Here's a topic I've never touched on before, but I think makes for an interesting discussion. If you are traveling in economy class, can you use the first class toilet? And if you can, should you?
Rules for using first class bathrooms
Airlines go to great lengths to make their cabins efficient and accommodate as many seats as possible. On an average domestic narrow-body aircraft, you may only have one toilet at the front of the aircraft and two (or so) toilets at the rear of the aircraft.
So if you are traveling in economy class, is it appropriate to use the first class toilet? After all, it may be the closest one to you, and there may be no queue to use it, while there may be a queue to use the toilets at the back of the cabin.
For domestic flights, the answer is that you are generally allowed to use any toilet on the plane, but the exact regulations vary depending on the airline. Here is my understanding of the rules and someone correct me if I get it wrong:
- American and United allow passengers to use the restroom in first class, no questions asked
- Alaska states: “Guests should use the restrooms in their assigned cabins and are required to do so on inbound international flights.”
- Delta explains, “While customers should use the restroom in their service cabin, our crew utilizes situational flexibility to provide special accommodations when needed.”
As you can see, the worst case scenario is that you are told that you “should” use the toilet in your cabin, but not that it is required.
Note that the above applies specifically to domestic flights within the United States. On international flights to the United States, the rule is always that you must use the restroom in the cabin in which you are seated. This is not just airline policy, but government policy (along with the ban on gathering in galleys). In my experience it is consistently enforced, at least as far as the crew is paying attention.
Also remember that you must follow the instructions of the flight attendants. So if they tell you not to use the front restroom, you have to listen to them (it could be because the pilots need a restroom break, etc.).
In principle, everyone can use the first class toilet
What should the guidelines for toilet use be?
It is worth noting that while most airlines in the United States allow the use of restrooms in each cabin, the vast majority of foreign airlines invariably require the use of in-cabin restrooms.
Heck, I'd say when flying on a world-leading airline, access to a (usually) clean restroom is part of the value proposition of flying in a premium cabin. After all, a toilet is likely to be much cleaner considering how many fewer people have access to it.
What policies should apply to US airlines? Well, I see both sides.
On the one hand, it's a bit annoying when you pay extra for first class, and on the other hand, there's a constant stream of people standing in the aisle waiting for the front toilet throughout the entire flight. Sometimes it can even be difficult to use the bathroom when you're in first class, as you basically just have to stand up from your seat to indicate to those coming from economy class that you're waiting too.
On the other hand, this is a kind of problem caused by the airlines. US airlines often simply do not have enough restrooms in economy class to meet “demand,” as there are often two restrooms available for about 150 passengers. There's almost always a line of people waiting for the bathroom at the back of the plane, so I don't blame people for not wanting to wait for a long time.
Additionally, the aisle is often blocked with a cart during the service, so there isn't even an easy way to get to the back.
American Airlines First Class Bathroom (just kidding)
Bottom line
When flying domestic airlines on U.S. airlines, you are generally allowed to use the first class restroom on economy class flights. There is some discretion here, particularly on Alaska and Delta, which recommend – but do not require – using the restroom in your cabin.
Personally, I don't think there's anything wrong with using the restroom closest to you, provided it's within the carrier's rules. However, there is another factor that makes the experience of flying in a premium cabin on a U.S. airline different than the experience of flying in a premium cabin on a foreign airline.
How do you rate the use of the first class toilet when traveling in economy class?
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