by Marilyn Lindblad

Created on: January 20, 2008

If you've never flown before or never used the bathroom of an aircraft in flight, this airplane bathroom etiquette guide will tell you everything you need to know before, during, and after you use the airplane bathroom.

GO BEFORE YOU GO

If you can, use the bathroom in the airport terminal before you board the airplane, because you may not have another opportunity to go to the bathroom until the plane is in the air.

It is possible to use the airplane bathroom while passengers are boarding; however, boarding is one of the worst times to use the bathroom, and you should avoid going to the bathroom during boarding if you can. Aisles are crowded with people finding their seats and stowing their luggage in overhead compartments, and it can be hard to negotiate the traffic to get to the bathroom.

If you must use the airplane bathroom during boarding, wait for a break in the flow of traffic and walk with the flow of traffic toward the back of the plane, where most airplanes place two bathrooms, one on either side of the fuselage. After you use the bathroom, wait at the rear of the plane for boarding traffic to subside before you make your way back up the aisle to your seat.

GO WHENEVER YOU CAN

After takeoff, the flight captain will turn off the "fasten seatbelt" sign. When the sign is turned off, it is considered safe for passengers to get up and move around the plane. When you see that the sign is off, you may unfasten your safety belt, move to the aisle of the plane, and walk up or down the aisle to one of the airplane bathrooms.

Airplane bathrooms are located at the front and the rear of the airplane; however, if your flight offers first class service, the bathrooms at the front of the plane are reserved for first-class passengers only, and you cannot use them unless you purchased a first-class fare.

If the plane has only coach-class seats, then you may use the bathrooms at either the front or rear of the plane. On coach-class flights, most passengers choose to use the bathroom closest to their seat.

MIND THE LINE

If other passengers are standing in the aisle around the bathroom door, they are probably waiting in line to use the bathroom. Wait your turn patiently, or return to your seat and come back when the line is shorter.

When it is your turn to use the bathroom, check the door to be sure the bathroom is vacant. Airplane bathroom doors have a sign near the doorknob that reads "Vacant" when no one is in the bathroom or "Occupied" when the door is closed and locked from

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