Your success rate on a glass of ET tap water?
Jan 28, 2019, 7:49 am
#31
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For me, the simplest solution to orbitmic's issue would be the jug of water on the trolley that he suggested, though I guess this would be viewed as inhibiting possible sales. That aside, I imagine it would be more convenient for both crew and pax, eliminating waits and excessive trips to the galley to get water. My only personal experience of asking for tap water in ET was not during trolley service, but it was brought immediately.
My understanding is that the obligation to provide free drinking water to customers only applies to licensed premises in GB (all businesses have to provide it for their staff). I don't know whether or not BA aircraft count as licensed premises for this purpose.
Steering this back on topic, after the diversion which I am sure the mods will take care of.
In Great Britain, by law, tap water must be provided for free to workers/customers for both working places and licensed premises. Does a BA plane fall under the licensed premises so that they do not have a choice but to provide this ?
BTW, this is not a EU thing as in Germany there are no obligation to provide free tap water (water must be provided by licenses premises but it can be charged).
In Great Britain, by law, tap water must be provided for free to workers/customers for both working places and licensed premises. Does a BA plane fall under the licensed premises so that they do not have a choice but to provide this ?
BTW, this is not a EU thing as in Germany there are no obligation to provide free tap water (water must be provided by licenses premises but it can be charged).
Jan 28, 2019, 9:01 am
#32
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Thanks for all (all but one) replies so far. A nice diversity of suggestions so I’ll try to reply broadly.
Refill my own bottle: again that’s what I do, but first it’s not always enough and second, as a connecting passenger exposed to BA’s not infrequent delays, it happens often that I can’t because I’m just literally running to the gate.
With respect, I think that’s also a bit beside the point: ultimately, ba are happy to provide free tap water, the crew are happy to provide free tap water, but simply the process is such that they frequently forget and that is the oddity i point out in this thread. As mentioned in the op, this is not an nth thread about ba changing what they are willing to give, just about a service delivery issue for which I’m calling on good minds for practical suggestions as well as shared experiences (some which match my own experience and some which don’t).
The question of whether I should or should not buy BoB water goes in the same direction and is also a little beside the point in my view. I have no problem with people thinking I’m horrible or whatever, but if someone writes that the water fountain the gym provides is out of order every other day and it would be nice to get it to work, you can tell the person that they should buy water at the bar if you wish, it remains the case that the gym intends to offer a water fountain, has bought a water fountain, provides a water fountain, but that their choice of a dysfunctional water fountain is not helpful to any one, gym, members or otherwise (or are people implicitly suggesting that ba are ‘willingly’ sabotaging the delivery of tap water they propose to boost sales? It’s neither my impression nor my suggestion and would in fact strike me as a slightly paranoid interpretation).
in terms of why not go to the galley ask, well that’s exactly what I do when the crew forget the water, but as I’m a window person that means bothering my neighbours which isn’t ideal. Call button I try to avoid, I know it’s very common to use it in many cultures, but I’m one who tends to think that it is more for emergencies and I thus refrain from using it preferring the earlier suggested walk along the galley (or if practical, asking crew members when they come by to pick up rubbish, they usually do not forget a second time).
so again, I can only reiterate the spirit of my post, ba and crew are willing to provide something but somehow, in practice, it often doesn’t work. My idea was that there would likely be very simple solutions to improve that just as if I always forget to buy something when I go shopping I’ll start making shopping lists or if I always forget my key before leaving the flat, I’ll put it somewhere else where I’m more likely to see/remember it. I’m sure the broader discussions on BoB are interesting but in truth I think they already have their own space and do not need to take over this thread. As for the question of whether orbitmic is right or wrong in his philosophical beliefs or travelling habits, I’d call it outright uninteresting for anyone with a modicum of a life, which I have no doubt encompasses virtually all of my fellow fters!!
Refill my own bottle: again that’s what I do, but first it’s not always enough and second, as a connecting passenger exposed to BA’s not infrequent delays, it happens often that I can’t because I’m just literally running to the gate.
With respect, I think that’s also a bit beside the point: ultimately, ba are happy to provide free tap water, the crew are happy to provide free tap water, but simply the process is such that they frequently forget and that is the oddity i point out in this thread. As mentioned in the op, this is not an nth thread about ba changing what they are willing to give, just about a service delivery issue for which I’m calling on good minds for practical suggestions as well as shared experiences (some which match my own experience and some which don’t).
The question of whether I should or should not buy BoB water goes in the same direction and is also a little beside the point in my view. I have no problem with people thinking I’m horrible or whatever, but if someone writes that the water fountain the gym provides is out of order every other day and it would be nice to get it to work, you can tell the person that they should buy water at the bar if you wish, it remains the case that the gym intends to offer a water fountain, has bought a water fountain, provides a water fountain, but that their choice of a dysfunctional water fountain is not helpful to any one, gym, members or otherwise (or are people implicitly suggesting that ba are ‘willingly’ sabotaging the delivery of tap water they propose to boost sales? It’s neither my impression nor my suggestion and would in fact strike me as a slightly paranoid interpretation).
in terms of why not go to the galley ask, well that’s exactly what I do when the crew forget the water, but as I’m a window person that means bothering my neighbours which isn’t ideal. Call button I try to avoid, I know it’s very common to use it in many cultures, but I’m one who tends to think that it is more for emergencies and I thus refrain from using it preferring the earlier suggested walk along the galley (or if practical, asking crew members when they come by to pick up rubbish, they usually do not forget a second time).
so again, I can only reiterate the spirit of my post, ba and crew are willing to provide something but somehow, in practice, it often doesn’t work. My idea was that there would likely be very simple solutions to improve that just as if I always forget to buy something when I go shopping I’ll start making shopping lists or if I always forget my key before leaving the flat, I’ll put it somewhere else where I’m more likely to see/remember it. I’m sure the broader discussions on BoB are interesting but in truth I think they already have their own space and do not need to take over this thread. As for the question of whether orbitmic is right or wrong in his philosophical beliefs or travelling habits, I’d call it outright uninteresting for anyone with a modicum of a life, which I have no doubt encompasses virtually all of my fellow fters!!
