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Title: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Traveling Soon on November 25, 2012, 12:30:27 PM

Hi, I know I can scroll through and look at old threads, but I am wondering if anyone has any current information.  We are avoiding peanuts.  The possible airlines for our route would be Alaska, American, United, US Airways, and Delta.  I have already ruled out Delta.  I think they serve peanuts regularly, and even if they make our flight "peanut free", I figure there will be residue in the air filters.

Does anyone have somewhat current information?  Thank you!

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: CMdeux on November 25, 2012, 12:46:34 PM

Last time my DH flew United (about four months ago) they were still completely peanut-free.   They have been for over a decade.

One thing to watch for, though, is that the airline you book through doesn't "contract" certain routes with another carrier.


If they do, you'll need to do a lot more digging to figure out who to talk to.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: twinturbo on November 25, 2012, 12:54:13 PM

I second United out of the airlines you listed.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Traveling Soon on November 25, 2012, 08:00:00 PM

Thank you.  It is just so hard to get a straight answer out of these people.  I called all five of those airlines before posting.  United said no peanuts, no tree nuts on the plane.   So then I said what about first class and oh yes, they have mixed nuts.  So then I said do the mixed nuts include peanuts and she said "well, it doesn`t say that it doesn`t include peanuts, so I would assume it does."  Huh?  Just give me a simple yes or no.  We won`t be flying first class, so I guess sitting far back in coach would be okay if they have mixed nuts in first class including peanuts.  Alaska said no tree nuts, no peanuts, not even in first class.  American I called three different times and got three different answers ranging from no peanuts or tree nuts in coach to it is possible that we will serve items with peanuts.  Does she mean may contains? (which we don`t worry about for airborne exposure).  Or does she mean actual peanuts?  She said they don`t pass out bags of peanuts, but "I think when I flew one time they may have served trail mix."  This is the rep on the phone!  US Airways said no peanuts, no tree nuts, but then later in the same phone call she says they might pass out cashews and almonds!  So frustrating.  I don`t remember them being this wishy-washy the last time we flew, which was several years ago.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: twinturbo on November 26, 2012, 06:09:30 AM

Alaska partners with Delta, I think. I haven't taken Delta or Alaska for almost ten years so I'm out of date there but Alaska's website says first class meals may contain nuts. Reading between the lines (always fun) I think United and Alaska have similar CYA statements for first class & nuts, then coach & passengers eating their own peanut products. United and Jet Blue we've flown multiple timesin the past several years. They were both okay I didn't experience anything knocking my socks off either way. I'd still say United because they're the larger carrier and don't partner with Delta but recon yiur flight path through Expedia first to see which airlines actually populate. From there it's all constant contact with the airlines, board early to wipe down, cover the seat, defense, defense, defense.

It is frustrating.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: twinturbo on November 26, 2012, 07:06:34 AM

Sorry about grammar and spelling above. Tiny screen and no time to edit.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on November 26, 2012, 06:03:53 PM

We fly American (they do serve tree nuts in first class) and US Airways. 

Because of where we lived, over the last five years we've almost flown US Airways exclusively. If you do this and go through Charlotte, their home, there are some safe options for PA eating-wise.  There's a BK and a Mexican build-your-own-burrito kind of place (like Chipotle, Moes and Qdoba--but not those). Their allergy info was good. 

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Jessica on November 27, 2012, 12:27:36 PM

I thought Delta was so good recently? Do American and US Airways serve peanuts on most flights?

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: nameless on November 27, 2012, 05:40:45 PM

The information I have (which can be verified on their websites and by calling and speaking with a disability/special services person):

American, US Airways, and United do not serve "blatant peanuts" (meaning: bags of peanuts, peanut candy, peanut energy bars, etc.) but all of their snack selections for sale and in first-class are "may contain traces".  There are usually tree nut  mixes sold in the snack packs, but those do not contain actual peanuts. Neither do the tree nuts in first class. However there may be traces and peanut oil.

Delta and Southwest still serve peanuts. If you ask, they won't for your flight if given enough time (meaning, call ahead and get it on your reservation). The planes...for me...still REAK of peanuts and I've seen residue everywhere. I can't fly Southwest anymore...I used to b/c of cheap flights...but then I'd get contact hives or be sniffly the entire time.

