Christopher Elliott of elliott.org is reporting that one woman had to be treated for dehydration on a flight that was charging for water. Her brother has been quoted as saying that she wouldn’t have gotten sick if only the drinks on the flight were free.
On Aug. 1, US Airways will begin to charge for soft drinks and bottled water on their flights. In an age where everything, including water, is commercialized, many people blatantly turn their noses up at tap water. But, will these people go so far as to risk death or sickness because of the risks associated with drinking water from the plane’s water tank?
I’m thinking probably yes.
According to tripso.com, the free water given out on the airplane comes from the tap, and has most likely been sitting there for a while. Once people catch on to this fact, some will probably think twice about drinking it.
So, if these people happen to be short on cash during their flight, it’s conceivable that some of them could risk serious dehydration en route to their destinations. Let’s hope that won’t happen too often.
What do you think about airlines charging for drinks?
Tell me in the TravelPod travel forums!
See you there,
Louise Brown
TravelPod Community Manager
Tags: bottled water, dehydration, US Airways
June 18, 2008 at 2:08 pm |
I think you need to read the article (on Elliot) more closely. She suffered dehydration on a flight were the drinks were free.
June 18, 2008 at 3:14 pm |
Ohhhhhhh, you’re right, sorry. But that only magnifies the point. She was dehydrated even when the drinks were free.
It would get worse if the drinks weren’t free.
July 15, 2008 at 1:57 pm |
Greeting, and WOW!
I can’t believe that they will start charging for bottled water. But, when you think about it. The airline had to pay for the water. I just hope they work it out so they just cover their costs. I don’t want to cover the rising cost of fuel just to keep hydrated. On my last international flight, I was given small water bottled, and they (continental) were happy to pass them out. Maybe, like the headphones for one dollar, they can issue water filters. Who knows? I’ll be sure to properly hydrate before my next flight.
Larry
July 16, 2008 at 12:29 pm |
Hmm, interesting. I hope they don’t start charging for bottled water too. I don’t like the idea of paying for water at all. Safe water should be available to everyone, no matter where you are.
Louise