20 Reasons to Avoid That Seat by the Airplane Bathroom

Choosing a seat next to the plane’s bathroom might seem like a strategic move for easy access and stretching your legs. However, this decision comes with a set of drawbacks that can make your flight less enjoyable than anticipated. From unexpected odors to constant foot traffic, the cons often outweigh the pros. Here are 20 reasons to think twice before selecting that seemingly convenient seat.

1. Unpleasant Odors (No escape from the inevitable)

No matter how clean an airplane bathroom is, it’s battling against constant use and limited ventilation. This means that odors can escape into the cabin area, particularly affecting those seated nearby. While airlines do their best to maintain cleanliness, the close proximity means you’re more likely to catch a whiff of unwanted smells throughout your flight. This can make your journey less pleasant, especially on long-haul flights where bathroom visits become more frequent. In short, your nose might regret your seat choice before reaching your destination.

2. Constant Foot Traffic (Like living next to a busy street)

Seating near the bathroom means dealing with a never-ending stream of passengers. This can feel like living next to a busy street, with people constantly passing by your seat. The movement not only disrupts your personal space but can also make it challenging to fall asleep or stay relaxed. Additionally, during turbulent moments, the aisle can become even more crowded with people waiting to use the facilities. It’s a recipe for a less restful journey, as you’re constantly on edge from the foot traffic.

3. Noise Levels (No silence zone)

The area around the bathroom is far from being a silence zone. The sound of the flush, door locking and unlocking, and hand dryer can be frequent and jarring. This constant barrage of noise makes it difficult to enjoy a movie, read a book in peace, or take a nap. Late-night flights become especially challenging as the noise can interrupt your sleep. If you’re someone who values quiet, this seat location might not be for you.

4. Limited Recline (Your comfort compromised)

Seats located near the bathroom often have limited recline due to the proximity of the lavatory wall. This design restriction means you can’t lean back as far as other passengers, making it harder to find a comfortable sleeping position. On long flights, this can lead to increased discomfort and stiffness. The inability to stretch out fully can make your flying experience less relaxing and more taxing on your body. Considering comfort is key on longer journeys, this is a significant downside to consider.

5. Bright Lights (Like sleeping next to a lamp)

The bathroom area is typically well-lit to ensure safety and convenience for all passengers. However, this means that every time the door opens, a flood of light can spill into your seating area. This can be particularly bothersome on overnight flights or in dimly lit cabins where your eyes have adjusted to the darkness. The constant flickering of light can make it difficult to sleep or maintain a sense of calm. If you’re sensitive to light changes, this seat might not be the best choice for your comfort.

6. Reduced Privacy (Everyone knows your business)

Sitting next to the bathroom means your seat becomes a landmark for all passengers. This can significantly reduce your sense of privacy, as people tend to glance or even stop by your seat while waiting for the bathroom. You might find yourself inadvertently eavesdropping on conversations or becoming the subject of people’s bored stares. The lack of privacy can make it hard to relax or feel at ease, especially if you’re a private person. It’s a small but notable sacrifice in comfort and personal space.

7. Risk of Being Bumped (An obstacle course)

With the constant flow of traffic comes the increased risk of being bumped or jostled by other passengers or the service cart. The aisle next to the bathroom acts as a narrow corridor where people often hurry, not always mindful of their surroundings. This can lead to accidental bumps, especially if you’re trying to sleep and your feet or elbows are in the aisle. The constant vigilance required to protect your personal space can be exhausting. It’s akin to sleeping on the edge of a busy sidewalk, where you’re always half expecting to be disturbed.

8. Awkward Conversations (No, thank you)

Being close to the bathroom means you’re often the go-to person for questions about its availability or functionality. Whether it’s locked, out of order, or just occupied, expect to be asked or gestured at by confused passengers. This can lead to awkward interactions, especially if you’re wearing headphones or trying to sleep. It’s an additional, albeit minor, inconvenience that can disrupt your peace. Essentially, you become an unofficial bathroom monitor, a role no one really wants during their flight.

9. Lingering Crowds (No room to stretch)

The area by the bathroom can become a gathering spot for passengers, especially during long flights. This means your immediate space is often invaded by those waiting their turn. The sense of personal space is greatly reduced, and the opportunity to stretch your legs or just stand up is hindered by the crowd. On packed flights, this can feel claustrophobic, as if you’re trapped in your seat by the surrounding press of people. It’s a significant drawback for those who value their personal bubble.

10. Unpredictable Queue Times (Timing is everything)

One might think that sitting next to the bathroom ensures convenience when nature calls. However, the reality is that you’re also at the mercy of unpredictable queue times. Just when you decide to use the bathroom, you might find a sudden line forming, and since you’re already seated, you don’t have the advantage of timing your visit. This can be particularly frustrating during meal times or right before landing, when the use of the bathroom spikes. So, ironically, the perceived convenience can sometimes turn into a disadvantage.

