Owais Crawford
Airports are fascinating, complex ecosystems. One of the many challenges they face is managing water. Airports need to provide clean drinking water for passengers and staff, and many have found innovative ways to do so, such as installing water fountains and providing free tap water. On the other hand, they also have to deal with the restrictions on liquids, including water, that passengers can bring onboard, which has led to a significant increase in plastic waste as travellers are forced to buy water after security. Additionally, some airports are even built on water, which presents its own unique set of challenges and opportunities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water availability at airports | Free drinking water is available at some airports. |
| Water bottles at security | Water bottles are not allowed through security unless they are empty. |
| Workarounds | Passengers can bring empty bottles through security and fill them up on the other side. |
| Water prices at airports | Water bottles at airports are expensive, averaging £3 per bottle. |
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What You'll Learn
TSA restrictions on liquids
The TSA has strict regulations on liquids, gels, and aerosols that passengers can bring in their carry-on luggage. The current rule, known as the 3-1-1 rule, allows travellers to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, gels, creams, and pastes through the checkpoint. Each liquid item must be 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less in volume. This rule also applies to beverages, and the only drink forbidden by the TSA is alcohol with an alcohol content of 70% or more.
Solid foods with no liquid or creamy elements are generally allowed, but fresh fruits and vegetables may be restricted for international travel due to the risk of spreading invasive pests. It is important to note that some items, such as firearms, ammunition, and flammable liquids like butane, chlorine, and gasoline, are prohibited in both carry-on luggage and checked baggage.
The 3-1-1 rule may soon change due to technological advancements, and additional screening procedures may be implemented for liquids brought on board. These procedures could include AIT screening, pat-downs, and further screening of carry-on property.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is recommended that passengers start with an empty bag, pack items in layers, and remove electronics and large liquids for separate screening. Any liquids that do not adhere to the volume guidelines may be subject to additional screening or may not be allowed through the checkpoint. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the TSA officer regarding what items are permitted.
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Free drinking water refills
Staying hydrated is essential, especially when flying. Many airports have strict restrictions on liquids, limiting the amount you can take through security in your hand luggage. This often leads to travellers buying water after passing through security. However, there are ways to avoid paying for overpriced bottled water at the airport and reduce single-use plastic waste.
Firstly, bring your own refillable water bottle. Although it may seem counterintuitive due to liquid restrictions, travellers are allowed to bring empty bottles through security. By bringing an empty bottle, you can fill it up at water refill stations, also known as hydration or bottle stations, available at several airports. These stations allow you to fill your bottle without spilling a drop.
If your airport does not have dedicated refill stations, don't worry. You can still bring your empty bottle and look for a drinking fountain to fill it up. While it may be a bit awkward, it's a great way to save money and stay hydrated. Additionally, if you're travelling to a destination with safe drinking water, you can keep refilling your bottle wherever possible instead of buying single-use plastic bottles.
By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce your plastic bottle consumption and save money. So, the next time you're at the airport, remember to bring your refillable bottle, take advantage of the refill stations or drinking fountains, and stay hydrated without breaking the bank or contributing to plastic waste.
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Plastic waste reduction
Airports have strict restrictions on liquids, including water, that can be taken through security in hand luggage. Since 2006, containers holding liquids carried on board have been restricted to 3.4 ounces (100 ml) of liquid per container, contained in a 1-quart bag, with one bag allowed per passenger. This has led to many travellers choosing to purchase water after passing through security, which can be expensive and generates plastic waste.
However, there are ways to avoid buying water in plastic bottles at the airport and reduce plastic waste. One way is to bring an empty reusable water bottle through security and fill it at a fountain or tap once past security. Licensed premises in the UK, including airports, are obliged to provide free tap water upon request, although they may charge a service fee. Another option is to freeze water in a bottle before arriving at the airport, as frozen liquids are allowed through security as long as they are completely solid.
Travellers can also bring their own full bottle of water by finishing it before reaching the security line and refilling it at a water fountain. This method ensures travellers have water before and during their flight without contributing to plastic waste. Some travellers also choose to bring their own refillable metal insulated water bottles, which can be refilled as needed and keep liquids cold or hot for up to 24 hours.
By implementing these simple habits, travellers can significantly reduce their single-use plastic water bottle consumption and dependency while also saving money.
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Reusable bottles
Many airports are encouraging passengers to bring their own reusable water bottles and fill them at hydration stations before their flight. Airports such as San Francisco International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Van Nuys Airport (VNY) have banned the sale of single-use plastic water bottles. Other airports, such as Portland International Airport, have not imposed a ban on plastic bottles, citing concerns for travellers who may be unaware of the ban or unwilling to carry a potentially expensive refillable bottle.
Some travellers suggest bringing a refillable bottle with a built-in filter, as some airport water fountains may be of questionable cleanliness. Others suggest bringing a small bottle of alcohol to wipe down the spout before refilling your bottle. It is also possible to fill your bottle on the plane, although flight attendants may not accommodate requests to use your own cups.
Bringing a reusable water bottle to the airport can help reduce plastic waste and save money, as bottled water at airports can be priced nearly double the regular retail price. In addition to bringing your own bottle, you can also look for water sold in sustainable packaging, such as recyclable aluminum or glass, or compostable packaging.
Some airlines are also encouraging passengers to bring their own reusable water bottles and are removing individual plastic water bottles from their cabins. For example, Air New Zealand has switched to compostable plant-based coffee cups made from paper and corn instead of plastic, and Scandinavian Airlines have introduced sustainable meal packaging made from plant-based plastic.
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Water fountains
To use a water fountain or bottle refill station, you can take an empty water bottle through security and fill it up on the other side. It is recommended to bring sanitizing wipes to wipe down the fountain before use, and some travellers also recommend bringing a small bottle of alcohol to disinfect the spout.
Some airports also offer free drinks after security, and you can fill your water bottle on the plane. It is worth noting that not all airports have free water fountains, and prices for bottled water can be high, so it is a good idea to plan ahead and bring an empty bottle to fill up if possible.
In the UK, any licensed premises serving alcohol is required to provide free tap water upon request, which may be useful for travellers passing through London airports with particularly high single fares.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring your own refillable water bottle to the airport. However, due to liquid restrictions, you will not be able to bring it through security unless it is empty.
Yes, you can fill up your water bottle at a fountain after security. Not all airports have free water fountains, but in the UK, any licensed premises serving alcohol is obliged to provide free tap water upon request.
Yes, you can buy water at the airport after passing through security, but prices are often high, at around £3 per bottle.
