Airline lavatories are never one of the most pleasant aspects of flying, especially at the end of a long international flight. While many passengers are courteous and as clean as they can be, others are, shall we say, less so.
I know men reading this blog post will probably say this is a sexist statement, but a larger proportion of the “less so” category, are generally male. No matter who is to blame, I know few women passengers who would even think of heading to an aircraft lavatory in stocking feet.
Apparently this is a frequent complaint to airlines, and ANA airlines (based in Japan) is going to do something about it. Starting March 1, the airline will make one lavatory on international widebody flights available to women only.
ANA annoucned their decision in a press release last week. To start, they will only have one lavatory on each plane in the rear of the aircraft but it will be available to passengers in all classes.
As a rule, men will be forbidden from using these lavatories, except when ill or in emergencies, or if flight attendants determine there are “very few female passengers” onboard.
Now, cleaner lavatories may not be a reason for choosing an airline, but the fact that ANA is making a serious effort to cater to women travelers may not go unnoticed. (Next step, unlimited in-flight chocolate?) As a woman flier, I would probably use the “ladies room”, myself, although if I had been lucky enough to get upgraded I am not sure I would head all the way to the back to do so.
On the other hand, if the women’s lavatories seem to increase business for ANA, other carriers may follow suit. Depending on the acceptance of this new concept, this opens up all other sorts of possibilities that might increase airline fees.
Men might clamor for a men-only toilet with shorter, faster lines.
I can picture a fee for a “luxury toilet,” as well. Harrod’s department store in London, for as long as I can remember, has had “luxury toilets.” In short, particularly plush pay toilets. (Although last time I was there, the store did have free options.)
Heck, why not? We already are paying extra for more comfortable seats, additional fees for more luxurious airline lounges, new charges to board earlier. So, in the never-ending fee game, perhaps airlines could decide to have a premium toilet? Larger, cleaned more regularly, and with nicer than usual toiletries?
Don’t laugh. Since passengers are getting used to paying for almost everything else that is any kind of an upgrade, maybe luxury loos are not that far-fetched.
Janice Hough is a California-based travel agent a travel blogger and a part-time comedy writer. A frequent flier herself, she’s been doing battle with airlines, hotels, and other travel companies for over three decades. Besides writing for Travelers United, Janice has a humor blog at Leftcoastsportsbabe.com (Warning, the political and sports humor therein does not represent the views of anyone but herself.)
