Allergy alert: Peanuts coming 2/1/09
#31
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,679
I rather like the NW F nut selection. I really like the warm mixed nuts they do in WBC. I hope this isn't because some bean counter figured out it was cheaper to put peanuts on instead of more expensive tree nuts.
I also think the med kids should have epipens in them in the rare case someone goes into shock.
#32
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Inland Empire!
Programs: NW Plat (formerly), UA 1K, Hilton Silver, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 2,917
On one of my recent NW flights (747) the purser made an announcement asking for everyone to refrain from eating anything brought on board that contained peanuts due to ONE person being allergic. We still got our nuts in WBC as the mix is all tree nuts. I was tempted to ask the purser if the person carried their own epi-pen, but decided to just mind my own business (unless they called for a doctor for an emergency, that is).
Personally, if I were so allergic to such a pervasive item such that an entire 747 had to not eat that item, I would undergo desensitization treatments to avoid trying to die every time anyone opened some peanut M&Ms.
#33
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 747
No one knows (at least my child's allergist tells me that no one knows) the true reason for the increased incidence of food allergies in recent years. Glad to know there are so many self-styled medical experts here on Flyertalk to reveal the truth behind this mystery. Particularly the geniuses who think it is all imaginary. After watching my child have two anaphylactic reactions, I suppose the third time it happens instead of rushing to the E.R. I should tell my kid to stop the act, we are on to him now.
Parents have a responsibility to take what measures they can to protect their kids. The mother who brought her kid onto an airplane without an EpiPen was negligent. As are airlines who serve peanuts to passengers. Peanuts cause severe anaphylactic reactions with enough frequency among the population to pose a serious danger in the confined space of an airplane, far from definitive medical treatment. An EpiPen will buy you some time, that is all. After the first airline gets sued following death from a peanut allergy, I suspect the issue will be resolved.
Parents have a responsibility to take what measures they can to protect their kids. The mother who brought her kid onto an airplane without an EpiPen was negligent. As are airlines who serve peanuts to passengers. Peanuts cause severe anaphylactic reactions with enough frequency among the population to pose a serious danger in the confined space of an airplane, far from definitive medical treatment. An EpiPen will buy you some time, that is all. After the first airline gets sued following death from a peanut allergy, I suspect the issue will be resolved.
#34
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA ExecPlat, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,446
I understand parents want to protect their kids but is it really fair to the rest of the passangers? As for lawsuits, are airlines really liable for your kid's allegies? The airlines are not the ones forcing your kids into an enclosed space, you are. And what if the airlines don't serve peanuts but some passanger decides to bring some onto the plane? Should the airlines still get sued? Should TSA start installing peanut residue scanning machines (in additional to the explosive residue scanning machines) at security check in fear of getting sued? Maybe airlines should just have peanuts and no peanuts (bubbled off) sections on each plane.
#35
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 198
I hate to be the bad guy here but.....
No one knows (at least my child's allergist tells me that no one knows) the true reason for the increased incidence of food allergies in recent years. Glad to know there are so many self-styled medical experts here on Flyertalk to reveal the truth behind this mystery. Particularly the geniuses who think it is all imaginary. After watching my child have two anaphylactic reactions, I suppose the third time it happens instead of rushing to the E.R. I should tell my kid to stop the act, we are on to him now.
Parents have a responsibility to take what measures they can to protect their kids. The mother who brought her kid onto an airplane without an EpiPen was negligent. As are airlines who serve peanuts to passengers. Peanuts cause severe anaphylactic reactions with enough frequency among the population to pose a serious danger in the confined space of an airplane, far from definitive medical treatment. An EpiPen will buy you some time, that is all. After the first airline gets sued following death from a peanut allergy, I suspect the issue will be resolved.
Parents have a responsibility to take what measures they can to protect their kids. The mother who brought her kid onto an airplane without an EpiPen was negligent. As are airlines who serve peanuts to passengers. Peanuts cause severe anaphylactic reactions with enough frequency among the population to pose a serious danger in the confined space of an airplane, far from definitive medical treatment. An EpiPen will buy you some time, that is all. After the first airline gets sued following death from a peanut allergy, I suspect the issue will be resolved.
If your child is really THAT allergic, why would you take him anywhere that there was even a chance that he would be exposed to peanuts????
It is YOUR responsibility to protect your child, not ours....
#36
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 22,778
No one knows (at least my child's allergist tells me that no one knows) the true reason for the increased incidence of food allergies in recent years. Glad to know there are so many self-styled medical experts here on Flyertalk to reveal the truth behind this mystery. Particularly the geniuses who think it is all imaginary. After watching my child have two anaphylactic reactions, I suppose the third time it happens instead of rushing to the E.R. I should tell my kid to stop the act, we are on to him now.
