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Original poster

Worried about flying with my peanut allergic dd

42 replies

Okaythen2 · 03/05/2019 09:59

We are flying soon and it will be the first time I’ve taken my dd on a plane since her peanut allergy diagnosis. Has anyone got any advice who’s been in this situation please

OP posts:
Babdoc · 03/05/2019 10:04

Contact the airline before you fly and also speak to the ground crew at the airport and the cabin crew on boarding. They can make an announcement to tell the passengers not to open or eat any nuts they’ve brought with them, and they’ll also stop selling packs of nuts themselves from the trolley.
I’ve been on flights where this has been the case, and passengers do grumble, but comply.
Also, obviously, take two Epipens or equivalent - one may not be sufficient especially if DD has a severe anaphylactic reaction or is on a long flight. If you need to use the second one, put it in the opposite leg, as the adrenalin from the first constricts the blood flow and she may not absorb the second.

Original poster
Okaythen2 · 03/05/2019 10:06

Thank you babdoc

OP posts:
Likethebattle · 03/05/2019 10:14

Definitely speak to the airline. The guy beside DH on the way to our holiday bought peanuts and spilled the whole bag everywhere. Not a disaster for us but potentially for your dd.

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Villanellesproudmum · 03/05/2019 10:15

I’ve been on flights where the crew have announced an allergy and asked people to adhere to their request. I wouldn’t be unusual to ask.

Prawnofthepatriarchy · 03/05/2019 10:15

We've had no problems. We spoke to everyone - travel company, airport and then again on the plane.

Vinorosso74 · 03/05/2019 10:29

I've been on some flights where they made an announcement about the flight having someone on board with a nut allergy. They say won't sell any nuts and ask passengers not to eat or open any nut products on board the flight. I've never heard anyone complain.

Original poster
Okaythen2 · 03/05/2019 11:31

.

OP posts:
JaneEyreAgain · 03/05/2019 11:52

Which airline are you flying with? Easyjet have banned peanuts on flights. Other airlines may make an announcement.

Make sure you have 2 epi pens on board with you. Wipe down the arm rests and tray tables and ask the people on either side not to consume nuts during the flight, if they refuse, ask to be moved.

SeaToSki · 03/05/2019 11:54

Also take wet wipes and wipe down the arm rest and tray table before she sits down (ask to pre board)

justilou1 · 03/05/2019 11:55

I was a flight attendant. There is absolutely nothing we can do to stop passengers from eating items they have bright with them that contain peanuts. It is also highly unlikely that a whole aircraft’s catering is going to be accommodating towards one passenger. I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is. You can speak to the people in your vicinity and you can take antibacterial wipes with you (which is a great idea for everyone anyway, as seats, seatbelts and tray tables are NOT cleaned at all - they are gross!!!) and for cleaning the toilet seats, taps and door handles. For god’s sake don’t let her take her shoes off. (That carpet’s filthy!) That is probably about as much control as you are going to have. Check that her food is pre-packaged and read the ingredients list. Have epipens, antihistamines and ventolin handy in your carry on luggage. Don’t put it overhead. Keep it in your handbag under your seat for easy access.

Original poster
Okaythen2 · 03/05/2019 14:35

Justilou1 I’m flying with BA. Their food is nut free now. I’m just concerned about other passengers.

OP posts:
DaisyDreaming · 03/05/2019 14:43

What airline are you on? EasyJet have just banned peanuts on all flights rather than just the ones with an allergic passenger. I would wipe down her seat, arm rests, table tray etc

justilou1 · 03/05/2019 14:54

Again... you can’t control the other passengers. They can’t screen for snickers, etc...

Doidontimmm · 03/05/2019 14:54

We just flew long haul with my FD who has a peanut allergy. Told the cabin crew who kindly spoke to passesngers in all the surrounding seats. No one had an issue. Anti bac wipes for trays & seats and going to the loo. We had no issues.

justilou1 · 03/05/2019 15:15

As I said, you can ask.... MOST people are nice and reasonable. SOME people are not. This is why you can’t guarantee a totally nut-free flight. There are always some people who value what they perceive to be their rights over the rights of others, regardless of the logic behind the value of such rights....

FiremanKing · 03/05/2019 15:20

justilou1

Also there may be people who have things that contain peanut oil but they don’t realise it.

Also language problems as the Zimbabwean man claimed when he ate peanuts on the flight I previously mentioned.

wtftodo · 03/05/2019 15:29

Peanut allergic DD here. It depends which airline you fly with - BA will do announcement, Virgin won’t. I would still fly virgin for eg as they don’t issue peanut snacks, but you should be aware. Some airlines will still give out peanuts as a snack so aren’t suitable.

You should be allowed board early and wipe down trays etc.

I once sat on a train in the UK with my 1yr old DD, surrounded by another family at our table and the adjoining one. They gave the kids packets of peanuts which they spilled everywhere - on the table and carpets. We had to move (my toddler kept trying to touch everything) but proximity itself wasn’t a problem.

Skybooks · 03/05/2019 15:35

Have you been told that BA did is nut free? That is not true.

Where are you flying from to?

The crew will make an announcement and will not serve nuts with you on board.

WingingWonder · 03/05/2019 15:38

My child has allergies not nuts- but we carry their food in a red ‘medical’ bag with a first aid cross on front, it serves a double purpose of the message this is medical not a fad!!

lemonjam · 03/05/2019 15:38

We flew with Thompson with my peanut allergic dd - they did an announcement and didn’t serve any. I could also book her a guaranteed nut free meal - unfortunately she couldn’t also be veggie/a child but I’d brought loads of food!

lemonjam · 03/05/2019 15:39

I also took a copy of her repeat prescription in case I needed proof to carry her epi pens - wasn’t asked for anything though.

Lastdanceagain · 03/05/2019 15:42

I flew with BA back in October and the cabin crew were unable to confirm that any of the food was nut free. Hope that has changed now then.

Teddybear45 · 03/05/2019 15:43

Flying isn’t suitable if your dd has such a severe allergy that other people eating it will cause her to have a reaction. Simply because people often take their own food on the flight. I personally wouldn’t risk it.