Last edited by orbitmic; Jan 28, 2019 at 11:18 am
Jan 28, 2019, 9:59 am
#33
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Wow, and I always thought the US carriers were stingy in coach. No water from the tank are served by US Carriers. They either serve individual bottled water or pour from 1.5 liter bottle in COACH! Not sure about the coffee/tea but water is served from a bottle.
Jan 28, 2019, 10:47 am
#34
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My understanding (?) is that on the NEO aircraft there is no potable water supply available at the rear of the aircraft, due to galley space constraints. If so, I would imagine this could lead to potentially increased delays in satisfying requests for free h2o.
Jan 28, 2019, 10:53 am
#35
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To answer the Op's question, I have asked 4 times and been served twice, providing a neat 50% success rate. Personally I don't like the BoB proposition for Emeralds especially as other OW airlines serve me better in economy than BA does. However it is what it is and therefore I try to always take my own bottle, refilled in LHR.
Jan 28, 2019, 11:45 am
#36
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Right. My 2p.
Ultimately the basic error of BoB was that, unlike AA no beverages are offered free. To me, this was a huge mistake as people may not eat but they want something to drink. Flying is dehydrating and you need to drink. Water is most sensible and should be provided. So Obi-Wan my love, I cannot answer your question as I never fly in ET. Ever. However, I think that your point is good and I agree with your stance. Will that do as an answer?
Ultimately the basic error of BoB was that, unlike AA no beverages are offered free. To me, this was a huge mistake as people may not eat but they want something to drink. Flying is dehydrating and you need to drink. Water is most sensible and should be provided. So Obi-Wan my love, I cannot answer your question as I never fly in ET. Ever. However, I think that your point is good and I agree with your stance. Will that do as an answer?
Jan 28, 2019, 12:19 pm
#37
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Jan 28, 2019, 12:28 pm
#38
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To answer orbitmic's question, simply put I don't ask for water unless it's one of those rare occasions when I board without my own supply. My water intake isn't satisfied by a cup of water. This applies consistently on short haul irrespective of carrier or indeed on BA short haul pre BOB.
The benefit of BOB is I can purchase a decent sized bottle if ever I need to.
The benefit of BOB is I can purchase a decent sized bottle if ever I need to.
Jan 28, 2019, 1:31 pm
#39
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Iberia (and Iberia Express) do provide a free glass of water on request (best if you go to the galley). Though you are correct in saying they don't provide free tap water - it's served from a bottle.
Jan 28, 2019, 1:48 pm
#40
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I do wonder how some people cope on trains, for hours without access to a drinkable water supply with BOB.
Personally, if I’m flying ET, I’ll Bring on Board or just BOB, certainly not interested in a portable water supply having seen what can grow in those things (accepting that it is usually in trace amounts with regular turn-over that is not a health risk, just not too appetising).
BOB discussions have been done to death on the forum so I won't reopen old wounds, but it certainly doesn’t stop me flying BA.
Personally, if I’m flying ET, I’ll Bring on Board or just BOB, certainly not interested in a portable water supply having seen what can grow in those things (accepting that it is usually in trace amounts with regular turn-over that is not a health risk, just not too appetising).
BOB discussions have been done to death on the forum so I won't reopen old wounds, but it certainly doesn’t stop me flying BA.
Last edited by navylad; Jan 28, 2019 at 2:27 pm
Jan 28, 2019, 1:56 pm
#41
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Oh my ... I cannot believe this thread is still going on. The OP has a CCR.
If you want tap water ... you will get it in ET, just need to time it.
I usually head to back or front galley and just ask, no problem.
If you want tap water ... you will get it in ET, just need to time it.
I usually head to back or front galley and just ask, no problem.
Jan 28, 2019, 1:56 pm
#42
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And you are exactly correct that in my view at least, the point of the thread is precisely not another discussion of the merits of BoB.
Jan 28, 2019, 2:37 pm
#43
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In my case, trains are a lot easier. I don't tend to take them with changes so usually start from home or work, and I can usually take a large bottle of water with me, which obviously is not possible on flights. That said, I don't dehydrate nearly as fast on trains, coaches, boats, etc as I do on planes.
And you are exactly correct that in my view at least, the point of the thread is precisely not another discussion of the merits of BoB.
And you are exactly correct that in my view at least, the point of the thread is precisely not another discussion of the merits of BoB.
I do of course accept that you can become mildly dehydrated as a result of the drop in humidity to 20% (from 30-60%) with 50% recirculated air on a flight (heck try a submarine where it is almost entirely recirculated and just purified), but we are only talking a couple of hours, not sure it will worsen any jet-lag. One should avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol before a flight if one is worried about being dehydrated by flying.
Having said that, it is interesting those who just choose their moment when CC can easily supply the water without having to either disturb their BOB service or remember it in minutes several seam to have a greater "success rate".