11. Frequent Disturbances (Sleep? What’s that?)

For those hoping to catch some Zs on their flight, the bathroom area is not conducive to sleep. The constant opening and closing of the bathroom door, combined with the light and noise, can lead to frequent disturbances. Even with earplugs and an eye mask, the physical vibrations and sudden movements can jolt you awake. It’s a challenge to enter deep sleep when you’re constantly bracing for the next interruption. If uninterrupted sleep is a priority, this seat location might be your nemesis.

12. Feeling of Claustrophobia (Walls closing in)

The combination of limited recline, constant foot traffic, and reduced personal space can contribute to a feeling of claustrophobia. The proximity to the bathroom and the cabin wall creates a boxed-in feeling, with less room to move and breathe freely. This sensation can be particularly intense for those who already feel uneasy in confined spaces. The psychological comfort of having an open space or at least an illusion of it is significant on long flights. This seat position lacks that essential feeling of openness and freedom.

13. Difficulty Accessing Overhead Bins (An obstacle course above)

Passengers congregating in the bathroom area can also make accessing the overhead bins more challenging. You might find yourself navigating through a crowd just to reach your belongings. This can be particularly cumbersome during boarding and deboarding, when the aisle is most congested. The inconvenience is magnified when you need something mid-flight but have to wait for the bathroom queue to clear. It’s an added hassle that can make the flight feel more stressful than relaxing.

14. Limited Leg Room (Cramped quarters)

Seats next to the bathroom sometimes offer less legroom due to the cabin’s design and the need to accommodate bathroom doors that swing outward. This can leave passengers feeling cramped, especially on longer flights where stretching out is crucial for comfort. The restricted leg space not only affects your comfort but can also contribute to increased restlessness and fatigue. It’s a subtle yet significant factor that can detract from your overall flying experience. For those who value their legroom, this seat selection could be a misstep.

15. Exposure to Germs (A hotspot for germs)

Given the high traffic of people using the bathroom, the nearby seating area can become a hotspot for germs. Even with regular cleaning, the proximity to the bathroom means you’re more exposed to potential bacteria and viruses. This can be a particular concern during flu season or when traveling during a pandemic. For passengers who are health-conscious or have weakened immune systems, this can be a significant downside. It’s a health consideration that might make you think twice about seating preferences.

16. Less Access to Cabin Crew

Being seated close to the bathroom can also mean you’re less visible to the cabin crew, especially when they’re busy with service routines. This can lead to slower response times for requests or being overlooked entirely during snack and beverage services. The crew’s primary focus might be on managing the queue and ensuring the bathroom area is clean, leaving less attention for your personal needs. It’s a minor but notable inconvenience that can affect your comfort and service experience. If attentive service is important to you, consider a different seat.

17. Awkward Eye Contact (Can’t look away fast enough)

There’s something about making eye contact with strangers as they exit the bathroom that can feel particularly awkward. Seated near the bathroom, you’re often the first person passengers see, leading to unintentional stares or awkward smiles. This can become tiresome, especially on long flights where you’re seeking some semblance of privacy. It’s a social discomfort that adds to the overall sense of unease. If you’re someone who values a sense of anonymity while traveling, this seating option might not be the best fit.

18. Disruptive Door Sounds (The soundtrack of your flight)

The constant opening and closing of the bathroom door can become the unwanted soundtrack of your flight. The latch clicking, locking, and unlocking sounds can be surprisingly loud in the quiet of a cabin, especially during night flights. This repetitive noise can disrupt your peace and make it hard to focus on anything else. It’s a small detail that can have a big impact on your ability to relax or enjoy entertainment. For passengers seeking a quieter flight experience, sitting next to the bathroom can be a deal-breaker.

19. Limited Storage Space (Where to put your stuff)

Seats near the bathroom often come with limited storage space, as the proximity to the lavatory can mean less room under the seat in front of you. This can make it difficult to store your personal items conveniently, forcing you to rely more heavily on overhead bins. The lack of easy access to your belongings can be frustrating, especially on longer flights where you might want to retrieve items frequently. It’s another layer of inconvenience that can detract from the overall comfort of your journey. For those who like to keep their essentials within easy reach, this might not be the ideal seat.

20. The Last to Deplane (Waiting, waiting, and more waiting)

Depending on the aircraft’s layout, seats near the bathroom might also mean you’re among the last to deplane. This is particularly true for bathrooms located at the back of the plane. The wait can feel interminable, especially after a long flight when you’re eager to stretch your legs and make your way through the airport. This delay in deplaning can also mean longer waits at baggage claim and a slower start to your trip or return home. It’s a final inconvenience that might make you reconsider the perceived convenience of seating near the bathroom.

This article was written by a human and edited with AI assistance.