I have no idea about Continental or other airlines b/c I just never had the opportunity to fly them.

Sometimes - if you don't get the right answer or get a mixed answer from a CS rep --- CALL BACK --- and speak to someone different or ask for their manager/supervisor. Every airline now has a statement on peanuts...it's there...no guessing or wondering --- the CS rep just has to find it or pass you to someone who does.

REMEMBER: any airline CANNOT make another passenger bring out peanuts...even next to you. They can ask...but they can't force them. You however, can move your seat or ask the other passengers nicely to refrain or get up and snack away down the plane a little bit.

Good luck :)

Adrienne

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on November 27, 2012, 11:35:16 PM

Continental used to serve peanuts.  They may still.  After they refused to let us fly (and refused to serve something other than pn on a flight from Houston to Denver), we refused to fly them ever.  And I could see their headquarters from my office when I worked in Houston. I hated them.  They pulled another member here off a plane when they found out her DD was PA.  They had flown from LA and had to change planes in Houston. They got pulled off in Houston and were not allowed to continue their trip.

Horrid airline.  I wouldn't fly them at all. 

As Adrienne said, American and US Airways do NOT serve blatant peanut products.  :)  We even encountered sunbutter on a US Air flight a number of years ago.  They do serve Blue Diamond almonds--but in the paid snacks (at least last time I flew, which was in April).  I find that people don't buy those much. 

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Mfamom on November 28, 2012, 08:08:38 AM

I flew recently from LaGuardia to denver on Frontier.  They actually wrote me a ridiculous response years ago...they still are "unfriendly" about their serving decisions IMHO. 
My ds wasn't with me, so it wasn't a problem. 
I noticed in the airport stores and little kiosks so many offerings of nutty things.  Bags of tree nuts, straight up peanuts, it seemed more than usual.
on the way there, after take off, the lady next to me broke out a bag of peanuts.  It was so irritating to me.  The smell just annoyed me so much LOL
They served (for purchase) large bags of peanut M&M, lots of stuff with nuts. 
************
we flew delta a few years back and they made a buffer but still sold outright nutty stuff.  the people in the buffer had to promise they wouldn't eat nuts/peanuts during the flight.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Traveling Soon on November 28, 2012, 08:36:52 PM

I talked to the Special Assistance Department at American and they said they do not serve bags of peanuts, but they do serve on some flights mixed nuts in coach.  I asked if the mixed nuts contain peanuts and she said yes.  I asked three times to clarify is it a may contain peanuts (as in shared facility, shared equipment, etc., which would be no surprised in a bag of mixed tree nuts) or is it actual peanuts in the mixed nuts.  She said it can be actual peanuts.  I have a feeling that it is really only may contains, but she was probably giving a CYA answer.  But if she is telling me that there may be mixed nuts including peanuts passed out in Coach, I have to avoid that airline.

United said mixed nuts in 1st class including peanuts.  We can live with that, just won`t sit anywhere near the front.  Alaska says no peanuts, no tree nuts on any flight (I assume that they still serve may contains).  YAY!!

U.S. Airways said no peanuts, but they do serve cashews and almonds, and possibly other tree nuts.

So it looks like really it is only Alaska and United at the middle or back of the plane that will be options.  Maybe U.S. Air, but I have a feeling if they pass out bags of almonds, they might pass out bags of peanuts (even though they say they don`t).  I don`t want any surprises at 30,000 feet. 

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: maeve on November 28, 2012, 10:29:40 PM

I've flown US Airways and never had them pass out nuts in coach (but this was before they were acquired by America West).  I've also flown American and there were no nuts served (however, people did bringtheir own trail mix).

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Jessica on November 28, 2012, 10:33:50 PM

So American and United told one person they don't serve peanuts at all (possibly  may contains but not actual peanuts)  and another person that they do (in the mixed nuts)? This is confusing.

For those allergic to tree nuts-do you find that the problem with traces in the air filters is the same as with peanuts?

