Turns Out, Everyone Can Use First Class Bathrooms on American Airlines Flights

Yep, even if you're flying economy.

© Illustration by Brown Bird Design So long, economy class bathrooms.

By Katherine LaGrave, Condé Nast Traveler

At a mere 24 inches from wall to wall, the space-saving economy bathrooms on American Airlines' new Boeing 737-Max aircraft are tight, to put it mildly. There's barely enough room to turn around—if you can turn around at all—so some passengers are backing in instead of walking straight in, reportsForbes. Flight attendants have complained to the CEO, and one American Airlines captain using the lavatory reportedly called it the “most miserable experience in the world.” Cabin crew aside, there's a secret solution if you're a passenger stuck in coach: you're allowed to head to business or first class.

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There's some fine print, of course: Specifically, American's policy allowing passengers to use the lavatory in any cabin applies only on American Airlines domestic flights and international flights departing the U.S., reportsThe Points Guy. (On international flights returning to the U.S., rules mandate that you stick to your own cabin.) American Airlines representatives would not say where the rule originated or why, but did confirm that it's accurate.

Before you go sprinting up to first class, remember this: flight attendants still have the power to turn you away, much as they have the power to cut you off if they think you've had too much to drink. Still, it can't hurt to try—just remember to be polite while you're at it.