Airports' Pre-Security Bathrooms: A Traveler's Convenience Or Myth?

Airports are travel hubs that cater to a diverse range of passengers, and the availability of bathrooms is an essential aspect of the overall travel experience. While airports typically have gendered bathrooms, the design and location of these facilities can vary, and in some cases, they may be situated before the security checkpoint. This raises the question of whether airports deliberately place bathrooms before security to accommodate all travellers, including those who may not have access to the secure areas. This topic explores the considerations and challenges associated with airport bathroom placement, taking into account factors such as accessibility, convenience, and security.

Location: The best airport bathrooms are in baggage claim

When it comes to airport bathrooms, location is key. While most people focus on the facilities inside the bathroom, the placement of the bathroom itself can make a big difference in your travel experience. One of the best locations for airport bathrooms is in the baggage claim area. Here are some reasons why:

Easy Access for Travellers

Baggage claim is a central area in an airport that is easily accessible for all travellers, whether they are arriving or departing. By placing bathrooms in this area, airports provide a convenient option for those who need to use the facilities at the beginning or end of their journey. This is especially important for those who may have a long wait for their checked luggage or transportation after their flight.

Spacious and Well-Equipped

Baggage claim areas often have more space available than other parts of the airport, which means the bathrooms in this location are likely to be more spacious. This extra space can accommodate larger stalls, more sinks, and additional amenities. These bathrooms may also be designed with travellers' specific needs in mind, such as including family rooms or lactation rooms for nursing mothers.

Efficient Use of Time

Using the bathroom facilities in baggage claim can be an efficient way to manage your time during travel. While waiting for your luggage to arrive, you can take care of your bathroom needs without having to worry about rushing to your next destination. This is especially beneficial if you are travelling with family or have multiple bags to collect, as it eliminates the need to search for bathrooms in other congested areas of the airport.

Enhanced Cleanliness and Maintenance

Due to their prominent location, bathrooms in baggage claim areas are often well-maintained and cleaned regularly. Airports recognise the importance of first impressions, and these bathrooms are usually designed to be welcoming and hygienic. The materials used in these bathrooms, such as recycled paper panels and large-format ceramic tiles, minimise the collection of dirt and grime, ensuring a pleasant experience for users.

Additional Amenities and Comfort

To enhance the travel experience, airports may include additional amenities near the baggage claim bathrooms. For example, water bottle filling stations or comfortable seating areas can be found in close proximity, providing travellers with a more comprehensive range of services in one convenient location.

In summary, the best airport bathrooms are often located in the baggage claim area due to their accessibility, spacious design, and proximity to other travel necessities. By considering the location of airport bathrooms, travellers can improve their overall comfort and convenience during their journey.

Luggage: It's hard to manage luggage in small airport bathroom stalls

It can be a challenge to manage luggage when using small airport bathroom stalls. While some airports have renovated their restrooms, the stalls themselves often remain too small to accommodate both a person and their luggage comfortably. This can lead to a challenging logistical situation, requiring creativity and dexterity to navigate. Here are some strategies to manage luggage in small airport bathroom stalls:

• Use the handicap stall: If there is no one else waiting, it is acceptable to use the handicap stall, which usually offers more space. However, be considerate and give priority to individuals with disabilities if they arrive.
• Place luggage on the toilet seat: If the stall door opens inward, place your luggage on the toilet seat. Step into the stall, move to the side, and close the door behind you. Then, carefully lift your luggage off the toilet and place it in front of you on the floor.
• Utilize hooks and shelves: Some stalls may have hooks or shelves that can hold your luggage. However, these are often not designed to support heavier items, so use them with caution.
• Ask for assistance: If you are travelling with a companion, take turns watching each other's luggage while using the restroom. This ensures that your belongings are supervised at all times.
• Wait for larger stalls: If time permits, wait for a larger stall, such as those intended for families or individuals with disabilities. These stalls typically offer more space to accommodate luggage.
• Look for alternative restrooms: Some airports may have hidden restrooms with more spacious stalls. Ask flight attendants or gate agents for recommendations on restrooms with larger stalls.
• Minimize items: When using the restroom, only bring the essential items with you. Leave non-essential belongings with a travel companion or in a secure location to reduce the amount of luggage you need to manage.
• Use luggage racks: Some innovative airports have installed metal racks above the stall doors, known as "PoopDecks," which provide a convenient place to store your luggage while using the restroom.

