Here’s a topic that I figure makes for an interesting discussion. If you’re traveling in economy, can you use the first class lavatory? And if you can, should you?
In this post:
Rules around using first class bathrooms
Airlines go great lengths to configure their cabins efficiently, and to cram in as many seats as possible. For your average domestic narrow body aircraft, you might just have one lavatory at the front of the plane, and two (or so) lavatories at the back of the plane.
So if you’re traveling in economy, is it appropriate to use the first class lavatory? After all, it might be the closest one to you, and it’s possible that there’s not a line to use it, while there may be a line to use the lavatories at the back of the cabin.
For domestic flights, the answer is that you are typically allowed to use any lavatory on the aircraft, though the exact policy varies by airline. Here’s my understanding of the rules, and someone correct me if I get anything wrong:
- American and United allow passengers to use the lavatory in first class, no questions asked
- Alaska states that “guests should use the restroom in their assigned cabins, and are required to do so on inbound international flights”
- Delta states that “while customers should use the lavatory in their cabin of service, our crew leverages situational flexibility to support special accommodations as needed”
As you can see, at worst you’re told that you “should” use the lavatory in your cabin, but not that it’s required.
Note that the above is specific to domestic flights within the United States. On international flights bound for the United States, the consistent rule is that you’re required to use the lavatory in the cabin in which you’re seated. That’s not just an airline policy, but a government policy (along with not congregating in the galleys). In my experience it’s consistently enforced, at least to the extent that the crew is paying attention.
Also keep in mind that you have to follow flight attendant instructions, so if they tell you not to use the forward lavatory, you have to listen to them (it could be because the pilots need a bathroom break, etc.).
What should the policy around lavatory use be?
It’s worth noting that while airlines in the United States mostly let you use lavatories in any cabin, a vast majority of foreign airlines require you to use the lavatory in your cabin, with no exceptions.
Heck, I’d say when flying on a top global airline, having access to a (typically) clean lavatory is a part of the value proposition of flying in a premium cabin. After all, a lavatory is likely to be a lot cleaner, given how many fewer people have access to it.
What should the policy be on US airlines? Well, I see both sides.
On the one hand, it’s kind of annoying when you pay extra for first class, and then for the entire flight there’s a steady stream of people standing in the aisle waiting for the forward lavatory. At times, it can even be tough to use the lavatory when you’re in first class, since you basically have to just stand up at your seat to indicate to those coming up from economy that you’re waiting as well.
On the other hand, this is sort of a problem created by airlines. US airlines often simply don’t have enough lavatories in economy to accommodate the amount of “demand,” as you’ll often have two lavatories for around 150 passengers. There’s almost always a line in the back of the aircraft of people waiting for the lavatory, so I can’t blame people for not wanting to wait for extended periods of time.
Furthermore, during service, the aisle is often blocked with a cart, so it’s not like there’s even an easy way to get to the back.
Bottom line
Generally when flying on US airlines on domestic flights, you’re allowed to use the first class lavatory when flying in economy. There is some discretion here, especially on Alaska and Delta, which recommend — but don’t require — that you use the lavatory in your cabin.
Personally I don’t think there’s anything wrong with using the lavatory closest to you, assuming it’s within the carrier’s rules. However, it’s just yet another thing that makes the experience of flying in a premium cabin on a US carrier different than flying in a premium cabin on a foreign carrier.
What’s your take on using the first class lavatory when traveling in economy?
recently had this problem was first row economy and meal service blocking the aisle from the 14 business class seats no one needed the wc but fa didn't let me which is understandable but frustrating
United seems to be militant on enforcing the FC bathroom rule to the point of being rude to people..
There are several things to consider.
1. On narrow-body aircraft it may not be practical to ask economy class passengers to only use the aircraft lavatories in the rear (e.g. when blocked by galley carts).
Hence a simple comparison what US airlines do and what non-US airlines do will not on transatlantic or transpacific flight may miss that point as domestic flights are largely on narrow-bodies and transatlantic and transpacific flights are mainly on...
There are several things to consider.
1. On narrow-body aircraft it may not be practical to ask economy class passengers to only use the aircraft lavatories in the rear (e.g. when blocked by galley carts).
