Lois Larson
Airports are busy places, and staying hydrated while travelling is important. In the past, travellers had to choose between buying expensive bottled water or using a water fountain, but now, many airports are installing bottle-filling stations near bathrooms and existing water fountains. This is part of an effort to reduce plastic waste and improve airport amenities. These bottle-filling stations are easy to use and provide free, clean water for thirsty travellers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water Fountains at Airports | Available at varying quantities across different airports |
| Airports with Water Fountains | Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Bristol, Liverpool, Cardiff, Philadelphia International, Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Portland (ME), Portland (OR) |
| Airports without Water Fountains | London City, Belfast International |
| Alternative Options | Food and drink outlets often provide free drinking water and may refill water bottles |
| Bottle-Filling Stations | Available at some airports as an alternative to water fountains |
What You'll Learn
Airports with water fountains
Water fountains are available at various airports around the world. While some airports have standard water fountains, others have modernised "hydration stations" with automatic hands-free sensors and high spigots for easy refills.
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport has "hydration stations" at each terminal exit after security. These stations have automatic hands-free sensors and high spigots, making it easy for travellers to refill their water bottles.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport has also installed similar "hydration stations" for its travellers.
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta has joined the growing trend of offering hydration stations for travellers.
Portland International Jetport, Maine
Portland International Jetport in Maine is one of the smaller airports that provide bottle-filling stations for travellers.
Portland International Airport, Oregon
Portland International Airport in Oregon is another smaller airport that offers bottle-filling stations.
Philadelphia International Airport
Philadelphia International Airport has bottle-filling stations near bathrooms and water fountains.
Other Airports
In addition to the airports mentioned above, major hubs such as Denver International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport also provide water fountains or bottle-filling stations for travellers.
Tips for Finding Water at Airports
While not all airports have water fountains, there are other ways to secure a refreshing drink. Travellers can take an empty water bottle through security and fill it up on the other side if water fountains are available. If water fountains are not easily located, travellers can try asking at food outlets, as many are often willing to refill bottles. Additionally, in the UK, licensed premises serving alcohol are obliged to provide free tap water upon request.
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Airports without water fountains
It is not clear whether or not all airports have water fountains. However, it is possible to take an empty bottle through airport security and fill it up with drinking water on the other side if there are fountains available.
In the UK, any licensed premises serving alcohol are obliged to provide free tap water upon request. However, the law does state that establishments can administer a service charge if they wish, so this is a potentially grey area.
Some airports, such as Paris Beauvais, do not have water fountains, and passengers have to buy bottled water from a shop after passing through security. Keflavik Airport in Iceland also does not have a water fountain, and the bathroom sinks are too small to fill a bottle.
However, some airports, such as Denver International Airport, have water bottle filling stations immediately after security. Portland International Airport also has drinking fountains and water bottle filling stations throughout the airport.
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Using water fountains to cut plastic waste
Airports are busy places, with thirsty travellers. For many years, the only options for a drink were a water fountain or a $$5 bottle of water. However, this is changing, with airports installing bottle-filling stations to help reduce plastic waste and improve amenities.
The Problem
With strict rules on liquids, many people are forced to buy a bottle of water once they have gone through security. This is not only expensive, but it also generates a lot of plastic waste.
The Solution
A growing number of airports are now offering bottle-filling stations, which are free to use and provide an easy way to fill up a water bottle before a flight. These stations are often placed near bathrooms and existing water fountains. The water is free, and the stations are designed to be hygienic, with hands-free, automatic sensors.
The Benefits
By providing these stations, airports can reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by passengers. It also saves passengers money and provides them with a convenient way to stay hydrated.
Examples
Some of the airports that have installed bottle-filling stations include Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and San Francisco. Smaller airports, such as Portland, have also introduced these stations. In the UK, Heathrow Airport has 107 water fountains across its five terminals, while Manchester Airport has six fountains, with two in each of its three terminals.
If you're travelling through an airport, bring an empty water bottle with you and look out for these bottle-filling stations or water fountains. By refilling your bottle, you can stay hydrated and reduce your plastic waste. If you can't find a fountain, food and drink outlets will often refill water bottles for free.
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Alternatives to water fountains at airports
Bottle-filling stations
A growing number of airports have begun to install bottle-filling stations near bathrooms and water fountains. These stations are part of an effort to find more sustainable ways to manage crowds and improve airport amenities. The water is free and filtered in some locations. Airports such as Philadelphia International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, and San Francisco International Airport have installed these stations.
Food outlets
If you cannot find a water fountain or bottle-filling station, you can try asking at a food outlet to fill up your bottle. Many are reportedly happy to help.
Bathroom sinks
If there are no other options, you can fill up your bottle in the bathroom sink. However, the water may be lukewarm, and the tap may be too low to fit your bottle underneath.
Bring your own water
While you cannot bring liquids over 100ml through security, you can bring an empty bottle and fill it up once you're through.
Licensed premises
In the UK, any licensed premises (serving alcohol) is obliged to provide free tap water upon request. However, establishments can administer a service charge if they wish, so this may not always be a reliable option.
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Airports with bottle-filling stations
Airports are notorious for being expensive, and water is no exception. In the past, travellers had no choice but to pay for a bottle of water once they had passed through security, as they were not allowed to bring liquids over 100ml through. This meant that airports could charge high prices for water, often around £3 a bottle.
However, a growing number of airports have started to install bottle-filling stations for travellers, which provide an easy and free way to get water. These stations are usually located near bathrooms and water fountains, and they help to reduce the number of empty bottles left behind by travellers. The water is free, and at some airports, it is even filtered.
Some of the airports that have installed bottle-filling stations include:
- Philadelphia International Airport
- Smaller airports in Portland, Maine, and Portland, Oregon
- Major hubs including Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco
San Francisco International Airport's water, for example, is sourced from the Hetch Hetchy reservoir in Yosemite National Park and is considered some of the purest and best-tasting water in the world.
These bottle-filling stations are designed to be hands-free and ergonomically fashioned to fit water bottles. They have an automatic sensor that stops the flow of water when the bottle is full, eliminating the need for any levers or buttons where germs or bacteria can be transmitted.
So, if you're looking to save some money and stay hydrated while travelling, be sure to carry an empty water bottle with you and fill it up at one of these airports' bottle-filling stations!
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Frequently asked questions
No, you can't bring liquids over 100ml through security, which includes water bottles, regardless of whether they are sealed or open. However, you can take an empty bottle through security and fill it up with drinking water on the other side, if there are the facilities.
No, not all airports have water fountains. However, a growing number of airports have begun to install bottle-filling stations near bathrooms and water fountains.
Yes, if you can't find a water fountain, you can ask at a food outlet to fill up your water bottle. Most food and drink outlets will provide drinking water free of charge.
Yes, Refill is a scheme set up to promote and identify free tap water dispensing points in the UK. They have a free app that highlights the location of water fountains across the UK, including airports.
