logo
Passengers keep indulging in this nasty plane bathroom behavior — here's why airlines are afraid to call out the icky offenders

Passengers keep indulging in this nasty plane bathroom behavior — here's why airlines are afraid to call out the icky offenders

Yahoo4 days ago
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience.
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways
Airplane etiquette is going down the potty — but there's one particularly stinky behavior that airlines are hesitant to call out.
A veteran flight attendant claims that carriers are declining to educate unfamiliar passengers on how to use Western-style toilets — over concerns they'll take offense.
The confounding concession to cultural sensitivity means things can get pretty messy at 30,000 feet, according to Marcus Daniels, who retired in 2019 after working the friendly skies for over five years in Australia and the Middle East.
'All of us are trying to be accepting of all cultures,' said Daniels. 'However, there needs to be some kind of video or visual guide about using and keeping the toilets clean.' Yurii Zushchyk – stock.adobe.com
'Passengers will defecate on the floor and you just do your best to smile and not say anything,' the inflight insider told the Daily Mail. 'You get used to it after a while and can start mentally preparing yourself for those flights.'
In fact, the crew member said he could recall dozens of stories of airplane 'accidents,' the lion's share of which occur in developing countries, where many aren't privy to the doo's and doo not do's of modern lavatory use.
'As cabin crew, you notice it happens on specific flights to specific destinations,' said Daniels. 'We'll chat and find other crew picked up on the trend too.'
And while he declined to specify the routes where this issue is most common, he said it's 'not really a problem in first-world countries because we know how to use western toilets.'
According to Mobility International USA, four billion people worldwide use squat pots, which require the goer to hunker down over a hole in the ground — and use a bucket or hose for heinie hygiene in lieu of TP.
Crew members have noticed the trend is concentrated in certain regions. Krakenimages.com – stock.adobe.com
Meanwhile, a whopping 420 million of earth's inhabitants still defecate in the street, per a World Bank Blog from 2023.
This can pose problems when nature calls high above certain parts of the world.
'On these routes, we're having to constantly check the toilets to make sure they're clean and the toilet rolls aren't stuffed down the bin,' lamented Daniels. 'On one flight I had a passenger who kept peeing on the floor. I tried to show her how to use the toilet, and she would nod and agree, then do it again.'
Billions of people still use squat toilets (pictured). zirong – stock.adobe.com
He added that things got so unsanitary on one trip that he 'had to lock off the toilet for the rest of the flight.'
Daniels chalked up the inability to master the game of thrones to a lack of 'education,' declaring, 'If they knew how to use the toilets, they would.'
'Most of the confused passengers don't speak English as their first language so we can't really explain how to use the toilet,' the former FA lamented. 'It would be great if there were visual guides showing how to use the toilet properly, rather than just guides for flushing.'
Despite the abundance of inflight brownouts, this change likely isn't in the pipeline, per Daniels.
'Airlines are very particular about how they communicate with customers because they don't want to offend anyone,' the ex-crewmember claimed. 'All of us are trying to be accepting of all cultures. However, there needs to be some kind of video or visual guide about using and keeping the toilets clean.'
He added, 'It would be a dream come true. I have friends who are still working these routes and, nine years later, it's still an issue.'
A lack of bathroom etiquette isn't just revolting — a catastrophic trip to the lavatory can also jeopardize flights as well.
In March, Air India implored passengers to use the lavatories for their intended purpose after passengers clogged airplane toilets with clothing, diverting an international flight.
A so-called lavatory backup might seem trivial, but just one clogged toilet can prompt the pilots ground a flight due to the limited number of facilities in the air.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

It's a Record-breaking Year at the 'Humpback Highway'—With Over 45,000 Whales Expected
It's a Record-breaking Year at the 'Humpback Highway'—With Over 45,000 Whales Expected

Travel + Leisure

time3 hours ago

  • Travel + Leisure

It's a Record-breaking Year at the 'Humpback Highway'—With Over 45,000 Whales Expected

