(Sorry I seem to have migrated over to the UA forum today.)

Regarding anaphylactic shock from a peanut allergy it is very real and very life threatening and needs to be treated with the highest amount of caution.

I did CPR on a 20 month old infant about a month ago who was suffering an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts (not on an airplane). If you've ever seen a blue baby and a helpless mother clutching the kid crying the most dreadful, soul-shattering cry, trust me, you'll begin to take serious allergies seriously.

(The kid lived thanks to prompt drug delivery. And I didn't stop shaking for about 48 hours straight after, and yes, I'm down one pair of underwear.)

It's a courtesy for those flying to notify the carrier in advance of an allergic condition, but if it doesn't happen, and at the end of the day it means you and I can't eat our lox or trail mix for a few hours. Oh well. At least we don't have to live in fear of death every time we enter an enclosed space or put uncontrolled food near our mouths.

Sorry for my little rant. The whole baby nearly dying thing was a life-altering moment for me.