Airports And Gum: What's The Deal?

Whether or not gum is sold at airports is a divisive topic. Some airports, such as Piedmont Triad International in Greensboro, N.C., Orlando International Airport, and Palm Beach International Airport, have banned gum sales, citing the clean-up hassle of dealing with sticky residue on carpets, cushions, and under pay phones. On the other hand, Hartsfield Atlanta, Miami International, and Tampa International airports allow gum sales. While some travellers may find the absence of gum inconvenient, especially for relieving ear pressure during flights, others appreciate the effort to maintain cleanliness. The decision to sell or ban gum sales at airports sparks strong opinions and continues to be a contentious issue.

Why some airports don't sell gum

Many airports around the world have chosen not to sell chewing gum due to the sticky mess it creates. Travellers who chew gum often dispose of it inappropriately, leaving it stuck to carpets, cushions, and under payphones. This creates an extensive clean-up operation for airport staff.

Orlando International Airport, for example, has banned the sale of gum for years, despite allowing the sale of other products such as perfume, pet treats, and massages. Similarly, Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, maintained a long-standing gum embargo until recently reversing its decision due to popular demand.

Some travellers rely on chewing gum to ease the pressure in their ears during take-off and landing, and may be frustrated by the absence of gum for sale at airports. However, airports that ban gum sales cite the extensive clean-up costs as a justifiable reason for their decision.

It is worth noting that the decision to sell gum or not ultimately falls to the individual airport and its vendors, and some airports do choose to sell gum despite the potential for mess. Additionally, travellers are typically allowed to bring their own gum to chew during flights, as long as it is within a reasonable quantity and not infused with illegal substances.

Why some airports do sell gum

Many airports sell gum, but some, like Orlando International Airport, have banned its sale. This is due to the cleanup hassle when gum is disposed of inappropriately and stuck to carpets, cushions, and under pay phones. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios also don't sell gum in their Central Florida theme parks.

However, some airports that initially banned gum sales have reversed their decision. For example, Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro, North Carolina, and Palm Beach International Airport in Florida, have lifted their bans.

There are several reasons why some airports choose to sell gum:

• Revenue: Gum is one of the most popular items sold at airports, and allowing its sale can generate significant revenue for the airport and its retailers. For instance, Paradies Shops, which runs concession stands at Palm Beach and other airports, estimated that lifting the ban on gum sales at Palm Beach International Airport could bring in an additional $225,000 a year for the company and an extra $50,000 in revenue for the county.
• Customer demand: Many passengers want to buy gum, especially to help with ear-popping during flights. At Palm Beach International Airport, the question of where to buy gum was the most frequently asked question at the airport, and passengers were confused as to why it wasn't available.
• Partnership maintenance: In the case of Palm Beach International Airport, the airport officials wanted to maintain a good relationship with Paradies Shops, who had persistently requested to sell gum.

While some airports have chosen to ban gum sales to avoid the maintenance hassle, others have recognized the benefits of selling gum, including increased revenue and customer satisfaction.

How gum helps with ear pressure

Chewing gum is a well-known method to help relieve the uncomfortable feeling of ear pressure during flights. This phenomenon is called ear barotrauma or barotitus media, and it occurs due to sudden changes in air pressure. Normally, the air pressure inside and outside the eardrum is the same, but during flights, the pressure difference can cause a clogged feeling in the ears.

Chewing gum is believed to help with this issue by encouraging saliva production and, in turn, swallowing. The act of swallowing forces the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, to open. This movement helps to equalize the pressure and relieves the uncomfortable sensation.

Yawning, drinking water, and sucking on hard candy are other methods that can help achieve similar results as they also cause the Eustachian tube to open. Additionally, nasal decongestants can be useful when dealing with a cold, as they help shrink swollen mucous membranes, making it easier for the ears to pop.

While some airports sell gum, such as Piedmont Triad International, Miami International, Hartsfield Atlanta, and Tampa International, others have banned its sale due to the hassle of cleaning up discarded gum from carpets, upholstery, and under pay phones. As a result, travellers are advised to bring their own gum if they rely on it to ease ear pressure during flights.

Alternatives to gum for ear pressure

While some airports do sell gum, many travellers have reported that they have been unable to find gum for sale in airports, including in Orlando and Piedmont Triad International Airport. Many airports have banned the sale of gum due to the clean-up hassle when it winds up stuck to carpets, cushions, and under pay phones.

If you are someone who chews gum to relieve ear pressure, it is a good idea to bring your own gum to the airport. Here are some alternatives to gum that can help relieve ear pressure:

• Yawning frequently
• Sucking on hard candy
• Sucking on a straw
• Blowing your nose gently
• Trying the Valsalva manoeuvre (pinching your nose, closing your mouth, and blowing out)
• Trying the Toynbee manoeuvre (pinching your nose, closing your mouth, and swallowing)
• Purchasing special earplugs that help your ears adapt to different pressures

These methods can help you relieve ear pressure without relying solely on gum. It is important to note that ear pressure can be caused by several factors, including dysfunction of the Eustachian tubes, allergies, infections, anatomical abnormalities, exposure to smoke, or pregnancy. If you experience severe or persistent ear pressure, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for advice and treatment options.

Where to buy gum before reaching the airport

If you're looking to buy gum before reaching the airport, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to buy gum ahead of time and bring it with you to the airport. This way, you can ensure you have your preferred brand and avoid any inconvenience if the airport doesn't sell gum.

Secondly, if you're travelling by car and stopping at gas stations, convenience stores, or grocery stores along the way, these are great places to purchase gum. It's also a good idea to check for gum at shops near the airport, as some airports do not sell it due to concerns about gum being disposed of inappropriately, creating a maintenance nightmare for cleaning staff.

Additionally, some airports have banned gum sales for years, including Orlando International Airport and Piedmont Triad International Airport, while others like Palm Beach International Airport and Birmingham International Airport have lifted their bans. Miami International Airport and Hartsfield Atlanta Airport allow gum sales, and Tampa International Airport has flip-flopped on the issue.

Therefore, it is advisable to plan ahead and buy gum before reaching the airport to avoid any inconvenience or limited selection.

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