Ever wondered what happens behind the closed doors of an airplane toilet? A former flight attendant has shared a shocking revelation that could change how you view your next flight!

Meet Marcus Daniels, a former flight attendant who left his post in 2019 after over five years of handling the skies, not just in Australia, but across the Middle East too. While many see flight attending as a glamorous job filled with jet-setting and luxury, Marcus wants to shed light on a darker side of air travel — the shocking etiquette (or lack thereof) surrounding airplane toilets.

During his time in the industry, Marcus witnessed some unbelievable situations unfolding in the lavatories. He noted a concerning trend: passengers, particularly from specific destinations, often left the toilets in a state that would make anyone cringe. Imagine stepping into a restroom only to be met with utter chaos below your feet. It sounds like the plot of a horror movie, but for Marcus and his crew, it was all in a day's work.

He explains, “As cabin crew, you notice it happens on specific flights to specific destinations. We’ll chat and find that other crew have picked up on the trend too.” The flights he references are often to developing countries, where many passengers may not have had experience using Western-style toilets before.

“On those flights, passengers will defecate on the floor, and you just do your best to smile and not say anything,” he said. Just picture that — trying to maintain professionalism while dealing with such unsanitary conditions. Over time, cabin crew like Marcus have to build a mental resilience, preparing themselves for these unfortunate realities.

But why does this happen? Marcus points out that it's not really an issue for those hailing from first-world nations who are accustomed to Western toilets. The real problem arises when confused passengers who don't speak English as their first language board these flights. “Most of the confused passengers don’t speak English as their first language, so we can’t really explain how to use the toilet,” he explained.

What Marcus believes is urgently needed is a simple yet effective solution: education. “If they knew how to use the toilets, they would.” He proposes visual guides that demonstrate how to properly use the facilities rather than just instructions for flushing. Imagine stepping aboard an aircraft and seeing a friendly infographic next to the toilet! This could potentially save everyone involved from embarrassing situations.

While the glamorous view of being a flight attendant often overshadows the dirty details, Marcus's revelations cut through that facade. The clean-up duties are a constant part of the job. “On these routes, we’re having to constantly check the toilets to ensure they’re clean and the toilet rolls aren’t stuffed down the bins,” he shared.

One particular incident stands out in Marcus's memory: “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. It got to the point where it was unsanitary for me as well, so I had to lock off the toilet for the rest of the flight.” Can you imagine the embarrassment and frustration for both the crew and the passengers?

Despite the issue being well-known among international cabin crews, airlines tend to avoid addressing it, fearing they might offend their customers. “Airlines are very particular about how they communicate with customers because they don’t want to offend anyone,” Marcus explained. “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.”

For those still in the industry, this remains a pressing issue years later. “I have friends who are still working these routes, and, nine years later, it’s still an issue.” So next time you take to the skies, remember — those airplane lavatories might not be as glamorous as they appear!