Ruth Haines
Many airports have banned the sale of chewing gum due to the cleanup hassle associated with it. Discarded chewing gum winds up in carpets, on cushions, and under pay phones, posing a maintenance challenge for airport staff. Some travellers have also noted that they chew gum to relieve ear pressure pain during takeoffs and landings, and the ban on sales at airports can be frustrating for them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for not selling gum | The cleanup hassle when the gooey gook winds up in carpets, on cushions, and under pay phones. |
| Examples of airports that don't sell gum | Orlando International Airport, Palm Beach International Airport, Birmingham International Airport |
| Examples of airports that sell gum | Piedmont Triad International Airport, Miami International Airport, Hartsfield Atlanta Airport, Tampa International Airport |
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What You'll Learn
Some airports have banned gum sales due to the clean-up hassle
The reason for the ban on gum sales in some airports is primarily due to the cleanup hassle. Airport spokeswoman Carolyn Fennell stated that people tend not to dispose of gum in appropriate places, and it can be challenging to remove from carpets, cushions, and under pay phones. This can create a sticky and unsightly mess that requires time and effort to clean up.
In addition to the cleanup hassle, there may also be other reasons why some airports choose not to sell gum. One speculation is that airports want to avoid the hassle of having to deal with gum stuck in various places, such as under seats and on walls. Cleaning up discarded gum can be time-consuming and costly, and it is easier to prevent the issue by not selling gum in the first place.
Another possible reason for the ban on gum sales in some airports could be to reduce the risk of gum ending up in places where it could cause damage or disruption. For example, if gum were to get stuck in mechanical or electrical equipment, it could potentially cause malfunctions or fires. While this may not be a primary reason for the ban, it could be a contributing factor in the decision-making process.
The ban on gum sales in airports has been a topic of discussion and debate among travellers and airport authorities. While some airports have maintained their ban on gum sales, others have reversed their decision due to customer requests. It is important to note that travellers are still allowed to chew gum in airports and bring their own gum, but they may need to plan ahead and purchase gum before arriving at the airport.
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Customers have complained about the absence of gum at airports
One customer at Orlando Airport, where gum sales have been banned for years, said that they were told by a cashier that all stores stopped selling gum because there were too many people spitting it out on the floor. Another customer at the same airport was told something similar, that the ban was due to the clean-up hassle when gum winds up on carpets, under pay phones, and on seating.
Some airports have flip-flopped on the issue, such as Piedmont Triad International in Greensboro, which reversed its long-standing gum embargo, and Tampa International, which now sells gum. However, other airports such as Palm Beach International and Birmingham International have taken a strong anti-gum-trafficking stance.
The issue is not unique to airports, as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios also won't sell gum in their Central Florida theme parks.
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Orlando International Airport stopped gum sales in 1987
Orlando International Airport is one of several airports in the United States that do not sell chewing gum. While the exact reasons for this policy vary, the airport has cited the cleanup hassle of dealing with discarded gum as the primary justification.
Orlando International Airport first instituted a ban on gum sales in May 1987, but it was short-lived. Due to complaints from travellers and concessionaires, the airport lifted the ban about nine months later in 1988. Despite the reversal, the airport continued to face issues with gum winding up in carpets, on chairs, under pay phones, and on other surfaces, creating a sticky and unsightly mess.
The airport's spokeswoman, Carolyn Fennell, acknowledged the challenge of maintaining a gum-free facility, noting that "it's amazing what the public will do." The airport's concessionaires also contributed to the problem by selling gum, knowing it was a quick and popular item.
Over the years, Orlando International Airport has maintained its stance against selling gum, even as other airports in the country have wavered in their policies. While travellers are free to bring and chew gum at the airport, they are expected to dispose of it properly, which has proven to be a persistent issue. The airport's decision to stop gum sales in 1987, albeit briefly, set a precedent that aligned with the goal of reducing cleanup hassles and maintenance costs associated with gum littering.