Each year, as temperatures drop in Antarctica, a great migration begins. Tens of thousands of humpback whales—more than 45,000 by some estimates—set off on an epic 6,200-mile journey north that runs along Australia's east coast. They are bound for warm tropical waters where they breed and calve before taking the same route back to the Southern Ocean. Locals call it the Humpback Highway, and from June through November, it offers one of the world's most reliable and awe-inspiring whale-watching experiences. At the heart of the spectacle is Moreton Bay, a protected stretch of water just offshore Brisbane that the whales pass through. The migration reaches its peak in August, when larger pods appear and there is a surge in social behavior: tail slapping, pectoral waving, and the unmistakable breach. This year, the outlook is especially promising. Sightings are already up, and with the humpback whale population increasing, some skippers are predicting it could be the most active season yet. For travelers, access couldn't be easier. Brisbane is one of the only major cities in the world where you can leave your hotel after breakfast and be scanning the ocean for whales by midmorning—no long drives or complicated transfers required. Tour companies like Brisbane Whale Watching pick up guests 40 minutes north of the city and boast a whale-sighting guarantee. For larger groups, or a small, VIP experience, Sovereign Lady Charters has a 74-foot private-use yacht that fits up to 35 guests and departs 30 minutes east of downtown Brisbane. You might also be able to glimpse the massive migration by taking a ferry to North Stradbroke Island in Moreton Bay and watching from. Cape Moreton on Moreton Island is another land-based viewing point. To reach the cape, take a ferry to Moreton Island and walk the Cape Moreton track to the Cape Moreton Lighthouse, Queensland's only stone lighthouse. It is a great place to catch the Humpback Highway as it passes by the shores of the island. Not all whale watching requires a boat. North Stradbroke Island (known to locals as 'Straddie') is reachable by ferry and offers commanding views from Point Lookout, a clifftop path where whales can often be seen breaching just offshore. For something even wilder, head to Moreton Island, a national park of towering sand dunes and quiet beaches. From the ferry landing, hike the Cape Moreton Track to the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse (the only stone lighthouse in Queensland) and take in sweeping views of the Pacific. Whale season off the coast of Brisbane runs from June to November and peaks in August. According to new research from Griffith University, Moreton Bay is becoming more than just a migratory corridor—it's now a key resting and nursing zone for mother whales and their calves on their return journey south.

Can Aurora Expeditions Make Polar Cruises Sustainable?
Can Aurora Expeditions Make Polar Cruises Sustainable?

Forbes

time4 hours ago

  • Forbes

Can Aurora Expeditions Make Polar Cruises Sustainable?

A rendering of Aurora's newest ship, the Douglas Mawson, which is scheduled to set sail in December. Aurora Expeditions Aurora Expeditions, a small Sydney-based cruise line, is on a mission to rewrite the cruise industry's sustainability narrative in a big way. With a focus on expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctic, the company is making bold claims about its environmental efforts, including becoming the first cruise line to get B Corporation bragging rights. But can Aurora truly deliver on its promises? And, in an industry notorious for pollution and waste, does sustainability even matter? Reality check: The cruise industry has long been criticized for its reckless environmental practices. For example, cruise ships in Europe emit as much sulfur dioxide as one billion cars, according to a recent study. From carbon emissions to waste disposal, the cruise industry's overall environmental record is downright awful. Against this backdrop, Aurora's claims of sustainability seem almost too good to be true. Sasha Buch, Aurora's sustainability manager, with a model of the Greg Mortimer, one of its expedition vessels. Christopher Elliott "Sustainability is who we are" Sasha Buch, Aurora's sustainability manager, met me at the company's headquarters in the Surry Hills neighborhood of Sydney, a quiet district filled with apartments, office buildings and cafes. One of the first things she told me was that Aurora is a different kind of cruise line. 