Waiting to board our plane and....

[fly girl]

My words were "you didn't feel it important to consider the needs of other passengers."

That was *my* interpretation of the synthesis of all of your posts.

I apologize for wording that caused you to infer I was saying you did not care. Given both sides you are trying to play followed by a suggestion (in jest I suppose with the upside down smiley), it is difficult to determine if all needs ARE being considered. Calling it whatever it was that got starred out is silly when you have made statements on both sides of the fence. But I didn't say you didn't care. I am struggling to see how you can say with confidence that the needs of a passenger with a dietary restriction WILL be met in the galley.

I have said prior to your post I got angry on, that we are going to agree to disagree and that's ok. Nothing we can do about that. Thank you, I read your post as a personal attack and I was really hurt. All good now.


When I first posted, my career was not in the mix (I rarely provide it online as it's private) but after the post that flight attendants couldn't get out of jumpseats for safety then I had to disclose it. I was trying all I could to provide useful info without disclosure.


So, given that, my first posts were more personal feelings vs. professional.


Personally, I wouldn't sweat a non peanut flight. Yes, I'll miss my snack but it's a small sacrifice. That's just me. A non diabetic, non allergic person.


Professionally, I have to protect all passengers onboard. I have to look at all variables. How could I deny anyone food for medical purposes? I can't! But how can I protect the severely allergic person? I can't 100%. Nor is anyone asking me to. I'm doing the best I can with what tools I have.

So, with that, to attempt to ward off an allergic reaction we ask for peanut free. We pull all peanut products from the plane and ask for cooperation. That in turn will help us in providing the safest environment for the allergic person we can do without confiscating food before you board. We know not everyone will comply. Good lord, how many people secretly keep their phones on in non airplane mode during taxi out? We are aware. It's not the 1 cell phone that's going to disrupt the computer in the cockpit. It's the MASS of them that has the potential. This is the same. The diabetic in 15A and the starving guy in 20B eating crackers and a protein bar will likely not trigger an allergic reaction. But if we say peanut free flight than we reduce the MASS. Does that make sense? Not sarcastic, just checking to see if you get this perspective.

I understand why your upset. I've clearly stated its an inconvience. And as far as I know, no domestic airline can fine/arrest/kick you off for eating a peanut product.

I said we will try our best to accommodate any passenger with medical needs. The big legacy airlines will always have drinks and snack onboard for first class. No flight attendant I know would deny a coach person who could be ill food. (And the autism story is completely different is that was HOT food which was already distributed to first class and they didn't have extra full tray meals catered. In fact, I believe a flight attendant gave up her crew meal for that child. But that's not my airline btw -- there's a little more disclosure.) Typically, we have fruit such as bananas, apples, cookies, chocolates, chips, pretzels onboard. Super short flights the fruit may be gone, but flight attendants hoard so it's likely stashed somewhere. Longer haul we have even more options including cheese, yogurt, turkey, etc. Even if we had nothing to help the passenger, we would still let them eat their food. But we will try our best. And even though we aren't supposed to give our own house brought food to anyone, we'd do it in extreme cases. Yes, I'm guilty of helping people with my own food.

Frankly, I have to play both sides of the fence professionally. I'm trying my damnest to keep us all safe in this metal bullet whooshing through the skies. Bottom line.

 

[Tozzie]

I will admit that I didn't read this whole thead but I have said this on prior threads where this topic comes up, If the airline knows about the allergy, which they should, then there should be a flag in the computer system so when anyone checks in for a flight with a allergy such as a peanut allergy there woudl be an alert during check in, a box should come up that you understand that there are food restictions on the flight and you should have to check the box before you can continue check in. This way people will be aware and be able to make food choices differently if they have to . The airlines choose not to do this why I dont know it wouldn't be that hard to configure.

 

[sam_gordon]

@fly girl...

Let's say you're flying Chicago to Kansas City, then Kansas City to Orlando (same plane). You are notified a passenger on the KC to MCO flight has a peanut allergy. I have the following questions...

1) Does the flight from Chicago to KC become peanut free?
2) Is there a deeper cleaning than normal between the two flights? Do you know what, if anything, extra is done?

 

[fly girl]

@fly girl...

