A flight attendant has revealed when is the best time to use the lavatory and avoid the rush hour – and it’s now going to make it so much easier whenever you travel on long-haul flights
During a flight, it might often be a mission figuring out when the best time to use the toilet is. Especially when it’s a small plane, long queues can easily be formed. The number of toilets on an airplane depends on the size of the aircraft. Smaller planes have one to two toilets, whilst bigger planes for long-haul flights might have up to 10.
The average plane has one bathroom for every 60 passengers. A flight attendant has revealed the best times to use the toilet during a long-haul flight and when passengers should avoid getting up from their seats.
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Going to the toilet can be both difficult and awkward, especially when you’re seated in the middle or window seat, and have to bother your neighbours.
However, there are times when you can’t hold it in. But when is the best time to go? As explained by Sarah B, passengers should avoid using the loo after the second meal, which is the most common time.
Sixty to 90 minutes before landing, passengers rush to the toilet for the last time. But not everyone gets the chance to as soon as the seatbelt signs come back on, as reported the Daily Mail.
She told Travel + Leisure: “The moment they announce that you’re going to land soon, everyone runs to the toilet. They also run there right after eating, and they can get stuck behind the carts for clearing meals, and it’s difficult for them to get back to their seats.”
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When is the best time?
According to the flight attendant, the best time to use the lavatory is after the first meal service has cleared. She explained that it’s when the majority of the passengers are watching a film or are going to sleep, meaning the chances of someone getting up to the toilets are lower.
Her other suggestion is going before the landing announcement. However, this would mean that the passengers would have to look at the screen to know the best time to go. Still, everyone must listen carefully to all announcements made closer to the landing time.
In shorter words, the best times to use the laboratory are after the first meal and before the pilot announces the landing. As a tip from a former check-in agent and frequent traveller, it’s best to go before getting into the plane, but once you’re in, the best time is when the lights are off!