You’re on a flight and the airplane bathroom is starting to look really good. Suddenly, you remember that you’re plus size and you start to panic. What if there’s not enough room for me in there? Will the door close? What if I can’t fit into the seat?
These are all valid concerns, but don’t worry! You can use the airplane bathroom no matter what size you are. In this blog post, we will talk you through airplane toilet size and give you some tips and tricks to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
You’re Not Alone Bestie
First of all, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. Many people are plus size and have struggled to use an airplane bathroom before. There is nothing to be ashamed of when it comes to doing what you gotta do!
What Is The Average Airplane Toilet Size?
There is very little information available when it comes to the average size of an airplane bathroom but we have found that they range from just 24cm wide to 34cm wide in most economy cabins. This figure is based on measuring wall to wall.
So, Why Are Plane Bathrooms So Small?
The truth is, airplane bathrooms are small for everyone- not just plus size individuals. They are, unfortunately, designed this way so that the airline can save space and money. Of course, we do not support this at all and believe that there should be accessible bathrooms for all on planes that are able to support them.
This article goes into a lot more detail about how airlines are choosing passenger capacity over passenger comfort: read here.
Asking For An Accessible Bathroom On A Flight
The first thing you should do if you’re worried about using the bathroom on a flight is to ask a flight attendant if there is an accessible bathroom available. These bathrooms are larger and have more space for manoeuvring.
Today, wheelchair-accessible lavatories are available on many airplanes, but not all aircraft have them. Under U.S. law, only wide-body planes with dual aisles are required to have accessible toilets. Among the wide-body aircraft are the Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Airbus A350, Airbus A380, Boeing 747, Boeing 767, Boeing 777, and Boeing 787.
Airbus A220, Airbus A320, Airbus A321 and Boeing 757 are among the narrow-body aircraft that have accessibly equipped lavatories, though they are not required to. In a single-aisle aircraft, passengers shouldn’t expect an accessible lavatory.
It’s important to note that there is also a “grandfather clause” that exempts certain older wide-body aircraft operated by foreign carriers from this requirement. If you’re worried, our best advice is to call before boarding your flight to make sure you will have access to an accessible lavatory.
Using The First Class Bathroom
Another option is to speak to flight attendants and ask if you’re allowed to use the first class bathrooms, as these are generally a little bigger. Some airlines allow anyone from economy to use the first class bathroom if they want to but we recommend asking just in case. You’ll be able to find flight attendants at the back of the plane if you want to ask discreetly.
Tips And Tricks
If you’re not able to use an accessible or first class bathroom, here are some tips and tricks to help you use the airplane bathroom with ease:
- Use the restroom at the last possible moment before you board the plane. Although you may still need to use the bathroom during your flight, this will reduce the number of times you have to use it.
- If you’re concerned about walking up and down the aisle, choose a seat that is closer to the bathroom. Similarly, if you’re worried about getting up out of your seat, choose to sit in an aisle seat.
- Wear something that you can get on and off easily in a small space. I don’t recommend a jumpsuit or romper, as these can make it very difficult.
- Try to use the restroom before the food and drink service begins. This way, you won’t have to worry about having to disturb the flight attendants while they’re moving with the food trolley.
- If you’re struggling with the door (they’re incredibly small) turn sideways a little to fit through better. Once you’re in the bathroom you’ll need to face the door in order to get it to shut, as there’s not a lot of room between the toilet seat and the door itself.
- To get the best possible angle, sit forward on the seat a little and then sit at a slight angle. This will give you more space to wipe.
- For more room when it comes to wiping, you can also put one leg up onto the toilet seat (just be sure to wipe it down after you have done this).
- Most toilets will also have a grab rail, use this if you need to!
- If you do need to use the restroom during the flight, don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendant for help. They are there to assist you and will be more than happy to help you with anything you need. You can grab them discreetly at the back of the plane, rather than having to ask when you’re in your seat.
Stay Hydrated And Don’t Deny Yourself Food And Drink
We know that it’s tempting to deny yourself food and drink before a flight and that for some people this is the only way in which they’ll fly, but we want to remind you that staying hydrated is incredibly important when on a flight. If you can, please please please stay hydrated.
While we know that this is an all-around incredibly uncomfortable experience, we hope these tips and tricks help relieve the anxieties you may be feeling about airplane toilet size, even if just a little. For more tips and tricks about air travel while plus size, check out our flying while fat series that we’re posting throughout April.