Hence a simple comparison what US airlines do and what non-US airlines do will not on transatlantic or transpacific flight may miss that point as domestic flights are largely on narrow-bodies and transatlantic and transpacific flights are mainly on wide-bodies.
2. Passengers in the premium cabin pay for added comfort and having them wait in economy style queues in front of lavatories does used by economy class passengers not fit that image. It stands also to reason that lavatories in classes with lower (premium class) seat density are cleaner and service by a flight attendant after a lower number of passengers visits. If you have been forced to use unsanitary Y class cabin lavatories on long distance flights you may understand what I am aiming at.
3. There was a directory issues in the post 9/11 ere that required airlines to make an announcement that passengers should only use lavatories in their service class area and refrain from congregating in groups. Some airlines still make that announcement and some don’t.
4. Well, as the saying goes: if you gotta go you gotta go. I presume - if nicely asked - a flight attendant will understand that should only a higher class lavatory be available.
So, what’s the deal on US carriers traveling back to the States?
What about foreign carriers traveling to and from the US of A?
You missed these possibilities.
My 2¢: B and F passengers are paying for comfort in-flight whether it be domestic or international travel. Having Y passengers line up and wait in the aisles of B or Y is not only an eyesore, but an unpleasant experience for those passengers sitting in the premium cabin.
Bottom line...? You missed an opportunity here.
If the first class lavatory isn’t being occupied I think economy class should be allowed to use it, however, if there is a Meal service being presented to the first class cabin I think allowing economy class passengers using the lavatory interrupts the service flow and they should be required to use the lav interrupts their cabin
Wow. A nice Sunday meal of raw red meat for the readers.
I don't mind if it is empty. I do mind when people queue for the first class lavatory in the galley or aisle - because most of the time in first we wait while seated and then glance around at other pax when someone exits the lavatory to see if anyone else is rushing to use it, then stand up to use it. Especially as the cabin is being prepared for landing when many first pax would like to use it quickly before landing.
This is truly a pet peeve of mine. I always fly premium/first/business. Years ago, people were instructed to use the cabin in which their seating was assigned. Recently the laws have changed I guess? On a flight not so long ago, a man from economy with major heath issues continued to use the forward cabin throughout the entire flight. He needed assistance from his wife , left the door ajar during these episodes. I am...
This is truly a pet peeve of mine. I always fly premium/first/business. Years ago, people were instructed to use the cabin in which their seating was assigned. Recently the laws have changed I guess? On a flight not so long ago, a man from economy with major heath issues continued to use the forward cabin throughout the entire flight. He needed assistance from his wife , left the door ajar during these episodes. I am trying to be nice, because i understand he was disabled. However, it seemed unfair to us sitting in the first row to be exposed to this terrible stench and visual commotion. ( the attendants were rolling their eyes and making coffee lol)
We used the lavs in the rear of the aircraft because he was inside for at least 1/2 hour each time. That was an exception I guess. It truly makes me upset when those from the back that pay a fraction of the price continually pass by and use the lavs for most of the flight. (especially when sitting in row 1). The smell and constant traffic is unfair to those paying a premium when the lav is at the very front of the plane. If it was located right behind business class, it would be ok. I had to use the back lavs several times because the economy passengers were occupying those in front.
TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND MEMORY
EY CL PAX WILL USE THE EYCL TOILETS ONLY AND THEY
WILL NOT CROSS THE LIMIT OF ECONOMY CLASS WHERE
THERE IS A CURTAIN FOR BEGINNING OF BUSINESS CLASS
THERE IS NO OCCASION WHERE I HAVE SEEN ANY EYCL PAX
HAVE GONE TO BUSINESS/FIRST CLASS TOILETS
PAX FOLLOW THE DISCIPLINE AND DID NOT CAUSE ANY
CONTROVERSIES OR PROBLEMS TO OTHER...
TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND MEMORY
EY CL PAX WILL USE THE EYCL TOILETS ONLY AND THEY
WILL NOT CROSS THE LIMIT OF ECONOMY CLASS WHERE
THERE IS A CURTAIN FOR BEGINNING OF BUSINESS CLASS
THERE IS NO OCCASION WHERE I HAVE SEEN ANY EYCL PAX
HAVE GONE TO BUSINESS/FIRST CLASS TOILETS
PAX FOLLOW THE DISCIPLINE AND DID NOT CAUSE ANY
CONTROVERSIES OR PROBLEMS TO OTHER HIGHER CLASS PAX
ABOVE IS MY EXPERIENCE IN MY 27 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN
AN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE. EVERYTHING WAS GOING ON
SMOOTHLY DURING PERIOD.
Why are you writing in all CAPS⁉️
There is NO bloody "two sides" to this. You're flying economy you stick to your cabin. It is not only a case of the first toilet being occupied by economy making the premium passengers having to wait, its the damn foot traffic through the first cabin as well. It's just bloody rubbish what goes on with US carriers. And calling the front cabin on US airlines is a joke anyway.
I pay first and business to have some small degree of privacy and hopefully a clean bathroom.
If people want to use the bathroom in First or business they should buy a ticket and stop bothering people tramping through.
Even in Flagship business class they are letting a constant stream of people trail through and on a flight from Miami to Barcelona last week one of of the flight attendants when I asked...
I pay first and business to have some small degree of privacy and hopefully a clean bathroom.
If people want to use the bathroom in First or business they should buy a ticket and stop bothering people tramping through.
Even in Flagship business class they are letting a constant stream of people trail through and on a flight from Miami to Barcelona last week one of of the flight attendants when I asked why these people were disturbing me told me that American had told their flight attendants to allow it.
Well American from now on it's Byebye, Adiós and Au Revoir, there are other airlines out there that have more respect for their premium passengers.
Worldwide, toilets are usually defined as "Male/Female", "Customers/Employees only", "First/Business/Economy"...
There are toilets assigned to everyone, what's the big deal that some people are trying to make here?
I am paying for a business ticket also to have comfortable access to the toilet (yes, one of the perks of paying more), and I have reasons for that. And, yes, there are emergencies which everyone (normal) understands.
Try in Pentagon to go to the toilets...
Worldwide, toilets are usually defined as "Male/Female", "Customers/Employees only", "First/Business/Economy"...
There are toilets assigned to everyone, what's the big deal that some people are trying to make here?
I am paying for a business ticket also to have comfortable access to the toilet (yes, one of the perks of paying more), and I have reasons for that. And, yes, there are emergencies which everyone (normal) understands.
Try in Pentagon to go to the toilets that are not meant for visitors, claiming your rights...
Most domestic first/business is slightly upgraded economy seats so there's not much separation among them anyways. On international flights you're usually going to walk past multiple lavatories on your way to trying to use the business/first lavatories so you're going out of your way to do it in those scenarios.
Did Larry David ghostwrite this for you, Ben?
I'm coachy.
Couple of things. I believe the “no crossing cabins” on international inbound flights to the US is gone; the only rule now is no congregating in the alleys and aisles. Secondly, there have been lawsuits (in the US of course) about violation of the ADA with regard to lavatory access on airplanes such that crews (on at least some airlines) have been told by management they cannot expressly forbid passengers from using lavatories in another cabin.
Not sure that ADA is an issue for airplane toilets, except on 747s and A380s that have two floors and no elevator.
For me the issue is not some guy taking a pee and being in and out in 2 minutes. But the minority of passengers who hog the toilet, do their makeup etc.
If the service cart is blocking the path to the rear lavatories, economy passengers should be permitted use the forward lavatory. Otherwise, please proceed to the rear of the plane.
In the EU, is there a law which explicitly prevents an airline from restricting access to the toilets based on booking class?
I thought there was, but then I wouldnt find it.
The peasants should stay where they belong….
In my experience, only on a U.S. airline has this situation ever been an issue.
In both cases the issue was rendered worse because of the attitude of the female passengers involved, they both believed, making it loudly clear to all, that they were entitled to deposit their bodily waste in whichever lavatory they choose.
They completely ignored the FA’s and other passengers who objected to their behaviour and language, spoiling what could...
