How long after takeoff can you go to the bathroom?

If you can wait until the seat belt sign is off, that's better, right? But if you can't, and sometimes you just have to go, go. Try to avoid doing so right after takeoff, right before landing (as in the first and last 5 minutes!).



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But as soon as the plane enters an active taxiway, everyone must remain in their seats. Flight attendants say that the best time to use the airplane restroom is immediately after the captain turns off the fasten seatbelt sign and before drink service begins.

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But as soon as the plane enters an active taxiway, everyone must remain in their seats. Flight attendants say that the best time to use the airplane restroom is immediately after the captain turns off the fasten seatbelt sign and before drink service begins.

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Don't get up if there's obvious turbulence or if a pilot asks flight attendants to take a seat and prepare for a bumpy ride. And if your plane is taxiing, taking off, or landing, never, ever, remove your seatbelt or attempt to go to the bathroom.

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It's (Usually) Ok to Use the Lavatory While the Seat Belt Sign is On. To a 98% approximation, flight attendants don't actually care if you use the lavatory while the seat belt sign is on. They have to tell you that the seat belt sign is on.

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Don't Make a Mess For those of us who want a little extra cleanliness before braving the bathroom, bring along some anti-bacterial wipes for frequently touched surfaces. It should go without saying, but the most crucial duty remains. Don't forget to flush! Heck, give it a courtesy flush if needed.

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By not having a window, the risk of anyone getting sucked out while the plane is in flight is eliminated. Additionally, having a window in the bathroom can pose a security risk as people can look through the window and gain access to secure areas of the plane, such as the cockpit.

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If you're a rule follower, you may feel the urge to ask the flight attendant whether it's okay for you to go real quick. Don't bother. They have to say no—it's a liability thing. Even if you don't ask, they very well may remind you that the light is on (this is their job).

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You can typically spend 30 minutes in the shower room (though in theory I suppose you could spend longer if it's not otherwise booked), though you only get five minutes of running water. More on that later.

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The flight attendant warned: Do not clean your teeth in an airplane loo. The water on a plane all comes from the same water tank and it is not filtered.

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Using the First Class lavatory for convenience
In some cases, the crew will let Economy passengers use the First Class lavatory just as a matter of convenience. No urgency needed. The proper etiquette here is probably for only Economy passengers sitting near the First Class cabin to do this.

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If you do happen to pick up bacteria or fungi that's not your own, this may lead to itchiness and bumps on the skin and scalp. Showering after flights is probably a good thing—regardless of the length! —if only to have that clean feel after being cooped up in a cabin.

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Yes, airline pilots can go to the toilet during a flight. In fact, they have their own private lavatory in the cockpit that is separate from the passenger cabin.

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Why do the flight attendants touch the overhead compartment so often? Flight attendants don't just touch the ceiling for fun when they walk; the bottom of the overhead compartment has a scalloped area that provides a better grip when walking down a moving airplane.

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The two airlines that feature onboard showers are Emirates and Etihad, both carriers from the United Arab Emirates. Showers are found solely on their Airbus A380 aircraft. They are reserved for passengers travelling in First Class (on both Emirates and Etihad) and The Residence (on Etihad only).

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Boarding and While Onboard
Avoid caffeine, alcohol and soft drinks to prevent frequent trips to the bathroom. Consider limiting fluids before a flight.

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Seats in the back are also more likely to be close to bathrooms. Lines can get long near the lavatories and other passengers may congregate. You may also be subject to foul odors.

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