When is the Best Time to Use the Airplane Toilet?

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - In order to avoid getting stuck in line for the toilet on the plane, it is best to know the right times to use it. There are certain times when it is best not to use the toilet, especially during takeoff and landing, including when the seat belt sign is on and the cabin crew announce that there is turbulence.

According to Sarah B, a flight attendant at a major international airline, there are two appropriate times to use the toilet on a plane. The first is immediately after the first meal service is completed, and just before the landing announcement. "The best times to use the toilet are right after the first meal service is finished or just before the landing announcement," she was quoted as saying by Travel+Leisure.

Best Times to Go to the Toilet

As Sarah revealed, as soon as it is announced that the aircraft will soon land, passengers immediately rush to the toilet. There are also those who go to the toilet right after eating. However, they could get stuck behind the food trolley for cleaning. This makes it difficult for them to return to their seats.

Meanwhile, the second meal service usually occurs about 60 to 90 minutes before landing. If passengers go to the toilet by then, they will often get stuck in long lines. There is even a risk of not being able to enter before the seat belt sign lights up for landing.

Sarah recommends going to the toilet right after the first meal service is finished cleaning up. At that time, most people are still relaxing, watching a movie, or getting ready to sleep. In addition, it aligns with the general rhythm of long-haul flights: meal service, break, second meal service, landing.

During that break, when the cabin is dim, quiet, and relatively calm, is the best time to visit the toilet. At the same time, most people are also busy with their screens or taking a nap, which means fewer elbows to avoid in the aisle.

Going to the Toilet before Boarding the Plane

It is different for Rani Cheema, a coach and frequent long-haul traveler. She schedules her bathroom breaks even before boarding the plane. "I go to the bathroom as often as possible before boarding the plane," she said.

She advises passengers who board the plane early to use the toilet before takeoff. During the flight, she manages to stay hydrated but also does not go to the toilet too often. Her strategy is not to drink a lot of fluids before the flight. "I drink a lot of fluids during the flight, so I don't need to bother going to the bathroom as soon as I board," she said.

If she has to use the toilet, she chooses a time when all the passengers are asleep. Moreover, she often travels on long-haul flights, so the toilet will be empty when people are asleep. Also, pay attention to the location of the toilets. Usually, toilets that are easily visible like those in the front section tend to be used. "I might go to the back section, because it is likely that people are looking towards that toilet and they can see the sign," she said.

Toilet Lines

Meanwhile, Rich Henderson, a flight attendant at a major airline in the United States, says the best time to wait when the toilet is in use is in your seat. "I think people are not aware that just wandering around inside the plane is not safe," he said as quoted from USA Today.

According to one of the Two Guys on a Plane blog writers, the toilet line on the plane is a vicious cycle. If everyone stays in their seats while waiting for their turn, the traffic in the bathroom might be more evenly distributed throughout the flight.

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