In my experience, only on a U.S. airline has this situation ever been an issue.
In both cases the issue was rendered worse because of the attitude of the female passengers involved, they both believed, making it loudly clear to all, that they were entitled to deposit their bodily waste in whichever lavatory they choose.
They completely ignored the FA’s and other passengers who objected to their behaviour and language, spoiling what could have been two otherwise pleasant flights.
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Davis Polk Guest
April 6, 2025, 11:42 am
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DCAWABN Guest
April 6, 2025, 12:20 pm
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Komma Guest
April 6, 2025, 2:17 pm
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AeroB13a Guest
April 6, 2025, 4:06 pm
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3 more repliesAnd what is the relevance of identifying those passengers as female other than conveying your bigotry?
Likely because women often take longer to use the lavatory. Like when you see long lines at a sports event or a concert specifically for women's restrooms. Could've been worded better, but the fact remains that men have a much quicker bathroom turnaround time so waiting is typically less of an issue.
You're trying too hard to be offended and use the word bigot. ease up on your savior complex. All he did was mention it was female passengers involved. If he said it was male passengers, you'd have kept scrolling and not been offended.
Clearly DP, as you were not present on the flights in question, you could not appreciate the difference between bigotry and the facts.
What I failed to elaborate upon DP, was the uncalled for foul language which the FA’s and my fellow passengers had to endure in both instances. Their description of bodily waste was disgracefully base, in one case undeniably racist and most unladylike. A more usual place for their kind of language...
Clearly DP, as you were not present on the flights in question, you could not appreciate the difference between bigotry and the facts.
What I failed to elaborate upon DP, was the uncalled for foul language which the FA’s and my fellow passengers had to endure in both instances. Their description of bodily waste was disgracefully base, in one case undeniably racist and most unladylike. A more usual place for their kind of language would be a GI’s barracks, flop or Midwest roadhouse.
If you want to use the first class lavatory, buy a first class ticket. The access restriction is part of the value one gets from spending extra for first class. Everything else is an encouragement of socialism.
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Felix Guest
April 6, 2025, 9:24 am
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Aaron Guest
April 6, 2025, 10:15 am
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chgoodrich56 New Member
April 6, 2025, 8:04 pm
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2 more repliesSocialism? Can’t you exaggerate a little bit more?
Let people use the restroom, especially if the ones in the back face a queue…
Oh dear not that evil socialism at work again lol
Everything bad comes from Socialism, didn't you know? Including body odor, cavities, and bad-hair days....
On domestic "first" perfectly acceptable to do so.
On true first on long haul international flights - absolutely not ok for econ pax to use first/business class lavs.
The lavatory issue would be solved by the implementation of a beautiful tariff. MAGA!
Toilet access should be by credit card or app.
Free for the first 5 minutes with a charge after that.
Economy passengers should not use the first class toilets. The domestic first class experience isn't that great, so having peasants congregate and look at you makes it worse.
“Can” and “should” are very different. You can be a grumpy a-hole throughout life. The bottom quintile of residents in NYC are like this.
But you should strive to be pleasant which includes a mildly smiling countenance at all times. This comes naturally to some, but takes practice for others. The top quintile of residents in NYC, if they were the representative of NYC, then NYC or much of the Northeast, at large, would have...
“Can” and “should” are very different. You can be a grumpy a-hole throughout life. The bottom quintile of residents in NYC are like this.
But you should strive to be pleasant which includes a mildly smiling countenance at all times. This comes naturally to some, but takes practice for others. The top quintile of residents in NYC, if they were the representative of NYC, then NYC or much of the Northeast, at large, would have a much friendlier reputation.
And if you can get to the top 1% or better then you have biglaw rainmaker partner written all over you.
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TravelinWilly Diamond
April 6, 2025, 8:13 am
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Davis Polk Guest
April 6, 2025, 8:21 am
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1 more replyTedious.
Then why respond, Penis?
Alaska policy (announced during takeoff on most flights) is that economy pax can only use the aft lavatories, except during in-flight service when the bev cart is blocking access. This is also sometimes enforced by FAs.
The 767 Polaris are least enforce even on international flights.
Then there's the similar galley issue.