'Sustainability is who we are,' she says, pointing to the company's founding in 1991 by mountaineer Greg Mortimer and his wife, Margaret, both passionate environmentalists. The B Corporation certification, which Aurora achieved last year, is a designation that requires companies to meet rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. Becoming a B Corp is a journey, not a destination; standards are revised annually, keeping ever B Corp on its toes. Antarctica is one of the most environmentally fragile places on the planet. getty A closer look at Aurora's sustainability initiatives Aurora's actual sustainability efforts are wide-ranging. Here's a breakdown of their key initiatives: Innovative ships Aurora's fleet includes three state-of-the-art ships designed with sustainability in mind. Features like the X-BOW design, which reduces fuel consumption, and shore-based power systems promise to reduce the environmental impact of cruising. 'Our ships are a testament to what's possible when you prioritize sustainability,' Buch says. Climate action Aurora achieved a carbon-neutral certification in 2021, meaning it measures and offsets its carbon emissions. The company has also partnered with Trace, a green technology company, to map a path to net-zero emissions. 'We're not just offsetting,' Buch told me. "We're actively reducing our emissions." Education and enrichment Aurora's Citizen Science Program allows passengers to participate in data collection, from photographing whales to testing for microplastics. Buch says the educational initiatives deepen their passengers' understanding of the environment and, over time, will support a more sustainable cruising experience. Waste and water management The cruise line adheres to strict international standards for waste and water management, eliminating single-use plastics and using eco-certified cleaning products. Community engagement Aurora's Community Ambassador Program works with Inuit communities in the Arctic to promote cultural exchange and provide economic benefits to indigenous communities. Aurora's newest ship, the Douglas Mawson , also represents a leap forward. It will set the bar for conservation in the Antarctic when it launches in December. Programs such as waste minimization, carbon offset, and collaboration with leading conservation organizations will be built into the cruise experience. Aurora says the ship is designed to minimize environmental impact and will help travelers tread lightly on the fragile polar environment. The big picture: Does sustainability matter? The very nature of cruising — of transporting large numbers of people to remote and fragile ecosystems — is inherently destructive. And in this business, the most popular cruise lines are often the ones who can do it at the lowest price, not the most responsibly. Aurora seems to know that the deck is stacked against a company that puts sustainability rather than profitability in the captain's chair. And there's a sense you get in talking to someone like Buch that it actually likes that kind of challenge. "We're always trying to do more because there's always so much more that can be done,' she says. Buch emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in Aurora's sustainability efforts. The company is constantly making course corrections as it aims to become carbon-negative. She says the goal isn't just recycling, but regenerative tourism — going beyond minimizing harm to actively restoring and improving the environments they visit. 'It's about taking care of what we have now for future generations as well as repairing any damage that has been done,' she explains. The company has a checklist of accomplishments, outlined in its latest impact report. It includes becoming carbon-neutral, participating in the cleanups to remove marine debris from the coastlines of Iceland and Svalbard, and demonstrating a "dramatic" reduction of single-use plastics in its operations. The challenges ahead Despite Aurora's efforts, the fundamental question remains: Can an industry built on fossil fuels and mass tourism ever truly be sustainable? Buch is optimistic. 'We have a responsibility to inspire, educate, and advocate for the protection and preservation of the places we visit,' she says. Aurora is making giant strides in sustainability, and its B Corporation certification is a significant achievement. But the company's efforts represent only one step in the cruise industry's journey toward becoming green. And it won't happen unless passengers want it to, which means they're booking more cruises with a company like Aurora. 'We know there's a long way to go,' she says. Aurora's journey toward sustainability is a work in progress — one that will require ongoing accountability and scrutiny. In the meantime, the takeaway is clear for travelers: You have to carefully consider the effect of your next cruise on the environment. It may be worth spending a little extra to go with a company that is dedicated to long-term sustainability.

