I flew on Southwest Airlines yesterday and there was only on bathroom and throughout the entire 3 hour flight, it was contantly being used and people were scramming to get to it after someone got out. The flight attendants announced that the new FAA rules prohibit people from huddling by the bathroom in a line. I think they should give out numbers so it's more orderly. I wonder what's next with these "cosmetic" security procedures. No standing up and walking around the cabin on international flights? Imagine going from NYC to Tokyo and not being able to get up? What other silly things have you all experienced?

It makes you wonder if these FAA people who are making all the rules even fly..If they do, they probably don't go to the bathroom.

People should just stay in their seat and use a urnal.

If you can't go 3 hours without using a bathroom maybe you have bladder problems. Why on earth would you want to use that tiny stinky unhygenic box they call a bathroom anyway? Here's a tip: If you don't want to have to wait in line, don't to go the bathroom right after the meal, that's when EVERYBODY goes.

Michelle, do you drink fluids at all? Three hours is a long time to go without a potty stop if you regularly drink water. Remember nutritionists recommend 8 glasses a day. Where does the water go? Ok you get it now.

I think Happs point is that recent "security improvements" are only cosmetic changes, which although they create inconvenience to us flyers don't actually address serious US security flaws: such as not x-raying, or what ever should be done, the send-through luggage for bombs; hiring ex-cons for baggage & cleaning crews; expecting people hired to check for and then put a seat number on a boarding pass to actually memorize the faces of 100s of terrorists plus actually Look At Customers; etc.

Michelle, I bet you don't have children. Let me explain: they go to the bathroom only when it's highly uncomfortable for the parents. And I think you don't have any old relatives who yes, with the age do get bladder problems. By the way, are you talking about 3 hours flight, or 3 hours waiting in line, or total? Ever tried not to go to the bathroom for 6 hours?

I heard on CNN that nobody is allowed to get up during the last 30 minutes of a flight to Reagan National Airport.

I used to be able to go 6 hrs. without a visit to the bathroom in my 20s. In my 30s it was 5 hrs. In my 40s it was 4 hrs. Now I'm in my 50s and 3 hrs. is about it.......

Michelle, ~YOU TOO~ will grow older. And you probably should be drinking more fluids anyway.

The airlines would be well-advised to hand out numbers....

Michelle, I always try to avoid airplane bathrooms if at all possible.I have only ever used one once,belive it or not.However anyone who drinks the recommended extra water when in flight to avoid dehydrating is not going to be able to hold it that long.Also, most women after having several children do not have the bladder capacity and control of their childless pals.This is not to say that we have a "problem" but it is a normal result of childbirth, ageing and many other medical conditions.I have a history of Kidney disease and know that it is very unhealthy to hold it that long.

This topic is getting a little gross! Who cares about your kidney problems people? I have just one word for you all....DEPENDS!

I'm glad everyone is having a problem with this policy. I take Dramamine for air sickness and unfortunately it makes you go to the b-room about 6 x on a 2 1/2 hr. flight. I don't really like having the feeling of having to urinate and hold it. I always sit right next to the b-rooms, hopefully I can sneak in before they shut them off.

I've seen too many reports indicating that Happs is correct--the changes are cosmetic. Of course, by using the general public as part of this security PR, they think they'll outsmart us. No doubt some airports, some, some airlines, some ground crews are making a sincere effort to beef up. Although I avoid airplane bathrooms, if they're going to impose these in-air rules on passengers, they damn well better have done their security work on the ground.

7000 people die, anthrax has invaded the government, the country is at war and you people are complaining because you can't hold your pee for 2 hours.

pathetic.

The last poster must of never sat next to someone on the plane who could not hold it because the flight crew was afraid to let someone use the bathroom, its a mess!

It was probably that woman who tells people to remove their luggage from the overhead compartment above her seat because it's HER space.

This is to the last thread. So as far as you are concerned everyone must suffer because some planes flew into the WTC and Anthrax is out there? Could you explain the relevance to wanting to go to the John at the wrong time? I, and many others like drinking H2O and not throwing up on flights. Call me crazy.

The way I see it the problem isn't the FAA rule, the problem is that there was only one bathroom. What kind of plane was it anyway, a DC3? And since when is lining up to go to the can "huddling in the back"? Maybe the crew took the rule a little too literally?