The Airplane Lavatory

I generally hate public toilets, but none more than the nasty cubicle known as the plane "lavatory." It is no more than a port-a-potty on a plane.

I try to avoid using them at all cost, but on long flights you will eventually use it at least once. Most planes have only one lavatory with a changing table and usually, it is only big enough for an infant. The other problem is that everyone uses that lavatory as much as the others and are not very considerate of people waiting in line (especially with small children). I once had a woman spend a good 20 minutes in there putting on make up while I waited to change Mikayla's diapers. Even the flight attendant commented on the time she was in there. Honey, if you haven't slept well in 24 hours, no amount of make up is going to help. Give up or opt to put it on in your seat. Has anyone forgotten about compact mirrors? Needless to say, I gave her the dirtiest look when she came out and I don't generally do that.

My best advice is that you have children use the bathroom at the airports within 30 minutes of departure. Even if they say they don't have to go, make them. In addition to being extremely cramped, the flush of an airplane toilet is traumatizing to many small children. I once flushed while Nicholas, about 3 at the time, was still in the bathroom and he was terrified. He still insists on me flushing after he has left the bathroom and he is almost 6.