The failure of airlines to cater for the needs of travellers with nut allergies is placing lives at risk, a study has warned.

Of all modes of transport air travel is particularly dangerous for sufferers due to inconsistent information given the to cabin crew, the UK's Daily Mail reported.

The experiences of 32 passengers with a nut allergy were tracked in a study published in the journal Clinical and Translational Allergy.

One passenger told how they were given a walnut salad despite informing the airline of their allergy.

Another said a flight attendant stroked their arm and muttered "poor you" after they had explained people were not allowed to eat nuts around them.

Hazel Gowland, co-author of the study and a member of the organisation Allergy Action, said a lot needed to be done to protect those with nut allergies.

"Inconsistency is a problem and it is going to take a complete and independent overhaul to overcome it," she said.

"Policies available or explained to staff may not be implemented in practice, special meals are often not available or suitable for the particular passenger and flight crews don't always remember or implement the company's best practice."

Dr Jane Lucas, a respiratory and allergy specialist at Southampton General Hospital, UK, said airlines need to take responsibility for the wellbeing of their customers.

"This study demonstrates that, despite nut allergic individuals taking extremely sensible steps to remain safe, airlines are consistently putting lives at risk and are yet to make any significant steps towards taking this risk seriously," she said.