We all like to spend as little time as humanly possible in the plane lavatories as they’re cramped, uncomfortable and just a pretty yucky experience. But, as nature calls, especially on long-haul flights, we don’t have a choice but to join the queue to bite the bullet.
There’s that old adage ‘treat others how you would like to be treated’. This definitely applies to the plane toilet. If you would like to use a clean space when you use the toilet, leave it clean. Without getting into dirty details, you probably already do leave the bathroom clean, but there’s one thing you might not be doing.
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Some planes have signs in the bathroom you may not have seen that say, “As a courtesy to the next passenger may we suggest that you use your paper towel to wipe off the wash basin.”
Once you wash your hands and dry them with paper towels, wipe the sink down with the used paper towels. This will ensure any water you’ve spilled on the vanity (and may not be able to see because it’s dark) will be cleaned up and maybe even rogue bits of toothpaste and other nasties in the sink will be wiped away clean.
This means the next person who uses it will get a clean, dry, basin to use, which is especially nice if they are applying moisturisers or cleaning their teeth and have to put their belongings down on the bench.
At the end of the day, there’s always going to be that grot that makes you wonder what their bathroom at home must look like, but all you can do is be that thoughtful traveller and hope it catches on.