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on November 28, 2012, 11:53:40 PM

Traveling Soon, as I have said a few times, US Air does not pass out peanuts.  You might have a feeling about it, but I would rely on recent experienced, not your gut.  You can't just assume they pass out peanuts because they serve a few almonds.

First of all, as I said, they do not pass out bags of almonds. They serve bags of (peanut free) Blue Diamond almonds to those who buy them as a snack--the nuts (and I guess this includes cashews, though I don't know what brand). For the last 5 years I lived in a city with US Air as the only airline and ie flown several times a year.  The only nuts served are those that people buy as snacks, and I don't see people buying snacks much.  Still, unless you have to avoid airborne contact with (the few) almonds and cashews, it would be okay for someone with peanut allergy.

On every flight I have checked for peanuts. And as of last April 30, they did not serve any.

I think you can believe them.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: mmg on December 03, 2012, 01:45:11 AM

My spouse and I fly all the time-usually United. In fact, I just flew three flights with them in the last two weeks.  I am allergic to all nuts except almonds.  United does not serve peanuts anywhere on the plane.  That includes first class.  When my husband and I fly separately, he flies first or business (both internationally and domestic) and has never seen a a peanut (he has flown almost a million miles on United and I have flown around 200,000 miles with them).  In first, it is a tree nut mix containing almonds, cashews, and another tree nut.  In coach (domestic) they sell a couple snacks that contain tree nuts.  Internationally, they don't hand out bags of nuts.  We have also had good experiences with British Air, Lufthansa, American, Virgin Atlantic, and Jetblue.   My brother and his children are allergic to peanuts and have flown Hawaiian Air many times without a problem.

Have a great trip!

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: SweetandSour on December 08, 2012, 12:51:19 AM

I've flown Delta several times now without issue. They let us preboard to wipe seats, make announcements, and have been easy to work with in regards to my allergy.

ETA: They don't serve peanuts if you ask them not to. Call asap when you make your reservations and tell themt o mark your allergy.

No tree nuts that I've seen, except for prepaid snacks on the loooonnnnng flights, which no one bought and ate in mass quantities, which would have been my concern.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Jessica on December 08, 2012, 12:48:54 PM

Quote from: SweetandSour on December 08, 2012, 12:51:19 AM

I've flown Delta several times now without issue. They let us preboard to wipe seats, make announcements, and have been easy to work with in regards to my allergy.

ETA: They don't serve peanuts if you ask them not to. Call asap when you make your reservations and tell themt o mark your allergy.

No tree nuts that I've seen, except for prepaid snacks on the loooonnnnng flights, which no one bought and ate in mass quantities, which would have been my concern.

I think the OP's concern is that if they serve peanuts on other flights (and apparently they do) there would be residue in the air system.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: SweetandSour on December 08, 2012, 05:15:21 PM

Quote from: Jessica on December 08, 2012, 12:48:54 PM

Quote from: SweetandSour on December 08, 2012, 12:51:19 AM

I've flown Delta several times now without issue. They let us preboard to wipe seats, make announcements, and have been easy to work with in regards to my allergy.

ETA: They don't serve peanuts if you ask them not to. Call asap when you make your reservations and tell themt o mark your allergy.

No tree nuts that I've seen, except for prepaid snacks on the loooonnnnng flights, which no one bought and ate in mass quantities, which would have been my concern.

I think the OP's concern is that if they serve peanuts on other flights (and apparently they do) there would be residue in the air system.

Ahhhh I see. If it is any consolation, I am extremely reactive to airborne. I haven't had any issue, but if there are airlines that don't serve at all, then that would probably make you more comfy for a flight.  :)

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: nameless on December 09, 2012, 01:43:26 PM

Quote from: Jessica on December 08, 2012, 12:48:54 PM

Quote from: SweetandSour on December 08, 2012, 12:51:19 AM

I've flown Delta several times now without issue. They let us preboard to wipe seats, make announcements, and have been easy to work with in regards to my allergy.

ETA: They don't serve peanuts if you ask them not to. Call asap when you make your reservations and tell themt o mark your allergy.

