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March 7, 2006

Flying peanut safe

In recent years, some airlines have replaced peanut snacks with less-controversial pretzels. For updates to the list of peanut free airlines, visit the The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network's website www.foodallergy.org.

For example, American, United, Northwest, JetBlue, Spirit and ATA are peanut-free. We usually fly US Airways-America West who serve both peanuts or pretzels. What? We actually fly an airlines that serves peanuts? Are we crazy? Well, hold on a minute. Let's discuss our decision.

First, we have become comfortable that our kids will not react from airborne peanut allergen. So, if there is "peanut dust" in the ventilation system of a plane, it hasn't affect our children. Second, we clean our seats when we board. Families with kids usuallly board early, so that gives a chance to wipe down the seats, arm rests and tray tables with antibacterial wipes. We also bring our own food every time. I know, its tough to pass up that fine airline cuisine but we do it.

Finally, we pack injectable epinephrine (Epi Pen) just in case. We "don't leave home without it." Our kids have racked up some frequent flier miles, so we've gained some good experience in flying with child food allergies. It can be done safely, so take heart.

Posted by David at March 7, 2006 7:25 AM

Comments

This is a great entry! Would you consider recording it and sharing it via my Allergy News podcast? If you're not comfortable speaking, would you mind if I read it on the show? I really think it could help others.

I've noticed that you often post entries in parallel to topics that are on my mind. For instance, a couple of months ago I wrote an article for the clubmom.com allergies column about traveling w/ food allergies.

I would love to get some participation from either of you on the All the News that Itches podcast, if you are at all interested. I really think it helps people to hear these things audibly, not just read them. :)

Posted by: Leslea from allergyware.com at March 9, 2006 9:08 AM