by Cynthia Wall

Created on: March 29, 2009

Considerate airplane bathroom etiquette begins before you even step on the plane. While almost everyone will have to use the restrooms on a long flight, most people can get through a one or two hour flight IF they take the time to go before boarding. Everyone likes to drink something in flight, but avoiding alcohol and caffeine will make it less likely that you have "to go."

The small percentage of the population who have bladder or incontinence issues should also plan ahead. While you may be okay at home with a bathroom just a few feet away, your bladder may not survive waiting in a long aisle on a crowded airplane. And while, other passengers may let you go to the head of the line, that may not be good enough. So plan ahead. There are prescription medications that will help you get through a flight. And of course, there's protection you can wear that will avoid any embarrassing accidents.

For the general population, following a few basic rules of airplane etiquette will make the flight smoother for everyone.

Be Timely Let's say you are on a four hour flight. You know you'll have to go at least once. Watch the lights in the aisle indicating when the bathroom is empty. Even if you're not on a "full bladder alert" as Garrison Keillor would say, go anyway. That one trip may tide you over the rest of the flight especially if you limit liquids. Also, avoid getting up to go to the restroom when the flight attendants are in the aisle serving beverages and snacks. You not only make it difficult for them, chances are you'll spend some time stepping into someone else's seat space while the cart goes by. If you're sitting in a window or middle seat and your seat mates go to the restroom, make that your time to go, too, so everyone doesn't have to get up twice to let you back in.

Be tidy and safe in the restroom. It should go without saying that you don't want to get any water (or other liquid) on the floor. Bathrooms at the end of some overseas flights are downright disgusting. There is a sign in most bathrooms suggesting that you use your paper towel to wipe the sink clean for the next person. Good idea. A word of safety. The water in the bathrooms is non-potable don't drink it or use it to brush your teeth. Carry your own bottled water for that purpose. Toilets are pneumatic, meaning that anything dropped in them is history once flushed. Hang onto your valuables. If toilet paper or paper towels are out, tell the flight attendant so the next person won't face a nasty surprise.

Obey safety rules. Generally, passengers are supposed to be back in their seats and buckled in 20 minutes prior to landing sometimes earlier if the air is rough. Don't wait until the last minute to go to the bathroom. If you've followed the first rule about timeliness, you won't find yourself in an urgent situation. Also be aware that when one of the pilots is using the bathroom, you won't be allowed into the first class cabin until he/she has returned to the cockpit. Also, use the bathroom designated for your section of the aircraft.

Don't be a bathroom hog. You are sharing very limited space with many, many people. Be quick. Put on makeup and comb your hair in your seat. Don't use the bathroom as a changing room. If you want to be wearing a special outfit when you meet a loved one at the airport, use a restroom after you get off the plane. You'll have more room and more time.

Airplane travel is a lesson in being a good neighbor. Be considerate of others in your seat and in the bathrooms, so that everyone has a good flight.

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