Waiting to board our plane and....

[morgan98]

I had to plan for a several hour hike once for a group of girls that was nut free. We had to have a protein from a safety perspective of the hike as it was a camping trip and the hike included one of their meals.

Do you know how difficult it is to find a protein that does not require refrigeration AND is but free? It is a pain!

We settled on a beef jerky if some kind. Several of the hikers did not like it as it was too spicy. (My kids loved it.) however, if an emergency arose and sustenance was needed, they had it.

Having someone with medical need for protein on hand as a back up, choices are limited for non-perishable once you eliminate peanuts and nuts as an option.

The other thing is who are the no peanut people to dictate what may or not be a good alternative snack to peanuts? For example, in the above example, we are fairly health conscious (not extreme, but much more so than average). We really eat very few processed food. Sorry, beef jerky is a no go for me because of the nitrates and the amount of salt.

 

[fly girl]

You seem to be erring in the side of "how hard it could be" and downplaying the situation for those folks where it could be a legitimate conflict.

Them being a little inconvenienced is worth someone's life.

Those of is being pegged as selfish and unkind are trying to point out that such attitudes are nothing but guilt trips. Sure, they serve a purpose as someone's life may be at risk. But the ease at which it seems folks are downplaying concerns over whether the accommodations for the peanut allergy passenger are reasonable is what is at issue. This post here even continues with the dismissive nature of the attitudes. ("It's just one flight.")

At least for me.

I WILL bend over backwards and help someone. I have done so for a number of years and will continue to do so. Just don't hose me by waiting until the last minute and use guilt and shame to force my compliance and tell me I should have been better prepared and I should be more kind. That is WRONG and as someone suggested...makes me think the measures may be a bit extreme for the reality for some, but not all people with peanut allergies.


As you said, in your experience,
This accommodation is extremely rare but at some point, you will hit the lottery where you have the needs of multiple passengers in conflict with one another. "It's just one flight" ain't going to cut it from a Customer Service or a safety perspective.

Hope that clears up the reason for disagreement on how things are handled.

Never did I say you should always come with non peanut snacks. Never once did I guilt you by saying you couldn't eat it onboard. I said you have to do what you have to do.

As for customer service and safety, we are going to agree to disagree with this issue. That's ok.

 

[SirDuff]

I had to plan for a several hour hike once for a group of girls that was nut free. We had to have a protein from a safety perspective of the hike as it was a camping trip and the hike included one of their meals.

Do you know how difficult it is to find a protein that does not require refrigeration AND is but free? It is a pain!

We settled on a beef jerky if some kind. Several of the hikers did not like it as it was too spicy. (My kids loved it.) however, if an emergency arose and sustenance was needed, they had it.

Having someone with medical need for protein on hand as a back up, choices are limited for non-perishable once you eliminate peanuts and nuts as an option.

I don't know, I don't tend to have problems finding snacks without buts Sorry, couldn't resist.

 

[CanBeGrumpy]

In 18,000 flights, fly girl posted she has had all of 2 where no peanuts on the flights occurred.

So why take the chance? Because peanuts aren't outlawed?

If you can suggest and expect that passenger to carry a safe substitute in the very remote odds their flight will be announced peanut free (0.0001 for Fly Girl) at the last minute; would it not be fair to suggest that instead the peanut allergen passenger be REQUIRED to provide more notice since they need to fly peanut free 100% of the time? Their needs negatively impact other people and it is unreasonable to not allow others to have adequate warning to make other preparations.

I can't speak for all people with allergies, but when we book a flight, we indicate on the reservation that we are traveling with someone who is allergic to peanuts. So we (the peanut allergen family) notify the airline weeks, if not months, before the flight. It is the airline that waits until the last minute (usually AFTER we have boarded the plane!! So NO chance for anyone to get an alternative snack!!) to ask people to please not eat peanut products. We do not even mind if people eat their own peanut snacks on board, it is the airline that is making this request. All we are requesting is for the airline to not serve peanuts, because it is the 100+ bags of peanuts being opened simultaneously that give us concern, not the peanut butter sandwich brought on board by a diabetic patient. The fault of not giving enough notice to other passengers generally lies with the airline, not the passenger with the allergy.

 

[usnuzuloose]

The way I see it, if I was on an airplane and asked not to eat stuff like that I could wait it out, and would do so. If your diabetic you could put other snacks besides peanut stuff, so if you find yourself not eating peanut you have something else. IMHO I would never risk anyone's life to satisfy myself.

