Flight attendant reveals why passengers should stop queuing for the plane bathroom – even if they are desperate
A FLIGHT attendant has revealed why passengers should stop queuing for the plane bathroom – even if they’re desperate.
Rich Henderson, who works for a major US airline, made the surprising revelation that passengers are better off waiting for the toilet while seated.
The queue will always die down at some point, without the need to wait for several minutes at a time, he claimed.
He added that passengers often wrongly think that a long line is inevitable for the duration of a flight.
He told USA Today: “That lining up makes it worse because everyone thinks there’s always going to be a line.
“I promise there will be a lull in the bathroom traffic.
“Flight attendants have to go as well. There’s usually a gap in there that we can jump in, so there should be one for passengers as well.”
Rich added that if passengers refrained from standing up and instead remained in their seats while they were waiting, bathroom usage would be more evenly distributed throughout the flight.
He also explained that a lack of traffic in the aisle makes things safer for passengers and easier for cabin staff.
He said: “Anything can happen in the blink of an eye on an airplane.
“I don’t think people realise it’s not quite safe to just be wondering around an airplane.”
And, Rich had some useful insights to share for anyone who finds themselves desperate for the toilet before the plane has taken off.
He explained that it’s not the best idea to use the loo at this stage – as staff might still be servicing it.
This could mean the water and flush don’t work.
However, cabin staff would be happy to make allowances – including moving their carts from the toilet – in an emergency, he said.
It comes as jet-setters were given three top tips to prepare for a long-haul flight – sorting out your entertainment in advance, bringing your own snacks, and paying for seat selection if necessary.
And travel expert Gary Leff explained why you should stand up as soon as the plane lands – to grab your luggage more quickly.
Meanwhile, in more handy news for travellers, a suitcase by flight attendants is on offer in a Black Friday sale.
Five common mistakes that could impact your flight
Flight attendant Beth Windsor shared the common mistakes passengers make that could negatively impact their flights:
- Walking Barefoot: The plane’s floors are very dirty and can lead to infections. It’s better to wear hotel slippers or sandals if you want to remove your shoes.
- Using Seat Pockets: These pockets are rarely cleaned and can contain unpleasant items like dirty nappies. It’s best not to store personal items in them.
- Drinking Plane Tap Water: Plane water tanks are rarely cleaned and can harbor harmful bacteria. Stick to bottled water to avoid illness.
- Booking Bulkhead Seats: These seats often accommodate bassinets for babies, which can lead to noisy flights. Opting for an exit row may help you avoid this issue.
- Getting Too Drunk: Alcohol affects passengers more due to low cabin pressure, potentially leading to quicker intoxication and possible trouble. Drink in moderation and stay hydrated with water.