Spending long hours on a plane often leads to dry mouth due to the stale air. Despite the satisfaction of an in-flight meal, the aftertaste usually triggers a desire to brush one’s teeth. However, contrary to our needs, flight attendants advise against brushing their teeth in the airplane bathroom.
The Sun reported on flight attendants’ tips for using the airplane bathroom, offering insights into the best practices for comfort and hygiene during flights.
An anonymous former flight attendant advised, “It’s best to wear a mask in the airplane bathroom,” adding, “Due to the lack of windows and poor ventilation, you might find yourself inhaling an unpleasant mix of foul odors of excrement each time you use the bathroom.”
The flight attendant also discouraged brushing your teeth in the airplane bathroom, as the water on the plane comes from a single tank used for coffee, drinking water, and the bathroom sink. Instead, it’s recommended to use bottled water for brushing your teeth. Although the water is purified, it cannot be filtered on the plane, often producing subpar quality.
A 2019 in-flight water quality survey by Diet Detective and the Hunter College NYC Food Policy Center revealed subpar water quality in many airlines’ in-flight water tanks. The tanks’ structure is conducive to microbial growth, contributing to the poor water quality.
The flight attendant stressed the importance of bathing and washing your clothes after landing if you have used the airplane bathroom. You should carry hand sanitizer and always wash your hands with soap before and after using the bathroom. Also, it was noted that using the bathroom without shoes risks stepping on urine or other waste.
Lastly, avoiding using the airplane bathroom during takeoff and landing is advised. Due to the high passenger demand, using the bathroom at these times is risky and inconvenient.
“In-flight meals are often greasy and high in salt, which can negatively affect digestion or intestinal health, resulting in many passengers experiencing diarrhea. Consequently, there is a rush to the bathroom after the seat belt sign is turned off,” the flight attendant added.
The best time to use the bathroom on a plane is during in-flight services like beverage service when it is less crowded.
Most Commented