Flying with a Peanut Allergy

Updated on June 19, 2010
S.S. asks from Baton Rouge, LA
8 answers

I'm trying to take a trip with my 4 year old son who had a severe peanut allergy. Flying is our only option to get to our destination?anyone with any recent experience with this or know of a cooperative airline?

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M..

answers from Miami on

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J.V.

answers from Chicago on

I'm not sure I understand the problem. Is his allergy an airborne issue? They don't really serve meals anymore, and you can specify allergies if they do. Otherwise, I don't see why flying would be a problem.

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A.G.

answers from Las Vegas on

my son has a peanut allegery, but he is not severe. We carry epi-pens though.

We have traveled A LOT with him, and if you tell the airline about your son's allergy they WILL NOT pass peanuts out. Tell the people when you are booking, tell them at the ticket counter, tell them at the gate, and then tell the flight attendant as you get on the plane. Tell as many people as you can. All airlines we have been on are READY WILLING AND ABLE to comply. We fly southwest A LOT and they will not put peanuts on the flight if your child are allergic. They pass out pretzles instead.

Airlines always recommend taking a flight in the morning so that the plane is as clean as possible beofre you board.

Also, take a package of lysol wipes with you on the plane and wipe down all surfaces. They will often let you pre-board to do this.

Lastly, take AT LEAST 2 epi pens and BENEDRYL just in case.

good luck....have fun.

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M.C.

answers from Washington DC on

I was just on a US Airways flight last month. They don't automatically serve peanuts anymore, but you can still buy them from the snack cart. Also people are allowed to bring dry food and snacks onto the plane.

I would call the airlines. Then also, as you get on the plane, talk to the flight attendants and explain. Ask them to make an announcement that this will be a nut free flight due to an airborne allergy.

I would also take some wet ones and wipe down the hard surfaces of your son's seat.

M.

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T.F.

answers from San Diego on

I would not recommend southwest. They still serve peanuts on there flights. I was actually really surprised to be handed peanuts as the snack. I also saw some peanuts in one of the pouches that hold the magazines on the back of the chairs. The first thing I thought of when I saw it was all the kids in our playgroup that have peanut allergies.

Wish you the best of luck on your trip.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

n

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A.V.

answers from Oklahoma City on

Just make sure you tell them you need a peanut free flight, that your son is severely allergic to them. they will be more than happy to help. and do remember to keep the epi-pens where you can get to them very quickly!

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A.C.

answers from Houston on

Most airlines haven't served peanuts for years.

It is impossible to guarantee a completely peanut free flight, but I've been on a couple of flights lately where the flight attendants have made several announcements asking other passengers to refrain from eating peanut products. It seems to work...no one wants to see someone intentionally suffer and the last thing an airline wants is an in-air emergency.

I know for certain that Continental will make some reasonable accomodation, but I can't remember the other airline I was flying. It is important to make sure that the airline is aware of the situation when you book your ticket...say something to the ticket agent when you get to the airport...to the gate agent (who may be the same as the ticket agent)...and ask for the head flight attendant and explain the situation to him/her.

Risk for contamination is still high, so it would be a good idea to talk to your allgerist/doctor ahead of time to see what they recommend (would an antihistamine ahead of time help?)...and remember your EpiPens!

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