11 Travel Essentials for Airplane Bathroom Trips

They’re cramped, they’re loud, and they have toilets that flush so hard and fast, you’d think you might get sucked into them. Airplane bathrooms are straight-up nightmare fuel, and using one is like a game of roulette. Until you’ve crossed the aisle and made it into the stall, you won’t know what you’re signing up for. And as if broken door locks and empty toilet paper rolls weren’t enough to steer you clear of airplane loos, a flight attendant shared with Vice that, more often than not, those rogue puddles of water that commonly appear on airplane bathroom floors aren’t actually water at all (new fear: unlocked).

The good news is, you can make airplane bathroom trips bearable—even enjoyable—with the help of a few extra travel essentials. Ahead, we’ve gathered 11 products that’ll convert even the most ardent of public bathroom avoiders. From pint-sized toilet deodorizer sprays to cozy, rubber-soled house slippers, these products can help you stay clean and comfortable while using in-flight ivory thrones, from £7.

Don’t: Only wear socks

Do: Wear slippers with a bottom sole

We get it—there’s no better feeling than getting to slip your too-tight shoes off mid-flight. Flying can cause your feet and legs to swell, and stripping down to your socks can help relieve some of that painful pressure. But heed this warning from flight attendants: Never, ever just wear your socks to the bathroom. Turbulence can make it even more difficult for poor aimers to make their mark, so to speak, and if you don’t have a solid barrier between your skin and the floor, you run the risk of making contact with an, erm, unidentified puddle. 

Prevent this ever-dreaded wet sock scenario from happening by packing a pair of cozy house shoes. These Athmile slippers that “feel like socks” are bendable and easy to shove in your carry-on bag. The stretchy, fuzzy fleece fabric will keep your feet warm, and the grippy rubber soles will protect your toes from the bathroom floor.

Don’t: Wear a jumpsuit

Do: Opt for a matching set

Peeling off a one-piece jumpsuit or romper in a public bathroom stall is already a stressful event—add to that the cramped quarters and questionable conditions of an airplane bathroom, and this outfit choice can be a disaster waiting to happen. 

If you’re looking for a more convenient, comfy option that doesn’t require you to fully undress in the loo, go for a matching set. We especially love this one from Anrabess; it’s made with a cozy, medium-weight fabric that’ll keep you warm on frigid flights, and can be worn together or separately with other pieces in your suitcase. 

Don’t: Trust that there will be toilet paper

Do: Take a pack of bathroom tissues with you

Flight attendants are tasked with stocking the plane bathrooms with toilet paper, napkins, and hand soap before and during flights—but hectic meal services, drink refills, and meddlesome passengers can result in a bathroom that hasn’t been recently checked.

Do as Boy Scouts do and always be prepared (for an empty roll, that is). Throw a pack of bathroom tissues or travel wipes in your pocket, just in case; if the passenger before you only left a few squares behind, you’ll be glad you didn’t come empty-handed. 

Don’t: Assume other passengers wash their hands

Do: Use hand sanitizer once you’re back in your seat

It’s no secret that you should lather up after going to the bathroom, especially in public places. Thoroughly washing your hands can prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses you may have come in contact with during your visit. Public bathrooms usually have fully-open or push-swing doors, so once you’re clean, you won’t have to use your hands to touch another dirty surface. 

But airplane bathrooms are a different beast; the pull-lock mechanism requires you to make direct contact with the bathroom door, and the journey back to your seat might entail grabbing a seatback or two for balance. A squirt of disinfecting hand sanitizer back at your seat can ensure you’ve covered all of your bases. Plus, you’ll be able to use it time and time again while exploring your new destination.

Don’t: Suffer through the smell

Do: Use nose plugs and a bathroom deodorizer

You may remember learning about the nature of gases back in science class. In case you need a refresher, gases expand to fit the area of whatever container they’re being held in. Airplane bathrooms are small, of course, but they also have doors that need to remain closed between uses. That means that whatever gases get left behind can get trapped, causing unpleasant smells to linger longer. 

On the bright side, you don’t have to endure funky airplane bathroom smells if you don’t want to. A clip-on nose plug and a spritz of bathroom deodorizer can make a world of difference for your nose and your sanity.

Don’t: Squat precariously over the toilet seat

Do: Wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe

Even a set of steel quads and a lifelong history of squatting over public toilet seats are no match for a surprise bout of airplane turbulence. One jolt throughout the cabin could be enough to throw you off balance, sending you straight back into the seat—or worse, launching you forward, away from the seat. 

Reclaim the airplane bathroom seat with the help of a disinfectant. This two-piece bundle from Lysol comes with a travel-sized pack of 15 germ-killing disinfectant wipes, plus a TSA-friendly 1.5-ounce spray that’ll come in handy for hotel room cleanups. 

Don’t: Juggle all of these items in your hands

Do: Stash them in a small, multi-pocket bag

Last but not least, you’ll want an easy way to carry these essentials with you—that’s where an organizational sling bag or fanny pack comes in handy. A small waist bag can help you keep your airplane bathroom must-haves and toiletries tidy and organized, and can serve multiple purposes throughout the length of your trip. Beyond your flight, you can use them as a compact day bag or hiking pack, using the individual zippered pockets to hold everything from credit cards to over-ear headphones.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.