Ryanair & KLM Face Scrutiny Over In-Flight Nut Allergy Policies

Commercial airlines Ryanair and KLM are under increased scrutiny regarding their in-flight policies for passengers with severe nut allergies, following two separate incidents that highlight the challenges of ensuring a safe environment. These events underscore the critical need for consistent communication and adherence to safety protocols by airline staff when managing passenger health concerns.

One incident involved a mother, Sarah Moore, who reported that Ryanair staff served nut-containing products on a flight from Belfast International Airport to Faro, despite prior notification of her six-year-old son Teddy's severe nut allergy. Moore claimed that Snickers bars and peanuts were distributed, causing her son to develop red, puffy eyes, necessitating antihistamines. While Ryanair's policy advises customers to inform stewards and states that nut products will not be sold, the airline maintains it cannot guarantee a peanut-free aircraft. Ryanair later stated that nut-containing products were removed from service after the crew was reminded of the allergy.

In a separate event, Pretoria Drever and Rhonan Kelly, a couple with severe airborne nut allergies, claimed they were forced off a KLM flight to Amsterdam from Edinburgh Airport. They alleged that despite notifying the airline multiple times, crew members refused to stop serving complimentary banana loaf topped with almonds or make a passenger announcement. The couple felt compelled to disembark, missing their holiday. KLM apologized for their experience, acknowledging the seriousness of nut allergies but reiterated that while announcements can be made, they cannot prohibit other passengers from consuming nut products or guarantee a nut-free cabin environment.

These incidents bring to the forefront the complexities airlines face in balancing passenger safety with operational realities. They emphasize the importance of robust training for cabin crew on allergy protocols, clear pre-flight communication to passengers, and the challenging task of managing potential allergens in a confined space. The experiences of these passengers highlight a critical area where airline policies and their implementation can have significant impacts on passenger well-being and trust.