Peanut Allergy and Flying

Updated on May 05, 2007
J.D. asks from Lambertville, NJ
8 answers

My 3 year old is highly allergic to peanuts. My sister is now moving out of state and I would much rather fly an hour on an airplane than drive in a car for close to 10 hours with stops.

Does anyone have advice for severe peanut allergies and planes? I am afraid to chance it because it is a vacuum with no medical care available in the event of an emergency. She has had reactions from just sitting in a high chair where remnants of peanut product might have been hours before.

Thanks for any advice you might have.

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H.Z.

answers from New York on

Believe it or not, a lot of planes no longer serve peanuts as a snack. MAny serve pretzels. I would suggest calling the airline you want to fly on and ask them. If they have enough notice, they may be able to offer a different snack for that time. They are usually quite accomodating.

Hope this helps,
H.

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S.C.

answers from Austin on

Call ahead to the airline and talk to them about thier procedures. But know that it is not foolproof. Take disinfectant wipes and ask to pre-baord the plane. Wipe down everything that your child may think about touching. Also, be careful going to the in-flight restroom.

Good luck. I don't know what the right answer is as far as flying versus driving. Talk to the her doctor as well. They make have more ideas on keeping her healthy and safe.

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D.

answers from New York on

I think a lot of companies have stopped serving peanuts because of this reason. However, if it was for the safety of my child...I'd drive. If she has a reaction it's easier to get help if your feet are already on the ground. And you have more control this way. Because people can bring their own food on planes too.

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J.G.

answers from New York on

I would first try calling the airline and seeing if they have any peanut free flights. I mean nowadays they have peanut free schools because of children like your daughter who have such a severe allergy to peanuts. So I wouldnt think it would be that far of a stretch to at least call and ask. Secondly, I would carry at least 2 epipens on the flight with you just in case because you can never be too sure and also some benadryl as well. You should be able to get a note of medically necessity from your doctor to have these things on the flight. I'm a nurse and I actually work for an allergist so if you need any help, dont hesitate to ask! :)

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K.Y.

answers from New York on

I think a lot of airlines do not serve peanuts as a rule anymore. They give other snacks like pretzels and potato chips more often. Some companies like Jet Blue, you have to choose your snack to buy for sale and they give chips for free. You can check with the airline you're using to see what they typically serve.

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R.W.

answers from New York on

Hi there J.,
I am a flight attendant for a major carrier, and when anyone request that we take off the peanut products we do. I have seen them come in and vacuum the seats four rows ahead and behind the passenger. I would advise to always travel with an epipin. Flight attendants are trainded for medical emergencies but it is better to be safe than sorry. Just be sure that you arrive at the airport really early so you can request that the peanut products are taken off the plane, as well as calling their reservations department to have it placed in the record.
good luck and have fun visiting your sister

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J.F.

answers from New York on

My son's aunt is allergic to peanuts to. I would have to say to call the airline first and see if they serve peanuts first. Most airlines now I believe dont give out peanuts on flights for that reason. So call before you make any plans on taking airplanes.

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J.R.

answers from New York on

Hi J., I have a four and half years old daughter and she goes in and out of allergies where she will get a rash and then her face, eyes or lips will swallow up, she has this problem since she is 1one month old. the doctor gave me the twinjet pen an emergency injection and also children’s Benadryl I take them every where we go she is now allergic to Sesame, Pork, and Cardamom so you can imagine I think you should ask her allergist Dc. About the twinjet pen and you should take the Benadryl with you in the plane that’s what I always use first if she gets worse I use the pen, also take Clorox Wipes and wipe the sit and everything she will be in contact with in the plane and take snacks for her to be on the safe side. Good luck on your trip.

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