We’ve all been there—we need to use the bathroom on a plane, but we’re not sure when to go. Thankfully, travel experts and flight attendants have some tips on the best time to go.
It can be difficult to use the bathroom on an airplane. You could end up in a long line running past the galley if you choose the wrong timing, or even stuck waiting for an eon in your seat.
There are obvious times to avoid the toilet (during takeoff, landing and when the seatbelt signal is on). But when is the best moment to use the restroom on a flight?
According to Sarah B. (a flight attendant of a major international carrier who asked to remain anonymous), two important windows are to be aimed for: just after the meal service has been cleared and right before the announcement about landing.
“The best moment to use the restroom is after we have cleared the first meal or just before the announcement of landing,” she says. When they announce you are about to land, everyone rushes for the toilets. The passengers rush there after they eat, but can also get stuck behind the carts that are used to remove the food, making it difficult to return to their seats.
You’ll be waiting in line for the second meal between 60 and 90 minutes prior to landing.
The strategy that she recommends Is to go after the first cleanup of meals, when people are still settling down, watching a film, or falling into sleep.
iStockphoto/Getty Images
It follows the rhythm of long-haul flights: service, lull (pause), second meal, descent. The bathroom is best used during the lull when it’s dim, quiet and relatively still. This is also the time when people are occupied by their screens or napping. There will be fewer elbows in the aisle.
Rani CheemaA travel consultant and coach who takes frequent long-haul flights has developed a new way to fly. bathroom timing down to a science—and it all begins before she even gets on the plane. “I am using the toilet as many times before I get on the plane as possible,” she says.
She also offers advice to those who board early. using the bathroom before the plane takes off. Cheema’s hydration strategy continues to influence her flight plan.
She says, “I don’t consume a lot before my flight.” “I drink plenty of liquids on my flight to avoid having to use the restroom as soon as I board.”
Her go-to loo time? When everyone is asleep. Cheema has found that most of her flights are long haul, so she can find a lull when people begin to fall asleep. She also pays attention to the bathroom’s location. Cheema explains that she won’t go to a bathroom if it’s easily visible. “I will probably go all the way back to that bathroom, as most people are likely looking in the direction of the bathroom and can see the signage.”
When bathrooms inevitably start looking a little worse for wear, Cheema says she doesn’t hesitate to flag it—gently. She emphasizes, however, that she always leads by kindness (and with little treats), and that flight attendants are always willing to assist.
This is good advice. Average aircraft has approximately one bathroom for every 60 passengers. Timing becomes crucial with this level of usage.
If you want to avoid long lines and the stress that comes with them, then go early. Take advantage of the restrooms while other people are asleep.
