# Free water on airlines? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [August 9, 2008, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364 "2008-08-09T01:14:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/1 "2008-08-09T01:14:46Z")
Should airlines be required to provide drinking water for passengers on demand? In light of the fact that you can’t bring it aboard? Restaurants in California are required to bring water to customers who request it, iirc. Please, let’s avoid that tired old, and completely disingenuous, “you don’t have to fly” arguement. :rolleyes: Peace, mangeorge ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/2 "2008-08-09T01:17:19Z")
You can bring water aboard. Security rules say you can bring on any beverages that you bought beyond the security area, and most airports have at least a store selling snacks and drinks beyond the security area. ---
**Author:** ![Baldwin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baldwin/32/7264_2.png) [@Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baldwin)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/3 "2008-08-09T01:26:13Z")
[QUOTE=Captain Amazing] You can bring water aboard. Security rules say you can bring on any beverages that you bought beyond the security area, and most airports have at least a store selling snacks and drinks beyond the security area. [/QUOTE] Last time I did that, in the Pittsburgh airport, security nitwits made me throw it away, lest I use my 14 ounces of water to hijack the plane. ---
**Author:** ![PaulParkhead](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@PaulParkhead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PaulParkhead)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/4 "2008-08-09T01:29:33Z")
I don’t know if it should be a law or something, but they should just damn well do it. They used to. I recall that the 747s used on my first trip to the USA (1992) and my only trip to Australia (1994) there were water fountains around the plane, with little dixie cup dispenser things. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/5 "2008-08-09T01:31:03Z")
[QUOTE=Captain Amazing] You can bring water aboard. Security rules say you can bring on any beverages that you bought beyond the security area, and most airports have at least a store selling snacks and drinks beyond the security area. [/QUOTE] Once more I wasn’t clear. Sorry. What I should have been clear about is that you can’t bring water from home, or any other non-airline source. Buying the water in the security area is effectively the same as buying it on the airplane. It’s the same as charging per cubic foot for the air we breathe on the plane. Soft drinks, booze, and the like I don’t care about. ---
**Author:** ![NinjaChick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/71c47a/32.png) [@NinjaChick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinjaChick)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/6 "2008-08-09T01:39:47Z")
Most airports have water fountains, and you can bring an empty bottle through security. I don’t think they’re under any obligation to, though if you’re stranded on the tarmac or circling above somewhere they definitely should. However, my primary concern for now is them getting me from ticketed point A to ticketed point B reasonably close to the ticketed time. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/7 "2008-08-09T01:40:55Z")
What airline did the OP fly on which he asked for water and was refused? I have been on a hell of a lot of flights, on many different airlines, and never have I seen anyone denied a cup of water. Edit: for free, too. ---
**Author:** ![even\_sven](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/dfb087/32.png) [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/8 "2008-08-09T01:57:41Z")
Of course they should offer free water. Which airline were you flying that didn’t? Air travel is very dehydrating, and not having access to water for whatever reason is risky. They should be encouraging their passengers to drink as much water as they can. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/9 "2008-08-09T02:02:12Z")
[QUOTE=Ravenman] What airline did the OP fly on which he asked for water and was refused? [/QUOTE] [QUOTE=even sven] Of course they should offer free water. Which airline were you flying that didn’t? [/QUOTE] [US Airways, as of Aug. 1, 2008.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/01/us-airways-no-longer-serv_n_116483.html) ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/10 "2008-08-09T02:04:52Z")
[QUOTE=Ravenman] What airline did the OP fly on which he asked for water and was refused? I have been on a hell of a lot of flights, on many different airlines, and never have I seen anyone denied a cup of water. Edit: for free, too. [/QUOTe] [US Airways](http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25969258/) is now charging for bottled water. If you feel comfortable drinking out of the tap in the restroom, feel \ free. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/11 "2008-08-09T02:05:02Z")
I suppose I’m confused by the logic behind anything free on an airplane? Water was never free. At best it was included in the price of the ticket. ---
**Author:** ![BrandonR](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/779978/32.png) [@BrandonR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrandonR)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/12 "2008-08-09T02:08:58Z")
I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that according to that article, plain water costs twice as much as tea and coffee… ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/13 "2008-08-09T02:12:11Z")
