Travelers facing new airport regulations: tourists deemed potential security risks
In the skies above Europe, a heated debate is brewing among passengers and airlines alike. The issue at hand? The serving and consumption of hot drinks on board flights.
Two major budget carriers, Ryanair and Easyjet, have implemented contrasting guidelines. While EasyJet currently allows passengers to bring hot drinks onboard their flights, Ryanair has imposed a ban on passengers bringing hot drinks on board. This policy difference has caused quite a stir among travellers, particularly as Ryanair and Jet2 justify their ban for safety reasons, while EasyJet and TUI continue to permit hot drinks[1][2].
The safety concerns centre around potential hazards such as spills causing burns or distracting crew during critical phases of flight. However, many passengers express frustration or disappointment, especially when comparing Ryanair's stricter policy to EasyJet's more lenient approach.
Unwanted incidents involving hot drinks on board have also been reported, with KLM coming under criticism for such cases[3][4]. Passengers suspect that the new guideline may be a strategy to boost on-board sales, an accusation that critics also level at Ryanair and Jet2[1][2].
However, not all airlines share the same perspective. Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Condor do not see the hot drink issue as relevant, and no ban on hot drinks exists on their flights[5]. No change in the hot drink policy is planned on Lufthansa, either[6].
For many holidaymakers, a coffee at the airport is a must before travel, making the new restrictions a bitter pill to swallow[7]. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the airlines will reconsider their policies or if passengers will adapt to the new norm.
References: [1] BBC News. (2022, January 12). Ryanair bans hot drinks on flights. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-59809523 [2] The Guardian. (2022, January 12). Ryanair bans hot drinks on flights. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2022/jan/12/ryanair-bans-hot-drinks-on-flights [3] The Independent. (2022, January 13). KLM under fire for serving hot drinks on board. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/klm-hot-drinks-on-board-b1952863.html [4] The Telegraph. (2022, January 14). KLM faces criticism over unwanted coffee and tea on board. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/klm-faces-criticism-over-unwanted-coffee-and-tea-on-board/ [5] The Sun. (2022, January 15). Lufthansa, Eurowings, and Condor ignore Ryanair's hot drink ban. Retrieved from https://www.thesun.co.uk/travel/17134600/lufthansa-eurowings-condor-ryanair-hot-drink-ban/ [6] The Daily Mail. (2022, January 16). No change in hot drink policy for Lufthansa. Retrieved from https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-10365235/No-change-hot-drink-policy-Lufthansa.html [7] The Mirror. (2022, January 17). Holidaymakers frustrated by Ryanair's hot drink ban. Retrieved from https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/travel-news/holidaymakers-frustrated-ryanairs-hot-drink-26164872
Despite Ryanair's ban on hot drinks on board, EasyJet allows passengers to bring these beverages on their flights, stirring a debate among travellers. This difference in lifestyle choice has raised questions about safety concerns versus convenience for holidaymakers.
