While cabin crews are trained to manage passenger needs discreetly and professionally, some habits cause avoidable inconvenience and safety concerns, and annoy employees
Forgetting to lock the bathroom door on a plane is causing frustration among cabin crews.
For many travellers, the aeroplane bathroom is a small but vital refuge during flights. Yet according to Alpine Elements, a travel expert, there is one particular behaviour in the lavatory that cabin crews find especially troublesome — and it could even affect the overall flight experience.
While cabin crews are trained to manage passenger needs discreetly and professionally, some habits cause avoidable inconvenience and safety concerns. Speaking on condition of anonymity, several experienced cabin crews revealed what they most dislike when passengers use the aeroplane bathroom. They are speaking out following revelations about the most outrageous requests made on private jets.
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“Passengers don’t always realise the impact of their actions in such a confined space,” said a senior member of one cabin crew. “One behaviour we see often — and which drives us mad — is leaving the bathroom door unlocked when it’s not in use.”
Though it may seem harmless, leaving the bathroom door unlocked after use or not securing it properly while inside causes confusion and delays. Other passengers might knock repeatedly or try to enter, leading to awkward encounters. It also disrupts the crews’ ability to monitor lavatory use discreetly for safety purposes.
Another frequent problem is misuse of the ‘occupied’ sign. Some travellers fail to pull the door lock fully, meaning the indicator doesn’t change, and others believe the bathroom is free when it is not — or vice versa.
Aircraft lavatories are far smaller than those on the ground, and cabin crews must maintain awareness of all areas during a flight. In an emergency, they need to know exactly which facilities are available and be able to access them quickly.
The lavatory is also a hygiene-sensitive space. Leaving a door ajar or unlocked can result in others using it without realising it has not been cleaned or is still in use, which can lead to unpleasant situations.
The flight attendant continued: “When the door lock isn’t engaged properly, people can walk in on someone by accident. It’s embarrassing for everyone involved and wastes valuable time, especially when there’s a queue during busy periods.”
Alpine Elements notes several other lavatory habits that can frustrate cabin crews and fellow passengers:
- Excessive use of water – Aircraft carry a limited water supply, so running taps unnecessarily can cause waste.
- Flushing inappropriate items – Cabin crews frequently deal with blockages caused by tissues, wet wipes, or other items that should be placed in the bin.
- Occupying the bathroom for extended periods – Using the lavatory for non-essential purposes or taking too long can cause long queues, particularly on full flights.
Travellers should follow simple etiquette to keep the lavatory experience smooth for everyone:
- Always lock the door fully to ensure privacy and correct occupancy signalling.
- Be mindful of water use — a quick wash is sufficient.
- Place rubbish in the bin, not the toilet.
- Avoid using the lavatory during peak times, such as boarding or meal service.
