Apr 08
A passenger with a severe nut allergy was assigned to a Southwest row designated for pistachio service and received little support from flight attendants. Despite raising a life-threatening concern, the lack of care and follow-up left them feeling unsafe and unheard.

Pistachios on Southwest Flights—But No Protection for Allergies

At the end of February 2026, I was on a Southwest Airlines flight from Baltimore to Bradley Airport. Earlier that day, during my first flight, I was informed by flight attendants while preboarding that pistachios are now served in the first rows of all Southwest flights—specifically the rows with extra legroom. This was new information to me.

I preboarded to clean off my seat, as I have a severe peanut and tree nut allergy. I should note that my allergy is not airborne, so as long as those around me are not eating nuts and then touching me, I am fine. The flight attendants on the first couple of flights that day were decent, and I was not seated in the rows where pistachios were being served.
However, on my final flight from Baltimore to Bradley, I was placed in a seat that was designated for pistachio service. When I preboarded that flight and informed the flight attendants of my allergy, I was met with the response, “Well, you’re seated in the row where we serve pistachios, so…”

I had to be the one to suggest that nuts not be served in my row. There was pushback from the attendants, and I had to insist that I have a severe, life-threatening allergy and explain that I did not book this seat and was randomly assigned to it. There was no offer to change my seat or provide any alternative solution.

I chose not to request a seat change myself because I wanted to deplane quickly, and I was seated near the front. However, the flight attendants on this flight were incredibly nonchalant and uncaring, even after I explained the seriousness of my allergy.
When I arrived at my seat to wipe it down, I noticed a couple of pistachios from the previous flight scattered on the floor. Because of this, I later had to figure out how to clean my entire backpack once I arrived at my destination.

After takeoff, the pilot announced that due to the short and turbulent nature of the flight, no refreshments or snacks would be served. Thankfully, this meant I did not have to worry about passengers nearby being served or eating pistachios.
Still, the overall lack of concern from the flight attendants made me feel extremely unsafe—not only for myself, but for others with severe allergies as well. I submitted a complaint to Southwest after landing on February 21, 2026, and as of March 19, 2026, I have not received any response.