#paxex Podcast

First, Southwest Airlines has long served peanuts to passengers as a signature snack. But as of 1 August, the airline stopped offering peanuts to “ensure the best onboard experience for everyone, especially for customers with peanut-related allergies”. There is always some push-back when airlines take something away from passengers. Becca shares her thoughts on Southwest’s decision, explains why bagged nuts are better than loose nuts (found in premium cabins), and suggests way in which airlines can protect allergic passengers while improving #PaxEx overall. Next, airlines are ramping up their crack-down of emotional support animals on board. And here again, Southwest has found itself in the headlines after issuing a statement with updates to its Service Animal Policies. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) will be limited to dogs and cats. Trained Service Animals (TSAs) align with recent DOT guidance and are limited to dogs, cats, and miniature horses. Also, now fully-trained Psychiatric Support Animals (PSAs) ar