While managing luggage in small airport bathroom stalls can be tricky, with a bit of creativity and flexibility, it is possible to navigate this common travel challenge. Remember to be considerate of others and only use the handicap stall if no one with a disability is waiting.

Design: Some airports are redesigning bathrooms to improve accessibility

Designing airport bathrooms is a complex task, as architects must consider the high volume of people who will use them, the diverse range of needs these bathrooms must cater to, and the number of stakeholders involved. To improve accessibility, some airports are redesigning their bathrooms to address issues such as code and accessibility, as well as compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

For example, the Dayton International Airport (DAY) recently renovated its restrooms to address issues with the outdated facilities, which lacked a consistent look and finish. The renovation included fixing a significant imbalance in the size and number of fixtures between the men's and women's restrooms, with the new design providing more fixtures in the women's restrooms. The project also focused on improving accessibility for passengers with bags, enlarging toilet stalls, and changing doors to swing outwards. Additionally, special family/companion facilities were added, and lactation rooms were included in both concourses.

Another example of airport bathroom redesign is the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which is in the process of overhauling all 100 sets of its airport restrooms. The project aims to address customer complaints and create a unique and positive experience for travelers. The new restrooms will feature enhanced accessibility, with all stalls equipped with grab bars and larger individual toilet stalls. The MSP project also prioritizes ADA compliance, such as choosing quiet hand dryers that won't interfere with hearing aids.

The process of redesigning airport bathrooms requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure they are engaging, safe, durable, and enjoyable spaces. By addressing code and accessibility issues, and focusing on improving the user experience, airports can create bathrooms that are more accessible and functional for all travelers.

Gender: Many airports only have gendered bathrooms, which can be awkward

Gendered bathrooms can be awkward for transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming people. Many airports are still catching up with the times and only have gendered bathrooms, which can be uncomfortable and stressful for people who do not identify with the gender assigned to them at birth.

Some countries and cities are more progressive than others when it comes to gender-neutral bathrooms. For example, Scandinavian countries have had all-gender restrooms in most public buildings, including airports, for decades. In the United States, only about 10 airports have multi-user, all-gender facilities, and the implementation of these restrooms often sparks controversy and debate.

However, there are some airports that are leading the way in terms of inclusivity and offering a range of bathroom options for their passengers. For example, San Francisco International Airport, named after the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California, has an all-gender washroom as well as single-stall restrooms throughout the airport. Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada also has an all-gender washroom in its Terminal 1 arrivals area, with touchless, motion-activated door openers and each stall containing its own sink.

Some airports, such as Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, are also experimenting with different types of signage for their all-gender restrooms. In 2021, they participated in a study that asked people to choose which pictogram best communicated that the restroom was for everyone. The majority chose a stylized picture of a toilet, as obvious as it gets.

While it may take time for all airports to catch up and offer a range of bathroom options, it is encouraging to see that some are making strides towards inclusivity and offering more comfortable and accessible facilities for all passengers.

Cleanliness: Hygiene is a factor when choosing an airport bathroom

Cleanliness is a significant factor when it comes to choosing an airport bathroom. Airports are often bustling and stressful environments, and the state of the bathrooms can greatly impact a passenger's overall experience. In fact, according to a 2018 study by Sofidel, 86% of Americans said that a clogged toilet would negatively affect their perception of a business. This extends to airports as well, with passengers often judging the cleanliness of the entire airport based on the state of its restrooms.

With this in mind, it's no surprise that many airports are investing in improving the conditions and monitoring of their bathroom facilities. Clean bathrooms are essential for ensuring passenger satisfaction and encouraging travellers to choose their airport again. Additionally, clean restrooms increase passenger spending in shops and restaurants within the airport. When passengers feel confident about the cleanliness of the bathrooms, they are more likely to arrive at the airport earlier and spend more time exploring and purchasing from the various establishments.

To ensure a positive experience, travellers should be mindful of the cleanliness of the airport bathrooms they choose to use. Look for well-maintained stalls with proper cleaning and restocking. Check for signs such as regularly stocked paper towels, functioning soap dispensers, and clean sinks and countertops. If the bathroom appears dirty or unkempt, it is advisable to find an alternative.

Furthermore, it is important to be cautious about the water quality in airport bathrooms. While most airports provide running water, the quality can vary. Consider bringing your own water or using bottled water for rinsing to minimize any potential health risks.

By prioritizing cleanliness and hygiene, airports can enhance passenger experiences and create a positive impression that encourages repeat visits and increased spending.

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