Let's say you're flying Chicago to Kansas City, then Kansas City to Orlando (same plane). You are notified a passenger on the KC to MCO flight has a peanut allergy. I have the following questions...

1) Does the flight from Chicago to KC become peanut free?
2) Is there a deeper cleaning than normal between the two flights? Do you know what, if anything, extra is done?

Ok, first question. Are you talking about a flight with the same number (ie, flight 123 ORD to MCO with stop in MCI) or just two flights I'm working that I am keeping the plane? (Flight 345 ORD to MCI, Flight 678 MCI to MCO). I know it's crazy but it makes a difference. Albeit small but a difference.

 

[sam_gordon]

Ok, first question. Are you talking about a flight with the same number (ie, flight 123 ORD to MCO with stop in MCI) or just two flights I'm working that I am keeping the plane? (Flight 345 ORD to MCI, Flight 678 MCI to MCO). I know it's crazy but it makes a difference. Albeit small but a difference.

Can you answer for both? It might be good information for someone (on both sides of the debate).

 

[declansdad]

That comment of what I was missing wasn't even directed towards you. But whatever...

No it was directed at me. I didn't respond because many other people responded to you in pretty much the same manner I would.

 

[bcla]

Frankly, I have to play both sides of the fence professionally. I'm trying my damnest to keep us all safe in this metal bullet whooshing through the skies. Bottom line.

The subject of this conversation seems to be more important than the other things that one has to deal with in this profession. My personal favorite is when "frequent" flyers argue about who is more "elite" - possibly waving around their elite status cards as a show of who should be allowed to board first. I've even heard of arguments that were continued on board the plane. And this quote pretty much explains the crux of the dilemma:

"When everyone’s an elite flier, no one is."

I also need to pick up my family at the airport. It's a late arrival and the airline's counter closes at 7 PM because they never schedule any flights out of this airport past 7. I'm going to try and ask for a gate pass to meet them. No stroller, my wife will be lugging a wheeled carry-on, and our four-year old is likely to be asleep. Any ideas what are my chances of getting gate pass with that sob story? I'm wondering what they'll think if I arrive more than 7 hours before the flight arrives.

 

[fly girl]

@fly girl...

Let's say you're flying Chicago to Kansas City, then Kansas City to Orlando (same plane). You are notified a passenger on the KC to MCO flight has a peanut allergy. I have the following questions...

2) Is there a deeper cleaning than normal between the two flights? Do you know what, if anything, extra is done?

On my two...

The first one they used a big vacuum to deep clean before boarding. The cleaning crew did an amazing job of wiping everything down. I was shocked how well it was cleaned. (And that says a lot because I've made them come back many of times when they did a sub par job of regular flights.)

The second time, I cannot say for certain what extra TLC was given as the plane was cleaned prior to my arrival. It looked good, no mess on the floors and the row of seats for the allergic passenger had clean tray tables and seat pockets, but I didn't watch them clean the plane and I had no time to inspect every row.

Honestly, I think my first time was rare. I've never seen that type of cleaning, nor have my peers. It was amazing.

So I'd have to say it lies somewhere in the middle. The plane will be double checked and cleaned slightly better but not a MEGA clean. There's just not enough time, the planes are on the ground for 1 hour typically and that includes deplaning and boarding.

 

[Planogirl]

Don't they already enforce this ban in some schools? I see a bigger liability in someone having an allergic reaction on the flight.

I am not saying I'm in favor of a peanut ban but I feel it will come to this.

Liability might come into play if the airline promised a peanut free flight and then didn't deliver. I might be way offbase here but airlines don't currently promise this which might make them not responsible?

As for schools, I have heard that some schools ban peanut products. Our district doesn't but they will provide facilities for kids that are allergic. I can't imagine flight attendants searching through people's carry-ons and pockets though. I can't imagine TSA doing this either. But you never know I suppose.

 

[fly girl]

Can you answer for both? It might be good information for someone (on both sides of the debate).

Same flight number -- depends on when you're catered and how the station dealt with it. You may only be catered in first city (Chicago). Depends on the station and their supply what you'll get. Most likely the first flight will have peanuts and we will be catered with more pretzels for the down line flight. But if that station is short on peanuts you're getting all non peanut snacks. (There was a peanut shortage not too long ago so I can see that scenario.)