Parents have a responsibility to take what measures they can to protect their kids. The mother who brought her kid onto an airplane without an EpiPen was negligent. As are airlines who serve peanuts to passengers. Peanuts cause severe anaphylactic reactions with enough frequency among the population to pose a serious danger in the confined space of an airplane, far from definitive medical treatment. An EpiPen will buy you some time, that is all. After the first airline gets sued following death from a peanut allergy, I suspect the issue will be resolved.
Parents have a responsibility to take what measures they can to protect their kids. The mother who brought her kid onto an airplane without an EpiPen was negligent. As are airlines who serve peanuts to passengers. Peanuts cause severe anaphylactic reactions with enough frequency among the population to pose a serious danger in the confined space of an airplane, far from definitive medical treatment. An EpiPen will buy you some time, that is all. After the first airline gets sued following death from a peanut allergy, I suspect the issue will be resolved.
#37
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: RDU, Delta GM/1MM, Hilton Diamond (for now), Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 3,443
(NB:I am just the messenger!)
Nut allergies -- a Yuppie invention
(snip)
But we did agree that it is strange how peanut allergies are only an issue in rich, lefty communities.
"We don't see this problem much in African American or poor communities. So there's something going on here. We don't see them in Ecuador and Guatemala," Christakis said.
A study of Jews of similar demographics and genetics in Britain and Israel found that British kids were 10 times more likely to have peanut allergies than Israelis. That's probably because Israeli kids have other things to be afraid of. I would like to see a study that measures one's increased likelihood of peanut allergies if you're an American kid named Oliver, Aidan, Spencer or Finn.
(snip)
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/...3149168.column
Nut allergies -- a Yuppie invention
(snip)
But we did agree that it is strange how peanut allergies are only an issue in rich, lefty communities.
"We don't see this problem much in African American or poor communities. So there's something going on here. We don't see them in Ecuador and Guatemala," Christakis said.
A study of Jews of similar demographics and genetics in Britain and Israel found that British kids were 10 times more likely to have peanut allergies than Israelis. That's probably because Israeli kids have other things to be afraid of. I would like to see a study that measures one's increased likelihood of peanut allergies if you're an American kid named Oliver, Aidan, Spencer or Finn.
(snip)
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/...3149168.column
Everyone can live together - the OP's fear of peanuts is understanable, however that one persons allergies should not effect the rest of us on the plane! That is just plain selfish. Learn to live with the allergy yourself!
#38
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 22,778
Actually israeli kids are given teething rings made from peanuts early on - they think this has a lot to do with their lower instance of peanut allergies.
Everyone can live together - the OP's fear of peanuts is understanable, however that one persons allergies should not effect the rest of us on the plane! That is just plain selfish. Learn to live with the allergy yourself!
Everyone can live together - the OP's fear of peanuts is understanable, however that one persons allergies should not effect the rest of us on the plane! That is just plain selfish. Learn to live with the allergy yourself!
While searching for any cases of deaths due to peanut dust, I came across FAQs and myths amd misconceptions about anaphylaxis:
There have been severe reactions and even deaths on airlines following exposure to peanut dust or trace peanut protein residue on seats.
FALSE. There was one in-flight death in our study. It followed actual ingestion of food and did not involve either peanut or tree nut.
FALSE. There was one in-flight death in our study. It followed actual ingestion of food and did not involve either peanut or tree nut.
for those interested in correcting their misconceptions here is the link:
MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
#39
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: CO OnePass Platinum AS MVP HHonors Diamond SPG Gold
Posts: 2,417
I am allergic to some esential oils used to make perfumes and colognes. Reactions range from slight discomfort (sneezing, runny nose, sinus pressure, headache) to all out anaphylaxis. Do I expect any airline to pre-screen every passenger who boards a flight I'm on as to what kind of perfume, cologne or body spray they've used? Absolutely not.
With a nut allergy, even if the airline were to remove all nut products from the flight (and you should pay attention to labeling on food products as they may not contain nuts but were processed in a factory which also processes nut products) it does not preclude that another passenger will bring on a nut product as a snack in their carryon. I'm sorry but I have to agree thast an allergy is a personal problem. You can't expect any establishment from a restaurant to an airline to provide a completely allergen free environment.
My advice is to move into a bubble-house and buy a Learjet if you need to fly.
Rant over.
With a nut allergy, even if the airline were to remove all nut products from the flight (and you should pay attention to labeling on food products as they may not contain nuts but were processed in a factory which also processes nut products) it does not preclude that another passenger will bring on a nut product as a snack in their carryon. I'm sorry but I have to agree thast an allergy is a personal problem. You can't expect any establishment from a restaurant to an airline to provide a completely allergen free environment.
My advice is to move into a bubble-house and buy a Learjet if you need to fly.
Rant over.
#40
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 22,778
I am allergic to some esential oils used to make perfumes and colognes. Reactions range from slight discomfort (sneezing, runny nose, sinus pressure, headache) to all out anaphylaxis. Do I expect any airline to pre-screen every passenger who boards a flight I'm on as to what kind of perfume, cologne or body spray they've used? Absolutely not.
