Choose food for a flight carefully

Re “Problems lining up on runway,” Aug. 27

One of the many suggestions to help travelers deal with difficulties stands out as potentially dangerous. It seems odd that you would advocate traveling with peanut butter as a protein source when most airlines have finally eliminated the complimentary in-flight peanuts because of the danger of allergens becoming airborne in the cabin. Peanut allergy is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition. Various studies estimated that close to 3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts and that 100 to 150 people in the U.S. die each year from peanut allergies. A life-threatening anaphylactic reaction in flight necessitates an emergency landing. Lines may be long and flights delayed, but advocating a practice that may well increase the incidence of in-flight emergencies is irresponsible.

Ellenore Palmer

Irvine