Thanks for the replies....

The thing that drives me nuts is that for years the airlines have decimated
their levels of service so that we have to bring our own food, water,
entertainment, pillows, sanitizer, etc.

And now I feel so squeezed the other way. I really hate the idea of being
so *dependent* on the FA's whim as to how hydrated I will be.

In the interest of disclosure, I happen to be pregnant at the moment, and
my water needs are higher than average. But even when not, I would
so much rather be in charge of carrying/using/deciding about my own
water needs instead of being infantilized. Plus, if I could bring my own
drinks, then I wouldn't need to use up the time/resources of FA's who
need to do other presumably-more-important tasks.

Not water-related precisely, but I'm also feeling a bit squeamish about all
the former-Purell-users who will now be inadvertently spreading more
viruses around the rarely-cleaned aircraft.

Yes, I read about Bart's view that sealed water in the sterile area should
be allowed. BTW I also called TSA and told them that this is my opinion,
way back when the restrictions first came out. I emailed AA and asked
about it, but I got a form letter "we always serve a beverage" answer.

The only tiny bit of silver lining is that in packing for my latest trip, I found
that my carry-on was enormously lighter than usual.

I will be going on AA and I will report back about quanitity/attitudes of
bottled water.

--LG