'There are no specific rules preventing passengers using the toilet before take-off. 'Most airlines are keen to ensure passengers are in their seats with seat belts secured to speed up departure. The aircraft cannot begin to taxi until everyone is seated and secured with a seat belt. '

Technically, you can use the airplane toilet before takeoff while the plane is still at the gate or during the early stages of taxiing, but you should avoid it unless it is an absolute emergency. Once the pilot begins the final taxi toward the runway, the flight attendants are required to ensure all passengers are seated with seatbelts fastened for safety. If a passenger is in the lavatory when the plane reaches the runway, the pilot is often legally required to stop the aircraft and wait until the passenger returns to their seat before they can receive takeoff clearance. This can cause the flight to lose its "slot" in the departure sequence, leading to significant delays for everyone on board. For 2026 travelers, the best practice is to use the airport terminal facilities just before boarding to ensure you are comfortably settled and buckled in before the "sterile cockpit" phase of the flight begins.