Paul Turner’s 2024 review of food allergies and commercial flights –
- Research (including aircraft simulations) show no evidence to support airborne transmission of nut allergens as a likely phenomenon. Announcements requesting ’nut bans’ are not therefore supported, and may instal a false sense of security.
- The most effective measure is for passengers to wipe down their seat area (including tray table and
seat-back entertainment system). Food proteins are often ’sticky’ and adhere to these surfaces, from where they are easily transferred to a person’s hands and onto food that might be consumed. Airline companies can help to facilitate this through pre-boarding. - Passengers at risk of anaphylaxis should be prescribed two adrenaline autoinjector devices, to carry on their person at all times—including when flying. Airlines should consider including a separate supply of ’general use’ adrenaline autoinjectors in the onboard medical kit for use in an emergency.
- All airlines should have clear policies relating to food allergies which are easily available from
their websites or on request. These policies should be applied consistently by both ground staff and cabin crew, in order to provide reassurance to food-allergic passengers and their caregivers.