In March 2018, I flew with my then five year old son from Washington DC to Orlando. It was our first time flying with him on Jet Blue, and he has severe allergies to peanuts and some tree nuts. I did everything to prepare – I notified the airline in advance, checked in at the gate to remind them, and we were allowed to board early.
As I found our seats I began to wipe them down. A flight attendant approached me and I started to worry – was there going to be trouble? I had no need for concern. She asked if one of us had an allergy and I told her about my son. She reassured me that all of their snacks are nut free and she offered to make an announcement, which I accepted. Once the plane was boarded the flight attendant came to our section and announced that someone had an allergy and she asked everyone within the three row area to refrain from eating nuts. Then she promised that they had lots of great snacks for everyone available. But she didn’t point out my son specifically to the other passengers which was a huge relief.
I can’t express how appreciative I was of her compassion. She checked on us several times and the snacks were a hit with him (and with those around us). This was by far our best experience flying, so much so that if I knew Jet Blue was always going to be this way I’d choose them anytime I fly with my son.
It also illustrated just how easy it is to accommodate people with allergies and still offer an excellent flight experience for all passengers.
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