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Answering the call of nature at thirty-thousand feet is not an everyday occurrence, but when flying abroad, it normally becomes a necessity. Using the bathroom on an airplane is actually something that should be given some forethought.
Given the number of passengers who travel on a transatlantic flight for example, makes it the course of wisdom to think about bathroom needs in advance of boarding.

1. Visit a real toilet within the airport as close to boarding time as you can. Discovering that you need to spend a penny just after the "fasten seatbelt" sign lights up prior to lift-off, could be very uncomfortable and if there is a flight delay, even more so.

2. Don't drink too much before your flight.
Drinking too much alcohol, soft drinks or water before you fly will probably have you needing to visit the bathroom pretty soon after stepping on the plane. While it is recommended that we drink water on a long haul flight, we should limit the amount to a reasonable degree.

3. During the flight, timing is everything when using the bathroom on an airplane. The bathrooms on an airplane tend to get very busy just after food and drinks have been served and during the thirty to forty-five minute period prior to landing. Choosing the right time will usually mean you won't have to wait in a long queue.

4. When using the bathroom, try to leave it as you found it which hopefully, is clean. Leaving the bathroom otherwise reflects badly on you as the person following you, knows who you are.

5. Be considerate as to the amount of time you spend in the bathroom, especially when there is a queue. Some passengers use the bathroom for very lengthy periods, especially toward the end of the flight when some change clothes or apply make-up.

6. Strictly observe the "No Smoking" policy on flights. This issue is about more than simple etiquette but has become a requirement for all passengers according to airline regulations.

Good etiquette helps make to make flying a pleasant for all passengers. We can all play our part by being considerate, to basically do what we would want others to do.

Learn more about this author, JC Campbell.
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