Now, if it was the FIRST flight (Chicago to KC) was the allergy and non peanut then the second leg would be to if we weren't catered in KC. Naturally as all peanut products were pulled.



Different flight number -- we could be catered in both stations. Then Chicago wouldn't know about allergy and you'd get peanuts. If they did down line cater us we'd still likely get peanuts for both legs, and would have to pull them in KC.

 

[fly girl]

No it was directed at me. I didn't respond because many other people responded to you in pretty much the same manner I would.

Are you understanding my side a little more now? Do you feel as if I'm still missing the big picture?

 

[undertheradar]

Not to be wise, how do these people with such a severe allergy go to a doctor's appointment? Many of these patients are pediatric, I've never seen a peanut-free area at any of our pediatricians' offices or at medical facilities that cater to pediatric patients? There would have to be a heightened risk within businesses that are geared towards children.

 

[suzanna1066@comcast.]

25 pages in and I have to say holy moly. Person has a peanut allergy, airline asks that no one eat nuts on a flight. What is the big deal? Are your rights to eat nuts on that particular flight so paramount to your life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Or should we just ban people with special needs from traveling altogether so no one is inconvenienced?

 

[gemini2727]

Are you understanding my side a little more now? Do you feel as if I'm still missing the big picture?

Flygirl, I think your being very reasonable and doing your best to keep all of your travelers as safe as you can. Like, you said, it can't be 100%, but you can try!

 

[declansdad]

25 pages in and I have to say holy moly. Person has a peanut allergy, airline asks that no one eat nuts on a flight. What is the big deal? Are your rights to eat nuts on that particular flight so paramount to your life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Or should we just ban people with special needs from traveling altogether so no one is inconvenienced?

Maybe you should try reading the thread to see what the actual discussion has been about.

 

[declansdad]

Are you understanding my side a little more now? Do you feel as if I'm still missing the big picture?

I understand your side and I never thought you were on one side but rather the tone of your posts seemed to diminish the other passengers on the plane.

 

[FigmentFinder]

Maybe you should try reading the thread to see what the actual discussion has been about.

By the time you finish reading 25 pages, the thread might have taken a different direction.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Not to be wise, how do these people with such a severe allergy go to a doctor's appointment? Many of these patients are pediatric, I've never seen a peanut-free area at any of our pediatricians' offices or at medical facilities that cater to pediatric patients? There would have to be a heightened risk within businesses that are geared towards children.

My allergy office has signs posted. I would think that if a pediatric practice had enough patients for it to be a concern, they would as well. Or just say no food or drink at all.

That said, I don't notice signs if any kind regarding food and drink at the pediatrician's office. The waiting room is divided into sick room one side, newborn room on the other and the entrance and well child waiting room in between.

 

[fly girl]

I understand you side and I never thought you were on one side but rather the tone of your posts seemed to diminish the other passengers on the plane.

I just don't see how I diminished others by saying they can try to get an alternative snack through the crew or eat their peanut product if they needed to. To me, it seemed as if I was accommodating all.

 

[sam_gordon]

Same flight number -- depends on when you're catered and how the station dealt with it. You may only be catered in first city (Chicago). Depends on the station and their supply what you'll get. Most likely the first flight will have peanuts and we will be catered with more pretzels for the down line flight. But if that station is short on peanuts you're getting all non peanut snacks. (There was a peanut shortage not too long ago so I can see that scenario.)

Now, if it was the FIRST flight (Chicago to KC) was the allergy and non peanut then the second leg would be to if we weren't catered in KC. Naturally as all peanut products were pulled.



Different flight number -- we could be catered in both stations. Then Chicago wouldn't know about allergy and you'd get peanuts. If they did down line cater us we'd still likely get peanuts for both legs, and would have to pull them in KC.

I guess the point I'm getting to is if some of the peanut dust from the first flight might still be contained in the air system during the second flight? So even if everyone on the second flight follows the "no peanut" request, there might still be peanut residue that could affect someone who is allergic? I'm not referring to that being cleaned up by wiping down the immediate seating area.