Toilet on a plane?! When is the easiest time to find a free toilet on a plane? A strategy that only the most experienced travelers know
Ah, the airplane toilet – a space that is always too inaccessible and often too busy. A toilet on an airplane?! You've probably been in a situation where you're on a long flight. pondered the right tactics for going to the bathroom. Picking the wrong moment on a plane means you could unwittingly become a participant in an impromptu social event where lines wind all the way to the back seats. If you don't want to get stuck in a toilet queue that rivals those on the Ljubljana bypass during rush hour, it's time to adopt the strategy of the most experienced airline passengers.
Airplane toilet: when most people get up, you wait a little longer
The two most critical periods for a toilet stampede are usually after meals and just after the announcement of the imminent landing. Once the first meal is eaten, passengers flock to the restrooms as if on command, often getting hopelessly stuck in a “traffic jam” behind the flight attendants’ carts cleaning up leftover food. The same crowd also forms when the captain announces the start of the descent towards the airport – then everyone suddenly realizes that they need to “quickly hop in” before landing. The restrooms on the plane are usually busy at that time.
Your golden opportunity is therefore clearly defined: the right time to visit is shortly after finishing the first meal, when most of your fellow passengers are already contentedly dozing off or watching their movie, glued to the screen in front of them. This is that golden window of peace, when you avoid awkward movements and apologetic glances between the seats.
Even better – plan on the ground
Not just during the flight – good toilet tactics on a plane start at the airport itself. Experienced air travelers know that it's wise to make several trips to the toilet before boarding. So make sure you're as "empty" as possible before you head into the cabin.
Then, drink fluids in small amounts but regularly during the flight. This way, you won't find yourself in a situation where you have to get up urgently during takeoff or landing, when the toilets are strictly prohibited, and you feel like a child whose teacher won't let him out of the playroom during recess.
Choose a discreet toilet: Airplane toilet
Be wise and use toilets that are not directly exposed to the view of all fellow passengersThe toilet in the front of the cabin is usually more noticeable—the one where all the passengers unconsciously stare like they're watching the latest episode of a popular TV show. If you want a little more privacy (and less embarrassment), head to the back of the plane.
Sometimes politeness is also a secret weapon
If you happen to come across a toilet in poor condition – which is not uncommon on long flights – don’t hesitate to inform the flight attendant or stewardess in a friendly way. If you are extra polite (perhaps with a small compliment or a friendly smile), they will surely appreciate it and make your next visit more pleasant. After all, kindness works both ways, especially when it comes to such a sensitive issue as the cleanliness of the airplane toilet.
Statistics are ruthless: time is your best friend
On average, planes only offer one toilet for about 60 passengers, which makes it clear how important good planning is. If you don't want your trip to the toilet to become a social event with a lot of waiting, nervousness, and awkward conversations, follow the tips above.
Golden rule: Avoid rush hour, plan ahead, and you'll be able to confidently say you've mastered the airborne toilet strategy. Because let's face it, no one really wants a trip to the bathroom at 10,000 feet to be an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
