This article appeared in the St. Petersburg Times about a week ago, and I wanted to pass it along. I think it stinks!
"Peanut-free policy doesn't fly with congress again"
"And finally, there is good news for peanut lovers. Congress once again is taking a stand on your behalf.
For the second year in a row, the transportation spending bill prohibits the government from enforcing a policy that requires "peanut-free zones" on airplanes. That rule, which would have prohibited airlines from serving the snack around people with peanut allergies, was proposed last year by the Department of Transportation."
(compiled by Sara Fritz and Bill Adair of the Times Washington bureau)
Thanks alot, Congress!
I just received a response to a letter I wrote to the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, science, and Transportation Chairman, John McCain regarding "Peanut Free" zones it is dated October 28:
"In reference to "peanut free" zones, the Department of Transportation (DOT) has taken the position that airlines should be required to provide "peanut free" zones on certain flights. However, as part of a large federal spending bill last year, Congress prohibited the DOT from creating "peanut free" zones aboard domestic aircraft. Specifically, the law now prohibits the DOT from implementing its interpretation of regulations governing "peanut free" zones until 90 days after submitting a scientific study to Congress and the Secretary of Transportation. The study must determine that there are severe reactions by passengers to peanuts as a result of contact with very small airborne peanut particles. If the Secretary determines that regulatory action is needed, based upon the study, the Secretary would consult with airlines, medical specialists and citizen groups before taking any action.
Again thank you for contacting me regarding "peanut free" zones onboard airlines. Please be assured I will keep them in mind during any legislative action the Senate may take relating to this issue."
It is signed John McCain.
[This message has been edited by Renee (edited November 02, 1999).]
Renee:
How do I write the committee? I want to know WHO is on panel that determines if people are senstive to airborn peanuts. I've seen from this network that lots of people are! This network should serve as a piece of evidence that airborn peanut smell is very dangerious to some people. I don't how a panel of experts could possible determine otherwise.
I don't like to sound cynical but if I were in the peanut business, I would be very interested in making sure that that panel came back saying people did not have strong reactions to airborn peanut smell. I think knowing who is on that panel is really important.
Lara
Lara,
Unfortunately, what will be required is that people who DO have reactions to smell and airborne particles are going to have to submit medical documentation proving this. Just writing letters and telling them that this happens won't be good enough--they will need proof.
Christine
Sigh, so much for prevention. We go through so much work and stress when travelling by air... we are saving the lives of our loved ones, but because we are, the boys upstairs don't think the situation is serious enough.
geez I'm taking off for a flight in an hour. I can't believe this. Aren't we covered by ADA? I mean technically it is not a "disability", but it is LIFE THREATENING. Geez...if I had the time, I'd write you my story with Northwest. The woman Screamed at me in the Detroit airport...and Yelled..."people like you shouldn't fly". I was humiliated! They had promised not to serve nuts....and then 35,000 ft up in the air...I am giving epi shots. OH I WAS OUTRAGED! They THEN tried to cover up the incident when I threatened a lawyer....they sent me a letter, and they wrote it as if it was written prior to my travel...however they forgot to forge the date...and the date was weeks after my travel "stating all the rules I should follow PRIOR to travel". I got a free ticket....big whoop! who will fly with them.
Seriously..........we all need to get on this...hit the media and really start changing this. LIFE THREATENING....what don't they understand?
I'm not allergic to flying....I'm allergice to a controllable variable that is a luxury to passenger. period.
Wish me luck on my flight today.....
I wanted to be sure you knew that your airline experiences are needed. Did you know we are looking for reactions and other experiences, both good and bad? Do you know how important reaction experiences are towards making the airlines safer for us?
When you send your experiences please include your contact information including your address and phone number(s).
It would be a great help to this issue also if you would post about it to the "airline discussion board" also. This helps in many ways.
Stay Safe,
[email]Chris@PeanutAllergy.Com[/email]