September 2014 – United Airlines has amended its allergy policy to make some accommodation for peanut-allergic passengers.
Now, travelers with a peanut allergy are encouraged to inform a flight attendant, who may notify passengers seated nearby about the allergy and ask them not to open or eat any peanut products they might have brought on board.
“We have provided flight attendants specific instructions” on the policy, Karen May, spokesperson for United Airlines, told Allergic Living. “And flight attendants, who are primarily responsible for traveler safety and comfort, have been happy to assist.” United does not serve peanut-containing snacks or meals, although the airline does serve tree nuts which are not covered by the new policy.
The new policy, which was put in place in summer 2014, is now available on United’s website. What remains unclear is under what circumstances a flight attendant would choose not to inform nearby passengers about the allergy, as the policy doesn’t appear to require them to do so. This question, as well as other points on the specifics of the policy, were not answered by United.
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