Teacher with nut allergy faces flight scare at Heathrow

Amy Pearson, a geography teacher, faced a terrifying experience while flying from Heathrow Airport to Kuala Lumpur on August 10. Despite informing her travel agent and the airlines about her severe nut allergy, she encountered significant issues with both Qatar Airways and Malaysia Airlines. Upon check-in, she was asked to sign a liability waiver, indicating the airline's lack of awareness regarding her allergy. During the flights, she repeatedly notified the cabin crew, but they refused to stop serving peanuts or make announcements to inform other passengers. On her first flight, Malaysia Airlines even distributed complimentary peanuts to nearby passengers, while Amy was given a face mask as a precaution against anaphylactic shock. She expressed her concerns about the air circulation on the plane, which could potentially expose her to nut particles. Unfortunately, the airlines did not provide a suitable meal for her, leaving her with only a plate of fruit for sustenance over a 14-hour journey. As she prepared to return to England on August 29, her travel agent reassured her that the airlines would handle her allergy better. However, upon boarding her flight home, she was almost removed from the plane due to uncertainty about her ability to fly safely. After speaking with fellow passengers about her allergy, she was ultimately allowed to travel back home. Amy's experience highlights the challenges faced by individuals with severe allergies when flying, raising concerns about airline policies and passenger safety. She advocates for better awareness and accommodations for those with food allergies to ensure safe travel experiences.