Go to the loo before boarding -- new U.S rules

[jjcollins]

Passengers on transatlantic flights may need to drink less in future following an American security demand that queuing near lavatories should be prohibited.

On Christmas Eve, as the current air terror alert began, the US Transportation Security Administration notified all airlines that passengers should no longer be allowed to "congregate in groups" by toilets on flights into American airspace.

The agency said that aircraft captains should warn travellers of the restriction before take-off, then make reminder announcements.

Flights from Britain to cities on America's west coast can last as long as 12 hours. In the economy cabin, as many as 300 passengers might share six cubicles, virtually guaranteeing queues after a meal or at the end of a film.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic refused to comment on the American demand. However, it is understood that neither airline feels obliged to implement new procedures unless ordered by the UK Department for Transport.

Last night DfT officials were still considering how to respond to the request.

The Australian carrier, Qantas, said it would adopt the new rule on flights to the US but expected that implementation would "not be a significant issue".

Warren Bennett, the chief executive of Australia's board of airline representatives, criticised the proposal. "On one hand, passengers are advised to move round an aircraft during flights for health reasons. Now they are being told not to congregate. It doesn't make any sense."

The US move is thought to be prompted by fears that terrorists seated in different rows could use the appearance of waiting for the lavatory to assemble before a hijack.

David Kayser, a spokesman for the TSA, which is part of the US Department of Homeland Security, said it would be up to cabin crew to distinguish between passengers "politely waiting" and those gathering in a suspicious manner.



I WONDER WHAT THEY'LL THINK OF NEXT


jj...........

 

[vernon]

IMHO it's un-inforcable. Another ill thought out measure.

How long until the court case citing the US government and/or the airlines for causing a DVT " economy class syndrom" death or injury. We all know that you should drink plenty of fluids in order to head off dehydration and should walk at least for a couple of minutes every couple of hours in order to reduce the risk of a blood clot forming in our legs.

It's akin to saving 2,000 lives by killing 10,000. Of course 10,000 dealths from DVT wouldn't have the same economical or political impact that another 9/11. It would badly damage business and the big insurance companies, but I don't think even this government is so cynical that it would rather more people die in order to make corporate USA's future a more prosperous one.

 

[Claire L]

How will they enforce the toilet queue ban, if the airline crew don't tell? Is there now to be a toilet queue spy on board?
I agree with the Marshals, but now they are going too far.
Claire

 

[jjcollins]

Claire just stand in the queue with your legs crossed that should be good enough lol

David Kayser, a spokesman for the TSA, which is part of the US Department of Homeland Security, said it would be up to cabin crew to distinguish between passengers "politely waiting" and those gathering in a suspicious manner.

There you have it Claire - clear as mud lol


jj..........

 

[keswick1uk]

I was once on a 5 hour flight where we had seat belt signs on all of the time and strict instructions from flight crew not to walk around. No meals were served, and luckily no drinks.

I had put training pants on both my children luckily, even though they didn't need them, and was very pleased.

One, pretty elderly guy, had air rage! He was so desparate to go. The flight attendants (how had to unbelt themselves) had to restrain him. It was all very nasty.

I know they aren't saying you can't go to the loo but they effectively are if no queues are to happen. Those elderly and sited well away will have to leg it down the aisle to reach it before a closer person.

 

[amf]

I have heard it on the grapevine that some airlines are considering introducing measures to assist passengers in the light of these new rules.

Apparently it is proposed to issue numbered tickets (similar to Sainsbury's meat counter) so that when the display above the toilet shows your number (and only then) you are free to make use of the facilities

Those having frequent flyer status with the airlines in question and those travelling in business/first class are, of course, entitled to receive two tickets for every one issued in economy

 

[jjcollins]

amf magic


jj.........

 

[steven1105]

ive been to florida twice now and to spain a few times and ive never been in an Airplane toilet. Im sooooooo weird.my girlfriend makes up for it though , she can go for both of us.

s



steve

 

[amf]

Originally posted by steven1105
ive never been in an Airplane toilet.

Steve....Er, methinks you are not being wholly truthful The wee picture at the bottom of your comments looks as if it was taken by surprise whilst you were in the airplane loo

Seriously, I am told that the Flight Attendants are using a great deal of common sense in relation to this ruling. Only strict enforcement in place is;-

1. Passengers being required to use the loos in their cabin (no sneaking into the business class bogs when seated in economy) and

2. Closer scrutiny only being applied to the loo adjacent to the cockpit (for obvious reasons). Since this is the loo closest to business/first, flying steerage might not be too bad after all.

Alex

 

[steven1105]

I heard that all passengers will be fitted with a colostamy bag and strapped to our seats on boarding the plane. Feeding will be done through tubes which will drop down from ceiling above you. Entertainment will be provided by reciting the American Constitution and pledging allegence to the star spangled banner.lol We will board the plane with the luggage on conveyor belts. On arrival in the states once passed the immigration ,DNA and fingerprint I.D only then may you enjoy your holiday.

Steve.

P.S this is a joke

 

[Miffy2003]

Perhaps the airlines could issue Fastpasses for the loo......

 

[Stuartpaul]

I hear they also intend to fit CCTV cameras in the loos to make sure no terrorist activities are taking place!!

This will become channel 14 on the in flight entertainment!!!!

 

[keswick1uk]

George Bush is hoping to send a man to Mars. LOL if the aliens send him back 'cus he's not got the right passport )

 

[Mrs Dazzle]

"David Kayser, a spokesman for the TSA, which is part of the US Department of Homeland Security, said it would be up to cabin crew to distinguish between passengers "politely waiting" and those gathering in a suspicious manner."

. . . . that'll be the ones like me wriggling around with a panicked look on their faces then

 

[Goofyish]

I would have thought that having passengers on their feet, queuing for the toilets or just stretching their legs would be better for plane security - if a hijacker does get up, then people would be in a better position to over power him/her. If everyone is sitting then the hijacker has the upper hand.

 

[UKDEB]

We flew American Airlines from New York to Orlando on New Year's Day. We were told 'no congregating' near the lavs. About 30 minutes prior to landing, I was desperate for the loo, but every time it was vacated, someone in a closer seat jumped up and went in. There was nothing for it but to go and wait. By the time I came out there were about 5 people waiting - I think everyone was just waiting for someone else to be the first!