Hydration matters every day, but on a plane, it becomes a real issue. At cruising altitude, the cabin environment feels far drier than what your body is used to. About half the air inside the aircraft comes from outside, where humidity levels drop close to zero. Even after it’s conditioned and circulated, cabin humidity typically hovers around 10% to 20%, which is drier than most desert climates.

For all of the reasons above, it’s important to drink water and remain hydrated on a plane. Otherwise, you might start experiencing uncomfortable symptoms ranging from dry mouth to fatigue, headaches, or dizziness. Flight attendants understand these concerns. However, they wish passengers would be more considerate in how they meet their hydration needs.

How flight attendants feel about your water bottles

A recent post on the Reddit flight attendants community addressed passengers who board the plane with empty water bottles.

In the post, titled “I’m so over empty water bottle pax,” a flight attendant acknowledged the fact that most travelers are probably unaware that “we have a limited amount of water onboard.”

The flight attendant vented about recently being low on water when a passenger asked her to fill up her empty 1L water bottle. She was forced to decline the request, explaining that they needed to save water in case of an unanticipated event such as a diversion.

More flight attendants chimed in

The post's comments were flooded with remarks from other flight attendants. Comments included:

“I hate this too. I always say “I can give you a cup of water but we don’t have enough water onboard to refill everyone’s water bottles.” I also remind them that they’re welcome to bring onboard as many filled water bottles as they need.”

“This. Also there’s refillable stations in most of the terminals now so why are you handing me your 64oz hydroflask???”

“I try to live by the rule of “if I can’t do it for everybody, I’m not gonna do it for you”. I usually just say when I have a little under half a bottle, I’ll give you the rest but I can’t fill it.”

Not everyone agreed

“I choose my battles and I will refill their bottles. Otherwise they’ll keep asking for water and it ends up being a whole bottle of water.”

“The water is catered to be used for passengers. In twenty years, I have never used up all the bottled water because I filled up a few passenger bottles. Fill the bottles! Make your life easier!”

“Most don't expect you to fill the bottle all the way. I usually give them the amount of two cups and very few ask for more.”

What to do instead

Several flight attendants mentioned that there are complimentary water-bottle filling stations at most airports. Since you don’t know how much water they stock on board, it’s a good idea to fill up there before you board the plane.

Hydration is important, but so is being considerate of the hardworking flight attendants on your flight.

Source: Yahoo Lifestyle