American Airlines Passenger Pulls Off Lavatory Scheme to Be First Off Plane

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 20, 2024 10:00 AMNews
Share:
Frog sitting on the toilet with a phone
Debating the Efficiency of Lavatory Tactics. Source: pixabay

In a bizarre move, an American Airlines passenger devised a cunning plan to ensure he was the first to disembark upon arrival. As the flight touched down at Dallas – Fort Worth, the man discreetly slipped into the lavatory under the guise of needing to use it. Remaining hidden inside, he strategically waited, bypassing the return to his seat, all in a bid to secure his position as the initial passenger to exit the aircraft. However, his actions took an unexpected turn when he directed an obscene gesture towards a fellow traveler, captured on video.

Although the passenger achieved his goal without causing significant inconvenience to others, one might question the practicality of his lavatory ploy. The efficacy of this strategy is particularly dubious for passengers with full-sized carry-on bags, as accommodating such luggage within the confines of the lavatory poses a challenge. Moreover, for those without carry-on items, the time saved by exiting the plane first is offset by the inevitable wait at the baggage claim area.

While this tactic may prove advantageous for travelers with minimal belongings, such as those with only a laptop bag, who can effortlessly board and avoid concerns about overhead bin space, its overall effectiveness remains debatable. Is the maneuver of using the lavatory as a means to expedite disembarkation truly superior to simply positioning oneself near the front of the aircraft? Additionally, lingering in the lavatory results in unnecessary time spent away from the main cabin.

It's worth noting proper etiquette dictates standing as soon as the plane docks at the gate and the seat belt sign is extinguished. Waiting for row-by-row deplaning only serves to impede fellow passengers' progress, creating unnecessary congestion in the aisle.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

Internet on a Cruise: How to Avoid Huge Bills for Connectivity

Aug 6, 2025 09:14 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM
More News
People walking during snowfall on a city street

US Winter Storm Leaves Thousands of Holiday Trips on Hold

Jan 27, 2026 02:27 AM
3D sword smashing the word “FAKE” into fragments

Ticket Scam Case Exposes Odd Gap in Airline Staff Checks

Jan 27, 2026 02:14 AM

Ryanair Flags Possible Summer Disruption as French ATC Strikes Loom

Jan 27, 2026 01:41 AM

Weather Warning Triggers Loganair Flight Changes on 27 January

Jan 27, 2026 01:39 AM
Dark storm clouds moving across the sky

Storm Chandra Brings Challenging Conditions for Travel Across the UK

Jan 27, 2026 01:26 AM
Nantes Cathedral with touristic mini-train in front

Nantes Gets a Summer Gateway to the Croatian Coast

Jan 26, 2026 22:33 PM
Tehran skyline backed by snow-capped mountains

Major Airlines Reroute as Iran Tensions Disrupt Middle East Flights

Jan 26, 2026 00:58 AM
Red sale signage in shop window

Spring Fare Sale Puts Vietjet Deluxe Seats on Offer

Jan 25, 2026 16:55 PM
Timisoara Orthodox Cathedral seen from above

New Low-Cost Link Brings Romania’s ‘Little Vienna’ Within Reach

Jan 25, 2026 16:49 PM

Rail Works Disrupt Key Rome–Airport Link This Spring

Jan 25, 2026 16:31 PM

KLM Halts Middle East Routes as Airspace Tensions Rise

Jan 25, 2026 16:16 PM
Interior check-in hall at London Heathrow Terminal

UK Tightens Entry Rules with Digital Travel Pass

Jan 24, 2026 19:28 PM
View of Yerevan at sunset with Mount Ararat in the background

Vienna Lands a Direct Airbridge to Yerevan

Jan 24, 2026 18:43 PM
Close-up of a relaxed puppy lying down

Cagliari Airport Opens Pet Zone for Travellers with Animals

Jan 24, 2026 18:14 PM
Reception desk at the new Plaza Premium First lounge in Rome Fiumicino Terminal 1

Fiumicino Adds New Premium Lounge Option

Jan 24, 2026 17:57 PM

Heavy Rain and Wind Begin to Disrupt Journeys Across Britain

Jan 24, 2026 00:52 AM

Asiana Tightens Power Bank Rules

Jan 23, 2026 21:45 PM
Hand holding a large water bottle inside an airport terminal

Big Bottles Back: Heathrow Drops 100ml Liquid Rule

Jan 23, 2026 21:29 PM
Street view with Oujda’s clock tower and busy city traffic

Rotterdam Gains Summer Link to Oujda

Jan 23, 2026 21:13 PM
Person using laptop with headphones on an aeroplane

KLM Brings Free In-Flight WiFi to Europe

Jan 23, 2026 04:47 AM
Snow-covered airport apron during winter weather

Weather Disruption Prompts Loganair to Offer Flexible Rebooking

Jan 23, 2026 04:34 AM
Hand placing a passport into a grey travel bag pocket

Edinburgh Airport Clears Up Hand Luggage Confusion

Jan 23, 2026 04:21 AM

UK Visa Scam Alert Hits Cyprus Applicants

Jan 23, 2026 04:19 AM

Airbnb Adds Meal Delivery Twist with Chef-Made Dishes

Jan 22, 2026 04:36 AM
Aerial view of Nice marina with yachts and hillside apartments under a clear sky

Bratislava Lands New Budget Route to the Riviera

Jan 22, 2026 04:23 AM
Person viewing airport departure screens with camera on shoulder

Europe Faces Widespread Flight Disruptions

Jan 22, 2026 03:48 AM