Use of the toilets mid-flight during COVID
 

This may seem a sensitive issue to some, and perhaps risible to others, but I would ask for your kindness and help. A friend of mine is travelling with Swiss, and has heard that use of the toilet in flight might be prohibited. This 'urban legend' has been doing the rounds for several carriers, but to those who are travelling for the first time since some European countries were locked down back in March 2020, this can be a source of added stress ... and often leading to increased use of the said facility.

Could someone who knows - Swiss cabin crew or current SLF - please confirm the procedure required .... to queue as normal and wait for the toilet to become free, or to press the call bell to attract the attention of cabin crew who will 'grant access' to the toilet, or ?

Could anyone confirm that the state of the toilets are checked at specific times during the flight on Swiss (as they are in the SOPs of other carriers) and if so at what interval (if this is not classified information). The person who needs to know would be mightily reassured by the information being asked for in this post.

I did ask the same questions from the Swiss customer service but today I received what I felt is a completely irrelevant and unhelpful response to my specific questions. I would be grateful for experienced SLF and Swiss staff to give me some guidance. Sincere thanks in advance.

I haven't flown with Swiss for a few months now but the toilets were available for use. Most airlines are preferring that you don't queue. 1 or 2 people, no real issue that I have seen on BA. Just look for the green available signs above the toilets and you should be good to go.

No idea as to the timing of the routine check.

Thank you very much redsnail .... I will pass this information on to her, and hope that she will start to calm down a bit ... she's wound up as tight as a drum at the moment.

Obviously it depends on how far she’s travelling, but I would suggest that if she is that worried, then perhaps avoid drinking before flight and use the land side toilets before flying would be a good idea.

Alright this is ludicrous.
Nobody will deny you access to the restrooms.
If anything they may do some additional in flight cleaning and sanitizing.
Drink plenty of fluids as “airplane air” tends to be dry.

Thank you Saintsman and B2N2 ... I have already reminded her of using the toilets landside and airside and to be aware of her liquid consumption - not alcohol!! B2N2, I understand why you thought the situation I mentioned was ludicrous, but if there is a 'best way' to cope that makes life more reassuring for a nervous passenger and helps the cabin crew in their duties, it's nice to know this in advance and to put this into practice. Thank you both for your contributions to my thread.

Alsacienne
Just to clarify, your question was not ridiculous but the rumor about toilet use was.
I apologize if that came across wrong.

If I'm correctly assuming that this will be a long haul flight, as others have said the toilets will be open as before, except for the first and last portions of the flight, covid restrictions or not. If it's short haul then toilet beforehand and minimal fluids during the flight. Your nervous flyer should try to reduce their anxieties, at least for the journey, as everyone knows that the waterworks will delight in demanding attention when we're stressed. I hope the journey will be stress-free.

Thanks SHJ ... and B2N2 I really appreciate your clarification. Happy Landings and many thanks to all who have read and contributed to this thread. I'll be seeing the lady concerned today and will try to reassure her (again) and pass on your advice. Much appreciated.

I flew Swiss last week and no mention of toilets unavailable

Thanks Hoss ... message duly passed on!

Same here. Business as usual, if I dare say.

I know of a certain central european airline that blocks the very front lav (business class) of their A350 informally for crew use.

Alsaciane

I have flown all through Covid with with a number of carriers, on LH and SH, and the only thing I have heard mention on this subject was about cues and cueing, which was to be avoided, as others have said. I think your friend will be fine.

Thanks Mr Mac ... and I can guess the culprit of Less Hair's post! Thanks everyone.