The U.S. DoT dropped a proposed plan to ban peanuts on airplanes. The agency said the ban, if approved, would have violated a 2000 appropriations act that funds the DOT.
The 2000 DOT appropriations act specifies that no federal funds can be used to ban peanuts or require a peanut-free buffer zone in any air carrier until certain conditions are met.
No decision can be made for at least 90 days after Congress and the DOT review scientific studies that determine peanut allergy sufferers are at risk for a severe reaction an on airplane. The DOT solicited comment early June on its proposed options, which included:
1. Banning the serving of peanuts and all peanut products by both U.S. and foreign carriers on flights covered by DOT’s disability rule;
2. Banning the serving of peanuts and all peanut products on all such flights where a passenger with a peanut allergy is on board and has requested a peanut-free flight in advance;
3. Requiring a peanut-free buffer zone in the immediate area of a passenger with a medically-documented severe allergy to peanuts if passenger has requested a peanut-free flight in advance.
The DOT said this week it would continue to accept public input about peanuts on airplanes, but has no plans or ideas about what it will do with those comments right now. What do you think? Leave us a comment below or visit our Facebook Page and tell us what’s on your mind.
About Becky
I’m a 63 yr old male. With peanut allergy. I also have a trach in my throat, From Sleep Apnia. This year alone, I’ve been hit 4 times with Peanuts. Once from a Drug store, and someone there was eating peanuts before they handed me my package… ER visit, The second time I was eating a candy bar, that had manufactured on a machine that might have had peanuts run on them. The third time, eating ice cream that had trace amounts of peanuts. This time I was in the hospital 4 days. Wednesday nite, at Trader Joes, someone that was bagging my groc’s had eaten some peanuts. And back to the ER. Each time I had gone into the ER, the attending ER Doc, said that if I had not had the trach in my throat, I would be dead… 4 times this year. And each time it gets worse. So as far as the airlines, I can’t ride on them, Until something is done. But most people I find since it doesn’t effect them, have no clue how bad this allergy is. It will kill you.. I did a piece on my blog about peanut allergies as to how it has effected me. if your interested, here is the address: http://michaelinhiskitchen.blogspot.com/2009/12/peanut-allergy-is-most-common-cause-of.html There might be some information that might be of some help.
Thank you,
Michael Long