Profile: tcperrine
This is tcperrine's Profile page. Use it to view tcperrine's comments, other users' replies to these comments, and comments tcperrine has endorsed.
What's Happening Now
June 3, 2010 12:51 am
Thanks you for sharing your story and this information. If a total ban (airline and passenger) weren’t possible, what would the ideal policy you’d support as far as the airlines conduct is concerned?
June 3, 2010 2:46 am
Email us regarding formatting issues here: regulationroom@cornell.edu. The more detail you can provide, the better chance they’ll be able to address a fix. Feedback only makes us stronger, so please do so!
Thanks for your comment as well.
No comments
I have one child who is severely allergic to peanuts. She is one of those few who react from dust, practically. We made a decision at an early age simply not to fly. The airlines have no cohesive, consistent policy and this issue is not something we can show up and be surprised about.
It would help children, and adults, like my daughter if the DOT banned peanuts on all flights. Of course, asking airlines to stop serving peanuts is not enough. The DOT would need to require that no passenger bring them aboard as well. Let’s face it, cuts to the airlines have put food at the bottom of their priority list (hence handing out “snacks” like peanuts). So…if you will be flying for hours and have little prospect for food, what is the perfect protein packed food you can… more »
I almost feel like banning peanuts would give people a false sense of security UNLESS a complete and total ban was instituted (airline & passengers).
That being said, I appreciate the argument about other allergies, as well as perfume (though I do not believe anaphylaxis is generally an issue for those allergic to perfume). Why do we need food on board at all? Perhaps that is a bit naive and narrow-minded, but how about a drinks-only rule? Do 1 or 2 hours flights really need to serve ANY kind of food? Propose that to the airlines as a cost saving measure! (Of course, longer flights or international is a whole other ballgame.)
So, to answer the DOT questions over there <—- I would say:
1. From empirical evidence, I believe there is a strong likelihood of a peanut allergy sufferer having a severe reaction if the conditions were right. My daughter developed hives from peanut shell residue that had touched a banana peel. She touched the peel to her skin and broke out in hives. It doesn’t take much.
2. I feel strongly that people should take responsibility for themselves and, therefore, would expect all allergy sufferers to carry their own epinephrine. However, I am under the assumption that a plane would have first aid available and possibly a defibrillator. Adding epinephrine to this kit would only be a good business practice.
3. I would feel (relatively) safe on a plane where peanut-ingredient products are banned from airline and passengers, but “may contains” were permitted. My allergic daughter would not consume them, but the chance of her having a reaction from cross contact or inhalation are virtually nil. Again, it’s about personal responsibility. We will take care of her food. We just need help keeping her alive and safe from other peoples food.
« less
Sorry about the format. Everything HAD been neatly spaced.
MODERATOR: I am having page formatting trouble when replying……
I don’t know that I would feel safe flying without a total ban. There are too many variables. Realistically, I know that a total ban is unlikely. For most people, an airline ban, a buffer zone, epinephrine in a first aid kit, and pre-boarding would probably go a long way to making them comfortable. But, like I said, it probably would not be enough for me and mine.
I’ve also heard in the past of some airlines forcing passengers to sign statements acknowledging that they will not stop the flight and seek assistance if an allergic reaction happens. I think it was American Airlines and I read the actual documents. Obviously, this practice is incredibly paralyzing. Last I knew, medical emergencies in… more »
Though our comfort zone is very tight, I do appreciate that the DOT is trying to reach a compromise with the allergic and non-allergic passengers. For many people, minor changes to the system will go a long way. « less