Accessible bathrooms on airplanes – what are my options?

Going to the bathroom on an airplane is a relatively straightforward process if you don’t have a disability. Provided the seatbelt sign is turned off and the bathroom stall isn’t engaged, you’re good to go. But going to the bathroom at 40,000 feet above ground when you have mobility needs is no easy task. 

Before getting into the weeds of it, a little caveat. As we always say here at The World is Accessible, there truly is no such thing as “fully accessible”. There’s no “one size fits all” and what may be accessible for one person could be a nightmare for another. We’ve seen folks posting pictures in our Facebook group of a regular airplane toilet, super cramped and narrow, yet referring to it as being accessible for them because there was one grab bar near the sink. We’ve also had folks sharing experiences of the more spacious bathrooms on some long haul flights, designed to be able to fit an aisle chair inside, but as rightly pointed out by other members of our community – that still requires a great deal of independence, as when the doors closed and the aisle chairs inside, there isn’t much room for anything, much less a care assistant. 

The stark reality is such that for a lot of international travelers with more complex mobility needs, the approach for boarding a long-haul flight is to dehydrate one’s self before departure. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you exactly why this isn’t healthy, especially given that health professionals recommend drinking MORE when flying, not drastically less. 

In this blog, I’ll go through some of the many methods used by disabled flyers to help navigate the distinct lack of accessible bathroom options on modern-day aircraft. I’ll also bring attention to the fact that in this day and age, and with disability rights being a key part of legislation in many countries around the world, aircraft standards and accessibility on board should be high on the priority list for CEOs and their plethora of think tanks. 

How do wheelchair users use the toilet on planes?

Depending on your level of mobility need, you may be able to use an accessible toilet on certain wide-body airplanes. These tend to be internationally flying planes that are used on long-haul flights. Speaking from personal experience, I have never found there to be an accessible toilet on smaller planes, and even when flying internationally around Europe, these smaller planes are often preferred.

If you’re on a wide-body plane and you know that there is a larger accessible toilet on board, the first thing you need to do when you want to use it is to call a flight attendant. They will then locate the aisle chair for you and return to collect you and assist you to the bathroom. It’s a bit of a clunky experience, and you’ll likely find you’re bumping elbows with sleeping passengers as crew members wheel you down the aisle in a rickety padded seat. 

Once at the bathroom, the crew members will open the door and push you inside. They’ll then close the door behind you, allowing you to then lock it. Alternatively, if you cannot manage the lock, a crew member will wait on the other side of the door to ensure no other passengers try to enter. 

If you require assistance transferring onto the toilet seat then a member of the crew will be trained in how to appropriately help. Generally speaking, the bathrooms are still very small and cramped, despite being large enough to accommodate an aisle chair, and so fitting inside with a care assistant (if you’re traveling with one) may be next to impossible. 

Another thing to bear in mind (and again this is from personal experience) is that if you are flying alone and you press the call button from your plane seat, it may take crew members a very long time to react. I once flew with TAP and had to wait half an hour before a crew member noticed my need for help – and even then that was only after I flagged someone down who was walking past my seat. 

What are my options if I cannot use the accessible bathroom on a plane?

Your options vary depending on your anatomy. You may be in a position where you’re able to discreetly pee into a bottle (doing so under a blanket would be your best bet, and preferably if you’re sitting next to someone you know), or alternatively, you may look to use a catheter. 

Flying with a urinary catheter

Flying with a urinary catheter requires careful planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey. It’s essential to contact the airline in advance to arrange appropriate accommodations and medical assistance during the flight. Carry essential supplies like spare catheters and drainage bags in your carry-on luggage to mitigate the risk of lost baggage. Stay hydrated during the flight, but avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages that can worsen urinary issues. Consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice tailored to your specific needs and medical conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable travel experience for catheter users.

The starvation and dehydration technique

This one by its very definition is extreme and unpleasant. For those who are unable to use an aisle chair mid-flight, or who cannot use the bathroom on board without personal assistance, there is the drastic option of deliberately dehydrating yourself and severely limiting food intake before your flight. The goal is to ensure that you don’t need to use a bathroom at all whilst up in the air. 

It’s a horrible proposition and sadly one that many disabled fliers have to resort to. 

Considering medication

When considering medication options for flying with a disability, oxybutynin may be a beneficial choice for managing certain conditions such as an overactive bladder. Oxybutynin is commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence by relaxing the bladder muscles. For individuals with mobility limitations or conditions that necessitate frequent restroom visits, such as spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis, oxybutynin can offer significant relief during air travel. 

HOWEVER, it’s essential for individuals to consult with their healthcare provider before taking oxybutynin or any other medication, as dosage adjustments and potential side effects should be carefully considered, particularly in the context of air travel where factors like dehydration and restricted movement may come into play.

