Tips for passengers with peanut allergies
Northwest recognizes that some customers are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts (almonds, cashews, etc.), and that exposure to peanuts or tree nuts can result in dire, even fatal, consequences for customers with the most severe allergies. Northwest Airlines cannot guarantee an environment free of any allergens, including peanuts, peanut dust, peanut oil, or peanut remnants.
Passengers with severe nut allergies should carefully review our policies and procedures and determine whether they are safe to fly in the cabin environment we can provide. They should also bring aboard any medications or devices that might become necessary should they incur an allergic reaction during flight.
While Northwest cannot guarantee an allergen free environment, we have adopted certain policies and procedures intended to minimize the risk for passengers with nut allergies.
Effective February 1, 2009, peanuts will be served onboard flights operated by Northwest and Delta. Products containing tree nuts may also be served on such flights. The tree nuts and other products served onboard, including meals, snack boxes and snack mixes, may be processed or packaged in factories that produce peanut or other nut products.
Passengers with nut allergies should contact Northwest Reservations and advise the agent of their allergy before traveling. The agent will update your reservation with that information.
Peanut/Tree Nut Policy:
- Northwest and Delta cannot guarantee a peanut/nut free environment. Peanuts, products made from peanut oil, and other nuts may be brought onboard by any passenger.
- Peanut or tree nut remnants, peanut dust or peanut oil may be on the aircraft floor, seats, or tray tables from previous flights.
- Northwest and Delta will serve tree nuts and products processed or packaged in peanut factories on its flights.
Northwest and Delta do not:
- Remove tree nut products from aircraft.
- Perform any special cleaning to remove peanut or tree nut residue.
Northwest will not make an announcement requesting passengers not to open peanut products onboard and Northwest will not prevent any passenger from bringing peanuts, products made from peanut oil, or other nuts on board. Northwest will advise In-flight Services who will implement a three (3) row buffer zone around the customers' seating area and refrain from serving peanuts in that area.
We suggest the following precautions for customers with peanut/tree nut allergies when flying on Northwest:
- Upon arriving at the airport, advise the gate agent working your flight (including connecting flights) about your peanut/tree nut allergies.
- Consider taking the aircraft’s first flight of the day whenever possible, as aircraft receive a more thorough cleaning overnight than they do during the day.
- Consider the possibility of exposure, particularly when accepting any in-flight snack or meal. They are encouraged to bring their own food with them.
- Take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for exposure. Many customers carry epinephrine (Epi-pens) or other suitable anaphylaxis treatment prescribed by their physician that can be self-administered. Customers may wear face masks or use respirators (note: there are special procedures for respirators, including advance notice).