 

[fly girl]

I can't speak for all people with allergies, but when we book a flight, we indicate on the reservation that we are traveling with someone who is allergic to peanuts. So we (the peanut allergen family) notify the airline weeks, if not months, before the flight. It is the airline that waits until the last minute (usually AFTER we have boarded the plane!! So NO chance for anyone to get an alternative snack!!) to ask people to please not eat peanut products. We do not even mind if people eat their own peanut snacks on board, it is the airline that is making this request. All we are requesting is for the airline to not serve peanuts, because it is the 100+ bags of peanuts being opened simultaneously that give us concern, not the peanut butter sandwich brought on board by a diabetic patient. The fault of not giving enough notice to other passengers generally lies with the airline, not the passenger with the allergy.

I agree. Look at post #427.

Normally, you'd approach me at the boarding door to tell me who had the allergy. I'd talk to you and make sure the crew knew who you were and to see if there was anything else we could do to help. Granted, since you already stated the allergy, the peanuts are already pulled. And since we can't go individually to each passenger and ask what type of peanut product they brought onboard, the basic peanut free flight was established. That's why I said the airline knows people are going to consume them, they are reducing the risk the most efficient way they can. Will it anger some? Ha, 23 pages and counting!

 

[TipsyTraveler]

But the number one treatment for hypoglycemia caused by diabetes and its associated treatment is a source of sugar with minimal fat or protein (peanuts are not a good option -the fat content in the peanuts and minimal net carbohydrates would take forever to bring up my BG. It's why diabetes educators don't recommend eating chocolate to treat lows). Most of the time, the treatment I use for hypoglycemia is peanut free, so I have very few fears about not being able to treat a low because of peanut allergies.

I keep a protein bar that has peanut butter in it and almonds with me as a post-hypoglycemia snack (the fat and protein in nuts help to prevent rebound lows) or for times when I know I need to eat something or I risk going low. They're portable, they don't need to be refrigerated, and they work well for my diabetes. I don't see how I could carry eggs and cheese with me (I would be afraid of food poisoning and lows caused by that), and bagels with cream cheese will send me in to the 300s in under an hour. Please tell me if you have any ideas on portable foods that would meet TSA's guidelines, don't need to be refrigerated, and aren't peanuts -I'm completely lost and would love to find more stuff to carry in my purse.

Would I be frustrated if I were on this flight and received such a short notice about the flight being peanut free? You bet. If I had the time to get a different snack, there would be no issues. Would I willingly eat the peanut/almond-containing snacks I keep with me while on that flight? No, but I would gladly appreciate it if the airline would give me an approved snack instead.

I don't know if this would be good for a diabetic, but I carry this vegan jerky with me when I fly. Doesn't need refrigeration, easy to transport, nut-free (at least the 3 flavors I currently have in front of me are), and I've never had a problem getting it past TSA or customs in any country I've visited. It's pretty tasty, too.

http://www.primalspiritfoods.com/index.php

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

The other thing is who are the no peanut people to dictate what may or not be a good alternative snack to peanuts? For example, in the above example, we are fairly health conscious (not extreme, but much more so than average). We really eat very few processed food. Sorry, beef jerky is a no go for me because of the nitrates and the amount of salt.

No doubt! Families are given menus ahead of time and can make personal decisions accordingly. As the adult
overseeing the adventure, we always opted to not include peanut products in what we OFFERED. Children could and did bring their own thing clearly labeled for their consumption.

But the food offered by us that was paid for by the fees of the girls were safe for all.

It has been many months, but we also had almond butter packets and apples for breakfast. We only had a peanut allergy to worry about. The almond butter could also be taken on the hike, but it was packaged for breakfast.

The key is, the don't dictate--as the planner *I did* taking the nutritional needs of all involved. While we could offer organic and nitrate free everything, we would have to raise the cost to go.

We also had a dairy allergy in the group. But her mom insisted I not cater to her needs.

 

[acebatonfan]

It seems everybody in this thread is focusing on hypoglycemia. Peanut butter, and the proteins suggested that require refrigeration, should be used to combat episodes of hyperglycemia.

It's important to note that hypoglycemia is potentially lethal in the short-term (minutes to hours depending on how severe the low is and if the liver is able to release glycogen to bring up the low). There have been times where I woke up in the middle of the night to readings in the 20s -had I not woken up, I could have died in my sleep. If someone is experiencing hypoglycemia, treatment needs to begin as soon as possible.

Hyperglycemia is not lethal in the short term. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. Can long-term hyperglycemia lead to an increased risk of complications? You bet. Do I need to eat something right away if I experience hyperglycemia? No. Most of the time, I take a correction dose of insulin and avoid eating until my blood sugar heads down into acceptable ranges, which typically takes a few hours (eating something low-carb makes me head even higher -protein can raise BG through certain metabolic pathways). If I'm high and in a situation where I can't eat peanuts, I'm fine with not eating. If I'm low, then there's where issues start occurring.

