zombietooth

That's SOP whenever a pilot needs to use the lav:

1. The aisles are blocked by carts and FAs.
2. The pilot exits the cockpit and an FA takes their place.
3. When the pilot is done, the FA leaves the cockpit and the pilot returns.
4. The aisles are unblocked.

What we're talking about here is different; i.e. the external lock on the lav being left on for the entire flight, thereby making that lav unavailable to pax.

fumje

That's normal and regulation.

Except for calling it "the loot". 😅

WineCountryUA

Let's keep focused on the issue and less on the motivation or veracity of reporters. "Discuss the issue, not the poster(s).

WineCountryUA
UA coModerator

econ

I�ve seen similar where a pilot coming out will lock the lav, followed by another pilot using it shortly afterwards. But haven�t encountered one that is normally used by passengers locked the entire flight without some sort of announcement.

uanj

I think people are saying they see it happening, no one is saying it happens a lot.

I personally find most UA pilots are great. But not all.

ani90

The problem too is it is unclear how many of these accounts were a perception that the lavatory was locked the entire flight Vs actual knowledge that it was. I think most accounts seem clear that the lavs were locked for extended periods of the flight but other than being a lavatory watcher, or those cases where told by the crew, it's hard to know that a lav was 1) operational and 2) access was denied to passengers for the entire flight.

We may just think that it was deliberately locked all the flight but I suspect in some of the reports that may not have been so. There was one post we know for sure that wasn't the case as poster reported the two front lavs were locked in a 764, that doesn't have front lavs, causing all the passengers to use the lavs at rear of J cabin.

bocastephen

Bottom line - anyone who experiences this should file a complaint. Unless there is a published policy that regulates priority or restricted access to the lavatory, no crew member has any right to restrict the lavatory for their own personal use. File the complaints, and when encountered on board, just unlock the lavatory yourself if you see this happen.

What are they going to do, divert the flight? Dare them to. I doubt HQ would be impressed with that decision.

WineCountryUA

And what if this an uncompliant lav?

halls120

I've been on flights where the lav was indeed uncompliant, and a notice was clearly visible on the door. I've also seen doors being locked without the sign, and if it isn't because of FAA regulations, then it is a fair assumption it's a perfectly usable lav that someone has decided on their own to make it off limits to the passengers.

In the latter case, if I really needed to use the lav and there was no other option, I can see myself using self help to gain access.

narvik

I prefer my flights 100% drama-free, tyvm.

SPN Lifer

I prefer my flights 100% "accident"-free, thank you very much (TYVM).

uanj

I also prefer to be seen as a passenger who complies with FA and crew instructions. I think filing a complaint would be appropriate.

ani90

I would definitely not dare anyone to divert a flight. That they can surely do. Flights have been diverted for less. All it takes is for the FA to 'feel threatened', by one's presence. They dont know what next the passenger will tamper with in the aircraft. And the crew will sure play it by the book so whether HQ is impressed or not they will be in agreement with the decision. Very likely the person who will pay the price for the diversion will be the passenger who caused it - who knows they may even be able to get the passenger arrested and charged for some misdemeanor.

halls120

So what you're saying is the only option left for a passenger suffering from incontinence is to soil themselves while waiting for access to a compliant lav? Because sooner or later, given the way the airline industry has crammed more seats in their metal/CFRP tubes while at the same time reducing the number of lavs, we're going to read about a non-drunk passenger faced with a Hobson's choice when they can't find an open lav.

But I do see a new money-making opportunity for the airline. they might want to start selling these.

​​​​​​

ani90

I certainly said no such thing. Not sure where you got that from. Read my response again - I was only commenting on the advice to dare diversion of the aircraft.