Pilots Locking Lavatory Door In Polaris
Mar 1, 2024, 5:46 pm
#16
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Mar 1, 2024, 6:10 pm
#17
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I hope people are reporting this when it happens.
Mar 1, 2024, 7:04 pm
#18
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Unclear which case are an uncompliant lav or a commandeered lav? Really two different situations. But poor optics without clearer qualification.
Mar 1, 2024, 7:11 pm
#19
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That happens when there is a maintenance differal related to the lavatory, usually an inoperative smoke detector or something with the fire suppression system in the trash can.
The lavatory functions work normal, but without the fire/smoke related items the FAA has authorized it only for crew use only in those situations. We don’t like having that differed either and completely understand the inconvenience it causes.
The lavatory functions work normal, but without the fire/smoke related items the FAA has authorized it only for crew use only in those situations. We don’t like having that differed either and completely understand the inconvenience it causes.
That makes 100% sense - thank you! I thought about asking why you don't just make an announcement -- and then I realized all of the downstream carnage from that -- i.e. "We are flying a plane that doesn't meet standards -- what else isn't right" lol... Sometimes TMI is really TMI...
Mar 1, 2024, 7:17 pm
#20
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I just can’t see UA blocking off one of only 2 lavs on a 34-passenger long-haul J flight just so pilots could “skip the line” once or twice during the flight. If that was the objective, couldn’t the crew just use a few carts to temporarily block off access to one of the lavs when the cockpit gives advance notice, just as they do on domestic narrow bodies? Or, as someone else suggested, just have the cockpit crew jump any queue.
Last edited by st530; Mar 1, 2024 at 7:22 pm
Mar 1, 2024, 7:25 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Highly doubtful pilots blocked off a lav for the entire flight. Years ago there were 2 lavs at door 1 on the 764 so it was never an issue. Now PF pax also have PE pax using the 2 lavs at door 2, thats why pilots block 1 lav when rotating in/oit of the pit. Another fake story from that site.
Mar 1, 2024, 7:32 pm
#22
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Highly doubtful pilots blocked off a lav for the entire flight. Years ago there were 2 lavs at door 1 on the 764 so it was never an issue. Now PF pax also have PE pax using the 2 lavs at door 2, thats why pilots block 1 lav when rotating in/oit of the pit. Another fake story from that site.
The comments coming from pilots on that story are amazing.
Like this one:
Pilots are FLYING THE PLANE and are charged with your safety. Their schedule in flight is tight and regulated. They need access to the facility and should not have to wait because some entitled a-hole is holed up in the bathroom.
The story is true. The only BS is the "security" quip from the captain.
Mar 1, 2024, 7:54 pm
#23
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I would simply flip the cover when no one was looking. If someone wanted to bang on the door or flip the cover themselves while I was in there, good luck to them then 
Mar 1, 2024, 8:52 pm
#24
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Yes, I have seen that also. And I don't recall an announcement of an inoperable lavatory.
I don't think this is the explanation most of the time. At least in my experience the blocked lav was the closest one to the cockpit.
I wish I could share your confidence in how pilots view passenger comfort. On the upper deck of the 747 there were West Coast based pilots who would block one off the first of two lavs for either the entire flight or the last two hours. I once questioned a pilot about it when he was in the back galley and he said it you don't like it take it up with United management. I had asked in a non-confrontational way but the pilot was not going to entertain any discussion of his action.
That happens when there is a maintenance differal related to the lavatory, usually an inoperative smoke detector or something with the fire suppression system in the trash can.
The lavatory functions work normal, but without the fire/smoke related items the FAA has authorized it only for crew use only in those situations. We don’t like having that differed either and completely understand the inconvenience it causes.
The lavatory functions work normal, but without the fire/smoke related items the FAA has authorized it only for crew use only in those situations. We don’t like having that differed either and completely understand the inconvenience it causes.
Highly doubtful pilots blocked off a lav for the entire flight. Years ago there were 2 lavs at door 1 on the 764 so it was never an issue. Now PF pax also have PE pax using the 2 lavs at door 2, thats why pilots block 1 lav when rotating in/oit of the pit. Another fake story from that site.
Mar 1, 2024, 10:29 pm
#25
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Do not practice this on other passengers!
The best time to practice is when there is a sign that the lavatory is closed for the reminder of the flight.
Mar 2, 2024, 3:40 am
#27
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I'm probably crazy, but I pay attention to pax/lav ratios and sometimes base my seat selection on proximity to lavs. On my last SQ A380 flight, for example, I chose a seat in the rear J section on the right side because it's close to the 4 lavs between the 2 J sections and the single rear lav which is on the right side. If pilots started commandeering lavs for their exclusive use I'd be pissed. I also like to stay hydrated and want easy lav access.
Mar 2, 2024, 8:38 am
#29
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So it is to me absolutely credible that the pilot simply commandeered the lav without regard for passenger experience.
Mar 2, 2024, 8:59 am
#30
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Pay attention and you can figure out how to open the door. I had a Delta pilot try this stunt and I was kind of OK with it but it turns out their spouses were on the plane and so they got to use the pilot restroom. Oh, no game up! I not only unlocked the door and let people use it. I filed a complaint with Delta got miles for this stupid move
The Delta pilot i later asked about this admitted that it is not any kind of security measure. They just don’t want to have to wait because they’re so special.😂
The Delta pilot i later asked about this admitted that it is not any kind of security measure. They just don’t want to have to wait because they’re so special.😂