Breaking up the journey

Breaking down a journey into stages can be a practical strategy for individuals with disabilities to manage potential toilet issues while flying. By opting for flights with layovers or connecting flights, passengers can take advantage of restroom facilities during stopovers, thereby minimizing the stress of navigating long flights with limited access to bathrooms. This approach allows travelers to strategically plan their itinerary around restroom breaks, ensuring they have ample opportunities to attend to their needs throughout the journey. Additionally, breaking up the trip into stages can help reduce the discomfort and anxiety associated with prolonged periods without access to restroom facilities, offering a more manageable and comfortable travel experience overall.

Take heed though that booking separate flights increases the risk of disruptions, such as flight delays or cancellations.

Additional considerations

When thinking of accessibility on planes you’d be forgiven for immediately picturing a passenger that uses a wheelchair, trying to make it to the toilet. But as we all know, accessibility spans far beyond just catering to those who use a wheelchair. It all adds to the notion that is it nigh on impossible to achieve “full accessibility”. 

One group member came forward anonymously and explained that due to being an upper-limb amputee, they struggle to use the bathroom sink on airplanes. The sinks are invariably very small, causing issues when attempting to fit an arm in there to clean oneself efficiently. The tightly spaced nature of most short-haul airplane bathrooms makes this awkward jostle all the more problematic. As a result, this person said that they sometimes accidentally splash water all over their clothes and onto the floor – which apart from being a slipping hazard, is a rather embarrassing look when exiting a toilet cubicle. 

Using an airplane bathroom when you’re blind or visually impaired

When considering the accessibility of flying and using an airplane bathroom, we must also take into account the intricate difficulties encountered by individuals with visual impairments. The seemingly simple task of going to the bathroom on a plane poses a significant challenge for those who rely on touch and sound cues. The cramped quarters and lack of clear visual guidance create an intimidating environment where even basic tasks become daunting. From finding essential facilities to maintaining cleanliness, every aspect of using the airplane restroom becomes a precarious exercise in trial and error. For individuals with visual impairments, this ordeal is not only physically demanding but also emotionally draining, highlighting the ongoing battle for inclusive accessibility in air travel.

Comments from ‘The World is Accessible’ Facebook group:

Kimberly said:
“My process is – try to book a flight later in the day, mornings are the worst for me as I ALWAYS have to pee (sorry if it’s too much information), and I always get the seat closest to the lavatory but not the back row or your seat won’t recline. Ideally 1 row in front but as far back as possible, and always the aisle seat that way you don’t have to climb over anyone or they don’t have to get up to let you pass by. Yes, it’s longer to leave and get to your seat but if you need to go while in flight, it’s right there. I also carry disposable gloves and gtech wipes / spray to get rid of the cooties, the other reason is – if you’re on a flight with an inflight chair to take you to the bathroom, if the sky waitresses (I heard they like to be called that) have the drink cart out, it will take a LONG time to convince them to put it back to get you the chair. It also makes it more private for you because you don’t have hundreds of people staring at you. I also try to schedule my meals so I don’t eat a lot before flying and book flights with a longer layover so I can use the airport bathrooms without racing to my next gate and not getting to go. Hope it helps.”

Eric said:
“It’s rough!

My feet don’t even fit in the bathroom 6′ 2″ size 13 shoes have to leave the door partway open after the struggle and embarrassment to get there, my wife is there to help I also carry a backup urinal device in my backpack just in case I can throw a blanket over it.

Flying sucks! For handicap”

Emily said:

“Catheter bag that can be detached and emptied by an able-bodied travel companion and refitted without removing the Cath would be handy if that’s a thing. I have a matroffanoff so I can catheterize discreetly into a big enough dark “water bottle” that can be emptied and reused on the plane as I only travel with an able-bodied companion. This works for many situations where the toilet is too difficult to get to.”

What does the future have in store for accessible toilets on planes?

In the future, airplane bathrooms are poised to become more accessible for individuals with disabilities, particularly those using wheelchairs. According to a report by the Smithsonian Magazine, airlines and aircraft manufacturers are collaborating to develop innovative designs that prioritize inclusivity and accommodate passengers with mobility challenges. Concepts such as adjustable lavatory modules and onboard wheelchairs aim to enhance accessibility by providing easier entry and maneuverability within the confined space of aircraft restrooms. These advancements not only promise greater convenience and dignity for travelers with disabilities but also signify a positive step toward creating more inclusive air travel experiences. As the aviation industry continues to prioritize accessibility initiatives, passengers can anticipate a future where airplane bathrooms are more universally designed to meet the diverse needs of all travelers.