I don't know if this would be good for a diabetic, but I carry this vegan jerky with me when I fly. Doesn't need refrigeration, easy to transport, nut-free (at least the 3 flavors I currently have in front of me are), and I've never had a problem getting it past TSA or customs in any country I've visited. It's pretty tasty, too.

http://www.primalspiritfoods.com/index.php

I was thinking about that last night. Next time I go to the store, I might get a few packets of turkey jerky to throw in my purse for these situations. Of course, chocolate also works (as long as it doesn't contain nuts).

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Never did I say you should always come with non peanut snacks. Never once did I guilt you by saying you couldn't eat it onboard. I said you have to do what you have to do.

As for customer service and safety, we are going to agree to disagree with this issue. That's ok.

Never did I say that is what you said.

Never did I say you had to agree.

You asked what you are missing. It seems you are still missing it. You feel only one passenger should and can easily be accommodated. You are missing that this could be a hardship for others because you are looking at it through your own lenses.

There is nothing to disagree with there other than you for feel that it is not important to consider the other needs of passengers.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

It's important to note that hypoglycemia is potentially lethal in the short-term (minutes to hours depending on how severe the low is and if the liver is able to release glycogen to bring up the low). There have been times where I woke up in the middle of the night to readings in the 20s -had I not woken up, I could have died in my sleep. If someone is experiencing hypoglycemia, treatment needs to begin as soon as possible.

Hyperglycemia is not lethal in the short term. Is it uncomfortable? Yes. Can long-term hyperglycemia lead to an increased risk of complications? You bet. Do I need to eat something right away if I experience hyperglycemia? No. Most of the time, I take a correction dose of insulin and avoid eating until my blood sugar heads down into acceptable ranges, which typically takes a few hours (eating something low-carb makes me head even higher -protein can raise BG through certain metabolic pathways). If I'm high and in a situation where I can't eat peanuts, I'm fine with not eating. If I'm low, then there's where issues start occurring.



I was thinking about that last night. Next time I go to the store, I might get a few packets of turkey jerky to throw in my purse for these situations. Of course, chocolate also works (as long as it doesn't contain nuts).

At a function recently, a guest as sent to the hospital because her blood sugar was too high. She was not insulin dependent so there was no insulin to give her. She did not even want to go to the hospital. But she could not stand without her BP dropping and had passed out twice. Seated, she was not lucid. Paramedics really didn't give her the option to decline, though technically she could have. But she was in need of immediate attention at that point.

So while not lethal, it can escalate into a situation where a hospital is mandatory.

We so happened to have someone with a testing kit. So we knew her sugars were high. But the episode did not resolve and 911 had to be called. The mom who assisted her has two daughters who are Type I so encouraged her to eat safe foods. The safe foods at the function were extremely limited to do any good.

So while you were fine. Not all patients are. And this is the problem with an airline expecting cooperation and the guilt trips by people encourage compliance.

The airline either needs to do something or do nothing at all. Letting passengers know at a time where it is too late to remedy the situation is unfair to other passengers won't genuine medical needs.

And to be clear, I am not referring to jerk passengers who believe peanut allergies are fake.

 

[fly girl]

Never did I say that is what you said.

Never did I say you had to agree.

You asked what you are missing. It seems you are still missing it. You feel only one passenger should and can easily be accommodated. You are missing that this could be a hardship for others because you are looking at it through your own lenses.

There is nothing to disagree with there other than you for feel that it is not important to consider the other needs of passengers.

That was below the belt!! And now I'm pissed. How dare you say I don't consider other passengers?


Really? I didn't say it stunk for everyone else? I know it does. I think I said that in over half my posts. And I clearly said if you needed it go ahead and eat it! Geez!


You're missing it! My priority is SAFETY. Safety for everyone onboard. And the safest thing we can do is attempt to have as little of peanut products onboard as we can. You don't like being "dictated" that you can't have it so it's a hardship. I stood by my words that no one is going to take your food away! You could have it if you needed it. If it's really that big of a hardship then talk to the agent and get on another flight.

 

[Disneychick75]

That was below the belt!! And now I'm pissed. How dare you say I don't consider other passengers?


Really? I didn't say it stunk for everyone else? I know it does. I think I said that in over half my posts. And I clearly said if you needed it go ahead and eat it! Geez!


