once people are on the plane, it is too late for them get another snack. If the announcement is made ON the plane, and my snack contains peanuts, I'm still going to eat it. If it is made in the gate area, I could buy something to replace it. With a gluten intolerance it is difficult to find "buy on board" food that I can eat - plus it is very expensive.