Airline Travel Guide for Peanut Allergy

Some people with peanut allergy report that they experience allergy symptoms while travelling in aircraft. Often the cause is the free peanut snacks handed round to passengers with their drinks. Once the packets are opened, the peanut dust erupts into the air and is circulated around the aircraft cabin. Symptoms can include streaming eyes and wheezing. Not every person with peanut allergy reports having a problem, but when it does occur it can be extremely distressing.

In response to concerns, some airlines no longer serve peanut snacks, and some will remove them from specified flights if contacted well in advance by the customer.

Airline Meals

For people who suffer severe allergic reactions to food, airline meals may pose a particular risk. Many Airlines will organise a special meal according to individual requirements, but mistakes can sometimes occur. Even when an airline has promised a meal free from a certain ingredient, it is important to ensure the information has been passed on. Enquire while checking in, and when boarding the plane. For those who want to make certain of their personal well-being the best advice is to take your own food. (Please contact the airline and confirm you can take your own food on board the flight.)

Peanut Snacks

Many airlines now have a policy of not providing peanut snacks on their flights. However some still do, and no airline can prevent passengers bringing their own peanut snacks on board. The policy of each airline changes from time-to-time and it is essential to obtain verification from your travel agent AND airline about their particular policy several weeks in advance. For your own protection ensure that the cabin staff are aware of your requirements.

Medication

Taking a simple over-the-counter antihistamine before the flight may reduce the chances of symptoms occurring.

A letter is now required from your GP or Specialist explaining the reasons why all necessary medication including the Epi-Pen has been prescribed, and why it needs to be carried in hand-luggage. You should arrange a suitable letter in plenty of time so that you can ensure that your medication is immediately available in case of an emergency.

Helpful Insurers

These two companies may provide cover for people with severe allergic reactions.

• All Clear - 0845 2505242
• Worldwide Travelplan - 0845 658 9669 www.worldwidetravelplan.co.uk

Important advice

Take responsibility for your own safety. Ensure YOU communicate your needs to all relevant parties. (Travel agent and Airline Customer Services Department at time of booking flight; Airline check in desk and Flight cabin crew on departure day).

If you plan to negotiate the removal of nut snacks on your flight, take a non-confrontational stance. Use a softly softly approach. Try not to worry the airline so much they refuse to carry you or your party. Make it clear that you have a problem and need help.

Think ahead. Obtain verification that the above information is still accurate on the day of your flight; communicate well in advance with your travel agent and the airline you will be flying with. Try to obtain this verification in writing. Communicate directly with the airline's customer services / in-flight services. Ensure that your request is fully understood.

Ensure the airline you are dealing with is the one actually operating the flights. Some are franchised out to different airlines, which may not have the same policy or not be advised of the special arrangements.

In your letter outlining your needs (for example removal of peanut snacks on your flight) explain the potential problems which may occur. When many passengers open packets of peanuts the allergenic properties are released into the air and can enter the eyes, nose or mouth, causing problems in mid flight for some people with allergies.

Seek to educate. One in 200 people has peanut allergy. If you consider that the allergic person's family and friends will be flying with them, that amounts to a lot of passengers. Avoid using the phrase "Nut free flight". Airlines have no control over passengers who bring their own packet of nuts on board.

You are advised to request from your Specialist to provide written medical evidence of the allergy and medication prescribed to treat a serious allergic reaction.

Take some high-energy snacks in case the flights are delayed.

If you are successful in securing special arrangements ensure these are in place for all connecting
flights. Take copies of the airline letters with you. When checking in, make sure the special arrangements made when booking your flight are still in place.

Do not forget your prescribed medication - Your adrenaline (Epinephrine) injections. Make sure you have immediate access to your medication throughout the flight.

Take some wet wipes to clean the immediate area around your seat. It is unlikely, but possible that peanut allergen could remain from a previous flight.

A Measure of Reassurance

No one is believed to have died as a result of inhaling peanut dust on a plane. The vast majority of reactions are believed to have been mild or moderate. If you find yourself in a situation where people are eating peanuts around you - irrespective of whether it's on a plane or not - be positive and remain calm.

Holiday tips

Translation cards containing useful phrases in most European foreign languages are available from Allergy UK. They cost £15.00 for each language. If you wish to buy a set of translation cards please ring on 01322 619 898 (9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.) Payment can be made by credit card.

Before leaving home, check you have your prescribed medication. Carry this in your hand luggage NOT your suitcase. Check your expiry dates before you travel.

If you have been prescribed adrenaline, make sure you take at least 2 kits with you on holiday.

You are advised to obtain a letter from your General Practitioner explaining what the EpiPen or Anapen is used for, its contents and details regarding their condition.

Do not forget your medical alert bracelet or talisman.

On arrival at your holiday destination, inform the holiday rep of your allergies and find out where the resident Doctor and nearest Accident and Emergency Department are located.

Avoid leaving EpiPens or Anapens in direct sunlight. Light or excessive heat can cause the adrenaline to turn brown. If you carry an EpiPen DO NOT REFRIGERATE it. Keeping your kit in the shade should be enough to protect it. Avoid heat extremes for example the glove compartment or car boot. Always refer to the patient information leaflet accompanying your EpiPen.

Your Responsibility

It is stressed that it is each person's responsibility or a member of their family or the carer of a peanut allergic person to check that all steps possible that can be taken are taken.

Your responsibility covers the following points:

• The request to remove peanut snacks on specified flights should be made at  the time of booking your flight;
• Confirm details with Customer Service Department of the Airline concerned prior to the day of departure;
• At the airline check-in desk on the day of departure;
• Finally with the airline cabin crew when you board the aircraft.

Updated 4/2011