No tree nuts that I've seen, except for prepaid snacks on the loooonnnnng flights, which no one bought and ate in mass quantities, which would have been my concern.

I think the OP's concern is that if they serve peanuts on other flights (and apparently they do) there would be residue in the air system.

FWIW - I never had airborne issues on non-peanut Southwest flights...the smell bothered me and I'd get sniffly from that. My problem was with contact hives almost every time I flew. Mostly on my hands, arms, or face depending where I touched a surface. I'd also find random peanuts in the seat backs, on the floor, in the seat, etc.

Adrienne

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on December 09, 2012, 05:26:07 PM

DS, when a toddler  and in a car seat, got hives on his tummy--wearing a once piece outfit that snapped under the legs--on a one hour flight on SWA where they didn't serve peanuts. And we had wiped down everything, including the wall and window next to him--even little parts of the arm rest.  In fact, we used a crib sheet on the seat after wiping it down.

Still hives. 

ugh.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: twinturbo on December 09, 2012, 05:30:30 PM

I keep thinking it's a different deal with PA kids than adults. Having to manage through second hand info from an unreliable reporter that REALLY doesn't want a shot. The word maddening comes to mind.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on December 09, 2012, 06:47:34 PM

Wow--that's true!! At least until they get one during anaphylaxis, and then they know 1) it's not a big deal and 2) that it makes a very fast difference.  But before then--terrified. 

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: ajasfolks2 on December 10, 2012, 05:33:52 PM

FYI, United and Continental are in (long, drawn out) process of merger . . . that means code share and equipment share at this point . . . but still "no blatant peanuts" on flights, as per the original UAL set up (began about 1997 or 1998).

The mixed nuts (warmed and served in small porcelain ramekin -- not in packets) I've had in 1st class on UAL have included almonds, macadamia, cashews, and brazil nuts.  Never peanuts.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: CMdeux on December 10, 2012, 07:31:20 PM

Wondering if UAL transatlantic flights do the warmed nuts thing.

What a nightmare for my cashew-and-peanut-allergic kiddo.   :-/


Faust.    Bleh.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: CMdeux on December 12, 2012, 03:48:14 PM

Quote from: Macabre on November 26, 2012, 06:03:53 PM

We fly American (they do serve tree nuts in first class) and US Airways. 

Because of where we lived, over the last five years we've almost flown US Airways exclusively. If you do this and go through Charlotte, their home, there are some safe options for PA eating-wise.  There's a BK and a Mexican build-your-own-burrito kind of place (like Chipotle, Moes and Qdoba--but not those). Their allergy info was good.

Anything specific re: US Airways?

I'm noting that UAL code-shares with them on some routes.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: CMdeux on December 13, 2012, 05:18:50 PM

Also-- does Alaska share equipment with Delta?

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: ajasfolks2 on December 14, 2012, 06:40:19 PM

Quote from: CMdeux on December 13, 2012, 05:18:50 PM

Also-- does Alaska share equipment with Delta?

If it's a codeshare arrangement, then YES.  There might be a flight you *think* you are booking on Alaska, but it is really a code share with Delta and on Delta's equipment.  Since I've not flown Delta in nearly 14 years, I cannot tell you what their online reservation system looks like compared to UAL.  (On UAL you will see the flight labelled as being on another airline's equipment and/or shared . . . ).

Hubby not in touch much these days with military friends who went to Delta or Alaska, so I cannot get really good firsthand intel there.

We used to have at least one member here who was close in with Delta crew . . . not sure if she has been here much in past year . . .

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: CMdeux on December 14, 2012, 08:02:33 PM

Let me just confirm that whatever else is true-- the OP's experience with customer service via United was no fluke, unfortunately.

My experience with them was eerily similar.  Hideous pretty much sums up my two hours of attempted phone recon with some call center that sounded suspiciously as though it might not have been staffed by anyone in the U.S.  (ahem).

While I have no inherent objection to that arrangement, it was awful to have a CSR who clearly spoke English well.... but obviously did not UNDERSTAND spoken English equally well.

