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
Ski lift operating above alpine mountain valley

Winter Ski Escapes Within Easy Reach of Europe’s Major Airports

Jan 8, 2026 01:30 AM
Air New Zealand aircraft on runway during daytime

Air New Zealand Opens January Sale With Low Fares Across Its Global Network

Jan 7, 2026 11:47 AM

Popular European Cities Lead airBaltic’s 2025 Routes as 2026 Sale Opens

Jan 7, 2026 10:42 AM

January Rail and S-Bahn Works Disrupt Public Transport Access to Berlin BER Airport

Jan 7, 2026 09:34 AM
American Airlines aircraft operating scheduled passenger flight

American Airlines Plans Free High-Speed Wi-Fi on Most Flights Starting 2026

Jan 7, 2026 08:34 AM
Wizz Air aircraft operating a scheduled European flight

Wizz Air Opens New Year Sale With Discounts Across Its 2026 Network

Jan 6, 2026 22:31 PM
Jet2 aircraft at Manchester Airport runway

Manchester Airport Expands 2026 Network With New Mediterranean and Island Routes

Jan 6, 2026 20:37 PM
Cattle grazing in parkland near historic Oxfordshire buildings

Bus Routes Keep Oxfordshire Day Trips Within Reach

Jan 6, 2026 09:31 AM
Train travelling through snowy countryside during winter weather

Snow and Ice Warnings Disrupt Rail and Bus Travel Across Wales and the Borders

Jan 6, 2026 08:37 AM

Qatar Airways Adds Hail to Network With New Saudi Route

Jan 6, 2026 03:31 AM

Delta Restarts Caribbean Flights After FAA Airspace Closure

Jan 6, 2026 02:32 AM
A train platform at London King’s Cross station

King’s Cross First Class Lounge to Close for Refurbishment Ahead of Spring Reopening

Jan 6, 2026 01:06 AM
Commercial aircraft on runway during winter conditions

Snow Brings Flight Cuts at Paris Airports as Disruption Spreads Across Europe

Jan 6, 2026 00:36 AM
KLM aircraft departing during winter disruption

Winter Disruption Forces KLM to Cut Hundreds of Schiphol Flights

Jan 5, 2026 22:51 PM
Crowded airport terminal during flight disruption

Radio Communications Failure Halts Flights Across Greece: Queues and "Closed Gates" in Athens

Jan 5, 2026 09:04 AM

Arctic Cold Disrupts Irish Air Travel as Delays Spread Across Europe

Jan 4, 2026 05:38 AM

Summer 2026 Routes Open New Holiday Choices at Glasgow Prestwick

Jan 4, 2026 03:37 AM
Luxembourg Airport terminal during winter operations

Snowfall Triggers Winter Operations at Luxembourg Airport

Jan 4, 2026 02:37 AM
KLM aircraft on the tarmac during flight disruption

KLM Cancels Caribbean Flights as Venezuela Airspace Disruption Spreads

Jan 4, 2026 01:37 AM
Air India wide-body aircraft on the ground before departure

Pilot Removed from Air India Flight After Failing Alcohol Checks

Jan 4, 2026 00:47 AM
SWISS aircraft parked at Zurich Airport terminal

Winter Storm Disrupts Zurich and Geneva Flights as Delays Build Across Europe

Jan 3, 2026 06:33 AM
Vehicles at airport drop-off area during winter weather

Bristol Airport to Raise Drop-Off and Short-Stay Charges in January 2026

Jan 3, 2026 03:04 AM

Snow and Strong Winds Disrupt UK–Amsterdam Flights

Jan 3, 2026 02:34 AM

Evening Bag Drop Option Added for Early easyJet Flights at Birmingham

Jan 3, 2026 00:33 AM
Passengers waiting in airport seating area during flight delays

Several Royal Brunei flights delayed on 2 January

Jan 2, 2026 23:30 PM
Geodesic dome accommodation at OutpostX desert retreat in Utah

Sleeping on Another Planet: Inside Utah’s Story-Driven Desert Retreat

Jan 2, 2026 03:32 AM