[QUOTE=Fear Itself] [US Airways, as of Aug. 1, 2008.](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/01/us-airways-no-longer-serv_n_116483.html) [/QUOTE] I’m sorry but that’s fucking retarded. I know the airlines are hurting, and I don’t blame them for trying new and creative ways to make money, but how 'bout something that’s not going to piss your customers off? Just add $2 to every plane ticket - the price of the damn things fluctuates every 3 minutes anyway and you’ll probably make more money since not everyone will want water. ---
**Author:** ![Merhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Merhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merhouse)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/14 "2008-08-09T02:13:13Z")
[QUOTE=BrandonR] I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that according to that article, plain water costs twice as much as tea and coffee… [/QUOTE] Well, the plain water is bottled. The coffee and tea may have been made from water that wasn’t quite as hygenic :eek: ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/15 "2008-08-09T02:15:03Z")
I haven’t been on a plane in several years. And I don’t know that _any_ airline is forcing passengers to buy bottled water. Not yet. I’ve heard news reports that this is one of the money raising options being considered. So, the debate is _should_ they be allowed to compel a captive group to buy water. to offset the fact that they don’t charge enough for tickets and baggage to keep their airlines (ahem) afloat? Poor management is the problem, not the providing of water. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/16 "2008-08-09T02:18:15Z")
[QUOTE=Magiver] I suppose I’m confused by the logic behind anything free on an airplane? Water was never free. At best it was included in the price of the ticket. [/QUOTE] Of course! No problem there. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/17 "2008-08-09T02:23:53Z")
[QUOTE=mangeorge] I haven’t been on a plane in several years. And I don’t know that _any_ airline is forcing passengers to buy bottled water. Not yet. I’ve heard news reports that this is one of the money raising options being considered. So, the debate is _should_ they be allowed to compel a captive group to buy water. to offset the fact that they don’t charge enough for tickets and baggage to keep their airlines (ahem) afloat? Poor management is the problem, not the providing of water. [/QUOTE] I find this post to be fairly incoherent. To respond according to my best guess: If you want water on US Airways, you must pay for it. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/18 "2008-08-09T02:34:42Z")
[QUOTE=Frank] I find this post to be fairly incoherent. To respond according to my best guess: If you want water on US Airways, you must pay for it. [/QUOTE] If you’ll point out the part that’s difficult for you, I’ll do my best to straighten it out. I didn’t mention US Airways. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/19 "2008-08-09T02:39:45Z")
[QUOTE=Cisco] I’m sorry but that’s fucking retarded. I know the airlines are hurting, and I don’t blame them for trying new and creative ways to make money, but how 'bout something that’s not going to piss your customers off? Just add $2 to every plane ticket - the price of the damn things fluctuates every 3 minutes anyway and you’ll probably make more money since not everyone will want water. [/QUOTE] Yes it sounds retarded but you should note that you’re typing your opinion inside the airline department store. Ticket agents are a thing of the past. People now buy tickets on the internet and they simply click on the cheapest price. Even if it’s $2 cheaper. The purchasing websites don’t show seat size, food quality or other amenities. The amenities are disappearing because there are currently more airline seats than there are passengers and many airlines are losing money. it’s a war of attrition. Welcome to the future. ---
**Author:** ![Frank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/3d9bf3/32.png) [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Post date:** [August 9, 2008, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364/20 "2008-08-09T02:49:16Z")
[QUOTE=mangeorge] If you’ll point out the part that’s difficult for you, I’ll do my best to straighten it out. I didn’t mention US Airways. [/QUOTE] Well, the whole thing, pretty much. > [@](#): > > I haven’t been on a plane in several years. And I don’t know that any airline is forcing passengers to buy bottled water. Not yet. It’s not like you can go to the water fountain. > [@](#): > > I’ve heard news reports that this is one of the money raising options being considered. I’ve heard, and cited in this thread, news reports that one airline is charging for water. > [@](#): > > So, the debate is should they be allowed to compel a captive group to buy water. to offset the fact that they don’t charge enough for tickets and baggage to keep their airlines (ahem) afloat? Feel free to go drink out of the tap in the airplane restroom. > [@](#): > > Poor management is the problem, not the providing of water. No, the providing of water is the problem. Humans need water. It’s not like I can do without a drink of water for the same five hours that I can do without food if I have to. I’d live, but I don’t fly to be tortured. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-water-on-airlines/459364.md?page=2)