It was bad.  Scary-bad.  It made me rethink the wisdom of using UAL for anything-- except... for the fact that I know that the policies and flight crews themselves are better than what I was getting from CSR's on the phone.  I KNOW this because of family who fly United quite regularly-- plus, of course, y'all here.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: yelloww on May 12, 2013, 05:53:28 PM

Anyone flown Frontier recently? They are starting to fly from the regional airport near us this summer.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: SweetandSour on May 14, 2013, 05:48:06 PM

 I fly delta exclusively.  We just flew with them this past weekend.

Realized I already answered. It's been a long day.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on May 14, 2013, 08:53:13 PM

Do they not serve peanuts?  And if they don't any longer, how long has it been?

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: spacecanada on May 15, 2013, 09:15:34 AM

We just booked flights with United, one of which is international.  We didn't have much of a choice as United was the only airline that could get us to our destination.  (Normally we fly WestJet everywhere, they are essentially PN/TN-free, but they don't go where we need to go.)  United's customer service via email was less than stellar as they kept telling me there are no peanuts served onboard when I was asking about tree nuts.  *sigh*  They never answered my question about warmed nuts or allergy accommodations, even after I asked three times.  Needless to say, I'm a bit scared of this flight.  We are not flying first class and have requested seats near the back of the plane.  We are hoping the gate attendants and flight attendants will be more helpful.

Does anyone here have experience with United and tree nut allergies?  I don't want to have to walk through first class as I board if they are warming nuts.  Will they let me preboard?  Should I wear a mask?  Other suggestions?  I have a history of airborne reactions. 

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: YouKnowWho on May 15, 2013, 11:27:34 AM

Delta still serves peanuts.  Crew back from NJ was giving this poor woman a hard time about preboarding, refused to make announcement and were not helping trying to get her seated with two kids (they were spread out all over despite prior scheduling because they were bumped by others with priority boarding).

I grabbed wipes and helped wipe seats down (I was two rows up from where she ended up) - patrons were very understanding around her when she asked row in front, behind and next to her to refrain from peanuts (and had other offerings if the cookie or pretzels were not enough for them).  Her son was also dealing with milk and egg allergies.

Left a foul taste in my mouth about Delta honestly.  They are a preferred carrier for DH's office so I had access to free miles.  Thankfully we are too broke to fly with kids LOL

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: CMdeux on May 15, 2013, 12:48:43 PM

Quote from: spacecanada on May 15, 2013, 09:15:34 AM

We just booked flights with United, one of which is international.  We didn't have much of a choice as United was the only airline that could get us to our destination.  (Normally we fly WestJet everywhere, they are essentially PN/TN-free, but they don't go where we need to go.)  United's customer service via email was less than stellar as they kept telling me there are no peanuts served onboard when I was asking about tree nuts.  *sigh*  They never answered my question about warmed nuts or allergy accommodations, even after I asked three times.  Needless to say, I'm a bit scared of this flight.  We are not flying first class and have requested seats near the back of the plane.  We are hoping the gate attendants and flight attendants will be more helpful.

Does anyone here have experience with United and tree nut allergies?  I don't want to have to walk through first class as I board if they are warming nuts.  Will they let me preboard?  Should I wear a mask?  Other suggestions?  I have a history of airborne reactions.

Yes, we preboarded, we were at the rear of the aircraft-- boarding through 1st class is typical, but with a longer-haul flight, they may not "warm" food service until later-- after takeoff.

Our gate agent and flight crew were very nice about it-- asking those around us to refrain from eating peanut/treenut items on our 4h flight.

We did bring a mask, and covered our seats, in addition to the clorox decontamination routine during preboarding. 

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: spacecanada on May 15, 2013, 02:56:45 PM

Thank you, CM!  That makes me feel a lot less nervous about this flight.  I'm not a nervous flyer par se - the planes don't bother me - it's the abundance of allergens that freak me out.  (I've reacted on planes before - hives mostly, but also breathing difficulties pre-dx.)  So your experience is good to hear.  We will come prepared with wipes and long sleeves/trousers. 

