<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by cblaisd:
There's a reason they call him/her "Pilot in Command."
Whether it's reasonable, prudent, right, or whatever to make such restrictions re standing outside the lav is one question; whether they have the power to is entirely another. Reg after reg in the FAR's specify the virtually unlimited power that the PIC has while operating and in command of an aircraft.
E.g, The FAR's also make it clear that where such authority is abused in specific ways (prohibiting standing by the lavs not being one of those), there are very strict accountablilty and even disciplinary or punishment processes after the fact. But the regs assume that "before the fact," the PIC needs "command authority" that is unquestioned.
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There have been numerous reports since 9/11 of captains expelling persons of Arabic descent, or persons who look Arabic, simply because captain or crew did not "feel safe" with them aboard.
Granted, this is a different ballpark than stretching one's legs, but how much captain's discretion should we tolerate in the interest of safety?