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Southwest Airlines deprives me of peanuts, saves lives
I flew on Southwest Airlines yesterday, and despite their recent mishaps, everything was -- as expected -- perfectly fine, save for the peanuts. But more on that in a bit.First, I had the opportunity to try out their newest boarding system, and it worked quite well. Instead of the cattle-call and line sitters of the past, the new system organizes passengers by their boarding pass group (A, B, C) as well as their unique boarding pass number, which are dealt out in the order that you check in. My girlfriend and I were in the A-20s and were the first group (30 and below) to board.
I realized, however, that no matter how straightforward and easy you make the process, there will still be people who are confused. One lady held A-15, and became flustered when they called for anyone with a boarding pass between A-1 and A-30 to board the plane. Really, you can't devise a system to help these types of people.
But back to the peanuts -- this was a first for me. We had a short flight between Chicago's Midway and St. Louis, and as we taxied, the flight attendant explained that we'd be given drinks but no peanuts. The reason? "Someone on board has a severe peanut allergy," she explained.
Are peanut allergies so strong that one can't even be near them in confinement? Was that person afraid a rogue nut would hop out of a bag and into their mouth? I'm not sure, but SWA took the anti-utilitarian route and deprived us all of our salty snacks for the sake of someone's life. They really do have safety in mind!
I guess I'll let it slide... this time.
Filed under: Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eva Mar 17th 2008 7:10PM
I hadn't seen peanuts on a plane in years until I flew Continental this summer, Air Canada banned them completely awhile back. Nuts and all nut-related products were banned at my junior high too, cause yeah - there's the odd allergy case who can go into anaphalactic (sp?) shock and potentially die just from breathing air where peanuts have recently been. One day in grade 8 someone brought a PB and J to school, and we all got the afternoon off while they sanitized every surface in the school. Not kidding.
Brace yourself... I'm guessing peanuts on planes are an endangered species.
Robobagins Mar 17th 2008 7:14PM
Indeed and it is incredibly nasty for those who suffer. I haven't seen peanuts on planes in years. Seems to be pretzels now.
Justin Glow Mar 17th 2008 7:26PM
Good to know, thanks. This happened on my return flight, actually, and the flight out to Chicago had peanuts.
Kent Wien Mar 17th 2008 9:04PM
At brand "A", we've only just recently introduced peanuts back on our flights lately. In the past it was a mixed nut selection of walnuts, cashews, etc. But I've noticed the return of the peanuts in the mix.
If we have a passenger on board with allergies, the nuts are removed, though.
Marilyn Terrell Mar 18th 2008 1:16AM
Brian Sack of Banterist explains what to do in case of peanut attack:
http://www.banterist.com/archivefiles/000550.html
Sean W Mar 18th 2008 4:44PM
Hi there, Justin.
Regarding your question, "Are peanut allergies so strong that one can't even be near them in confinement?" The answer... yes!
Southwest Airlines, when alerted that someone traveling onboard has a peanut allergy, will fill out a "Peanut Allergy Dust form." This alerts the flight crew to 1) go through extra cleaning of the cabins and 2) remove peanuts AND pretzels. (The pretzels are packaged at a "facility that processes peanuts and/or peanut products.")
The reasons for taking these extra precautions is that air is recirculated throughout the cabin. If there is a person in the front of the aircraft that has severe peanut allergies and a person in the back is chowing down on a bag of planters, there can be dust particles that are recirculated through the cabin. The person who is allergic can go into an anaphylactic shock, which can be life threatening, especially if they do not have any antihistamines on hand or an epi-pen (an injection "pen" containing epinephrine/adrenaline).
Hope this helps you understand why you weren't served a snack on your flight! (No peanuts, but hey... you got a wider, more comfortable, leather seat than most carriers offer!!! :))
Scott near SMF Mar 20th 2008 8:28PM
Yes, the dust from peanuts is enough to cause a severe allergic reaction (enough to case a Southwest flight to be forced to go into emergency landing status). I think you would rather have an ontime flight or close to it and no peanuts then a diverted flight (due to medical emergency) and being late by a good 3-4 hours.
Matt Apr 13th 2008 4:50PM
Justin,
Do your research before you get sarcastic!
I wonder, if you have children, if you would give them a loaded gun to play with?
This "inconvenience" you went through on your flight probably saved some child's life.
I have an 8 year old with a peanut allergy which is airborn & off the charts, according to the nurse at our local allergy clinic. People like you ,which are inconsiderate , should do some research before coming to these conclusions.
I have been on flights in which people harassed my family because they couldnt eat nuts while on board.
I was nearly thrown off the plane by trying to protect my daughters life from being endangered! We no longer fly because of the health risks to my daughter.
More than 50 people die each year from this allergy & thousands more are sent to emergency rooms by ambulance.
You, as a writer, should take your responsiblility seriously about informing the public, before someone else reads this & sides with your opinion!
Matthew Dumas