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People who chew gum may not dispose of it appropriately
The sale of chewing gum is banned in some airports, including Orlando International, Palm Beach International, and Birmingham International. Many airports are facing a "sticky issue" regarding the sale of chewing gum.
One of the primary reasons for this ban is the inappropriate disposal of gum by people. As stated by Orlando International Airport spokeswoman Carolyn Fennell, "People tend not to dispose of it in appropriate places". This results in a tedious cleanup process as the gum sticks to carpets, cushions, seats, and under pay phones. The issue of gum disposal is not unique to airports, as places like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Central Florida also refrain from selling gum in their theme parks.
The inappropriate disposal of gum creates an unpleasant and unsanitary environment. Gum stuck on surfaces can be challenging to remove and may require extra resources and time for cleaning staff. It is not surprising that airports, which are gateways to cities and countries, strive to maintain a clean and tidy image.
Additionally, the presence of gum on seats and other areas can be off-putting to travellers, especially those who are particular about hygiene. No one wants to sit on a piece of gum or accidentally step on it, potentially ruining their shoes or clothing. This can create a negative impression of the airport and the city it represents.
The ban on gum sales in certain airports is a measure to mitigate the issue of inappropriate gum disposal. By not offering gum for sale, airports aim to reduce the amount of gum that ends up stuck to various surfaces. While travellers are still allowed to bring and chew their own gum, the absence of readily available gum in airports encourages individuals to be more mindful of their gum disposal habits.
In conclusion, the decision by some airports to ban the sale of chewing gum is a response to the issue of people not disposing of gum appropriately. The ban helps to alleviate the cleanup hassles and maintains a positive image for the airport and the city it serves.
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Gum helps some travellers with ear pressure during take-off
Many travellers chew gum to help them with ear pressure during take-off. However, some airports have banned the sale of chewing gum due to the clean-up hassle caused when people dispose of it inappropriately. Airports such as Orlando International, Palm Beach International, and Birmingham International do not allow vendors to sell gum. This has been a source of frustration for some travellers who rely on gum to ease the pressure in their ears during flights.
Orlando International Airport, for example, first banned gum sales in 1987, only to reinstate the ban a few years later due to the sticky mess it left on carpets, cushions, and under pay phones. While some airports have stuck to their gum sales ban, others have flip-flopped on the issue, such as Piedmont Triad International in Greensboro, North Carolina, which recently allowed gum sales again after a long embargo.
The decision to ban gum sales in airports is often a balance between customer convenience and maintenance hassles. Some travellers have expressed their frustration at being unable to buy gum at airports, especially those who use it to alleviate ear pressure during flights. However, airports have received numerous complaints about gum being stuck on various surfaces, creating an unpleasant environment and requiring extra cleaning efforts.
While gum is not available for purchase at some airports, travellers are usually permitted to bring their own gum and chew it during their time in the airport and on their flights. Some travellers have shared their experiences of bringing gum to airports and chewing it to help with ear pressure during take-off, advising others to purchase gum beforehand if they need it.
Overall, while gum can be a helpful tool for travellers experiencing ear pressure during flights, the mess it leaves behind has led some airports to ban its sale within their premises. This has created a situation where travellers must plan ahead if they want to have gum during their journey, as they cannot rely on purchasing it at their departure or arrival airport.
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Frequently asked questions
The sale of chewing gum is banned in some airports due to the cleanup hassle associated with chewing gum. It ends up stuck to carpets, cushions, under pay phones, and other places, posing a maintenance problem.
Yes, you won't find gum for sale in any of Hawaii's airports, or anywhere in Singapore. There is also a ban on gum sales in Disney resorts and hotels.
Many air travelers like to chew gum during takeoff and landing to help clear ear pressure pain.
Yes, you can bring your own gum to chew during the flight.
It depends on the airport. Some airports such as Miami International, Hartsfield International, and Newport News-Williamsburg International allow vendors to sell chewing gum.
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