It can be one of the most frustrating things about travelling on a plane (besides getting stuck with the middle seat or struggling to get your bag into the overhead locker, that is), and one we’ve always wondered about – why you’re never allowed to go to the toilet before take-off.
Now, aviation experts have revealed why this rule is in place – and it’s not for the reason you’re imagining.
Most of us have probably heard the rumour that toilet waste from a plane simply gets flushed straight out of the aircraft at high altitudes but that’s a) completely wrong and b) not the reason why you can’t go to the loo before the plane is airborne.
No, in fact, the reason is far more practical (and far less disgusting than that): it’s to keep you safe.
Speaking to the Metro, a spokesperson for the Civil Aviation Authority explained that there actually isn’t a specific rule regarding not going to the toilet before take-off.
Instead, it’s more the case that passengers need to be in their seats at all times for their safety.
‘Passengers must be seated and secured with a safety belt for taxi, take-off and landing,’ they said.
And, if you’ve ever asked a flight attendant if you could get up to use the loo and been rebuffed, then that could have just been bad luck…
‘Cabin crew can use their discretion whether they allow passengers to use the toilet before the aircraft begins taxiing to the runway,’ they continued.
‘There are no specific rules preventing passengers using the toilet before take-off.’
So now we know. Next time you’re sitting there desperate for a wee, definitely don’t feel to embarrassed to ask if you can get up and go!
