by Monty Hamilton

Created on: January 22, 2008   Last Updated: September 13, 2009

What is proper airplane bathroom etiquette? First, use only the bathroom in your ticketed cabin, whether it's the first class cabin, business class cabin, or the main cabin, just get in line and wait your turn. Next, flush the toilet when you're done doing your business. If you have trouble flushing the toilet, try looking behind the seat for the switch, it is sometimes a round button, and other times a handle, but it should say flush on it whatever it is.

If you accidentally ring the call button instead of flushing, you will hear a ding instead of having the toilet flush, and have the flight attendant come check on you. It happens. If you really do have an emergency while using the bathroom, ring the call button. A light will come on outside the door that indicates distress, and help will come momentarily.

Once you've flushed, wash your hands. If there is no soap, come out and tell a flight attendant. Then, after you wash yourself up, take time to cleanup after yourself, i.e., leave the place better than you found it, or, at the very least, the same as you found it. Make sure you flush any toilet paper you used, even some you dropped on the floor before you could use it.

Leave the toilet seat as clean as you found it. If you brush your teeth, make sure to cleanup the sink afterwards. Then after you're done cleaning up, if necessary, which nine times out of ten it is, do a courtesy flush. Lastly, make sure your pants are zipped, makeup is flawless, and most of all get out, because as you probably had to do to get in there, there are people waiting.

Who decides proper airplane bathroom etiquette? The airlines, flight attendants, and passengers.

Why should you use proper airplane bathroom etiquette? The Golden Rule: Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.

Where are the best bathrooms in air travel? On a private plane or in first class come to mind, but for those of us not so blessed, some of the best include:

How do you follow someone who has used improper airplane bathroom etiquette? Very carefully.

When is it okay to use improper airplane bathroom etiquette? I know they say to never say never, but when it comes to this subject, I'm saying it, never.

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