The suitcases are packed, the back-pack is loaded with munchies and games. Tickets and passports are checked. Rental car and hotel info is checked. Okay we are clear! Lets load this car and dodge the traffic and head to the airport, we got a flight to catch! Oh but wait! This flight plan has a No Fly Zone – a peanut/tree nut allergy.
Our youngest Little Pilot was recently diagnosed with anaphylactic allergies to peanuts and tree nuts. Our days of flight planning and weather briefings were now transformed into pre-boarding procedures and navigating through TSA with epi-pen auto injectors, antihistamines and a portable nebulizer.
Fo
r our most recent vacation we choose to fly JetBlue, not only do they have TV’s at every seat but they do not serve peanuts. JetBlue was surprisingly proactive once we informed them over the phone about the allergies.
On the day of our flight a JetBlue agent personally contacted us and gave us plenty of information on pre-boarding procedures. Once we arrived at the gate, an agent allowed us to pre-board the airplane to wipe down the seats and then they created a three row buffer zone by instructing the nearby passengers to refrain from eating peanut snacks which they may have brought on-board. The flight attendants were extremely helpful and informed us that JetBlue carries epi-pens on-board in case anyone needed it. With the rising rate of food allergies and the lack of awareness it was great to see an airline like JetBlue being so supportive with such critical needs.
Wishing Everyone Happy Travels!
