Lois Larson
Airports are notorious for their high prices, and many travellers are often left wondering whether they can access drinking water without having to pay extortionate prices. While not all airports have water fountains, many do, and travellers can fill up their water bottles at these fountains or at water bottle refill stations. Some airports even have water fountains in their secure and non-secure departure concourses.
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What You'll Learn
Filling a reusable water bottle at an airport
To take advantage of this, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you to the airport. You can use an insulated thermos-type container as well. Drink the water before you get in line for security, as liquids over 100ml are not allowed. Once you've passed through security, find a refill station or a drinking fountain and fill your bottle.
If you're concerned about germs, bring sanitizing wipes to wipe down the fountain before using it, or use a small bottle of alcohol to sanitise the spout, followed by water to flush out any remaining alcohol. Alternatively, you can bring a water bottle with a built-in filter or use a sanitizing agent in the water.
Remember to check your airport's website for specific information on the availability of water refill stations and plan accordingly.
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Drinking fountain hygiene concerns
Drinking fountains, also known as water fountains, are public amenities designed to provide easy access to potable water. They are commonly found in parks, schools, transportation hubs, and other public places. While drinking fountains are meant to promote hydration and provide access to clean water, there have been concerns about their hygiene and potential health risks.
One of the primary concerns with public drinking fountains is their potential to spread germs and bacteria. Surfaces that are frequently touched, such as buttons, levers, and nozzles, can become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses if not properly maintained and cleaned. This is especially true in areas with high usage rates, where the risk of contamination increases. Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to minimizing these risks. Local authorities are typically responsible for cleaning and maintaining public water fountains, ensuring they are sanitized and functioning properly.
In addition to regular maintenance, practicing good personal hygiene can further reduce the risk of germ transmission. This includes avoiding direct contact with the fountain spout or dispenser and using a cup, bottle, or antimicrobial surfaces to collect water instead. Proper hand hygiene is also essential to prevent the spread of common viruses and bacteria, which are more likely to spread through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.
While the chances of contracting a disease or virus from a water fountain are minimal, it is important to be cautious, especially for individuals with compromised immune systems. Some modern water fountains are equipped with advanced filtration systems that improve water quality and provide an added layer of protection. Additionally, touchless technology is becoming increasingly popular to prevent the spread of germs.
Overall, while drinking fountain hygiene is a valid concern, proper maintenance, regular cleaning, and good personal hygiene practices can significantly reduce the risk of germ transmission and ensure that public drinking fountains remain a safe and convenient source of hydration.
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Cost-saving tips for airport drinks
Airports are notoriously expensive, and drinks can be particularly pricey. Here are some tips to save money on drinks at the airport:
Bring an empty bottle
This is probably the most important tip. Bring an empty bottle with you to the airport, preferably an insulated thermos-type container that will keep your drink cool. You can also bring a full bottle and drink it before you get in line for security. This way, you can refill it once you pass through security, avoiding the high prices at airport shops.
Look for water refill stations
Several airports offer water refill stations, sometimes called hydration or bottle stations, where you can fill your empty bottle for free. Check your airport's website for specific locations. If your airport doesn't have a refill station, look for a drinking fountain. Filling your bottle from a fountain might be a little awkward, but it's a great way to save money.
Take advantage of free drinks after security
Once you've passed through security, you can find various ways to get free drinks. Some airports have water bottle refill stations, while others have drinking fountains. Take advantage of these to stay hydrated without spending a fortune.
Be aware of licensed premises rules
In the UK, any licensed premises serving alcohol is obliged to provide free tap water upon request. However, they may administer a service charge, so be mindful of that. If you're in a hurry, the Heathrow Express to London's airports is convenient but expensive, with single fares from Paddington costing up to £25.
Compare drop-off charges
Airport drop-off charges can also add to your expenses. For example, Manchester Airport charges for drop-offs, but they also have a free drop-off zone a bus ride away from the terminal. Compare prices and locations to find the most cost-effective option.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your spending on drinks at the airport. Remember to plan ahead, bring your empty bottle, and take advantage of free water sources and licensed premises rules. Safe travels and cheers to saving money!
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UK laws on free drinking water
While many airports have water fountains, some travellers prefer to bring their own water bottles and fill them up at the airport. This is especially true for those who are concerned about the cleanliness of public water fountains and the possibility of getting sick from them. However, others are not as worried and use the fountains without any issues.
In the UK, there are laws in place that require licensed premises to provide free drinking water to their customers. This includes premises in England, Wales, and Scotland that are authorised to serve alcohol. These establishments must ensure that free potable water is provided to customers upon request, as long as it is reasonably available. Unlicensed premises, on the other hand, are not legally required to provide free drinking water.
In Northern Ireland, there is no law that specifically addresses the provision of free drinking water in licensed premises. However, all UK employers must provide their employees with free drinking water in the workplace at all times. Additionally, schools in England, Scotland, and Wales are legally required to provide drinking water for their students.
It is worth noting that while there is no requirement for the free tap water to be filtered, some restaurants may charge for filtered drinking water. However, if they serve alcohol, they are mandated to provide free drinking water, regardless of whether it is filtered or unfiltered. This is to help combat the effects of binge drinking.
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Water refill stations at airports
Airports are expensive, and it can sometimes feel like everything costs extra. One way to save money is to bring your own water bottle and fill it up at a water refill station after you pass through security. Many airports have water refill stations, sometimes called hydration or bottle stations, where you can fill your empty bottles.
Some airports with water refill stations include Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. If your airport doesn't have refill stations, you can bring an empty bottle and look for a drinking fountain. While not every airport has a free water fountain, there are still ways to get a drink without paying extra. For example, in the UK, any licensed premises serving alcohol must provide free tap water upon request.
If you're worried about getting sick from using a public water fountain, you can bring sanitizing wipes to wipe down the fountain before using it or bring a small bottle of alcohol to sanitise the spout. You could also bring a filter or sanitizing agent for the water, or use a water bottle with a built-in filter.
To save money, bring an empty bottle through security and fill it up for free at a water refill station or drinking fountain. This way, you can avoid paying high prices for water at the airport and stay hydrated for your flight.
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Frequently asked questions
No, not all airports have water fountains. However, some airports, such as Denver and Newark, do have water fountains in secure and non-secure departure concourses.
If you are worried about staying hydrated at the airport, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you through security and fill it up at a water fountain if there is one available. If there isn't a water fountain, you can ask airport staff to fill your bottle, as they are required to provide free tap water upon request.
Many people think they have to pay for a bottle of water at the airport because they cannot bring liquids over 100ml through security. However, you can avoid paying these fees by filling up a water bottle at a fountain or asking staff to fill your bottle with tap water.
Water fountains are generally safe to use at the airport. Covid does not stay on surfaces for very long, and the chance of catching an illness from a water fountain is low. If you are concerned, you can bring sanitizing wipes to wipe down the fountain before use or use a water bottle with a built-in filter.
