American Air to allow early boarding for those with nut allergies

American Airlines Group will allow people who suffer from peanut and tree-nut allergies to board flights early so they can wipe down areas where they will sit to avoid potential exposure to allergens. The change will take effect Dec 12 when flight-service manuals are updated, American said Tuesday. Complaints over the issue were filed against the carrier last year by Food Allergy Research & Education and a woman whose son has a life-threatening peanut allergy. American said that while carrier doesn’t serve peanuts, it said it can’t guarantee customers won’t be exposed to nuts during flights. About 15m Americans suffer from food allergies, the food-allergy research group said. Wiping down seats, tray tables and arm rests on aircraft can’t be done by allergic passengers during general boarding, the group said. <br/>