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: CMdeux on May 15, 2013, 03:46:25 PM

We were pretty freaked out, as well, when we got the exact same run around via CSR and the phone during booking.  It was not a good feeling, but we went with it because they were still (seemingly) the best of a series of increasingly bad options.   :misspeak:

Turned out that the flight crew was gracious and understanding on both our United and Aer Lingus flights, and DD had NO problems on either flight (and she, like you, definitely would have if residue had been present in appreciable amounts).

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Scout on June 29, 2013, 09:26:54 AM

Flying out on Tuesday.....yikes......Hawaii

Got the plane sheet.....all my scripts are up to date, travel size packs of Clorox wipes.....etc
I am a nervous flyer...........anyway.....before allergy....

wish us luck......flying United.   does not serve peanuts themselves in anything according to website and CS person.
Tree nuts yes.......but she eats those......not on a plane of course...bt not allergic.  so if they give thme out in first class, we are not in first class....lol

so for those of you who follow me on Facebook....... :watch: I will be posting some pics.  Instagram also......but I don't think anyone here follows my little instragram......I have it mainly to follow my kids......haha

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Scout on June 29, 2013, 09:27:37 AM

Quote from: Scout on June 29, 2013, 09:26:54 AM

Flying out on Tuesday.....yikes......Hawaii

Got the plane sheet.....all  scripts are up to date, travel size packs of Clorox wipes.....etc
I am a nervous flyer...........anyway.....before allergy....

wish us luck......flying United.   does not serve peanuts themselves in anything according to website and CS person.
Tree nuts yes.......but she eats those......not on a plane of course...bt not allergic.  so if they give thme out in first class, we are not in first class....lol

so for those of you who follow me on Facebook....... :watch: I will be posting some pics.  Instagram also......but I don't think anyone here follows my little instragram......I have it mainly to follow my kids......haha

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Scout on June 29, 2013, 09:56:40 AM

sorry ...didn't mean to quote....meant to modify

but I guess that just shows my level of nervousness.....lol

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: twinturbo on June 29, 2013, 10:06:20 AM

Have a terrific vacation, Scout. It's going to go great. I just flew 3,000 miles with Mr. Allergic-to-everything and made it. My older PA EA allergic boy flies regularly no issues. Dunno if it helps but hope it does.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on June 30, 2013, 01:00:07 AM

Scout I hope you have a wonderful time. They sell wine on airplanes!  :yes:

I'm glad your fam is getting a nice big vacation. It will be great!

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on June 30, 2013, 01:07:32 AM

We finally booked tickets for a July trip to Orlando. US Airways. Gee thought I wasn't going to have to go to the airport in Charlotte for a long time. We used to have tingly to Charlotte to get out of our town. The airport is such a migraine inducer.  The carts go BEEEEEP BEEEEEEEP with flashing lights. It's so stupid. Other airports aren't as bad.

But it was too expensive to fly Anerican. I'd much rather out my feet on Texas soil, even if only for an hour it I'm just happy to be going!!

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Tummyache on July 02, 2013, 08:30:53 AM

Beware!  Travelers on any airline can bring aboard their own snacks...like peanuts.  Oh dear! How do I know what's safe for me may not be safe for other possible super-sensitive passengers? This is really scarey! I sure wouldn't want to cause others to be sick.  In my case, for example, I am allergic to some grains, all dairy, and am fructose intolerant--so, I always bring along my own snacks...rarely can I eat any offered airline foods [I stick to water and unsweetened tea to drink].   We usually take along hard cooked eggs, almond/walnut mix,  carrot/celery sticks, and rice crackers. Also, I take along a small can of tuna packed in water to top off a plain veggie salad without dressing which I order at the layover airport.  We travel international so travel is usually a long, all-day affair, allowing plenty of time to go through customs coming into the USA.  Going without food is not an option, since I also have a problem with hypogycemia

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on July 03, 2013, 01:00:00 AM

Yep, but I would avoid egg and fish in a closed area like a plane. And nuts. That's just me, but it's what I do/would do.  DS is not allergic to tree nuts and I eat almonds. I also enjoy hard boulded egg. But I would worry about the protein remaining on The surfaces of a plane. And I would worry about airborne protein with both (I don't eat fish becaue of  cross contamination I have a shellfish allergy--airborne, too).

