Air Canada to create nut-free buffer zones on aircraft

October 21, 2010 in Nutrition Topics in the News

Air Canada to create nut-free buffer zones on aircraft
It seems people with nut allergies can breathe a little easier when taking to the friendly skies.  

The Canadian Transportation Agency rules this week that Air Canada must accommodate people with severe nut allergies by providing nut-free zones for travelers.

In a news release the Canadian Transportation Agency said "Buffer zones are the appropriate accommodation for persons aboard aircraft who are disabled due to their allergy to peanuts or nuts".

When passengers with nut allergies provide Air Canada with at least 48 hours notice, the airline must create a nut-free buffer zone, serve only nut-free food and instruct passengers that they can only eat nut-free food while in the buffer zone.

Air Canada is required to provide the agency with evidence of how it will implement the new accommodations and provide its new allergy policy for review and approval.

The size of the buffer zones will vary depending on where a passenger is seated.

For people in executive first class, the buffer zone will consist of the pod-seat occupied by the person with allergies. In business class seating, the buffer zone will consist of the bank of seats in which the allergic person is seated. In economy class, the buffer zone will consist of the bank of seats in which the allergic person is seated as well as the banks of seats directly in front of and behind the person.

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