Using Airplane Toilets: What You Need to Know

Airlines generally want passengers to remain seated during flights. Free aisles allow for trolley service, in-flight sales, and other essential services. Moreover, there has been growing recognition of the benefits of passengers occasionally getting up to stretch. However, that cramped seat is essentially your designated space throughout the journey.

In today’s world, the importance of maintaining limited movement within the cabin has become even more apparent. Less movement means reduced contact with other passengers and limited touching of shared surfaces. Following this line of reasoning, is a facility airlines would prefer fewer passengers to visit, and understandably, you’ll want to minimize your time in there.

Nonetheless, anyone who has flown knows the unmistakable call of nature when the seatbelt sign is turned off. People, like all mammals, have physiological needs, including the urge to use the restroom.

You are indeed permitted to use the bathroom on a plane. Airlines offer varying degrees of encouragement against lining up for lavatory access, particularly on short-haul flights. The general consensus is to avoid congestion in the aisles or galley areas. This is typically enforced by requiring passengers to wait until a signal indicates it is safe to proceed or by encouraging them to notify on-board crew via the call button. Either way, you may encounter a delay, so plan accordingly. Additionally, the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s guidelines recommend maintaining separate bathroom facilities for passengers and crew, consequently reducing the number of available restrooms.

On long-haul flights, crossing your legs while waiting is often impractical. Consequently, many airlines have implemented stringent cleaning procedures for toilets during flights. For example, Etihad Airways replaces toilet seats after each flight as part of their commitment to hygiene.

An important note is that this focus on reducing bathroom visits can lead to inadequate hydration during your flight. Staying hydrated is crucial to combatting jet lag and post-flight fatigue. Thus, a prompt and generous intake of fluids upon arrival is advisable. For those traveling with young children, this situation may require careful planning to address the unique needs of little ones.