With a nut allergy, even if the airline were to remove all nut products from the flight (and you should pay attention to labeling on food products as they may not contain nuts but were processed in a factory which also processes nut products) it does not preclude that another passenger will bring on a nut product as a snack in their carryon. I'm sorry but I have to agree thast an allergy is a personal problem. You can't expect any establishment from a restaurant to an airline to provide a completely allergen free environment.
My advice is to move into a bubble-house and buy a Learjet if you need to fly.
Rant over.
With a nut allergy, even if the airline were to remove all nut products from the flight (and you should pay attention to labeling on food products as they may not contain nuts but were processed in a factory which also processes nut products) it does not preclude that another passenger will bring on a nut product as a snack in their carryon. I'm sorry but I have to agree thast an allergy is a personal problem. You can't expect any establishment from a restaurant to an airline to provide a completely allergen free environment.
My advice is to move into a bubble-house and buy a Learjet if you need to fly.
Rant over.
#41
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Join Date: Oct 2006
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<SNIP> MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS
#42
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: CMH
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 34
I don't get on a flight these days without a supply of water and trail mix, which includes peanuts. You never know how long you'll be sitting on a plane.
Because flyers can bring whatever food they want on board, including peanuts, I'm not sure why the decision of the airline to serve peanuts is especially scary. The fact is, peanuts may be consumed on any flight.
Because flyers can bring whatever food they want on board, including peanuts, I'm not sure why the decision of the airline to serve peanuts is especially scary. The fact is, peanuts may be consumed on any flight.
#43
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: RDU, Delta GM/1MM, Hilton Diamond (for now), Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 3,443
I don't get on a flight these days without a supply of water and trail mix, which includes peanuts. You never know how long you'll be sitting on a plane.
Because flyers can bring whatever food they want on board, including peanuts, I'm not sure why the decision of the airline to serve peanuts is especially scary. The fact is, peanuts may be consumed on any flight.
Because flyers can bring whatever food they want on board, including peanuts, I'm not sure why the decision of the airline to serve peanuts is especially scary. The fact is, peanuts may be consumed on any flight.
#44
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 22,778
Very sad and ignorant read. Pathetic that it got published, but then again it's the opinion pages and every idiot out there has an opinion. (Not attacking the OP). - Then again it's Joel Stein...so yea it's expected.
BTW, this peanut allergy sufferer grew up in poor, crappy, ghetto Sunnyside Queens. Not lefty, not rich, not Yuppie.
In regards to the topic at hand, I always travel with an Epi-Pen so I do feel somewhat safe. That being said, I've been told that as I get older (26 now), the severity of my reaction to peanuts will increase (was told this the last time I was in the ER due to peanuts - November 2008) and as such, I'll need to be even more careful in the future. That being said, after seeing this, I'm hesitant to use NW. IME, UA/UAX has been very good about keeping a peanut free environment on their aircraft (despite their numerous other shortcomings) and that's in part earned my loyalty. When it comes time to switch (and that time is coming really soon), NW/DL will fall down several spaces. I realize I only spend about $50,000 or so a year on flying, but I do vote with my wallet.
-Severely peanut-allergic 1K
BTW, this peanut allergy sufferer grew up in poor, crappy, ghetto Sunnyside Queens. Not lefty, not rich, not Yuppie.
In regards to the topic at hand, I always travel with an Epi-Pen so I do feel somewhat safe. That being said, I've been told that as I get older (26 now), the severity of my reaction to peanuts will increase (was told this the last time I was in the ER due to peanuts - November 2008) and as such, I'll need to be even more careful in the future. That being said, after seeing this, I'm hesitant to use NW. IME, UA/UAX has been very good about keeping a peanut free environment on their aircraft (despite their numerous other shortcomings) and that's in part earned my loyalty. When it comes time to switch (and that time is coming really soon), NW/DL will fall down several spaces. I realize I only spend about $50,000 or so a year on flying, but I do vote with my wallet.
-Severely peanut-allergic 1K
Seriously, what happened that led you to hospital?
DO you think we will miss your absence on NW flights.
#45
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,724
just a few thoughts on this thread...
As one who can't eat wheat, and the parent of a child with multiple life-threatening allergies, I've learned to control what I can and avoid the environments where the number of risk factors beyond my control is too great. From a personal point of view, I'm glad to see peanuts return, as we can't eat the pretzels.
- peanuts are actually legumes, not true nuts
- a peanut allergy may coincide with a tree nut allergy, but there is no proven connection between the two (totally different plant families)
- soy, now rampant in baby formula/infant foods, is a legume
- some studies suggest that exposing infants to soy may in fact sensitize them to peanuts later on
As one who can't eat wheat, and the parent of a child with multiple life-threatening allergies, I've learned to control what I can and avoid the environments where the number of risk factors beyond my control is too great. From a personal point of view, I'm glad to see peanuts return, as we can't eat the pretzels.