As a parent of a child with severe anaphylactic allergies, I can relate to the anxiety expressed by Lucy Pasha-Robinson regarding food allergies while flying (Food allergies when flying are no joke. That’s why nuts should be banned on planes, 27 August). Last summer, I found myself obsessively cleaning during a six-hour flight that was in dire need of sanitation. Although the flight attendants distributed wipes to passengers for cleaning tray tables, they subsequently served packets of cashews, which are a serious allergen for my child. By the time we landed in Chicago, my stress levels were at their peak.

Despite my experiences, I do not support the idea of banning nuts on airplanes. Such prohibitions do not necessarily enhance safety and can lead to a misleading sense of security for those with allergies.

My son has a critical anaphylactic reaction to lentils, which, similar to peanuts, can pose risks in minute amounts and may become airborne. Therefore, we have learned to navigate life while managing these hazards. Each time we board a flight, I carefully note his allergies on the intake forms, only to receive overly simplistic reassurances that the environment is nut-free, as if that alone offers adequate protection. Consequently, I take the initiative to board flights early, equipped with gloves and disinfecting wipes, to thoroughly clean our seating area.

My son has been taught to refuse food from other passengers and to avoid touching anything until I deem it safe. We ensure to pack our own meals, pillows, and blankets for every journey; brief the flight crew about his allergies and the location of our EpiPens; and have practiced administering the EpiPen at least monthly since he was three years old. While we may never travel without fear, we acknowledge the risks and choose to travel regardless.

Alison Smith
Worcester Park, London

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