My son is allergic to celery, but it's not airborne.

I don't know what I'd do on a very long flight. You have my sympathies'

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: GoingNuts on July 03, 2013, 06:15:47 AM

I just did two X-country trips on Jet Blue, which now serves a mixed nut snack (well, mostly sesame sticks to be honest) as one of its snack options.  On the flight to CA, I overheard one of the flight attendants asking people in the rows ahead of me not to eat any nut products because someone in their area had a severe nut allergy.  There was no general announcement, nor were nuts pulled.  IDK what the customer's specific request was wrt accommodation.  Nobody complained, BTW.  Everyone was cooperative.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Kaleigh on September 18, 2013, 08:16:31 AM

I flew on Delta this past week and was told that my flight would be peanut free after I informed them of my allergy. However, as snack and beverage service began the whole plane was served peanuts and there was a very strong odor throughout the plane. Luckily, I did not have a severe reaction. The flight attendants told me (with a little attitude) that they were not told about my allergy. Be careful on Delta!

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: starlight on September 18, 2013, 08:40:07 AM

I second the "be careful on Delta" sentiment. After reading an article online, I started following Xander Singh from Passion Pit on twitter, he's PA, and they ended up storing the peanuts right next to him at the back of the plane, even though he told them he's PA.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: hezzier on September 18, 2013, 10:37:37 AM

I recently flew Southwest (and I know most of you would not, but there a few that do) and when the were giving out the snacks, a gentleman asked if they had any peanuts.  The flight attendant politely informed in that there was a peanut allergic passenger on the plane and therefore they were not serving peanuts.  I think they had 4-5 other choices of snacks for everyone.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: CMdeux on September 18, 2013, 10:56:04 AM

Quote from: Kaleigh on September 18, 2013, 08:16:31 AM

I flew on Delta this past week and was told that my flight would be peanut free after I informed them of my allergy. However, as snack and beverage service began the whole plane was served peanuts and there was a very strong odor throughout the plane. Luckily, I did not have a severe reaction. The flight attendants told me (with a little attitude) that they were not told about my allergy. Be careful on Delta!

Be careful on ANY airline.

Seriously-- we flew three separate long-haul flights at three VASTLY different times of day departing and arriving at five different international airports, on three different (but supposedly all "great") airlines-- United, Aer Lingus, and Air Canada-- back in March and April.

I'm a freak about documentation, planning, and advance notice.  I told all three airlines about my daughter's allergies when we booked those flights in DECEMBER.

Not one check-in agent had a bit of information about it.  So we told THEM, too.

Not one GATE agent knew a thing about it.  So we told THEM, too (which was a near-disaster in Chicago as we wished to pre-board the flight and cover DD's seat, wipe things down, etc.).

NOT A SINGLE FLIGHT CREW KNEW IN ADVANCE.  (Except in the case of the Aer Lingus flight, and that only because the gate agent, in a total hissy fit, had opted to "tell" on us in the hope(?) that the pilot would eject us from the oversold flight.)

We were actually IN THE AIR before either the United or Air Canada flight crews were made aware of my DD's nut allergy.

Truly not kidding.  It was amazing and not in a good way.   :-[

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: spacecanada on September 18, 2013, 05:30:23 PM

I'm a bit nervous of our flights with United next month.  I noted the allergy when I booked the flight and then contacted them to confirm it would be on my file, but their reply didn't comfort me at all.  Kind of a CYA reply that they don't have allergy accommodations and cannot guarantee a safe environment.  (They don't serve nuts or peanuts onboard but I've heard they may roast nuts in first class.)  Fingers crossed that we won't have any trouble.   (I'm definitely airborne reactive.)

Too bad WestJet doesn't fly to where we're going on vacation this year. :( 

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: starlight on September 18, 2013, 07:30:54 PM

Quote from: hezzier on September 18, 2013, 10:37:37 AM

I recently flew Southwest (and I know most of you would not, but there a few that do) and when the were giving out the snacks, a gentleman asked if they had any peanuts.  The flight attendant politely informed in that there was a peanut allergic passenger on the plane and therefore they were not serving peanuts.  I think they had 4-5 other choices of snacks for everyone.

