Things You Should Never Do in an Airplane Bathroom
Image source: Unsplash
Long international flights can be tiring and quite uncomfortable. No matter how much we try to be calm and think about the upcoming vacation, there is no way we can feel good all the time. One of the most unpleasant moments is using the plane bathroom.
It is small and narrow, and in combination with turbulence, it can become a not-so-pleasant experience. But since it is something you cannot avoid, good preparation is a must. In this regard, we share with you a few crucial rules to follow and things you should never do in the bathroom on an airplane.
Don’t Make a Mess
As for the airplane bathroom, we recommend you don’t make a mess. The most important rule to start with is: Always use the push flush button. While it may sound evident to most of you that it needs to be done, there are situations you can forget about. So always check.
Also, when you are in the bathroom, place all the used paper towels or tissues in the trash, leave the toilet seat down, and wipe down the sink. However, if you use the last toilet paper roll, make sure to tell a flight attendant and warn the next person about to go.
No matter your habits at home, always be careful when using the bathroom on the plane. And let’s not forget – bring antibacterial wipes to use for frequently touched surfaces. As we know, the plane and the bathroom in it are one of the dirtiest places where various viruses and bacteria multiply.
Wait Your Turn
The next challenge is waiting to use the airplane bathroom. There are situations in which the bathroom line can be like a puzzle during long flights, especially after a meal.
If you decide to wait in your place to reduce the line, the risk of more people appearing is high. That, in turn, can make you much more uncomfortable.
We recommend that you go and if there is a person in front of you, ask him/her if he/she is the last to wait to use the bathroom. Some passengers hide in the galley with the flight attendants, confusing you. When you ask, you will know when it is your turn.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
When it comes to using the airplane bathroom, it is advisable to be quick not to keep the people in line behind you. But that doesn’t mean you don’t wash your hands or do it very quickly.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands thoroughly for 20 seconds – front and back. Don’t forget to use soap.
Especially today, in times of pandemics, it is essential to maintain a high level of hygiene to prevent infection with bacteria and viruses. Furthermore, the use of hand sanitizer is an additional way to disinfect.
Don’t Forget to Lock the Door
Make sure you lock the door correctly. You certainly don’t want another passenger to surprise you by opening the bathroom door while you’re inside. It will create inconvenience for both you and the other passenger. And such situations can make the flight even longer and more unpleasant for you.
Don’t Be Rude While You Wait
As we said, long flights are tiring, but they can also be highly annoying. After all, in this flight, besides you, other people are also tired, impatient, and want to ensure maximum comfort until the moment of landing. So try to be calm.
If other people wait for the toilet, don’t compound it by huffing and puffing in line. The flight itself is stressful enough to irritate yourself and other passengers.
We even recommend you, if there are passengers that look like they are in an urgent, such as an elderly passenger, pregnant woman, or family with children, offer them to go first. It is a nice gesture with which you can improve the mood of one of the passengers.
Image source: Unsplash
Don’t Pick the Wrong Time to Go
The question is: Is there a right time to go? There is no way to tell when it is good to go, but there are certain moments in the flight when it is good to avoid going to the airplane bathrooms.
If you are not urgent, do not go to the bathroom on the plane during boarding. At this time, passengers are looking for bins for stashing bags, and the traffic on the aisle is heavy.
In addition, avoid using the airplane bathroom before landing the flight and while taking drink and snack service. Pay attention when no people are waiting and use the right moment.
Don’t Forget Your Shoes
If you prefer to take off your shoes during long flights, always put them on again whenever you go to the airplane bathroom. Some passengers walk into an airport bathroom barefoot or in their socks.
Then they go back and put their feet on the empty seat or tray table. Avoid such situations, mainly because you follow good hygiene habits.
Don’t Forget to Wear a Mask
In times of a pandemic, one of the mandatory rules that most airlines have is to wear masks throughout the flight. It is not just some kind of courtesy to your fellow passengers, but it is also one of the main ways to protect yourself from being infected with Covid-19.
The right way to wear the mask is to cover your nose, mouth, and chin. It also applies when using the airplane bathroom.
Maintaining good hygiene during the flight, common sense, and being polite to other passengers is a mandatory rule for using the bathroom on the airplane. Above all, good hygiene habits will protect you from possible infections with various viruses and bacteria, including Covid-19.
On the other hand, it will make your long international flight much more enjoyable. Therefore, we recommend that you follow these few simple rules and enjoy your upcoming vacation in the best possible way.