I Asked AI to Help Me Travel More Sustainably. Here's What Happened
I Asked AI to Help Me Travel More Sustainably. Here's What Happened

CNET

time5 hours ago

  • CNET

I Asked AI to Help Me Travel More Sustainably. Here's What Happened

Growing up, we didn't travel much, especially not internationally. Even as a child, though, I knew I wanted to travel when I got older and could do things for myself. The kid who would wistfully spin and spin and spin a toy globe in my room is now an adult who can book trips as much as my schedule and budget will allow. There is a caveat, though. Growing up also means that I'm now cognizant of the environmental cost of traveling. Defying gravity is incredible and all, but it puts a damper on that dream vacation knowing that my trip is contributing to climate change and that the aviation industry accounts for 2.5% of all global carbon dioxide emissions. In a world where we're all thinking a little more about our carbon footprints, yet are also dreaming about that next far-away adventure we see on our phone screens, I wondered: Can tech -- and more specifically, AI -- help us travel more sustainably? To find out, I did what any curious digital native would do: I put this idea to the test. I turned to AI chatbots, specifically two of the biggest names in artificial intelligence: ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. My mission was to plan two very different vacations that would minimize my environmental guilt while still delivering on adventure, food and cultural enrichment. Here's how it went. For more AI Tips, explore these AI essentials you need to know and how to use AI to get better at playing guitar. A quick note: While AI can help you plan more sustainable trips, the tools themselves aren't exactly eco-neutral. Behind every chatbot response is a data center running thousands of servers, machines that require vast amounts of electricity and cooling water to operate. In fact, research suggests that generative AI tools like ChatGPT can use several liters of water per conversation, depending on the complexity of your queries. That water is typically used to cool the servers during processing. Microsoft, for instance, has reported a 34% year-over-year increase in water consumption, partially due to its AI investments. So while AI could be used to explore eco-friendly travel itineraries, it also has a lasting environmental impact of its own. Like with all tech, sustainable use comes down to moderation and transparency. The setup: Two trips, one goal For the experiment, I designed two different travel scenarios and let the chatbots plan the itineraries from there. Trip 1: A week and a half in Seoul, South Korea, flying from Tampa, Florida (where I live). My goals include hiking, art, food and seeing all the major historical monuments, with a budget of $2,000 to $3,000. ChatGPT asked me to specify some travel details, then created an itinerary from there. Macy Meyer/CNET Trip 2: A wild card. I gave the AI chatbots full creative control to plan the most sustainable tropical vacation possible. In both cases, I used ChatGPT and Copilot side by side to compare results. The Seoul search: Sustainability in the capital city I started with the Seoul trip. I was actually supposed to move to Korea post-grad to teach English as a foreign language, but that didn't work out, thanks to COVID-19. I still haven't made it to Korea, so it's at the tippy-top of my bucket list. Both bots quickly recognized South Korea as a fascinating mix of ancient tradition and high-tech innovation. When I asked how to make my trip eco-friendly, they took two different approaches. ChatGPT gave me a detailed itinerary, including direct flight suggestions, budget breakdowns, eco-lodging in walkable neighborhoods like Insadong and Hongdae and sustainable food recommendations, such as local markets and temple cuisine. It also factored in transit cards and local carbon offset programs. Copilot gave me more surface-level results. It recommended looking into eco-certified hotels or guesthouses, but didn't recommend specific ones, and most of the itinerary it produced was essentially "just walk around this place." I did like that the results all linked out to other sources and websites, though, so I could do a deeper dive when researching its recommendations. Day 1 and 2 of the Copilot-generated itinerary for Korea. Macy Meyer/CNET Copilot also went about $1,000 over budget with its recommendations and didn't suggest specific flights to take to Seoul. That said, Copilot did shine when it came to sourcing carbon offset programs and comparing airline emissions. Its integration with Microsoft's web tools helped it pull in more current data. The tropical wild card: AI goes off the grid Now for the fun part. I asked each AI platform to plan the most sustainable tropical trip it could dream up. My only parameters were that I wanted a warm and tropical climate, nature and an eco-conscious budget. Copilot recommended Palawan, Philippines -- the "last frontier" of the Philippines -- and laid out a 10-day trip. I loved the itinerary. I mean, it's like a dream vacation, so how could I not? But again, the results were pretty brief and lacked specificity. For instance, Copilot said things like "when booking, check for airlines that highlight sustainability" or "familiarize yourself with waste-reduction programs," when that's what I was hoping the chatbot would be able to do for me. Copilot created a 10-day itinerary for the Philippines. Macy Meyer/CNET ChatGPT was again more detailed. It chose Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula -- a place I'd honestly never heard of, but I'm glad I know about now -- and outlined an eight-day experience. The suggested itinerary also included information about eco-lodges, permaculture farm tours and sea turtle conservation, and suggested packing reef-safe sunscreen and DEET-free bug spray. ChatGPT generated a trip for Costa Rica. Macy Meyer/CNET I fact-checked the suggestions from both chatbots, and nearly everything checked out. Most of the lodges ChatGPT listed are genuinely sustainable, utilizing solar power, composting toilets and no single-use plastics. The activities Copilot suggested all support local economies, communities and conservation. Both itineraries were invested in ecotourism, which I appreciated. This brings me to an important reminder: You can't take anything at face value. AI chatbots have a history of "hallucinating" wrong answers, meaning they generate false or misleading information and present it as fact. Any search or answer must be fact-checked. What AI gets right and wrong about sustainable travel Planning with AI has its perks: It saves time, simplifies the research and pulls in suggestions I never would've thought of (looking at you, Osa Peninsula). But AI isn't perfect. The chatbots occasionally recommended hotels that looked eco-friendly, but weren't certified. Neither platform could consistently tell if a business was truly sustainable or just good at marketing, and neither can book anything for you like a real travel agent can. Also, AI doesn't know you. It doesn't know that you prefer local buses to private tours, or that your idea of a dream vacation involves zero plans and a hammock. You'll still need to tweak your itinerary to suit your actual personality, not your browser history. For sustainable travel planning, both ChatGPT and Copilot were helpful tools to jumpstart the trip-planning process. Neither platform can replace a good travel advisor or first-hand knowledge, but they're decent enough assistants for brainstorming, budgeting and discovering new ideas. See also: Chatbots Are Ready to Help in Language Learning. Here's My Experience Would I use AI to plan my next trip? Maybe, but with caveats. I'd consider using ChatGPT and Copilot again, especially at the early planning stage when I'm besieged with options for travel destinations, but I definitely feel like I could get the same results from a well-traveled friend, travel agent or travel books like Lonely Planet. If I did opt to use AI chatbots again in the future, I'd still double-check sustainability claims, compare prices manually and use traditional sites to book things. AI is a tool, not a travel agent. While AI can help, the most sustainable travel choices -- taking fewer flights, supporting local businesses, packing smart and minimizing waste -- still fall on us.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store