Why Booking Your Plane Seat By The Bathroom Is Not As Convenient As You Think

When it comes to choosing the best seat on an airplane, you might think that snagging a spot near the bathroom will make for the ultimate convenience. After all, quick access to the toilet generally sounds like a smart move. Especially on a longer flight, where you can't be too certain about how your body will react to the changes in pressure or when the best time to use the airplane toilet before the inevitable rush might be.

Unfortunately, however, the reality of sitting next to a toilet is actually pretty uncomfortable. To make matters worse, this seemingly "strategic choice" can often backfire in some pretty unexpected and frustrating ways. Ones that most travelers don't anticipate until they're actually sitting down in their seat, seatbelt fastened, and stuck in the unpleasant situation for hours on end.

So, what's problematic about (purposefully) choosing a seat that's close to the bathroom? Simple: there's just way too much happening around the area. In most cases, bathroom-adjacent seats are typically very high-traffic zones where passengers congregate while they wait their turn. This constant movement throughout the duration of the flight means that you'll probably have to deal with a never-ending stream of people bumping your seat, standing over you, or invading your personal space as they stand in line in the aisle. With that in mind, it's pretty safe to assume that you won't be getting much quiet time if you're sitting near the toilets — which also means waving goodbye to that mid-flight nap you were hoping to enjoy.

Along with the endless barrage of passengers coming to and from the bathroom, noise is another significant issue that can put a damper on your in-flight experience. After all, airplane bathrooms have their own collection of loud and disruptive noises that easily travel throughout the cabin. From flushing toilets to running water, and the constant opening and closing of doors, these sounds are constant throughout most flights — which ultimately makes it difficult to really relax, sleep, or concentrate on anything else.

Finally, there's also the issue with smells. Potentially the most obvious drawback, bathroom-adjacent seats will often experience periodic wafts of pretty unpleasant aromas. This problem becomes even more noticeable on longer flights or on full planes, when the bathroom gets used more frequently — and becomes even more disgusting — without getting cleaned. And let's be honest: no one wants to deal with foul odors lingering in the air while they try to rest or, worse, enjoy their meal.

At the end of the day, it's safe to say that bathroom-adjacent seats aren't the best idea if you're hoping to rest, work, or relax during your trip. And while the thought of sitting far away from the toilet might get you a little nervous, it's actually not that bad of an idea. Instead of looking at it like a hassle, think of your mid-flight bathroom trips as an opportunity to get out of your seat and stretch your legs. That way, you'll gain the benefit of moving around (which is good for circulation and prevents blood clots), without enduring the constant disruptions of other passengers on their way to the toilet who are trying to do the same.