You're missing it! My priority is SAFETY. Safety for everyone onboard. And the safest thing we can do is attempt to have as little of peanut products onboard as we can. You don't like being "dictated" that you can't have it so it's a hardship. I stood by my words that no one is going to take your food away! You could have it if you needed it. If it's really that big of a hardship then talk to the agent and get on another flight.

Or....

 

[aaarcher86]

I'm betting this situation would be less aggravating in general if there wasn't s general increase in entitlement among special needs families.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

That was below the belt!! And now I'm pissed. How dare you say I don't consider other passengers?


Really? I didn't say it stunk for everyone else? I know it does. I think I said that in over half my posts. And I clearly said if you needed it go ahead and eat it! Geez!


You're missing it! My priority is SAFETY. Safety for everyone onboard. And the safest thing we can do is attempt to have as little of peanut products onboard as we can. You don't like being "dictated" that you can't have it so it's a hardship. I stood by my words that no one is going to take your food away! You could have it if you needed it. If it's really that big of a hardship then talk to the agent and get on another flight.

Please review your posts and your consistent attitude that it is not a big deal.

When pointed out that this could be a problem for a diabetic, you down played it. That is unsafe no matter how you spin it.

 

[fly girl]

I never down played it. I always said we had alternatives. I read all my posts.

 

[fly girl]

Please review your posts and your consistent attitude that it is not a big deal.

When pointed out that this could be a problem for a diabetic, you down played it. That is unsafe no matter how you spin it.

I never down played anyone's safety. I simply said a diabetic can get an alternative onboard -- flight attendants will have something for them. And even if that's not sufficient that they could go right ahead and eat it!

When did I downplay anyone's safety???

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I never down played it. I always said we had alternatives. I read all my posts.

I read them all.

You asked what you were missing. That is what sparked this exchange. It is difficult to balance your comments of "it's only one flight" against please don't eat peanuts but if you have to do so.

Perhaps I am misunderstanding your expectation.

But it seems that this may be an airline issue in poorly handling peanuts than it is a passenger with a peanut allergy issue.

Sounds like the request is nothing more than a Cover their rear but it's only one flight so how hard could it be thing.

In another country a passenger was removed and banned from a flight for non-compliance.

Do you not see this coming to a US airline near you?

Because you can say all you like, but if the airlines truly did bit mind the peanut consumption, rheh would not make the request in the first place. If they did mind, they would have a better policy in place for that "rare occurrence" of a flight suggested peanut ban.

Whose to say Delta is flexible but US Airways won't kick the offending peanut eating passenger off the flight?

Whose to say a short 1 hour jaunt doesn't become 6-8 hours of delays in a metal tube?

In today's day and age, it seems airlines really aren't as accommodating as you suggest given that there are airlines that may not have food service at all.

Whose to say that with airlines charging for carry one that they don't start charging you from brining your one food from home?

Bring your own peanuts? $35.
Bring your own organic apple? $100.

 

[fly girl]

Or....

Don't fly! I honestly don't know what else to say.


I said from the beginning they are trying to reduce the risk. No one is going through your bags saying you can't eat it! So you either, comply and not eat peanut product or you don't. It's really that simple.


How providing an option for a diabetic person got construed into me not caring for anyone other than the allergic person was not my intention. I don't know how it got twisted into that -- esp when I repeatedly said no one was going to take away their food.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I never down played anyone's safety. I simply said a diabetic can get an alternative onboard -- flight attendants will have something for them. And even if that's not sufficient that they could go right ahead and eat it!

When did I downplay anyone's safety???

Because your do what you need to do statements contrast with statements such as this:

Ok, I'm not an expert as I or no one in my family is allergic to nuts. But everyone keeps saying how is my granola bar/ pb&j / m&m's / crackers 15 rows away going to send a person into an allergic reaction?

It probably won't. Your snack rows away won't. But combine it with 100+ other people with peanuts and that risk goes WAY up. That's why they remove the peanuts onboard and ask you not to eat any you have. Do people still eat them? YES! No doubt they do. But by asking everyone to refrain it takes that risk way down. It's all about reducing the risk.

Personally, I don't see the big deal in going a couple of hours without a nut product, but that's just me. And I don't expect the airline to notify me because I don't think it's that monumental to go without -- and the airline already knows people are going to eat them anyway. They don't go through your belongings during boarding and take away your snacks! All they are trying to do is to provide a safe flight for all passengers.

You do follow with they are just providing a safe flight for all passengers...

But you can't seem to understand why certain passengers may not have needs the airline can meet if asked to not eat their snack. Sure they can eat it--but when do US airlines start removing passengers who do so?

I know you aren't sharing airline, but there are many carriers, what you as a specific flight attendant on a specific airline would do may not be what another one would do.