Edit Article

wikiHow to Not Be Scared of the Airplane Toilet

Community Q&A

It might seem a bit silly, but people suffer from this phobia all over the world as they travel. It can be especially annoying when you are on a long-haul flight. This article will show you how to get over a fear of the airplane toilet.


  1. 1
    Get used to the sound of the airplane toilet. The sound of airplane toilets is the part that scares most people. About it a day before your flight, try listening to airplane toilet flushing noises via YouTube. It will get you used to the sound.
  2. 2
    Try to avoid using the airplane toilet. Use the restroom at the airport before getting on the plane. Don't consume an excessive amount of fluid before getting on the plane, and avoid diuretic drinks such as coffee or alcohol. If you suffer from nausea or vomiting on planes (usually called airsickness), get a doctor to prescribe you an airsickness medication (if needed). This way, you won't need to use the airplane toilet excessively.
    • Obviously, if you're on a long flight, it's impossible to completely avoid the airplane toilet, so this isn't your sole option.
  3. 3
    Be quick about it to minimize exposure to the noise. If the noise of the toilet flushing frightens you, just use the toilet quickly, but don't flush it yet. Wash your hands, unlock the door, and then flush the toilet and get out of the restroom.
    • For those who don't like flushing toilets because of the germs on the button, put something over your finger (e.g. a paper towel) when pressing the button, so you don't need to wash your hands again. Alternatively, use hand sanitizer afterwards (if some is available to you).
  4. 4
    Listen to music. Bring your iPod or phone, as well as your headphones, into the bathroom and listen to music. It will drown out the noise and help you get it over with.
  5. 5
    Be brave. You can't get over your fear without bravery.
  6. 6
    Talk to the flight attendant if you are really scared.
  7. 7
    Ask a friend or family member to come with you. If you're flying with someone else, ask them if they can come with you and stand outside the bathroom door, as some people find it can alleviate their fear a bit.
  8. 8
    Dare yourself to stay inside the cubicle while it flushes. When you do, pat yourself on the back - you've faced a fear of yours, after all.

Community Q&A

Add New Question
  • What do you do if I haven't had time to use the airport toilet before boarding?
    wikiHow Contributor
    Try using the on board toilet before everyone is seated and just deal with it. Have a friend or family member stand outside and wait for you. At least the toilet will be really clean at this point and the plane won't be moving. You could also beg a moment to use the toilet in the airport before boarding, letting the boarding staff know you'll be one minute and no more.
  • Are airplane toilets good?
    They're just like any other toilet.
  • What if I'm severely claustrophobic? Do I lock the door before the light comes on?
    The light comes on, dimly, when you open the door. Once you close the door there is limited time before the light goes off. When you lock the door, the light goes to its full brightness. Although airplane toilets are relatively small, you won't be in there for long, and there's enough room for you to move around.
Ask a Question
200 characters left


  • Understand that you are not alone, there are many people who are afraid like you.
  • Don't hold it in if you're bursting. The airplane toilet is perfectly safe.
  • Try to not drink much water if you're really scared.
  • If it is the noise that scares you, try some noise cancellation headphones.


  • Always lock the door.
  • Bring your iPod into the restroom at your own risk.
  • Follow all directions on the back of motion sickness pills, and only take them if you are a true sufferer of air sickness.

Article Info

Categories: Flying Comfort and Enjoyment

In other languages:

Español: no tener miedo al baño del avión

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,068 times.

Did this article help you?