Originally Posted by basia

Where one runs into real problems is those places that have security at the gate and no bathrooms or water fountains behind. The LH operations at CDG or VIE Terminal A 1-8 are some of the more egregious examples that come to mind.

Might be worth it digging into the list of MEPs involved in this years rebellion against Monsieur Barrot. All the reports I ever saw just talked about people having to throw stuff away, and never about such simple issues as access to water (including during long waits at the gate).

As to flights in economy: really long-haul I find it is pretty much the same as before, provided again nobody confiscates your empties. I go through at least 3 l transatlantic. Obviously I have never carried on anything more than two 1l bottles max - I go and get refills. A couple of times some particulary obnoxious FAs have given me grief about it, but I was always rescued by one of their colleagues. If anything things have now become easier since I can just say "well I have no choice since they wont let us carry on water anymore". Usually there is no problem about just refilling your own bottle from the large ones the airline carries. Short-range flights obviously are another issue and much more problematic in this regard.