I fly 2-4 times a year and will avoid flying if possible. I am allergic to all nuts. The allergy is airborne. I have had reactions to people eating nuts around me including difficulty breathing, eyes swollen shut, rash, hives. From consuming a mislabled product I almost died and required immediate ER care. When I fly, my biggest concern is the AMOUNT of nuts on the plane, because the more nuts, the stronger the reaction. If airlines could just be required to make an announcement asking people to voluntarily not consume nuts on a flight, and not be responsible for enforcing it, even that would make a difference in my ability to live through a flight. I only fly Jet Blue, they only serve cashews as snacks and sometimes will substitute another snack if I request in advance (when they refuse I… more »
…do not get on the plane). What I have started doing is handing out preprinted cards that explain my allergy. I pass them out at the gate as people are waiting to board. The vast majority of people were very open and cooperative. So, the majority of the plane was nut-free. There may have been one person who consumed nuts, but I did not have a reaction so I don’t think there was. However, letting all the people know is better than not telling them, because most people are understanding and don’t want to risk emergency landing. If the DOT just asks airlines to make that announcement, and then leave it up to passengers to comply, that would be a step in the right direction. I bring Lysol wipes on board every flight and clean my row off in preboarding. I bring two epipens, benadryl, and my health insurance info. I always call ahead at least twice and write down the time and date and the name of the representative I spoke with about my allergy. This is what many have to do in order to fly. How was cigarette smoking banned on planes? Maybe DOT should mirror the same process for allergens. Were there second hand smoke studies? How and where were they conducted? How were the tobacco companies compensated for their loss of revenue? « less
I fly 2-4 times a year and will avoid flying if possible. I am allergic to all nuts. The allergy is airborne. I have had reactions to people eating nuts around me including difficulty breathing, eyes swollen shut, rash, hives. From consuming a mislabled product I almost died and required immediate ER care. When I fly, my biggest concern is the AMOUNT of nuts on the plane, because the more nuts, the stronger the reaction. If airlines could just be required to make an announcement asking people to voluntarily not consume nuts on a flight, and not be responsible for enforcing it, even that would make a difference in my ability to live through a flight. I only fly Jet Blue, they only serve cashews as snacks and sometimes will substitute another snack if I request in advance (when they refuse I… more »