CONTRIBUTED BY JANNINE MYERS
In an attempt to reduce carbon emissions from aircrafts, airlines across the world have been implementing new policies and technological strategies. Those of you who have traveled by air recently may have noticed the absence of some of the simple courtesy items you’ve grown accustomed to receiving. Items such as magazines, blankets, and dare I say it, the little back-of-the-chair TV screens, are no longer available on many domestic and international flights. But you can tolerate that right? I mean, it’s for a good cause, that is at least if you buy into the greenhouse effect and global warming. I’m not saying whether I do or don’t, as I’m not trying to spark a heated debate here, but what I do want to do is inform you of a new policy that has been put into effect by the Japanese Airline All Nippon Airways (ANA).
On the 1st October, ANA staff began greeting passengers near boarding gates and petitioning them to use the restrooms to “relieve” themselves before boarding their flights. The logic behind this strange request, according to airline officials, is that passengers could potentially lower the weight of the aircraft by emptying their bladders; that in turn would decrease the amount of fuel used, and consequently result in the reduction of carbon emissions.
The following excerpt from ABC News reported that “the human bladder can hold up to 16 ounces before the urge to urinate. That’s about 1.1 pounds of fluid. If all 216 passengers on an ANA Boeing 767 had pretty full bladders, that extra urine would weigh about 240 pounds.”
I guess it makes sense, based on the statistics mentioned above, to assume that ANA’s new policy might actually work. But that’s also assuming that every single passenger has a full bladder before boarding the plane; what if most passengers typically relieve themselves before flying? Well, I guess time will tell, but for now, ANA has intentions of trialing the policy for four weeks, and possibly longer depending on how well it is received by passengers.
So there you have it, Japan once again leading the way in all things “innovative.” Oh, and incidentally, a certain radio personality suggested that stripping the paint off the planes would probably work equally well, if not better.
But if you loved them and have never...
At least they are letting you use the bathroom! I have heard that some budget airlines and commercial shipping companies are taking the bathrooms out of aircraft to save money! There was an article a few weeks ago about shipping aircraft crew going on strike because they were being forced to use plastic bags! Others have said they will start charging you to go!
While I like your post, it is more suited for a forum, not this site. I’m a little disappointed that it would make it here.
All around interesting! Hope they put up a sign near those little “airport snack tables” before (freaked out fliers like myself) down a six pack of Asahi pre board!!!!
I’m hopping on a flight today, in fact, so I will be on the lookout for other “eco-conscious” innovations. Now if Japan would only pay attention to all the packaging waste…
what will be next, the number 2′s?!!!
Or a pee bag next to the vomit bag in the seat pocket. Oh, but then you would still have the weight! ha ha. Funny post~!
Love this post! I may be in the minority but I dislike the confined space of the airline lavatories and will wait as long as possible to avoid using them, so I support having a restroom available to use just before boarding. This is personal preference however, and someone instructing me to do so might not go over well. I’ll be interested to hear how long it lasts.
Hilarious!
It is also an important fact to remember before getting on a scale. 1.1 LBS!
I cannot wait for them to tell me to pee.
Then I can tell my kids “SEE even they want you to try to go before a trip.”
This is ridiculous! I can see me using the bathroom before the flight but if you have a flight for hours on end, you are going to have to use the bathroom esp if they give you food and drinks! I think they are putting way too much emphasis on other things and should focus on a comfort factor.. we are humans.. but i guess some people don’t care.