I love to travel and I love nothing more than working out my outfits, packing a bag and heading to the airport to fly and experience a new location. Flying with children adds another dimension to the experience and I do look forward to when I don’t have to choose between packing two pairs of shoes or nappies and wipes because I’ve got limited suitcase space. Nappies are bulky! The only good thing about packing such items is when they get used, you have more room to pack new purchases like souvenirs.
I’ve read some amazing posts with tips on how to travel with parents, how to avoid getting ripped off at the airport and the ten commandments for air travel (aka how not to be a d*ck on a plane). But no one has addressed the etiquette of using the toilet while travelling and I feel that my plumbing expertise must address this important matter for the benefit of future trips for myself and everyone who likes to travel. So here are my tips on toilet etiquette for air travel.
Preparation
If you know you are going to be on a long flight the next day, be wise about what you choose to eat the night before a big day of travel. A hot curry may sound delicious and comforting, but it may not be so great if you have to rush to a loo in a pressurized cabin. Avoid any kind of hot seasoned food because the more air you breathe through your mouth while eating said hot food, the more you will be tooting like a horn the next day. The smell and sound alone are unpleasant for other travelers. Especially in a confined space like a plane. Don’t underestimate the power of a hot curry in your bowel the next day. If you feel a tsunami of lava rushing through your bowel you could have an unfortunate mishap during turbulence. You also don’t want to miss your flight because you’re stuck on the toilet. Best to stick to a steak and three veg or a pasta dinner the night before travelling. And pack spare undies.
Go to the toilet before you board your plane
I know most people do this anyway, because at all costs we try to avoid using the toilet on the plane. But if you are on a long flight, it’s unavoidable. Going to the toilet before you board your plane prolongs the inevitable up in the air.
Be considerate using the toilet at the airport
It’s all about choosing the right cubicle when you use a toilet at the airport. And sometimes you have no choice because the line is long and you use the next available cubicle. Depending on what you have to do, use the paper seats if available, but if there are none offered, squat and hover over the toilet seat. Check behind if you’ve splashed or missed the bowl. CLEAN up the splashes before you go. Make sure the flush does in fact flush away your production. Make sure you leave the toilet in a nice state for someone else to use.
If your toilet is already a whizz crime scene, tip toe in and hover. And hope the hem of your jeans doesn’t get wet. Once finished, in passing warn the next person who walks towards your cubicle that the previous person before you had bad aim. Don’t worry if they judge you. You will never see them again anyway. Hopefully.
Men, if your choose to use a urinal, please don’t whizz on an already blocked urinal to cause the blocked contents to overflow from said urinal. Aim and common sense is key here. That’s all I’m going to say about that.
Be quick in the Cabin Toilet
The only quickies that should be done in the toilet cubicle on a plane are the wee (and heaven forbid poo) kind or if you need to change your baby’s nappy. Toilets on planes are not for sex or any other kinky activities. Men, please aim straight and don’t rebound off the back of the toilet lid. Women, if you hover, please wipe any drips off the toilet seat. Aim can be compromised due to unexpected turbulence. When taking your young kids into the toilet, flush the toilet with your child facing the door. The ‘whoosh’ sound can scare them. I know it scared mine.
Be patient using the toilet at your destination
There is always a big line up to use the toilet when a plane has landed. It’s a cumulative of travelers who have held on while flying or have had a few too many drinks up in the air. Be patient and wait in line. If the disabled toilet is available for use and you know you’re going to be quick, you can use this in emergency type toilet situations, but be mindful that these toilets are specifically for those that are disabled or parents who need a change table.
Pack Hand Sanitizer and Wipes
One of my pet peeves about airport bathrooms is their lack of hand towels to dry your hands thoroughly. There is nothing worse that washing your hands after going to the toilet and all the hand dryers are being used or they don’t work. Have some hand sanitizer or hand wipes on hand for these situations. And use your elbows or the back of your hands to push or open doors. You don’t want to get sick while on holiday.
Have I missed anything? I’ve tried to address the basics. It all comes down to common sense and being hygenic. We often take for granted how blessed we are to have toilets that flush and clean water on tap for washing hands. Using the toilets as intended ensures they are ready for use by everybody passing through the airport. No one wants to start their holiday with a toilet mishap.
If you’re a seasoned traveler, can you add any helpful toilet tips? Wish to share a bad toilet travel experience?
This post has been written as part of my entry into the ProBlogger Virgin Australia Voyagers Competition. #pbevent @VirginAustralia