I only fly Southwest. Disclaimer: I am not airborne or contact reactive. I know this for a fact. For 'just in case' purposes and for my own peace of mind, I preboard, get a seat near the front (I get to be one of the first off this way too, yay), and wipe down everything I'd come into contact with anyway because I have a serious hands-touch-my-face problem. You mark it down online under the disabilities, then you go to the gate agents (not the touch screen do it yourself things) and they print out your ticket and a slip you give the flight attendant when you go on board. They're usually amazing about it.

I would definitely NOT recommend Southwest for PA folk with higher sensitivity though. Note I said "usually". One time, this flight attendant with a queen bee vibe didn't tell anyone and the plane got served peanuts anyway. Again, not an issue for me, but woah not good for other people. Since I knew I wouldn't have a problem, I didn't make a fuss right then and there, but I wrote them when I got home and mentioned that I'm not that sensitive but they could've killed someone, and Southwest, being customer service stars, freaked. They gave me my money back for the flight and then did a whole investigation, and THEN even wrote me back again later to tell me where the communication breakdown happened and that they were doing more training.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: SweetandSour on September 19, 2013, 12:19:39 PM

I always confirm at the gate and when I preboard to wipe my seat. It's not been an issue. I also fly early when they are serving  biscuits anyway.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Macabre on September 22, 2013, 06:46:36 PM

Sun Country does not serve peanuts!!  They're based at MSP, so this is good news.  The fact that a group DS is travelling with wants to use them makes this relevant.  They sell a trail mix that has almonds and cashews, however.  DS is not allergic to those nuts, though of course he won't eat that.  They also sell M&Ms but plain ones.


:thumbsup:

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: bleh on September 23, 2013, 12:46:25 PM

Quote from: spacecanada on September 18, 2013, 05:30:23 PM

I'm a bit nervous of our flights with United next month.  I noted the allergy when I booked the flight and then contacted them to confirm it would be on my file, but their reply didn't comfort me at all.  Kind of a CYA reply that they don't have allergy accommodations and cannot guarantee a safe environment.  (They don't serve nuts or peanuts onboard but I've heard they may roast nuts in first class.)  Fingers crossed that we won't have any trouble.   (I'm definitely airborne reactive.)

Too bad WestJet doesn't fly to where we're going on vacation this year. :(

We're going on a united flight in a few weeks as well. Flying sucks!

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: Ra3chel on September 26, 2013, 01:27:35 PM

Quote from: SweetandSour on September 19, 2013, 12:19:39 PM

I always confirm at the gate and when I preboard to wipe my seat.

 :yes:

Likewise.

If I have the option, I will ALWAYS fly JetBlue. They've been by far and away the most consistent, accommodating, and generally on the ball.

United's policies are wildly inconsistent. They don't serve blatant peanuts--I think--but whether they'll ask other people to refrain from opening them is pretty much a grab bag.

Always, always, always 1) call the airline a day in advance, 2) check at the gate, 3) preboard, and 4) check with the flight crew. ALWAYS.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: twinturbo on September 26, 2013, 06:59:59 PM

JetBlue's service is always hit and miss for us. They are obviously more accommodating on nuts than not but on one leg of our flight with DS2 they did not serve a powdered cheese snack and even asked if wheat stuff was okay. Sometimes with DS1 and nuts they're just neutral on it. Lately it's been very hard to pre-board because they've started selling a new pre-boarding service that they let go before even people with medical needs. Then they sandwich in medical needs in a short time before general boarding.

Title: Re: Airlines and peanuts
Post by: SkyRibbons on September 30, 2013, 05:19:13 PM

We flew Jet Blue in August 2013.  The nut snack ingredients say it has no peanuts, and although my daughter isn't tna, we just avoid.  I chose JetBlue because it specifically says it doesn't serve peanuts, along with reading the info others have posted here on airlines.  At the gate, we alerted them to our allergy and were asked if we wanted to preboard to clean the seats, and they said they'd have a buffer zone of two rows either way.  At snack time, the couple in front of us asked for nuts.  The attendant just said "no nuts."  I'd fly them again.