Yesterday, I flew from London Gatwick airport's south terminal. I fly a lot. I have a routine in airports. I empty my water bottle as I go through security, then fill it up on the other side either from a water fountain or the taps in the bathroom. I've used this routine in Gatwick many times to great effect.
Yesterday was different, however. The South Terminal is under renovation, and, to my absolute HORROR the genius architect decided to remove the water fountain. To add to my misery, the bathroom taps only provided hot water. Grumble grumble.
Needless to say, I filled out a comment form, declaring that they were violating my human rights by refusing me access to drinking water, and also called them out on their eco-friendliness... or lack thereof.
I can accept not allowing drink through security - I get it, liquid bomber, blah blah blah (I actually flew three days after that event, and trust me security now is a breeze compared to that!). But to not allow access to free, clean, cold drinking water on the other side? To force weary travellers to purchase a wasteful bottle of water when they don't need one? That's both rediculous and incredibly greedy.
So, Gatwick South Terminal, I name and shame you.
PUT THE WATER FOUNTAIN BACK IN
Update:
I just received this email response to my complaint card.
Dear Planet F
Your feedback is really important to us, so we'd like to start by thanking you for taking the time to contact us.
Our
aim is to give your comments the attention they deserve, so we'll now
undertake a full investigation. This may mean us contacting several
departments
and airport partners within Gatwick Airport.
We'd be really grateful for your patience over the coming days while we gather all the information we need.
Please
rest assured, however, that we'll contact you as soon as possible. In
fact, our aim is to have completed our investigation and contact you
within
14 days.
Thanks once again for sending us your e-mail and we'll be in touch again as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
Person from Gatwick
Well, it's a start! We'll see what this "investigation" leads to.
