British Airways Faces Backlash Over Water Bottle Removal Trial on US Flights

LONDON- British Airways (BA) is facing a wave of criticism after initiating a controversial trial that removed water bottles from meal trays in select cabins.

The trial, currently limited to flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and U.S. cities including Miami (MIA), Boston (BOS), and Los Angeles (LAX), has angered many passengers.

The initiative impacts travelers in the airline’s World Traveller (Economy) and World Traveller Plus (Premium Economy) cabins, with the stated aim of reducing single-use plastic. Frequent flyers, however, are questioning the airline’s true motives.

Photo: Clément Alloing

British Airways Trials Bottle Removal

The backlash began when a British Airways (BA) passenger flying from Miami (MIA) to London Heathrow (LHR) in the World Traveller cabin reported that no bottled water was available onboard. While he was offered champagne, his request for a water bottle was denied.

According to his post on the FlyerTalk forum, crew members informed him that BA had entirely removed bottled water on certain routes during the trial.

The trial is running from early June through June 22 and affects three key U.S. routes:

• London Heathrow (LHR) – Boston Logan (BOS)
• London Heathrow (LHR) – Los Angeles (LAX)
• London Heathrow (LHR) – Miami International (MIA)

During these flights, plastic bottles are replaced with cups of water, which are served by the crew.

Paper cups have also replaced plastic tumblers in line with the sustainability objective. Importantly, the change does not affect Club World (Business Class) or First Class passengers.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Sustainability or Cost-Cutting?

British Airways claims that the initiative is part of its efforts to reduce single-use plastics onboard.

However, passengers argue that completely removing bottled water, without testing alternatives like boxed or canned water, undermines the sustainability message. Critics suggest the move may be more about cutting costs than helping the environment.

This is not the first time British Airways has faced scrutiny for changes perceived as cost-saving. In October 2023, the airline faced a similar backlash—nicknamed “Brunchgate”—after it replaced hot lunch service with breakfast-only meals on long-haul flights departing between 08:30 and 11:29.

The move drew sharp criticism when passengers were served breakfast-style meals well past lunchtime.

BA later scaled back the “Brunchgate” meal changes, but only after sustained negative feedback.

Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanes

Service Cuts Fuel Loyalty Concerns

In recent years, British Airways has made multiple service reductions in its long-haul cabins, particularly in Club World. These include replacing full meals with snacks like paninis and soup on overnight and ultra-long-haul flights to destinations such as Cape Town and Singapore.

Passengers on late-night eastbound U.S. flights have reported minimal meal service, further eroding customer satisfaction. Despite BA claiming these changes are “based on customer feedback,” many travelers believe the reductions reflect a broader trend of cost-driven downgrades.

Critics argue that British Airways could have managed the water bottle trial more effectively by informing affected passengers in advance.

A simple email advising travelers to carry reusable bottles might have helped reframe the initiative positively. Instead, the sudden change—especially when perceived as yet another downgrade—has only fueled passenger frustration.

The controversy illustrates the ongoing tension between sustainability goals and perceived passenger value, especially in the face of repeated service cutbacks.

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