Originally Posted by Goes2Oz

Since the sign went on just before the pilot came out of the cockpit, and as you said, it went off as soon as the pilot returned to the cockpit, this whole ordeal couldn't have taken more than a few minutes. So, was there really that much inconvenience? Those pilots are locked up, and really, for the most part, don't like to beg us for bathroom time. Think about it ... um ... "can I pee now???" "Well, no, hold it, there is a line for the loo and I hate to tell those in line they have to return to their seats." 5 minutes later ... "um ... can I pee NOW??? There are storms ahead and I need to be in the cockpit during that time." Many of the pilots are having kidney, bladder, and prostate problems from holding too long or not drinking enough water so they don't have to urinate. I do have sympathy with them on this one ... just as I have sympathy for the pax who are asked to hold.