Can I use the toilet on the plane before take-off?

Many passengers spend their waiting time at the airport in a restaurant or bar, enjoying a drink or two. While it's essential to stay hydrated before a flight, it's advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine. Due to the low humidity on board, the body loses fluids more rapidly through the skin and respiratory system.

If you drink a lot, you will quickly feel pressure on your bladder. It's convenient that toilets are available on the plane – however, access to them is not always guaranteed. There are phases when it is forbidden to use the on-board toilet. The rules are clear, as Travelnews has learned from an insider.

Exceptions are possible in the event of turbulence

During boarding, when the aircraft is stationary, the toilets can be used without restriction. «Technically, the toilets work just as well on the ground as they do in the air», says Tanja Banghard, Head of Cabin Crew at Helvetic Airways.

During take-off and landing, the safety regulations are particularly strict. This is for the safety of the passengers, as the risk of injury is higher during these critical phases of the flight. «After a quick security check, the flight attendants lock the toilets from the outside and only open them again when the seat belt sign has been switched off», says Banghard.

Andreas Meier, spokesperson for Edelweiss, adds: «Passengers are informed of the toilet regulations with an announcement. The safety video at the beginning of the flight also points out when it is not allowed to use the toilets.»

As a general rule, as long as the seat belt sign is off, passengers are free to use the toilet at any time. This means that once cruising altitude is reached and the sign is turned off, the toilets are fully accessible.

If turbulence occurs during the flight, the seat belt sign is switched back on and the cabin crew asks the passengers to return to their seats and keep their seat belts fastened. «Passengers could endanger themselves and other passengers if they attempt to use the toilet during turbulence», says Edelweiss spokesman Meier.

However, exceptions are possible here, depending on the airline. «If someone urgently needs to use the toilet during turbulence, the cabin crew will point out that they are visiting the toilet at their own risk» explains Tanja Banghard from Helvetic Airways. In such cases, the airline assumes no responsibility for injuries caused by unexpected movements of the aircraft.

One thing is certain: safety on board is always the top priority, even when nature calls. The best advice for passengers is to use the restroom before takeoff. This way, they can enjoy the flight in a relaxed manner – at least on short-haul flights – without running into trouble in the event of turbulence.